Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular spot for both locals and overseas visitors alike. Its verdant grounds provide a relaxing recreational space for those seeking respite from the bustle of the city.
Here is a quick guide to all you need to know about Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Guide to the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Useful Things to Know
How large is Singapore Botanic Gardens?
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is about 82 hectares. It extends from Holland Road at one end to Bukit Timah Road at the other side. It is made up of several zones – Tanglin, Nassim, Bukit Timah and Tyersall.
What can you do at the Singapore Botanic Gardens?
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a popular place to simply wander and enjoy nature. You will also find many people exercising around the grounds in the cool of the morning or at evening time.
One of the key attractions found within the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the National Orchid Garden where orchids, including ones named after famous visitors to Singapore, can be viewed.
There are also other themed gardens within the Singapore Botanic Gardens. These include the Healing Garden, Learning Forest and Evolution Garden to name a few.
Another popular activity is to attend a concert at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage. These free concerts are normally held on weekends and attract many visitors who also bring along their picnic mats and baskets and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Tours are also regularly conducted around Singapore Botanic Gardens, providing an educational look at various spots around the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How do you get to Singapore Botanic Gardens?
The closest section of Singapore Botanic Gardens to Orchard Road is the Tanglin section. From Orchard Road, buses 7, 106, 123 and 174 will take you to Napier Road, which is where the Tanglin Gate of Singapore Botanic Gardens can be found.
To get to the Bukit Timah side, take bus 171 from Orchard to reach there.
There is also a Singapore Botanic Gardens MRT Station (DT9/CC19) on the Downtown Line and Circle Line which will bring you to the Bukit Timah end of the Gardens too.
How much is it to enter the Singapore Botanic Gardens?
Admission to the Singapore Botanic Gardens is free. However, admission to the National Orchid Garden is ticketed.
Why is the Singapore Botanic Gardens important?
The Singapore Botanic Gardens was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 4 July 2015. It is the first in Asia and only the third botanic gardens in the world on the World Heritage List following Orto botanico di Padova and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens has been a prominent centre for plant research in Southeast Asia since the 19th century and plays a role in the knowledge and expertise in tropical botany, agricultural economy and horticulture.
The cultivation and extraction of rubber was perfected by at the Gardens by Henry Ridley, the first director of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, accelerating the boom in rubber cultivation in the region.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is also a very well-preserved example of a British tropical colonial botanic gardens, laid out in the English landscape style.
When was Singapore Botanic Gardens established?
Singapore Botanic Gardens, at its present site, was established back to 1859. Before it was established, there was an earlier botanical garden set up at the foot of Government Hill (present-day Fort Canning Hill).
What can children do at Singapore Botanic Gardens?
Children and families will want to visit the Jacob Ballas Children’s Gardens at the Bukit Timah side of Singapore Botanic Gardens. Inside the Children’s Garden, there are several play areas and educational areas. The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden also holds events for children.
Does Singapore Botanic Gardens have a museum?
There are several places that may be considered “museums” within the Singapore Botanic Gardens. These include the Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Museum, CDL Green Gallery, the Centre for Ethnobotany and the Seed Bank.
Can I visit Singapore Botanic Gardens at night?
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is open till 11.59 pm every evening.
How early does the Singapore Botanic Gardens open?
The Singapore Botanic Gardens opens at 5 am in the morning. Perfect for early risers.
Are there restaurants within the Singapore Botanic Gardens?
Yes, there are a wide variety of restaurants located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens. There is a food court at the Bukit Timah end, casual dining restaurants and even a Michelin star restaurant within the Gardens.
