Singapore Botanic Gardens: Top Things to See & Do in 2025

When planning your Singapore itinerary for 2025, don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of the most iconic and scenic spots in the city,  the Singapore Botanic Gardens. This lush UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a refreshing blend of history, nature, and tranquility right in the heart of the bustling city.

Regardless of who you are traveling with, a partner, family, or solo, the Singapore Botanic Gardens should be part of your trip because they demonstrate Singapore’s effort to preserve biodiversity and stay green.

Why Visit Singapore Botanic Gardens in 2025?

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is more than just a park. Spanning over 82 hectares, it houses rare plant species, themed gardens, serene lakes, and even a rainforest. With free entry to most parts and well-maintained paths, it’s one of the best places to relax, walk, and learn about tropical flora – especially if you’re wondering if is Singapore expensive? This garden proves that not everything in the city needs to be!

Top Things to See and Do at Singapore Botanic Gardens

1. National Orchid Garden

This is the crown jewel of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. With over 60,000 orchid plants, it’s a photographer’s dream and a romantic spot perfect for those on a Singapore honeymoon. You’ll see rare orchid species and hybrids named after celebrities and dignitaries.

Tip: Entry is just a few SGD, and it’s totally worth adding to your Singapore tour package.

2. Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden

If you are traveling with your kids, head over to the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, the first garden in Asia dedicated to children. With treehouses, water play zones, and learning stations, it’s fun and educational, perfect for a Singapore family trip.

3. Swan Lake & Symphony Lake

Two of the most scenic lakes in the gardens, Swan Lake features real swans and a peaceful atmosphere, while Symphony Lake is known for free weekend concerts at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage. Bring a mat and enjoy music in nature!

4. Rainforest Trail

Did you know there’s a real rainforest inside the gardens? This compact yet dense forest trail showcases native species and is a must for nature lovers looking to explore beyond the manicured lawns.

5. Healing Garden

Learn about traditional Southeast Asian herbal medicine in the Healing Garden, which houses over 400 species of medicinal plants. It’s a peaceful and informative part of your gardens in Singapore exploration.

6. Gallop Extension

A newer addition to the gardens, this area includes restored colonial-era buildings, an art gallery, and the Forest Discovery Centre, which is perfect for those wanting a more curated botanical experience.

7. Eco Lake & Frangipani Garden

These lesser-known areas are ideal for a relaxing walk. The Frangipani Garden is incredibly fragrant, and Eco Lake often has turtles and swans lazing in the sun.

How to Reach Singapore Botanic Gardens

Located near the Orchard Road shopping belt, the gardens are easily accessible via the Botanic Gardens MRT Station (Downtown and Circle Line).

• Opening Hours: 5 AM to 12 Midnight
• Admission: Free for most areas; a small fee applies to the National Orchid Garden

How to Add It to Your Singapore Trip

If you’re wondering how many days in Singapore are enough, the ideal answer is 4 to 5 days to truly explore the city. Dedicate half a day to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, preferably in the morning or evening, to avoid the heat.

If you’ve booked a Singapore tour package, check if it includes a guided walk of the gardens. Otherwise, a self-guided visit is equally rewarding.

Checkout: Merlion Park Singapore Guide

Is Singapore Expensive? Not Here!

While many travelers ask, “Is Singapore expensive?”, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a shining example of affordable (even free!) activities in the city. There’s no need to spend big to enjoy the city’s natural beauty.

Pair this with other free attractions like Gardens by the Bay’s outdoor areas or East Coast Park, and your budget-friendly trip to Singapore becomes totally achievable.

Ideal for a Singapore Honeymoon

If you are looking for romantic spots in Singapore, then trust us, the Botanic Gardens offer plenty. From quiet walks among the orchids to picnics by the lake, it’s an underrated yet dreamy destination on your Singapore honeymoon.

Capture Instagram-worthy shots under ancient trees, take couple portraits by Swan Lake, or book a romantic lunch at Corner House, a Michelin-starred restaurant set in a colonial building within the gardens. Must add this experience to your Singapore honeymoon package. 

Among all the gardens in Singapore, the Singapore Botanic Gardens stands out for its beauty, biodiversity, and accessibility. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, a romantic spot for your honeymoon, or a peaceful break from sightseeing, this garden is a must-add to your 2025 Singapore holiday.

Not only is it budget-friendly and centrally located, but it also showcases why Singapore is known as a “City in a Garden.”