Singapore Botanic GardensA Guide to Tour the Various GardensSingapore Botanic Gardens, just a short distance from Orchard Road, is a Michelin three-star attractions and Time Magazine's Best Pick for Asia's Best Urban Jungle. A Brief History of Singapore Botanic GardensEstablished in 1860, the botanical gardens, covering an area of 52 hectares, was once a research ground for botanical studies. Years later in 1990, it was developed to present itself as a place for botanical and horticulture activity. However, It was only in 1996 that it broke away from simply functioning as a centre for research, education and conservation. It began providing better public facilities and amenities, drawing crowds with attractions such as the Ginger Garden, Evolution Garden, Coolhouse, and the Children’s Garden. Singapore Botanic GardensIn present day, the Botanical Gardens still host a herbarium with more than 600,000 botanical specimens It aims to sell itself as an internationally renowned tropical botanical hub, a key tourist attraction and a flagship park altogether. The Singapore Botanic Gardens has so much to offer; it’s almost impossible for anyone to finish sight-seeing in just one day. But no worries, you might like to follow this itinerary as a guideline to ensure you don’t miss out on the good stuff. National Orchid Garden What not to miss is the National Orchid Garden. Just like a treasure trove, there are many hidden gems to be discovered. Visitor Centre Starting from Nassim Gate, located along Nassim Road, south of the Singapore Botanical Gardens, you will first set sight on the Visitor Centre. Feel free to grab yourself a map of the gardens, or approach their staff should you require any assistance. Further up, past the car park, you will notice a small tropical rainforest, just a mere six hectares in size but older than the Botanic Gardens itself. Did you know that Singapore is one of only two big cities with a tropical rainforest grown within its border? Bet you didn’t know that! Rainforest in Singapore Botanic GardensPalm Valley Straight ahead is Palm Valley with a collection of over 115 genera and no less than 220 species of Palm trees sourced and gathered for your viewing pleasure! Visitors can lay out their picnic mats at the Symphony Lake, where free concerts are held every once in a while for some live entertainment. This will be a great spot within the gardens for a cool and relaxing time-out! SSO in Singapore Botanical GardensGinger Garden Move on to the Ginger Garden which is right next to the National Orchid Garden. Admire the collection of botanical members of the Zingiberaceae family while taking a break at the Halia Restaurant. Bandstand Just up ahead is the Bandstand, an octagonal architecture which was once used to stage musical performances by military bands. Though it is no longer in use, the bandstand is still one of the best features of the garden. Sundial Garden Also pop by the Sundial Garden to learn of how folks in the past used to make use of sundials to tell the time. Be intrigued as you figure out for yourself how it really works. Swan Lake Next, make a visit to the Swan Lake, which is one of the main highlights on the garden’s grounds. The name of this lake is inspired by the many pairs of swans that waddle their way through the waters every single day. Food & BeverageAfter a day’s worth of walking around the Singapore Botanic Gardens, you might like to settle down at any of the eateries to end your day with a relaxing meal. There is the Halia Restaurant at the Ginger Garden, Café Les Amis at the Visitor Centre, or better still for a truly satisfying meal – a French fine-dining restaurant located at the colonial bungalow, Au Jardin Les Amis.
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