Wander through tropical rainforest, marvel at a myriad of cultivated orchids or picnic in the leafy shade – and all right in the centre of Singapore city.
Spanning more than 74 hectares of undeveloped green space in the centre of the city, Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of the very few parts of Singapore to have escaped the kind of intensive development the rest of the area is known for. Locals and tourists have been coming here for over a century to escape the bustle of the city, using their time to spend a few calm hours in the cool shade of the trees, wander amid the varied hues of the orchid garden, or simply lay back and listen to the native birdsong.Singapore is one of only 2 cities in the world that can boast a tropical rainforest within its urban area. The deep green canopy of the trees provides some welcome respite from the sun, and is also home to a variety of birdlife. Get here just as the park opens before sunrise to see the morning sun climb above the trees and take the chance to soak in the serene atmosphere before the crowds arrive.If you're visiting the gardens as a family, don't miss the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden. The kids will love it here, with a chance to splash around in the water play area or learn all about photosynthesis and the importance of plantlife in the interactive play centre.Another star attraction within the botanic gardens is the National Orchid Garden. World-renowned as a leader in orchid research and hybridisation, this colourful garden is home to over 1,000 species of orchid and 2,000 hybrids.Singapore Botanic Gardens is located in Singapore city centre and is easy to reach by car or public transport. The garden is located on a number of bus routes while, for those who drive, there is ample on-site paid parking as well as free parking on nearby Tyersall Avenue. Entry to the botanic gardens is free, but there is a small fee to enter the National Orchid Garden at the centre of the park.
