Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore (must see)

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a tropical garden with a history spanning 164 years, situated on the outskirts of the Orchard Road shopping district in Singapore. Among the three gardens in the area, it stands as the sole tropical garden to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2012, it earned the prestigious title of Garden of the Year at the International Garden Tourism Awards.

Established in 1859 at its current location by the Agri-horticultural Society, the Botanic Gardens played a crucial role in the early twentieth-century rubber trade boom in the region. Under the leadership of its first scientific director, Henry Nicholas Ridley, the garden conducted research on rubber plant cultivation. This effort led to the refinement of rubber extraction techniques still in use today and the promotion of its economic significance to planters in the area. Consequently, rubber production witnessed rapid growth, with the Malayan peninsula dominating half of global latex production during its peak in the 1920s.

Within the main gardens lies the National Orchid Garden, renowned for its leadership in orchid studies and hybrid cultivation. This complements Singapore's status as a significant exporter of cut orchids. The equatorial climate lends its support to housing an impressive orchid collection, boasting 1,200 species and 2,000 hybrids.

In the early years of Singapore's independence, the expertise of the Singapore Botanic Gardens played a pivotal role in transforming the island into a tropical "Garden City," a widely recognized image and nickname for the nation. In 1981, the hybrid climbing orchid, Vanda Miss Joaquim, was designated as Singapore's national flower. The practice of "orchid diplomacy" involves honoring visiting heads of states, dignitaries, and celebrities by naming exceptional orchid hybrids after them. These are prominently showcased at the VIP Orchid Gardens, a popular attraction.

Encompassing an area of 82 hectares (equivalent to 200 acres), the Botanic Gardens boasts a rich diversity of over 10,000 plant species, spanning a vertical stretch. The longest distance between its northern and southern ends measures 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles). The Botanic Gardens consistently draws in approximately 4.5 million visitors each year.

Why You Should Visit:
Beautifully set out; just a stunning, relaxing, tranquil place to be.
It's come a long way and grown more beautiful (and visitor-friendly) with time.
Like the mini NY Central Park of Singapore, although much cleaner and greener.

Tip:
Grab a map when you enter the park, be sure to have some water to hydrate, wear good shoes for walking and enjoy this gem!