In the heart of one of the world`s most urbanized cities lies a green oasis, rightfully considered one of Singapore`s most interesting and significant attractions. It is not merely a park for strolls, but a scientific center and a historical monument of international importance. The Singapore Botanic Gardens offers a unique experience of immersion in the world of tropical nature, without leaving the city.
World Recognition: The First and Only One of Its Kind
The main distinction of the Singapore Botanic Gardens is its status. In 2015, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This landmark event underscores its outstanding universal value.
Who else is on the list? Among other botanical gardens also listed as UNESCO sites are, for example, the Orto Botanico di Padova in Italy (the world`s oldest, founded in 1545) and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London (inscribed in 2003). The Singapore Gardens, founded in 1859, took its honorary place among these titans, becoming the first tropical botanical garden on the list.
National Orchid Garden: The Pinnacle of the Collection
The undisputed jewel of the entire complex is the National Orchid Garden, located on a hill within the Botanic Gardens. It is the world`s largest display of tropical orchids, and a visit here leaves a lasting impression.
Scale of the Collection: A staggering number of plants are gathered here — over 60,000 orchid plants, representing more than 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids.
Special Feature: A key point is that nearly all these orchids are cultivated in open ground. Unlike botanical gardens in temperate climates, where tropical plants are kept in greenhouses, Singapore`s ideal natural climate is perfect for them. You can stroll along shaded paths and see these incredible flowers growing on trees, in special flowerbeds and cascades, under the open sky.
"VIP Orchids": A particular pride of the garden is the collection of hybrid orchids named after celebrities and world leaders who have visited Singapore. These include orchids bearing the names of Nelson Mandela, Princess Diana, Margaret Thatcher, and many others. Each has a unique color and shape, specially bred for that individual.
Other Garden Treasures Beyond Orchids
Besides orchids, the garden offers many other unique zones showcasing the richness of tropical flora:
Ginger Garden: An entire garden dedicated to the ginger family. Here you can see not only the culinary ginger we know but also dozens of species of stunningly beautiful plants with incredible inflorescences that you would never associate with ginger.
Rain Forest: A 6-hectare patch of primary tropical rainforest is preserved within the garden grounds. It is one of Singapore`s oldest forest tracts, home to centuries-old trees reaching up to 50 meters in height. A walk along its shaded paths is a journey back in time.
Evolution Garden: A unique exhibition that takes visitors through 350 million years of plant evolution, from ancient ferns and horsetails to modern flowering plants.
Symphony Lake: A picturesque water body, on the shore of which stands a sculpture-pavilion in the form of a huge, swan-shaped bandstand. Free open-air concerts are often held here on weekends.
Victoria amazonica is one of the world`s most impressive aquatic plants, known for its giant lily pad-like leaves capable of supporting a child`s weight. Unlike in many botanical gardens in temperate climates, where this tropical river queen must be grown in special greenhouses, at the Singapore Botanic Gardens it thrives in the open water of Symphony Lake. This is possible thanks to Singapore`s hot and humid equatorial climate, which perfectly mirrors the natural conditions of its homeland—the Amazon River basin.
Why This is a Must-Visit Attraction
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a place where the boundary between the metropolis and wilderness blurs. It is:
• An impeccably maintained space demonstrating Singapore`s famous approach to greening.
• A world-class scientific and educational center accessible to everyone.
• Living proof of how nature can be harmoniously integrated into the life of a modern city.
It is not just a garden; it is part of Singapore`s national identity and an essential attraction for any traveler wishing to understand the soul of this "City in a Garden." Admission to the main grounds is free (a fee is charged only for entry to the National Orchid Garden).
