Members Present: Ann Gie, Siyi, Isaac, Wan Shi and Silvia
Members Absent: Vicky (due to prior commitment)
How to get there:
By Public Bus:
(Go to Somerset MRT station) take at SBS Transit 7, 75, 77, 105, 123, 174
SMRT 75, 77, 106
Via Bukit Timah Road
SBS Transit 48, 66, 67, 151, 153, 154, 156,170,171,186
SMRT 67, 171
By Foot:
Enter through the major entrances: Tanglin Gate, Burkill Gate, Nassim Gate and Cluny Park Gate, and Bukit Timah Entrance.
By Car:
For parking facilities, check the website of the Botanic Gardens.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: 5 am to 12 midnight
Basic Things to bring:
Umbrella/cap
Water bottle
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Money (at least $20)
Did you know that this year marks the 150th anniversary of the Singapore Botanical Garden? The current garden was created in 1859 by an Agri- Horticultural Society but the management and maintenance was later handed over to the government in 1874.
The 150-year old Singapore Botanic Garden is a visitor attraction for the sophisticated travellers and the local residents. It possesses an array of botanical attractions with a rich history and a wonderful plant collection of worldwide importance. Complementing these resources are the developments which provided the visitors with educational and recreational facilities.
The garden was awarded the Michelin three-star rating and was voted as Asia’s Best Urban Jungle by Time Magazine, enabling it to join the ranks of renowned international attractions.
Vicky: Here is an interesting fact! The first botanical garden was actually established by Raffles, founder of Singapore and a keen naturalist, on Government Hill (Fort Canning Hill) in 1822. However it was closed down in 1829 after Sir Stamford Raffles’ death.
Silvia: Of course… Not, because I only 16 going to 17 this year.
12.30 pm
We met up at Cineleisure in Somerset for a quick lunch before taking bus 7 to Botanic Garden. Remember to check the bus guide before boardind the bus to ensure that you are on the right track.
Wanshi: At the bus stop, 7 is not the only bus you can take. Remember to look at the bus guide available at all bus stops to see which one you can take. Some examples are 174, 77.
Silvia: When you head back to Somerset at the end of the trip, you might be able to find an ice-cream cart located near the bus-stop. It is definitely a treat after such a hot and tiring day.
1.20 pm
We have reached the Tang Lin entrance which is situated along Napier road. There is a 3-Core Concept in the garden. They are Tanglin which is the traditional core which contains the old favourites of the historic Gardens; Central is the tourist belt of the Garden and Bukit Timah is the educational zone.
We were greeted by the sight of the beautiful and magnificent trees the moment we entered the garden. For almost every tree, there is a small description given which includes the name, year planted and etc. For some of the younger trees, strings were attached to prevent them from falling. As it is a weekend, there were many people: tourist and locals around the garden having picnic, strolling and playing. This shows us that the Garden is not only a tourist destination.
but also a vital horticultural institution and community regional recreational park.
The first attraction we went to was the Swan Lake which is about an 8-minute walk from the entrance. The lake, which has the same age as the garden, has been a popular site for one to go to if you are seeking for serenity. Along the way to the Lake, we also saw other attractions such as the Marsh Garden and the statue Swing Me Mama.
At the Lake, there were 4 White Mute Swans wandering around the pond, feeding on the bread given by the visitors. There were also turtles and fishes in the ponds. There is splendid statue Flight of the Swan, located in the middle of the lake and at the side is the Swan Lake Gazebo. It was a Victorian cast-iron garden shelter, built in the 1850s.
Silvia: If you want to feed the swans, do bring your own bread. The swans will actually swim to you and let you feed. They don’t seem to be afraid of humans.
Siyi: Yes, I agree and they look so adorable!
Vicky: Are you sure that the swan won’t bite!?
Wanshi: I was a bit disappointed because I thought there will be more than 4 swans and the pond was way too big for only 4 swans…
Isaac: Think about it Wanshi, imagine there were more swans, won’t there be more danger at risk? And swans need loads of space for sure.
There are life buoys located around the lake as a safety measure. We were disappointed with the state of the lake. Despite being maintained by the workers, it is dirtier than what we had expected. The lake looked horrifying. However, the beautiful swans and the Nibung plants around the lake made up for that.
