Live Your Best Lives
Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage site offering lush greenery, serene lakes, and diverse plant species. Must-do activities include visiting the National Orchid Garden, strolling through the Rainforest and Heritage Gardens, and enjoying a peaceful boat ride on Swan Lake. The gardens also host regular concerts and outdoor events.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens, located on Cluny Road, spans 74 hectares and is Singapore's first World Heritage Site. Kate Middleton and Prince William have visited the gardens. The gardens combine pristine forests with specialized flower gardens, boasting over 20,000 exotic subtropical and tropical flowers and rare trees, many of which are endangered. An annual orchid exhibition is also held. The gardens also boast a fine French restaurant, offering some of the city's finest French cuisine.
November to March is the rainy season, with light rain.
June to September is the dry season and is relatively hot.
1-3 hours;
Orchid Garden, the birthplace of "rubber fever" in Southeast Asia, Burkill Hall, bandstand, etc.
free
Botanical Garden: 05:00~24:00
National Orchid Garden: 08:30~19:00
Founded in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens has a rich history as a research center for tropical plants and a pioneer in the cultivation of rubber in Southeast Asia. It is the world’s oldest tropical garden, and its National Orchid Garden is home to the largest collection of orchids in the world.
The gardens are located at Cluny Road, near Orchard Road. You can easily access it via the Botanic Gardens MRT station (Circle Line), or take a bus or taxi. Walking from nearby areas like Orchard Road is also a popular option for visitors.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM, offering a tranquil setting for early risers and those who prefer to avoid crowds. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Entry to the Singapore Botanic Gardens is free, but there is a fee for the National Orchid Garden (S$5 for adults, S$1 for children). Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online for special events.
Booking tickets in advance is not required for general admission to the gardens. However, for special events or guided tours, it is recommended to book at least a few days ahead, especially during peak tourist seasons.
To fully explore the gardens, including the Orchid Garden, Rainforest Walk, and Heritage Gardens, allocate at least 2 to 3 hours. If you plan to attend a concert or explore additional attractions, consider spending more time.
The must-see highlights include the National Orchid Garden, the Rainforest, and the stunning Swan Lake. Other areas worth exploring are the Evolution Garden and the Ginger Garden, each offering unique plant collections and serene landscapes.
Guided tours are available, and audio guides can be rented at the Visitor Centre. Tours are available in English, and on special requests, some may offer Mandarin-speaking guides.
Photography spots include the Swan Lake, with its picturesque backdrop of greenery, and the National Orchid Garden, where the vibrant colors of the orchids provide stunning shots. The elevated paths in the Rainforest also offer unique perspectives of the garden's natural beauty.
Start at the Visitor Centre and explore the Rainforest and Heritage Gardens, then head to the National Orchid Garden. Afterward, enjoy the scenic Swan Lake, followed by a leisurely walk through the Ginger Garden and the Evolution Garden for a deeper exploration of the flora.
Night visits are possible as the gardens are open until midnight. Occasionally, the gardens host evening concerts or events. However, there are no specific light shows or night tours offered at this time.
The gardens can get busy, especially during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are early mornings during weekdays or late afternoons on weekdays.
The gardens have clean restrooms, water fountains, and rest areas scattered around. There are also cafes and restaurants, such as the Halia Restaurant and the Botanic Gardens Restaurant, offering meals and snacks. A gift shop is available near the entrance.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is generally accessible for elderly visitors, children, and those with disabilities. It offers wheelchair-friendly paths, and wheelchairs can be borrowed from the Visitor Centre. However, some hilly areas might require extra assistance.
While cash is accepted, mobile payments (e.g., Apple Pay, PayNow, and credit cards) are commonly accepted at cafes, shops, and ticket counters.
Inside the gardens, notable restaurants include The Halia and the Botanic Gardens Restaurant. Nearby, Orchard Road offers a wide variety of dining options, ranging from fast food to high-end restaurants.
Yes, both The Halia and the Botanic Gardens Restaurant offer vegetarian, vegan, and halal options. Additionally, Orchard Road has several eateries with vegetarian and halal-friendly menus.
Nearby accommodations include Orchard Road hotels such as the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, Hilton Singapore, and the Shangri-La Hotel, all of which are within a short drive or walk from the Botanic Gardens.
Nearby attractions include Orchard Road for shopping, the National Museum of Singapore, and the Singapore Zoo. A short drive will also take you to Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay for a full day of sightseeing.
Yes, there is a gift shop near the Visitor Centre selling botanical-themed souvenirs, such as postcards, t-shirts, plant seeds, and botanical books. Typical souvenirs include orchid-themed items and tropical plant merchandise.
After visiting, you can easily continue your trip by MRT (Orchard MRT station is nearby), bus, or taxi. Alternatively, you can explore Orchard Road, which is a short walk from the gardens.
