The Singapore Botanic Garden is a public garden in Singapore. It covers an area of approximately 42 hectares and it was established by the British colonial government in 1859 under the leadership of Sir Stamford Raffles. The garden’s aim is to showcase the rich diversity of tropical vegetation, with collections from all over the world.
There are many different features of this botanic garden that will interest any visitor, but one of the most notable features is its beautiful fern collection! Ferns are a very important plant group because they have been around for millions of years and can be found on every continent except Antarctica, making them some of Earth’s oldest living organisms.
The Singapore Botanic Garden was recreated in 2011 with the help of many native and international plant experts. The garden now has a more modern feel but is still filled with plants from all over the world. And in September 2015, it was declared as a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
With all this history and recognition, let’s now dive in to find out what makes Singapore Botanic Garden stand out with these top 10 sites you must never miss during your visit.
Tanglin Entrance
Heritage Museum and CDL Garden
The Heritage Museum and CDL Garden are one-stop to the past, present and future. The museum reflects Singapore’s rich history as an agricultural nation while the garden demonstrates how commercial agriculture has evolved over time.
Both have lots to offer including interactive exhibitions, old photographs and artefacts, plant specimens and rare botanical paintings from the 1900.
Swan Lake
Swan Lake is a peaceful corner in the garden with water and lotuses. This area serves as an oasis from the hustle of daily life for visitors to reflect on their inner self, or just enjoy nature’s wonders. It is also one of the most popular attractions in SBG. An interesting fact about Swan Lake was that there was a crocodile that resided there in the 1890s.
Tyersall Entrance
National Orchid Garden
The National Orchid Garden is home to about 1000 species of orchids spread across 4 gardens namely Tropical Montane Orchidetum, Sembcorp Cool House, Yuen Peng McNiece Bromeliad Collection and the Tang Hoon Siang Mist House. Each of these gardens has different groups of orchid species with different environmental needs for them to grow.
SPH Walk of Giants
It is one of the most popular attractions in SBG, which features a selection of 30 mature trees from around the world. It includes some familiar names such as Sequoia Redwood and Coast redwoods. There are also canopy webs spread among the trees for visitors to be able to see the garden from a height of 8m.
Gallop Entrance
Botanical Art Gallery
Art has played an important role in the study of plants during earlier times and this is what is shown in the Botanical Art Gallery. It is home to a collection of paintings and drawings done by some renowned artists. It also displays around 2,000 artworks including paintings, sketches and photographs. If you are an art and nature lover, visiting the Botanical Art Garden will be a delight for you.
COMO Adventure Grove
There are a lot of activities to enjoy in the COMO Adventure Grove which is located next to the Singapore Botanic Garden. It is like a giant playground for kids to enjoy but with a twist. It is set with nature so children can play and enjoy while being able to appreciate its beauty and feel how children from the past used to play without all the gadgets and modern playgrounds.
Nassim Entrance
Fragrant Garden
The Fragrant Garden is for those who like to smell something pleasant. It has a wide variety of flowers that you can smell and take in the beauty of nature by just doing nothing but taking your time and smelling some roses.
Healing Garden
It’s called the Healing Garden because it showcases over 400 varieties of plants that are used medicinally. It has a serene atmosphere that will calm you and help your mind heal to the soul.
Bukit Timah Entrance
Eco-Garden and Eco-Lake
Eco in this garden not only stands for ecology but also economy. This is because the plants here are mostly those that have played an important role in the growth of economics in the world. Some of those include bamboo and fruit and nut trees.
Jacob Ballas Children's Garden
The children’s garden is a place where you can learn to have fun while learning about nature and the environment. It encourages kids from different backgrounds to interact with each other in an outdoor setting that promotes creativity, discovery, exploration and play. It also aims to instil in the children’s minds the importance of plants in people’s lives.
Now that you have an idea of what to see in the majestic Botanic garden, you will be able to plan your visit and choose which parts of the garden you want to explore first.
And if your kids or the kid in you just can’t get enough of Singapore Adventure yet, then head over to Universal Studios Singapore! Experience awesome displays and attractions in this world-famous franchise.
Make sure to not run out of budget during a family trip. If you need an extra hand for your budget needs, 118 Credit is here to help you. Their loans and payment terms can surely fit your budget and capability to pay.
10. Just lounge and feel the breeze
While you’re still undecided on your itinerary at the Esplanade, you can always just relax and lounge at the various outdoor seating areas or enjoy a nice cup of coffee. But be careful though, you might enjoy just sitting down and admiring the view and forget to take a tour around.n
How to get from Singapore Botanic Garden to 118 Credit
Take Evans Rd to Bukit Timah Rd and head southeast toward Cluny Rd. Make a left turn at the 1st cross street onto Cluny Rd and continue onto Evans Rd. After 700 take Wayang Satu Flyover, Dunearn Rd, Newton Flyover and Bukit Timah Rd to Bencoolen St. Drive straight for 4.8km and then turn left onto Bukit Timah Rd. Turn right at the 1st cross street onto Kheam Hock Rd and use any lane to turn right at the 1st cross street onto Dunearn Rd. At 260m, continue onto Wayang Satu Flyover and continue onto Dunearn Rd. Keep right to continue on Newton Flyover up to Bukit Timah Rd. Go straight to Sungei Rd and turn right onto Jln Besar. Finally, Continue onto Bencoolen St.