Singapore Botanic Gardens: Natural Gem in the Heart of Lion City

Whether you are visiting these beautiful gardens to take a stroll, jog, picnic, dine, gather knowledge, or just laze around, the Singapore Botanic Gardens promises you a memorable time in the lap of nature. Thus, making them one of the most visited nature-based tourist places in Singapore.

History of Singapore Botanic Gardens

Mr. Raffles’ vision became a reality with the establishment of Fort Canning’s first ‘Botanic and Experimental Garden’ in 1822. However, it wasn’t until 1859 that the Gardens found their current home, designed in the elegant style of England’s Landscape Movement, by a committee of agri-horticultural experts.

In 1928, the Singapore Botanic Gardens led the way when it came to breeding orchids, using the latest in vitro techniques to create hybridised plants. They kept up with the times and were a key part of the Garden City project, introducing plants of all kinds to the city.

Singapore Botanic Gardens Tickets

• Free Entry

The best part about all of it is that you don’t need Singapore Botanic Gardens tickets because the entry is completely free. 

However, you need to take tickets for the various attractions inside the Botanic Gardens Singapore.

Attractions in Singapore Botanic Garden

Each of the four cores offers an exciting range of attractions without any charges for Singapore Botanic Gardens tickets. Take your time to walk around the Gardens and soak up all the sights and sounds the lush greenery has to offer. Let’s find out more about what these 4 Cores offer:

1. Tanglin Entrance

Adjacent to it, the Botany Centre showcases the Gardens’ commitment to botanical research and conservation, housing an extensive library and laboratories. For history buffs, the Heritage Museum and CDL Green Gallery is nothing less a treat. The Swan Lake, with its serene waters and graceful inhabitants, offers a picturesque setting for evening strolls with your partner.

The Tanglin Core is also home to the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid, Singapore’s national flower. With its diverse attractions, the Tanglin Core invites visitors to explore a perfect blend of culture, history and natural beauty all under one roof. 

• Opening Hours For SBG Heritage Museum: Mon to Sun – 9 AM – 6 PM (Closed on every last Monday of the Month)

• Opening Hours For CDL Green Gallery: Mon to Sun – 9 AM – 6 PM (Closed on every last Tuesday of the Month)

2. Tyersall Entrance

The National Orchid Garden, showcases the world’s most extensive orchid display. The SPH Walk of Giants introduces visitors to majestic trees, and finally, The Learning Forest provides an immersive educational experience, making it among the best places in Singapore.

• Opening Hours For National Orchid Garden: 8:30 AM – 7 PM daily (last ticket sales and entry at 6 PM)

While the Botanic Garden Singapore ticket is free of cost, the National Orchid Garden in the Tyersall core offers minimal entrance fees as follows.

• Seniors Citizens above 60 years: INR 63(Locals), INR 189 (Standard)
• Adults: 315 (Locals), INR 947 (Standard)
• Students: INR 63 (Locals), INR 189 (Standard)
• The charges for Botanic Garden Singapore ticket is free for children below 12 years of age

3. Gallop Entrance

The Botanical Art Gallery showcases beautiful plant illustrations, combining both science and art. Como Adventure Grove is a fun outdoor playground where families can play and explore the greenery.

At the Forest Discovery Centre at OCBC Arboretum, visitors can learn about forests and their ecosystems, helping them appreciate nature and biodiversity. Mingxin Foundation Ramblers’ Ridge offers scenic walking trails, perfect for nature lovers who enjoy hiking and exploring.

With its mix of art, outdoor fun, and learning, the Gallop Core is an exciting and diverse place to visit in the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

• Opening Hours For Botanical Art Gallery: Daily 9 AM – 6 PM (Last entry at 5.30 PM). Closed every last Thursday of the Month
• Opening Hours For Botanical Art Gallery: Daily 7 AM – 7 PM

4. Nassim Entrance

The Fragrant Garden delights visitors with its sweet-smelling flowers, filling the air with pleasant scents. The Healing Garden is a peaceful space featuring plants with medicinal properties, offering a chance to learn about nature’s healing powers. For relaxation, Palm Valley and Symphony Lake provide beautiful, calm surroundings, while the Rain Forest invites adventurers to explore a lush tropical paradise.

With its mix of history, learning, natural beauty, and sensory experiences, the Nassim Core offers a wonderful journey of discovery and relaxation for all visitors.

• Opening Hours For Healing Garden: Daily 7 AM – 7 PM. Closed every Tuesday unless it falls on a Public Holiday
• Opening Hours For Rain Forest: Daily 7 AM – 7 PM. 

5. Bukit Timah Entrance

The Ethnobotany Garden tells the story of how people and plants are connected, showing their importance in different cultures. Plant lovers will enjoy the Foliage Garden, which features a wide variety of unique and beautiful leaves.

Families with children can visit the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, a fun and interactive space where kids can learn about nature through play. The Seed Bank helps protect plant diversity, supporting efforts to conserve different species.

• Opening Hours For Ethnobotany Garden: Daily 9 AM – 6 PM (Closed on every last Wednesday of the Month)
• Opening Hours For Foliage Garden: Daily 7 AM – 7 PM
• Opening Hours For Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden: Daily 8 AM – 7 PM. (Last entry at 6.30 PM). Closed every Tuesday unless it falls on a Public Holiday.
• Opening Hours For Seed Bank: Daily 9 AM – 6 PM. (Last entry at 6.30 PM). Closed every last Friday of the month unless it falls on a Public Holiday, the Seed Bank will be closed the following Monday.

6. Heritage Trees and Sculptures

You will also find Sculptures, like hidden treasures. Some are modern, some are old, but they all add beauty to the garden. These special trees and artworks make the garden a place where you don’t just see Singapore’s history—you can feel it too.

How To Reach Botanic Gardens Singapore?

National Orchid Garden

• By Car: Enter Tyersall Avenue, if you are driving your car.
• By Cab: If you have chosen a cab, then all you have to do is to tell the driver about the place, and everything will be taken care of by the driver.
• By MRT: If you happen to choose MRT, then alight at the Botanic Gardens MRT Station(CC19/DT9). Upon Arrival take the Exit B and start walking towards the National Orchid Garden drop off. 
• By Bus: If you want to enjoy a bus ride, then towards Napier Road and you can take bus numbers 106,174, 75,77, and 855, and hop off at your destination. If you take the Dunearn Road, you can choose from among buses 48,66,151,153,154,156,170, and 186, and hop off at your stop. 

Eco Garden

• By Car: If you are driving, enter from the Bukit Timah Gate following the Bukit Timah Road.
• By Cab: If you have chosen a cab, then all you have to do is to tell the driver about the place, and everything will be taken care of by the driver.
• By MRT: If you are travelling from MRT then take the yellow and blue line(Circle Line and Downtown Line) and deboard at the Botanic Gardens Station. 
• By Bus: From Bukit Timah and Dunearn Road, you can choose among the bus numbers 48,66,151,153,154,156, and 170.

Places To Stay Near Botanic Gardens Singapore

• Shangri-La: 1.3 km from the garden.
• Mercure Singapore On Stevens: 1.4 km from the garden.
• Pan Pacific Orchard: 1.7 km from the garden.
• Royal Plaza On Scotts: 1.9 km from the garden.