The gardens were instrumental in the development of the regional rubber industry in the early 20th century through the work of Henry Ridley.
It is the only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The National Orchid Garden contains the 'VIP Orchid' collection, where orchids are named after visiting heads of state and celebrities.
The rainforest section located within the gardens is older than the modern establishment of the botanic institution itself.
The gardens house an extensive Herbarium with over 750,000 specimens of plant life.
A specialized Healing Garden contains over 400 varieties of plants used for traditional medicinal purposes.
The Bandstand, a recognizable octagonal gazebo, was built in 1930 and sits on a small hill that was once a nutmeg plantation.
The garden maintains a dedicated orchid breeding program that has been operating since 1928.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a 82-hectare tropical garden and UNESCO World Heritage site, the first in Singapore. Established in 1859, the gardens feature a 6-hectare core of primary rainforest that predates the landscaping. It serves as a leading institution for botanical research, plant conservation, and education. The National Orchid Garden within the park houses the world's largest orchid display with over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids. The site functions as a major venue for public events and includes the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Asia’s first garden dedicated to children. Major areas include the Ginger Garden, the Evolution Garden, and the Healing Garden. The grounds are designed as a British tropical colonial garden, transitioning from pleasure grounds to a scientific institution. Its diverse collection includes a significant number of heritage trees protected under a conservation program.
The Bandstand gazebo surrounded by yellow rain trees.
Bring a portable fan and plenty of water as the humidity is consistently high.
Use the map at the visitor center to locate the free shuttle or walking trails, as the park is very large.
Visit the National Orchid Garden early to avoid the peak heat of the afternoon.
Feeding the local wildlife, specifically the macaques, as they can become aggressive and are protected by law.
Do not pick flowers or remove plant cuttings; stay on marked paths to protect sensitive vegetation; no pets allowed in the National Orchid Garden.
