Singapore Botanic Gardens is the pride and joy of the city’s green heart. Here are our fave highlights...
We’re called the Garden City ‘cause we love our green spaces. And Singapore Botanic Gardens, the OG of all our parks, is a must-see for any nature lover. Spanning 82 hectares just five minutes away from Orchard Road, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is over 150 years old. It houses thousands of plant varieties, including rare orchids and ancient trees. Filled with heritage charm, educational zones and forest habitats, it gives us all the reasons to play tourist in our own city! So start packing your picnic basket and plan a perfect park day out with our recommendations on what to see, do and eat.
Guide to Singapore Botanic Gardens: Things to do
1. Sundial Garden
Here’s a fun fact: the sundial in the Sundial Garden has been there since 1929! And even though it’s seen some rough times, the sundial still stands proudly. It’s surrounded by lush greenery, and the path to it is paved with a red brick road. This quiet spot makes for a tranquil stroll too. When you locate it, spot the figures carved on the base. It’s said that the identities of the robed woman and turbaned male figure holding a lantern are still unknown.
2. Ginger Garden
Enter the Botanic Gardens through the Tyersall gate – the first sight you’ll see is this waterfall. Head over to the Ginger Garden for a relaxing introduction to the site. Spot giant Amazon water lilies floating in the pool and more than 250 species of gingers found in Asia, the Pacific, Africa and Indochina dotting the area.
3. National Orchid Garden
This is the star of Singapore Botanic Gardens – it’s where the orchids are out in full splendour. Here, 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids make for a beautiful sight. Think tall, stunning leafy arches, fountains framed by colourful orchids and larger-than-life installations. Oh, and dress for the ‘gram because photo-worthy spots are found in every corner.
These orchids include some of the rarest in the world. A choice location for these magnificent orchids? The Mist Garden – it even houses award-winning orchid cultivars. Walk by the Crane Fountain and Silver Arches Display to admire more gorgeous petals. But take note: there’s a $5 admission fee to enter.
4. Learning Forest
Lace up those hiking shoes ‘cause you’re in for an adventure. Situated within the garden’s Tyersall-Gallop Core, the Learning Forest features interconnected boardwalks and elevated walkways for you to explore. Feast your eyes on a range of habitats, including freshwater forest wetland and lowland rainforest.
Stroll amongst towering trees for an awe-inspiring sight. The boardwalk features an impressive variety of forest ‘giants’, palms, epiphytes and climbers, as well as the Canopy Web. As you walk within the canopy, look into the crowns of trees and glimpse their flowerings up close.
Another must-see within the Learning Forest? Keppel Discovery Wetlands. It’s home to plant species typical of the region’s freshwater forest wetland habitats, which are now endangered. In addition, its boardwalk pays tribute to the gardens’ early botanists.
5. Tanglin Gate gardens
Step through the main gate to find the oldest part of the Gardens, established in 1859. The beautiful Swan Lake is home to White Mute Swans from Amsterdam. Plus, highlights in the area include the Bandstand landmark, a former stage for military band music performances, Bonsai Garden, and Sun Garden, with its desert landscape full of succulents and other plants from arid regions. To delve deeper into the world of greenery, pop by the Botany Centre or Heritage Museum.
6. Palm Valley
Looking for a scenic spot? Head to Palm Valley by the Nassim entrance. Over 200 species of palm trees in assorted sizes are arranged in a herringbone pattern. Look up to spot steams and leaves of all sorts – some are smooth, fan-shaped and feather-like.
7. Symphony Lake and its surrounding gardens
This is the most popular hangout in the entire Gardens. The Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage sits on an islet in the middle of a lake and plays host to incredible orchestra performances. Pack a picnic bag, head over with the fam and enjoy the melodious sounds while basking in the beauty of nature.
When you’re done relaxing, swing by the Evolution Garden. It’ll take you on a journey of plants through the years. The Healing Garden is another great spot to spend a tranquil afternoon. Its next-door neighbour, the Fragrant Garden, uplifts your spirits with a delightful aromatic experience. But it’s best enjoyed in the evening!
8. Eco-Lake
This one’s located close to the Bukit Timah entrance, which is easily accessible from Botanic Gardens MRT station. It’s the lake to visit if you just want a quick jaunt in the park. Across the spacious landscape sits trees capable of yielding products like spices, dyes, resins and fibres. You can even settle in for a spot of bird-watching! Nearby, the Foliage Garden takes you through ornamental plants and aquatic foliage. Meanwhile, the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is perfect for little ones to discover the wonders of plant life.
