Singapore Botanic Gardens: UNESCO Grounds and Rainforest

The Singapore Botanic Gardens are a green refuge just west of Orchard Road, founded in 1859 and covering around eighty hectares. In 2015 they became the first tropical botanic garden to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of their long role in plant research and their well preserved colonial landscape. They are a place to walk, sit, picnic and learn, and they provide a calm contrast to the shopping streets nearby.

Garden highlights

The gardens are large, so choose a few highlights. The National Orchid Garden, a ticketed section inside, holds thousands of orchids, including hybrids named after famous visitors. The Rainforest is a patch of old forest in the middle of the city, with tall trees and a cool shade. Swan Lake and Symphony Lake are peaceful spots for a rest, and the lawn by the bandstand is where families picnic. The Learning Forest and the children's garden add more playful elements.

Historical background

The gardens played a role in the rubber industry that shaped Southeast Asia. In the late nineteenth century, a director of the gardens found a way of tapping rubber trees that did not harm them, and seedlings sent from here helped create the plantations of Malaya. Information panels and a heritage museum tell the story. It is a reminder that this was a working research station as well as a park.

Recommended walking route

1. Enter by the Tanglin Gate near Orchard Road.
2. Walk past the Ginger Garden and the Swan Lake.
3. Visit the National Orchid Garden if you enjoy flowers.
4. Walk to the Rainforest for shade and bird calls.
5. Rest by Symphony Lake before leaving by another gate.

Access and transport

The gardens have several entrances. The Tanglin Gate is close to Orchard Road, the Nassim Gate is quieter and leads to a restaurant area, and the Bukit Timah Gate links to the Learning Forest and a metro station on one of the city lines. Entry to the main gardens is free, with a separate charge for the orchid garden. Check the official site for current hours and prices, as they differ by section.

Timing your visit

Early morning is the best time, when joggers and tai chi groups share the paths and the air is cool. Late afternoon is also pleasant, when the heat eases. The gardens can be hot and humid at midday, so keep a bottle of water and wear a hat. Rain showers pass quickly, and covered pavilions offer shelter. Weekends are busier, especially near the lake.

Visitor guidelines

• Wear light, comfortable shoes, since the paths are long.
• Use insect repellent in the rainforest area.
• Bring a picnic, or use the cafes near the gates.
• Watch for monitor lizards and do not feed any animals.

Garden suitability

The gardens suit nature lovers, families, joggers and anyone who needs a break from the city. They are also good for a free day with a modest budget. Visitors who prefer a more dramatic modern landscape may like Gardens by the Bay better, while those who prefer hiking can head to MacRitchie or the Southern Ridges.

Combining your trip

Add a stroll down Orchard Road, which begins just beyond the gate, or a visit to the Peranakan terraces of Emerald Hill. The gardens are a natural start or end to a day of shopping, and they make a gentle break in a busy itinerary.

Sections to skip

You do not need to see the whole garden. Pick two or three sections, and spend your time in them. If you do not like flowers, skip the orchid garden and enjoy the lakes and the rainforest instead.