The Singapore Botanic Gardens are contained in a sprawling 157 acre ground comprising of specialty horticultural gardens and lush tropical forest. Encompassing a land area roughly comparable to one-fifth of New York’s Central Park, the botanical garden is located in the Tanglin Planning Area of Singapore near the Bukit Timah Road.

The gardens bear great national significance primarily for the historic horticultural trends whose pioneering efforts were conducted here and its reputation for having one of the world’s finest and most diverse collections of orchids. The 6 hectares of wilderness encircling the grounds makes Singapore one of the only two world metropolises to retain a small natural rainforest within its city limits. The grounds also contain three lakes within the premises, Symphony Lake, Echo Lake and Swan Lake, which is used on weekends as a backdrop for free concerts.

Orchids are synonymous with the Singapore Botanical Gardens, due in large part to the 1000 species of the flowers collected in the National Orchid Garden. The VIP Orchid Garden found at the back of the scenic Burkill Hall colonial bungalow houses a variety of specially bred orchids all named after some famous visiting personality such as Margaret Thatcher. The Tan Hoon Siang Misthouse is another fascinating place for orchid cultivators, as is the Orchidarium.

One of the central attractions for children found here is The Children’s Garden. Replete with play areas, tree houses, a maze and interactive exhibits, this is an attraction guaranteed to fascinate both children and adults. After a day of taking in the garden’s many scenic views, visitors can wind up with a meal at any one of the numerous eateries within the grounds, from the French fine-dining at Au Jardin Les Amis to the family-friendly food court in the Green Pavilion.

All this and the myriad of other scenic trails and other draws make the Botanic Gardens a place that no Singapore sightseeing tour can be complete without.