Singapore Botanic Gardens

Entering the Gardens

You will find the entrance to the Gardens at the corner of Cluny Road and Holland Road. The admission is a pittance when you consider what you will get to see. The National Orchid Garden is only $3.20 for adults and $.60 for children and seniors and I though it was worth more. The Botanic Garden is free.

Orchid Gardens

As you enter the 7 ½ acres that make up the National Orchid Garden you will notice the beautifully landscaped walks. The orchids that grow here are gorgeous. Stop at the gift shop and you can buy a hydroponic orchid to take home. I did and they are really lovely.

There are within the English Garden, plants that have been experimentally produced by crossbreeding. They are unique in that they are named after famous visitors to the garden. There is the Margaret Thatcher and the Vaclav Havel as well as many others.

The Lakes of Singapore Botanic Gardens

Orchestral Performance at the
Symphony Lake

These gardens are surrounded by three lakes. If you are lucky enough to be here at the right time, Symphony Lake is the setting for concerts. They are performed by local symphonies and international entertainers as well. The ambiance this creates is quite extraordinary. It was an especially good performance. With the backdrop of the lakes and the beauty of the flowers it just seemed like the right spot for symphonies.

Eco Lake is the home of many species of birds. Water hens, heron and ducks live here. You are in for a treat if you are here at the right time. Native to Australia, the black swans might honor you with their presence. They have been coming to the Singapore Botanic Gardens for a long time. I did not know there were black swans until seeing them here.

Swam Lake

One of the most impressive parts of the Singapore Botanic Gardens is Swan Lake. The setting is absolutely stunning. This was one photo I had to have for my vacation snapshots. The lake provides the water for the gardens. A giant clump of nibong palms stand tall and slender. Not many people know it but these palms are very rare.

I loved the gazebo which overlooks Swan Lake. This is a Victorian gazebo which is made of cast iron. It speaks of heritage having been built in the 1850s. Moved to Swan Lake in 2001, it is a perfect addition to the lake area.

Stop Here. You Won’t Be Sorry

Tan Hoon Siang Misthouse is a stop we made and you will want to as well. This is a collection of rare orchids. They are displayed to the fullest with tropical plants. Add certain cultural artifacts and you have a display that is one of a kind. If you love orchids, as I do, you will not want to miss the Misthouse.

You cannot stop yet. The Cool House is next. This is an enclosure that mimics a mountainous tropical forest. Containing rocks and trees which are surrounded by mist, when I closed my eyes I could have sworn I was in the mountains. Orchids of the most marvelous type and meat eating plants are another part of the Cool House.

Keep Going

Botanical Gardens Waterfall

Even though you may have seen bougainvillea before I have never seen it like this. Over 50 hybrids of the bougainvillea are present here. The intense colors of the ones you will see in the Singapore Botanic Gardens are like no others.

As you walk through the gardens you will notice the sculptures. A little research revealed that the three bronze sculptures are by Sydney Harpley. They were given as gifts to the Gardens by the former Ambassador to France from Singapore. The sculptures which are quite amazing are dedicated to the children of Singapore.

A new addition is in the making for the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The Healing Garden is going to be a much looked forward to addition. It will be a setting for plants used in the healing process. The plants are going to be grouped in the shape of humans. This promises to be a great addition to the Botanic Gardens and I am looking forward to this with great anticipation.