The reason we are here is because there is free Admission into National Orchid Garden (until 31 Aug). And also as you know, Singapore Botanic Gardens has been declared UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 4 2015. It is Singapore's first World Heritage site and the third Botanic Gardens to be listed as a World Heritage Site, after Kew Gardens in England and the Padua Gardens in Italy.
We went in from the Tanglin Gate.
Went past the Swan Lake.
Unfortunately it started to rain and we had to hide in this shelter, near Ginger Garden.
Stop by Ginger Garden when the rain reduced to a drizzle.
Luckily the rain stopped and we entered the National Orchid Garden.
National Orchid Garden with over 1000 species and 2000 hybrids.
Map of recommended path (download)
Crane Fountain
Prettier after the rain
Golde Shower Arches
Golden Cage Display
More orchids
Tiger Orchid Fountain
So many preschool children on that day.
Burkill Hall where we saw Aranda Lee Kuan Yew on display.
VIP Orchid Garden
Dendrobium Memoria Princess Diana
Vanda William Catherine
More orchids
Tan Hoon Siang Misthouse is a must visit! The orchid varieties are amazing!
Walkway to the Coolhouse
This feels a bit like the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay.
Celebrity Orchid Garden
Dendrobium Stefanie Sun
Clock Tower outside the Orchid Garden
We missed out some areas like the Vanda Miss Joaquim display, Heritage Orchid Display and Yuen-Peng McNeice Bromeliad Collection. Really amazed, I have never seen so many orchid varieties! It is my first time here. How can I only find interest in the Botanic Gardens after so many years? How can I as a Singaporean!!
On the way back to the Tanglin Gate. We spotted the iconic Tembusu tree, the tree that is depicted at the back of Singapore's $5 notes. It is estimated to be about 170 years old. The area around the tree had to be fenced up in recent years due to damage to its roots and the low-hanging branch had to be supported.
Enjoyable time. Hope to be back more often to explore other areas in the Botanic Gardens. Btw, I think SBG should consider permanent daily shuttle bus services within the gardens and the main gates. It's quite tiring especially for elderly and without own transport to walk so far distance, especially the main attractions are in the Central Core. Hope to see this service soon.