Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore Botanic Gardens is an 82-hectare botanical garden in the Tanglin area of central Singapore. Established in 1859, it is Singapore's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2015. The Gardens showcase tropical flora, heritage trees, lakes and themed gardens including the renowned National Orchid Garden. It serves as a centre for botanical research, conservation and recreation, with landscaped grounds, historic buildings and diverse plant collections.

Visitors can explore 82 hectares of landscaped tropical gardens with lakes, lawns, heritage trees and themed collections. Key areas include the National Orchid Garden, Ginger Garden, Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Swan Lake and the Rain Forest. Paved paths connect visitor centres, heritage buildings such as Burkill Hall, and glasshouses. Expect walking, photography, guided tours, and leisurely picnics in a well-maintained urban garden setting with cafes and interpretive displays.

Founded in 1859 by the Agri-Horticultural Society and later managed by the British colonial government. Under directors including Henry Nicholas Ridley, the Gardens pioneered rubber cultivation techniques that supported the Malayan rubber industry. It has served as a leading centre for tropical botany and horticulture for over 160 years and was inscribed as Singapore's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its role as a British tropical colonial botanic garden and its contribution to plant research and conservation. It is a major recreational and educational green space for residents and visitors, hosting concerts, exhibitions and community programmes, and houses the National Orchid Garden which displays Singapore's national flower Vanda Miss Joaquim.