Singapore Botanic Gardens 2026 Visitor Guide (Tickets, Timings, Map & Best Things to Do)

The Singapore Botanic Gardens opened in 1859 and covers 82 hectares of landscaped lawns, specialty gardens, forests, and lakes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's leading botanic institutions, home to over 10,000 plant species (including 1,000+ orchids), a 6-hectare primary rainforest, award-winning research centers, and family-friendly trails.

Fun Fact: The National Orchid Garden is the world's largest orchid display, showcasing over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids among 60,000+ plants.

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 gardens' centerpiece features 60,000+ orchids, VIP hybrids, and themed zones like Orchidetum Tropicale Montanorum, Tan Hoon Siang Mist House, and Yuen-Peng McNeice Bromeliad Collection.

Rainforest Trail—Explore a 6-Hectare Primary Rainforest

This 6-hectare primary rainforest—older than modern Singapore (independent since 1965)—is one of the few urban virgin forests worldwide.

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 midnight daily​
• National Orchid Garden Hours: 8:30 AM - 7 PM daily (last entry 6 PM)​
• Suggested Duration: 2-4 hours
• Entry Fees: Free for main gardens; the National Orchid Garden is ticketed (Adult: SGD15/INR850; Senior 60+: SGD3/INR170; Student: SGD3/INR170; Child under 12: Free).

Want to 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)

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 Conservatory—a simulated cloud forest in a climate-controlled glasshouse.​
• VIP Orchid Garden—hybrids named after celebrities 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.

• Morning: Excellent light, cooler weather.
• Evening: Good when one wants to take a stroll.
• Weekdays: Fewer crowds

Weather Note

Singapore is a hot and wet place all year round; therefore, keep some water, sunscreen, and clothes that can breathe.

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

Multiple routes (e.g., 7, 105, 151, 174)

• Arrive early for the best experience.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, and wear comfortable shoes.
• Tripods and large camera setups need permits in enclosed areas like the National Orchid Garden; general photography is allowed outdoors.​
• Don't miss the Sembcorp Cool Conservatory.
• Picnics are permitted in designated areas like Symphony Lake.

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 for 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 the Walk of Giants and visit the 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 center.
• It is cheap, convenient, and extremely photogenic.
• Ideal for walking in nature, taking pictures, having picnics, and studying.

• 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 a curated Singapore tour package on Pickyourtrail in case you are planning to go on a vacation in Singapore.