An Urban Sanctuary: Singapore Botanic Gardens

It houses the largest display of tropical orchids in the world. How’s that for a bragging right? But more than that, the Singapore Botanic Gardens offer more than visual treats of floral displays. In the middle of a bustling city, it serves as an oasis from the rush of urban life. The serene lakes, the lush greenery, family spending their time together, students lying on the grass reading their books—it is a perfect place to spend the weekend and its catchphrase “A Timeless Tropical Eden” holds true.

How to Get There

OPTION A
1. From Changi International Airport station, take the MRT East West Line and alight at Paya Lebar Interchange.
Estimate Travel Time: 29 minutes
Standard Cost: 1.90 SGD
2. From there, find the platform for the Circle Line and take that route.
Estimated Travel Time: 22 minutes
Travel Cost: 2.10 SGD
3. Get off at the Botanic Gardens station. The entrance of the Gardens is right at the exit of the station. Signs will guide you.

OPTION B
Take a taxi from the airport that will take you directly to the Gardens. Click here for Singapore’s Taxi Fare Calculator.
Estimated Travel Time: 25 minutes
Travel Cost: 20.75 SGD (may vary depending on days and hours)

TRANSPORTATION TIPS FOR TOURISTS
1. The Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited ride for Singapore’s buses and trains.
2. Click here to calculate trains’ travel time and cost.

When is the Best Time to Visit

It is open from 5am to 12midnight, daily. However, each attraction’s operating hours vary. The National Orchid Garden is open from 8:30am to 7pm and the last ticket sales is at 6pm. Visit their official website for more information.

How Much It Costs

The entrance to the Botanic Gardens is free but the Orchid Garden has an entrance fee of 5SGD (adults) and 1SGD (children and senior citizens).

What to Bring

1. Water and Snacks – it is a big park and it is always better to bring with you food and drinks in case you are too tired to walk to the nearest food and refreshment center. The most affordable meals are at the Food Court-Raffles Building, a little outside the Gardens, compared to the restaurants inside. Just follow the arrows pointing to the Food Court and be patient. Trust me, you will find it.

Do not feed the fish with your own food ^_^

2. Umbrella – weather in Singapore is erratic. Be prepared for the sudden rain and extreme heat.
3. Money – I don’t need to explain this.
4. IDs – there are discounts for students and senior citizens at the Orchid Garden.
5. Mat – if you want to have a picnic or just lie on the grass and relax.
6. Camera – the flowers are beautiful but picking them is not allowed. Take photos, instead.

Where to Go

Sings at the Healing Garden

As I’ve mentioned, the Garden is huge; we spent 4 hours strolling around and taking photos and we weren’t even able to visit all the attractions. These are the 4 we visited:
1. National Orchid Garden
2. Ginger Garden
3. Rain Forest
4. Healing Garden
And here are the remaining attractions we wish to visit next time:
5. Botany Centre
6. Swan Lake
7. The Bandstand
8. Evolution Garden
9. Eco Garden
10. Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden