Singapore Botanic Gardens

What is Singapore Botanic Gardens?

The Singapore Botanic Gardens cover a large area with winding paths, lakes, themed gardens, and a patch of original rainforest. Visitors can see thousands of plant species, from towering palms and lush tropical trees to rare orchids and flowering shrubs. The National Orchid Garden is a highlight, displaying a huge variety of orchid species and hybrids. The gardens also feature colonial-era buildings, water features, and open lawns, making it a popular spot for both plant lovers and families.

The history of Singapore Botanic Gardens

The present gardens began in 1859 when the Agri-horticultural Society was granted land in Tanglin. Early on, the gardens were laid out in the style of English landscape parks, with promenades and ornamental plantings. Over time, the gardens expanded and became a centre for plant research. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the gardens helped develop rubber cultivation, which became a major industry in the region. The gardens have survived wars and changes in government, growing into a leading institution for tropical botany and conservation.

What there is to see

The gardens are divided into themed zones, each with its own collection of plants. The National Orchid Garden displays over 1,000 orchid species and 2,000 hybrids, while the Learning Forest introduces visitors to tropical trees and conservation efforts. There are also lakes, lawns, and a preserved rainforest section. Paths and boardwalks connect the different areas, and visitors can explore at their own pace. The gardens are open year-round, taking advantage of Singapore’s equatorial climate.

When to go

People visit the gardens for recreation, education, and to enjoy the wide range of tropical plants. The gardens are a popular spot for walking, picnics, and photography. Researchers use the collections for botanical studies, and the gardens host events, exhibitions, and guided tours. The National Orchid Garden is especially popular with tourists and dignitaries, who sometimes have orchids named after them as part of Singapore’s 'orchid diplomacy.'

Parts and collections

Within the gardens, different areas focus on specific plant groups. The National Orchid Garden is known for its vast collection of orchid species and hybrids, including those named for visiting VIPs. The Rainforest section preserves native trees, some of which are rare or endangered. Other features include the Palm Valley, themed houses for bromeliads and cool-climate orchids, and the Learning Forest, which highlights tropical tree species.

Why Singapore Botanic Gardens matters

The gardens are a symbol of Singapore’s commitment to greenery and conservation. They played a major role in the country’s 'Garden City' campaign after independence. In 2015, the gardens were recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the only tropical garden with this status. The National Orchid Garden’s tradition of naming hybrids after visiting leaders is a unique form of cultural diplomacy. The gardens are also important for education and public enjoyment.

Plan a visit

🇸🇬 Singapore · All yearSingapore Botanic Gardens and the National Orchid GardenA tropical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with one of the great orchid collections.

Questions people ask about Singapore Botanic Gardens

Good reading and sources

• Official websiteOfficial site
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• Singapore Botanic GardensUNESCO, Article

• Singapore Botanic Gardens on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data