Located on the highest hill of Singapore Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden is a ticketed attraction that has over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of flowers. About 600 species and hybrids are displayed for you to admire and take pictures with.
These hybrid orchids are products of the Gardens’ orchid breeding programme which started in 1928, ‘hand-crafted’ by the horticultural staff, and dedicated to bringing out the finest in any hybrid cross.
Ticket prices go at $5 for an adult ticket, $1 for students and senior citizens, and children under 12 go in for free.
Till today, there are various displays of orchids and hybrids in the Garden, but the construction of the new Tropical Montane Orchidetum is still underway. It is expected to open sometime in 2021.
When you enter the National Orchid Garden, this super Instagrammable arch display awaits you. It is a popular spot for those who want to update their Instagram pages with the splendour of gorgeous blooms. This photo spot will make it seem like you’re on a journey in a faraway fairytale land!
Crane Fountain
This cascading fountain has a pair of crane sculptures and is set against a majestic backdrop of the magnificent trees that surround the Garden. What a welcoming sight that is beautiful indeed!
Mist Garden
The Mist Garden showcases lowland neotropical orchids amidst a selection of bromeliads. In the natural habitat of these epiphytes, which are organisms that grow on the surface of a plant and derive their moisture and nutrients from the environment, mist is present as a pivotal water source for them. Some examples of orchids on display include Epidendrum, Cattleya, and Oncidium species and hybrids. The bromeliads collection includes Neoregelia, Vriesea, and Billbergia species.
Silver Arches Display
The tall and majestic Silver Arches are home to epiphytic plants that absorb nutrients and water from the moisture in air and rain. In this collection, you will see epiphytes with silver foliage, such as Dischidia and Tillandsia. The Dischidia has inconspicuous and small flowers, and is commonly grown for its ornamental foliage and interesting growth habit. The Tillandsia is more commonly known as air plants thanks to their ability to absorb moisture and nutrients from the atmosphere. It can grow up to 90cm in diameter; and can be found mostly in South America.
Heritage Orchid Display
As most of us Singaporeans are aware, Singapore has been a centre of orchid breeding since the 1930s. Not to mention that the Hybrid Orchid (the Vanda Miss Joaquim) is Singapore’s national flower! Some of the early orchid hybrids have left important footprints in the world of orchids and have become a vital part of Singapore’s floral heritage.
These orchid hybrids have been internationally awarded and have become important in the cut-flower trade, or have been named after historical figures. Some of these hybrids are also important as breeding stock for many of today’s hybrids.
Burkill Hall
Burkill Hall has an extensive history, dating all the way back to 1867. It was home to the Burkill family (the former Directors of the Singapore Botanic Gardens), and the Gardens’ superintendents and directors until 1969. It became the School of Ornamental Horticulture in 1972; was restored in the 1990s during the development of the National Orchid Garden; and is a popular venue for weddings and special events today. You may read the full history on the information board outside the building. Inside, you may find information about the Orchid Family and the Orchid Programme, among other things.
VIP Orchid Garden
Displaying outstanding hybrid orchids that have been named after heads of state and international dignitaries since 1956, welcome to the VIP Orchid Garden! These hybrids were produced from the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ orchid hybridization programme, with the intention of promoting goodwill, along with fostering bilateral relationships with friends of Singapore. You may find hybrids named after VIPs such as Margaret Thatcher, Barack and Michelle Obama, Princess Diana, and Queen Elizabeth II, just to name a few.
Celebrity Garden
This Celebrity Garden is filled with attractive hybrids from the orchid breeding programme. Thanks to their attractiveness, they are named after stars and popular personalities who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Celebrities that are invited to visit the National Orchid Garden have hybrids named after them to commemorate their visit and celebrate their success. Andrea Bocelli, Joseph Schooling, and Shah Rukh Khan are some of the names you can find here.
With Instagrammable photo spots and pretty displays of hybrid orchids all around the National Orchid Garden, it’s a hidden gem in the Singapore Botanic Gardens that deserves to be explored more often.
Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259569
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 8.30am–7pm
