Singapore Botanical Gardens owes its origin to the initiative of Sir Stamford Raffles, a keen naturalist. Established in 1822, it was the first of its kind in Singapore. His aim was to increase the cultivation of crops that proved economically beneficial. But the garden had to be closed down in 1829 and it was not before thirty years that it was transformed into a public park, which is today, one of the major tourist attractions in Singapore.

National Orchid Garden - The National Orchid Garden is the major draw of the Singapore Botanical Gardens. It spans about three hectares and boasts of nearly 1000 species and 2000 hybrids of orchids. There are a number of mini attractions within the Orchid Garden itself.

Burkill Hall and VIP Orchid Garden - Burkill Hall is the plantation bungalow built during the days of colonial rule. The name is a tribute to the father-son duo Isaac and Humphrey Burkill who had hold the post of the Director of Singapore Botanical Gardens. The ground level has undergone a renovation and serves as the exhibition area where you can cull information on a wide variety of orchids that are curiously named after the famous personalities who have paid a visit to this place. The VIP Orchid Garden is at the back of the Hall and you can catch a view of some real hybrid orchids like Dendrobium Margaret Thatcher, Renatanda Akhito and Dendrobium Elizabeth.

Tan Hoon Siang Misthouse - This showcases carefully selected colorful collection of hybrids, along with the rare aromatic orchids.

Coolhouse - It displays the orchids that can commonly be found in the tropical highland regions.

Lady Yuen-Peng McNeice Bromeliad House - As the name suggests, this place is specifically meant to house the plants of the Bromeliad family. The orchids that are displayed here have been acquired from the Shelldance Nursery in U.S.

Evolution Garden - This is a considerably novel feather in the cap of the Singapore Botanical Gardens. The Evolution Garden narrates the story of the evolution and development of plant life on this earth.

Before wrapping up your Singapore Botanical Gardens tour, do visit the Ginger Garden, the Botany Centre and the Tanglin Gate.

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