Singapore Botanic Gardens Visitor Guide (Tickets, Timings, Map & Best Things to Do)

The Singapore Botanic Gardens opened in the year 1859, and it covers an area of more than 82 hectares of landscaped lawns, forests, themed gardens and lakes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important botanic institutions in the world.

The gardens are home to:

• 1,000+ species of orchids
• A 6-hectare virgin rainforest
• Over 10,000 plant species
• Award-winning botanical research and conservation centres
• Picturesque walking trails and family-friendly attractions

Fun Fact: The most iconic part of the Gardens is the National Orchid Garden, which is the largest orchid display in the whole world, where more than 60,000 plants and orchids can be seen.
Seasonal tip: Go in the morning before daylight or in the evening before sunset when it is cool, and the sun is low and has a beautiful light to photograph.

National Orchid Garden – World’s Largest Orchid Display: The masterpiece of the gardens with 60,000 orchids, VIP orchid hybrids and the beautiful thematic area, such as:

• Orchidetum Tropicale Montanorum.
• Tan Hoon Siang Mist House
• Yuen-Peng McNeice Bromeliad Collection.

Rainforest Trail – Explore a 6-Hectare Primary Rainforest: A primary rainforest that is more than 6 hectares old- the city itself is not much more than 50 years old- one of the few virgin forests remaining in a modern metropolis.

Symphony Lake – Concerts, Picnics & Scenic Views: Ideal locations for picnicking, scenic strolls and attending open-air concerts in the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage.

Ginger Garden – Waterfalls, Bridges & Rare Plants: The residence of more than 250 types of gingers, waterfalls, wooden bridges and romantic spots.

Eco-Lake – Birdwatching & Scenic Lakeside Walks: A quiet place to watch birds, and the swans are floating over the water, and green lawns make a perfect photo setting.

• Location & Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore
• Opening Hours: 5 AM - 12 AM daily
• Timing at National Orchid Garden: 8.30 am to 7 pm.
• Suggested Duration: 2-4 Hours
• Entry Fees & National Orchid Garden Ticket Prices: There is no entry fee to the gardens, but there is a minimal charge in the orchid garden.

This causes it to be one of the cheapest and memorable attractions in Singapore.

Wanna plan your day at the gardens? These nearby places may be combined:

• Orchard Road (10 mins)
• Singapore Zoo (25 mins)
• Marina Bay Sands (15 mins)
• Gardens by the Bay (15 mins)
• Sentosa Island (20 mins)

To have a hassle-free itinerary, browse Singapore holiday packages on Pickyourtrail.

National Orchid Garden – Must-Visit Attraction: The spectacular display of orchids in bright colours, rare hybrids and houses which are climate-controlled.

Must-See Sections:

• Sembcorp Cool House - a cloud forest electronically controlled simulated glasshouse.
• VIP Orchid Garden - Orchids of famous people and world leaders.
• Heritage Orchid Garden
  
  Best for: Couples, photographers, and plant lovers.

Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden – Best for Kids & Families: The first children-centred garden in Asia, which is based on nature, play and learning.

Highlights:

• Treehouses
• Farm zones
• Water play areas
• Forest adventure trails

Perfect for school groups and families of small children.

Learning Forest – Canopy Walks, Wetlands & Discovery Trails: It is here that science is in consort with nature. There are elevated boardwalks that lead to freshwater wetlands, a lowland rainforest and canopy walks.

Don't Miss:

• Keppel Discovery Wetlands
• SPH Walk of Giants
• Canopy Web

Swan Lake – A Peaceful Spot for Photography: A serene water body with some beautiful swans and a fancy gazebo. Ideal in terms of golden-hour photography.

Heritage Core – Historic Buildings & Exhibits: Great place to visit history - walk through heritage buildings and exhibits on the evolution of Singapore's botanical gardens.

Healing Garden – 400+ Medicinal Plants: An illustrative garden with more than 400 medicinal plants utilised in the Asian healing practices.

Admission to the garden is free, but the National Orchid Garden is ticketed.

Pro Tip: You should reserve in advance on weekends and holidays to help avoid queues.

• Garden Hours: 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
• National Orchid Garden: 8:30 AM - 7 PM (last admission 6 PM)
• Morning: Excellent light, cooler weather.
• Evening: Good when one wants to take a stroll.
• Weekdays: Fewer crowds

By MRT: Use the Circle Line or the Downtown Line - Exit at Botanic Gardens MRT (Exit A/B). It is the most convenient one due to direct access.

By Taxi/Car: Being accessible, 10-15 minutes from Orchard or Marina Bay.

By Bus: The gardens are served by many buses; enquire about the local time.

• You should be there early enough to have the best experience.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen and water.
• DSLR photography was permitted in the majority of outdoor locations.
• Wear easy-to-walk shoes.
• Missing the Cool House in the Orchid Garden.
• Get the formal garden map to navigate with ease.
• Picnics were permitted in special places.

The Halia – Garden Dining: A magnificent restaurant located in the Ginger Garden, which has modern European food.

Bee’s Knees at The Garage – Café & Brunch Spot: A cafe ideal to have brunch and coffee.

Cluny Food Hall – Budget-Friendly Eats: Family-friendly, affordable multi-cuisine.

Morning:

• Start at Eco-Lake
• Venture through the Rainforest Trail.
• Take a walk to the National Orchid Garden (Cool House + VIP Orchids).

Afternoon:

• Lunch at The Halia
• Walk of Giants and Visit Learning Forest.
• Relax at Symphony Lake

An ideal leisure and sightseeing trip

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Largest collection of orchids in the world.
• Child-friendly and family-friendly.
• Green space in Singapore is massive in the centre.
• It is cheap, convenient, and extremely photogenic.
• Ideal to walk in nature, take pictures, have picnics, and study.

• Visit the National Orchid Garden.
• Take the Rainforest Trail, which is firmly preserved.
• Savour the scenery at Swan Lake.
• Go with the children to the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.
• Take pictures of the sunset at Symphony Lake.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a nice break to into the beauty of nature in the middle of the city. One of the most memorable and best places to visit in Singapore, it is still full of green landscapes, collections of iconic orchids, family activities, beautiful lakes and tranquil walking paths. You can also book curated Singapore tour package on Pickyourtrail in case you are planning to go on a vacation in Singapore.