How to visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens in 2024

When it comes to gardens in Singapore, there’s one that most visitors think of first – the Gardens by the Bay, with its massive treelike structures up to 50 metres high and enormous greenhouses recreating ecosystems from around the world.

The Gardens by the Bay are certainly spectacular and well worth visiting. But although it may be the most popular garden in Singapore, it’s not the most important.

That distinction goes to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which is so significant, it is the only World Heritage Site in the country.

Founded more than 160 years ago, it originally had a couple of main purposes. One was to do research into plants that could be economical for the colonialists. The other was to create a pleasure garden for them to relax in.

In some ways, not much has changed. Both purposes are still an important part of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, although the research is more scientific than financial, and the boundaries have expanded with so many more things to do than existed at first.

When you visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens, you’ll find an enormous site that is actually quite hard to cover in just one visit (you probably could, but you would get pretty tired). It makes sense to choose some highlights to focus on.

Of course, the National Orchid Garden is the main attraction, but there are lots of other things to do at the Singapore Botanic Gardens that I would recommend.

With the sound of footsteps on the elevated wooden path, I walk through the canopy of a tropical forest.

Amongst a carefully manicured lawn, I stroll amongst the English Garden ideals that were incorporated into the first designs.

Inside old colonial mansions, fascinating exhibitions offer me insights into some of the scientific research that has taken place here for generations.

On and on it goes as I explore deeper into the Singapore Botanic Gardens. More than just a pretty green space, there is a huge amount of exhibitions and attractions here.