Located on the highest hill in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden is a must for fans of beautiful displays of flowers. The products of the Gardens' orchid breeding programme, which began in 1928, the garden opened in 1995 and is a wonderful setting for over 1000 species and 2000 hybrids of orchids spread over 7.5 acres.
The flowers are interestingly presented in four separate colour zones: the spring zone has orchids in bright and lively shades of gold, yellow and creams the summer zone is predominantly made up of strong reds and pinks the autumn zone features matured shades while the winter zone is made up of whites and cool blues. The colour effect is achieved by a careful blend of trees, shrubs, herbs and orchids (mostly hybrids) with matching foliage and floral colours. As well as being dramatically different in colour, orchids vary greatly in size and shape.
Even if you have visited the gardens before, it's well worth a repeat visit as every year, more vibrant and enduring hybrids are added to the collection. As well as being a lovely place to wander, the garden provides an excellent educational experience. Workshops and tours of the garden take place throughout the year, and the 90-minute walking tour teaches visitors about the hybridisation process and the ways in which the plants pollinate and thrive in unforgiving climates. For more information, head to the Visitor Centre.
The garden is well signposted and accessible to wheelchairs, but bring plenty of water as the air here is particularly humid.
The National Orchid Garden can be found within the Singapore Botanic Gardens. If visitors are coming by car, there is paid parking on site or public parking on nearby Tyersall Avenue. Alternatively, the garden can be reached by taxi or bus. Upon arrival at the Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden is only a short walk away and there is a small entry fee.
