Singapore Botanic Gardens
82-hectare botanical garden with sculptures, a swan lake & significant collection of tropical trees.
Singapore Botanic Gardens is rated 4.7 / 5 from 46,882 Google reviews and sits about 4.2 km (52 min walk) from Kent Ridge station.
General overview
About Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore Botanic Gardens is a large, historic tropical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Singapore. The main gardens are free to enter and are popular for walking, heritage trees, lakes, rainforest landscapes, family activities, concerts, and the paid National Orchid Garden.
- Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2015
- Free admission to the main Singapore Botanic Gardens
- National Orchid Garden with extensive orchid collections and themed displays
- Rain Forest, Ginger Garden, Evolution Garden, Swan Lake, Symphony Lake, and heritage areas
- Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, designed for children’s learning and play
- Regular concerts, guided walks, educational programs, and seasonal exhibitions
Things to do here
Explore the main gardens
Walk through landscaped lawns, lakes, rainforest, themed gardens, and historic areas. Entry to the main gardens is generally free.
National Orchid Garden
Visit Singapore’s principal orchid display, including the VIP Orchid Garden, Burkill Hall area, cool-house displays, and extensive tropical orchid plantings.
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
A dedicated children’s garden with interactive features, nature-play areas, water elements, and educational displays. It is generally free, subject to operating hours and occasional closures.
Rain Forest and Evolution Garden
See representative tropical vegetation and displays explaining plant evolution and ecological relationships.
Swan Lake and Symphony Lake
Relax beside the gardens’ lakes and, when scheduled, attend outdoor performances at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage.
Guided walks and educational programs
NParks periodically offers guided tours, workshops, plant-related programs, exhibitions, and talks. Availability varies by date and program.
Botanical art and heritage exploration
Discover historic buildings, heritage trees, the Burkill Hall area, sculptures, and plant collections reflecting Singapore’s horticultural history.
The garden has several entrances, including access near the Botanic Gardens MRT station and Tanglin Gate. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water and sun/rain protection, and allow extra time for walking between attractions.
Advance booking is usually not needed for general entry. Check the official site for ticketing or registration requirements for the National Orchid Garden, guided tours, concerts, workshops, and special events.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Singapore Botanic Gardens is about 4.2 km (~52 min walk) from Kent Ridge station on the Singapore MRT.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
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Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Singapore
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West Coast Park
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Singapore Botanic Gardens from Kent Ridge station?
Singapore Botanic Gardens is about 4172 m (roughly 52 min walk) from Kent Ridge station on the Singapore MRT. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Singapore Botanic Gardens rated?
Singapore Botanic Gardens has a Google rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 46,882 reviews.
What's near Singapore Botanic Gardens?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Haw Par Villa, Park Avenue Rochester, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Singapore.
Is Singapore Botanic Gardens wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Singapore Botanic Gardens: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating.
Is there parking near Singapore Botanic Gardens?
Google lists these parking options near Singapore Botanic Gardens: free parking lot, paid parking lot, free street parking, paid street parking.
Is Singapore Botanic Gardens good for children?
Yes — Google lists Singapore Botanic Gardens as good for children.
Are dogs allowed at Singapore Botanic Gardens?
Yes — Google lists Singapore Botanic Gardens as dog-friendly.
Is Singapore Botanic Gardens free?
Entry to the main gardens is generally free. The National Orchid Garden is separately ticketed, and some tours, workshops, and special events may charge fees.
How long should I spend there?
Allow at least two hours for a highlights walk. Three to four hours is more comfortable, and a half day is suitable if visiting the National Orchid Garden and children’s garden.
Can I visit the gardens at night?
The main gardens are commonly open until midnight, but individual attractions such as the National Orchid Garden and Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden close earlier.
Which MRT station is closest?
Botanic Gardens MRT station is a convenient entrance for the Bukit Timah side and is served by the Circle and Downtown lines. Other entrances may be more convenient from other parts of the site.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The site has open spaces, family facilities, educational areas, and Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden. Supervise children near water and on hot or slippery paths.
Can I bring food into the gardens?
Picnicking is generally possible in appropriate areas, but visitors should follow signage, avoid damaging lawns or plantings, and dispose of waste properly. Rules may differ for individual attractions.
What should I bring?
Bring water, sun protection, insect repellent if desired, comfortable shoes, and an umbrella or rain jacket. Singapore’s weather is hot, humid, and subject to sudden rain.
Are there free guided tours?
The gardens periodically offer guided walks and educational programs, but schedules, registration requirements, and fees vary. Check the official NParks page before planning around one.
Can I see orchids without paying?
The main gardens contain orchids and other tropical plants, but the extensive National Orchid Garden collection requires a separate ticket.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated October 25, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.