9. Gallop Extension
Have you checked out the new Gallop Extension? The whopping eight-hectare addition holds two conserved buildings revamped to include new attractions. Take a couple of hours to explore the Botanical Art Gallery and Forest Discovery Centre @ OCBC Arboretum, Como Adventure Grove, Mingxin Rambler’s Ridge and OCBC Arboretum.
Discover how art plays a part in the scientific documentation of plants through the Botanical Art Gallery. Housed within the Gallop House No. 7, Inverturret (which was built in 1906), the lovely space holds the first permanent display of botanical art in Singapore. Fawn over 2,000 botanical paintings and hundreds of sketches, line drawings and photographs.
Get your little ones to channel their inner Tarzan at the outdoor play garden, Como Adventure Grove. The kids will have a ball of a time swinging, sliding and climbing on structures that resemble parts of trees located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. That includes the aerial root of Weeping Fig, a giant Cempedak and a Saga tree.
Soak in Old World colonial architecture at the Forest Discovery Centre @ OCBC Arboretum. Housed within the Gallop House No. 5 (Atbara) – the oldest surviving black and white bungalow in Singapore – the space explores Singapore’s forests. Uncover tidbits about our forest ecosystems and the importance of conservation through a series of installations and interactive displays.
Guide to Singapore Botanic Gardens: Where to eat
10. Piccante
If you venture deep enough into Botanic Gardens, you’ll find Piccante. This halal-certified pizza concept by the Les Amis Group will put some spice into your adventure through the gardens. The charred thin crust pizza comes in many classic flavours, and sizes that are perfect for sharing. Can’t decide between the diavola or the burrata with pesto? Get ’em both! The half-and-half ensures that you get the best of both worlds. You’ve also got a choice of baked pastas and sides to share.
Piccante, 1J Cluny Road, Singapore 259607
11. Pangium
Helmed by Candlenut’s very own Malcolm Lee, be prepared for a culinary experience like no other. This window into culinary heritage offers you an intimate space to explore the origins of Straits cuisine. With chef Malcolm’s contemporary touch added to traditional methods alongside warm service, expect delicious food with a welcoming ambience. The menu is ever-changing, but we’re sure the meal will be delectable nonetheless.
Pangium, 11 Gallop Road, Singapore 259015
12. S’Mao Barbecue
Born out of Chef Mao’s love for deliciously smoky barbecued meats, you can now have these juicy bites too! It uses time-honoured Texas cooking techniques of low and slow smoking. Meats are primed with light seasoning before being smoked for 10 to 14 hours. The result? Rich and succulent meats that pack some serious flavour. Our mouths are watering at the idea of smoked pork belly, andouille sausage, and beef short ribs. The pulled pork burger is served with fries and coleslaw for the perfect meal.
S’Mao Barbecue, 1J Cluny Road, Singapore 259607
13. The Halia
Named after the Malay word for ginger, The Halia is an exquisite space surrounded by the tranquil, leafy setting of the Ginger Garden. Dine indoors by glass windows or cosy up to Mother Nature at the alfresco area while indulging in refreshing salads, hearty pasta and meat, local delights and decadent desserts. If you can get away from work on a weekday, the breakfast here will kickstart your idyllic morning in the most pleasant way possible.
The Halia, Ginger Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
14. The Garage
Nestled among lush foliage, The Garage is a stunning 1920s Art Deco-furnished conservation building. It’s home to two stellar dining concepts. Botanico, located on the second level, is an elegant space filled with pockets of greenery. Its contemporary European cuisine is flecked with Asian influences, with refined dishes and cocktails that bring you on a botanical adventure. The popular wedding spot also features a cool alfresco area where you can clink glasses and enjoy the serene vibes.
But if you want a laidback experience, gather your family and friends for an afternoon hang at the ground level Bee’s Knees. The cafe-bistro serves great brunch grub, including everything from pizzas and pasta to pancakes and waffles. Plus, furry friends are more than welcome!
The Garage, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 50 Cluny Park Road, Singapore 257488
15. Corner House
You can’t ignore this celebrated dining institution in the Botanic Gardens. Sitting snug in a two-storey black and white house, the Michelin-starred restaurant exudes a distinct air of historical romance. Got a special occasion coming up? Have a seat by the verandah to look out on sprawling greenery, take your date to the Whispering Corner for some alone time, or host a family get-together at the lovely Claret Corner. With a menu serving dishes inspired by seasonal ingredients, the omakase-style dining experience is top-notch.
Corner House, EJH Corner House, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
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