If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the urban buzz of Singapore, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a perfect retreat. I recently spent half a day exploring this lush UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it was nothing short of beautiful—and yes, quite a bit of walking too!
Getting There
I took the MRT to Botanic Gardens Station (on the Downtown and Circle Lines), which conveniently brings you right to the Bukit Timah Gate, one of the main entrances to the gardens. From there, you step straight into a green sanctuary that stretches across 82 hectares.
My Route Through the Gardens
The gardens are free to enter, and I recommend setting aside at least 3 to 5 hours to explore them properly. Here’s what I did:
First Stop: Eco Lake
After entering, I made my way to Eco Lake, a serene spot near the entrance. You’ll find black swans gliding along the water and a lovely open lawn for relaxing. It’s a great place to orient yourself before diving deeper into the gardens.
National Orchid Garden
Next, I headed toward the National Orchid Garden, which is one of the highlights of the whole park. Admission here is ticketed (S$5 for residents, S$15 for tourists), and it is well worth it. The displays are stunning, with over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids in bloom, all arranged in beautifully landscaped zones.
Sembcorp Cool House
Inside the Orchid Garden, I visited the Sembcorp Cool House, a modern glasshouse that replicates a tropical montane forest. The temperature drops noticeably here, and you will see rare and exotic orchids that thrive in cooler climates. It is like stepping into another world, one that is cool, misty, and utterly magical.
What Else Is There to See?
There is so much more to explore in the Botanic Gardens, depending on how much time and energy you have:
- Ginger Garden – A smaller but vibrant collection of tropical gingers and heliconias.
- Rainforest Trail – One of the oldest parts of the garden, with a preserved patch of primary rainforest.
- Learning Forest – A newer addition that showcases lowland forest and freshwater wetland ecosystems.
- Children’s Garden – Perfect for families, with water play zones and interactive exhibits.
- Palm Valley & Symphony Lake – Wide lawns and an outdoor stage area, great for picnics or weekend concerts.
- Heritage Museum & CDL Green Gallery – Small but informative museums near Tanglin Gate if you’re interested in the history of the gardens and sustainability efforts.
A Few Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes – You’ll be walking A LOT. The gardens are big and spread out.
- Bring water and sunscreen – There are water refill stations, but you’ll want to stay hydrated under the tropical sun.
- Time needed: If you’re just doing the Orchid Garden and the lake, 2–3 hours is enough. But to truly explore the full breadth of the Botanic Gardens, budget at least 4–5 hours, especially if you’re stopping for photos or resting along the way.
- Early morning or late afternoon is ideal to avoid the midday heat.
Final Thoughts
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is more than just a park, it is an immersive experience in biodiversity, history, and design. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just someone needing a quiet place to unwind, this is one of the best places in Singapore to do it.
For the full experience, watch it on my YouTube channel.
