Often described as one of the Lion City’s ‘must-see’ highlights for nature lovers, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is no ordinary public garden spaces in the straight-laced metropolis. Sprawled across an impressive 183 acres, this distinguished botanical enclave is also the world’s only public garden to remain open all 365 days of the year from 5 in the morning before closing at 12 midnight. The venue is also accessible to visitors free of charge (the National Orchid Garden is an exception) all year round.
Flanked by Napier Road and Holland Road in the south and Bukit Timah in the north, this breathtaking enclosure devoted to nature is a welcome break from the dizzying pace of life in the highly cosmopolitan city and is revered among tourists and locals alike for its abundance of natural elements, ponds, streams and lush open lawns.
Having opened its doors to the public in 1859 this reputed institution is also an historic attraction with many points of interest scattered across its environs. One of the main highlights of the venue includes the National Orchid Garden which boasts in excess of 1,000 orchid species and more than 2,000 hybrid varieties. Located on a 3 hectare plot, the Orchid Garden includes Burkill Hall that also contains a VIP Orchid Garden in its backyard. The Tan Hoon Siang Misthouse, Orchidarium, and the Lady Yuen-Peng McNeice Bromeliad House are other places of interest in this quarter which also houses a Coolhouse with highland environments recreated to grow tropical highland species of orchids.
The Rainforest is a another must-see for visitors as the 6 hectare space is one of the oldest parts of the locale, while the Evolutionary Garden is a 9.9 ha enclave devoted to the process of plant growth on earth. The Ginger Garden is equally intriguing with plants belonging to the Zingiberaceae genera and its own restaurant named Halia. The Botany Centre and Tanglin Gate are only surpassed in beauty by the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden where one finds the Mystree sculpture by renowned artist Zodok Ben-David flanked by play areas, tree houses, slides, water play regions and a maze.
The site also contains three lakes named Swan Lake, Symphony Lake and Eco Lake and a stream named Saraca. The Sundial Garden, Palm Valley and a bandstand area are also found in the enclosure in addition to a Sun Garden and rolling lawns ideal for picnics.
Travellers in search of conveniently placed hotels in Singapore should look no further than properties under Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Singapore. Offering guests a number of luxurious Singapore hotels in strategic locations across the Lion City, this renowned hotel group is well suited for both short stay and long term visitors.