Siyi: The coach drop-off point is in-between the Swan Lake and Ginger garden.
Vicky: LOOK AT THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE ~
Isaac: I believe so that there is a must for dirt at the pond as the creatures are adapted to freshwater, but at the state we saw. Sums up that either the workers aren’t doing a good job or our earth is being polluted at a rapid rate.
1.46 pm
We have reached the Ginger Garden! We passed by the Statue of Joy on our way there. We saw people walking their dogs, children running around and couples taking their wedding photos. This shows that Botanic garden has much more purposes than one could ever imagine.
Vicky: Py leashed dog are allowed into the Garden and some part are prohibited to dogs too
Silvia: The two couples really look beautiful when they stand there and pose for the cameraman. It is really a good place to take wedding shots.
Siyi: We saw two couples in total. Botanic Garden is really a great spot to take wedding photos!
Wanshi: Some parts prohibited to dogs will be the evolution garden which we will be going in the later part and I totally agree with Siyi and Silvia. Botanic garden is really a wonderful place for photos!
Isaac: Yes, good place for me to think about taking wedding photos in the future!
At the entrance, we saw a small waterfall and a tiny hut providing us with information about the garden. In addition, there is a restaurant located near the garden called Villa Halia to satisfy those with hunger pangs.
At the Ginger Garden, we were amazed by the flowers and plants that we have never seen before. This is because the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family consists of more than 250 species, and have interesting appearances, beautiful leaves and attractive flowers. We also saw other plants such as bananas, prayer plants, cannas, and a plant with vaguely orchid like flowers called the Lowiaceae.
Isaac: The Garden is divided into special zones which one may find gingers organized by themes such as beauty or usefulness, or regions of their origin.
Silvia: The waterfall is really cool! It looks so real as though we are really inside the waterfall. (From the picture)
1.58pm
The National Orchid Garden is one of the few places in the Garden where one has to entrance fee. It is open from 8.30am to 7.00pm daily (last ticket sales at 6.00pm).
Admission Fee:
$5.00 for adults
$1.00 for students and senior citizens (60 years and above)
Free for children below 12 years
There was a promotion on the day we went, so our admission fee was waived. The promotion starts on 21st November and ends on 29th November.
There is a variety of orchids in the garden and they are all looked beautiful. A few examples are Vanda Miss Joaquim, Dendrobium Masako Kotaishi Hidenka, Dendrobium Elizabeth, 'Vanda' Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Within the Garden, there is a VIP garden where most of the orchids there were named after the other countries’ well-known people. Outside the VIP garden, there is a big tree called the Leptosperinum Brachyandrum from Australia. We find it interesting because the tree is filled carvings of names and greetings from the visitors.
Siyi: Hey, did you guys know that Vanda Miss Joaquim is Singapore's National Flower?
Wanshi: I feel very sorry for the tree because it really had a lot of carvings on it like it was being tattooed, full of“….was here, I love Singapore and I love…”
There are attractions within Orchid Garden. Firstly is the Tan Hoon Siang Mist house which contains pitcher plants, variety of orchids and animal-like statues. The award winning and rare orchids are placed there.
Secondly is the Cool house, which is air conditioned and contains mountain forest that can only live in cool climate. There are carnivorous plants and a small water fall located inside. Lastly, is the Yuen-Peng McNeice Bromeliad House which consist of a collection of bromeliads consists of 23 genera, 320 species and about 520 taxa (cultivars, varieties and hybrids).
Silvia: Can’t believe we are so lucky, manage to save that $1(which I later use to buy Ice-cream). All thanks to me (I suggested to go botanic this Sunday), in total we saved $5.
Siyi: I really like the Cool House, it’s so cooling. You can take a break in there if you can’t stand the heat outside.
Wanshi: I think that it was a great idea to build the cool house in the middle of the garden because after having a tiring day touring around the orchid garden, admiring the orchids it is really nice to enter an air-conditioned environment to cool ourselves down.
2.41 pm
We finally completed our tour in the Garden and for those who can’t stop staring at the flowers, you can buy an orchid dipped in gold from the souvenir shop. There are also other items such as key chains and magnets sold there.
Silvia: Wow! They even sell real orchids kept in bottles.
Siyi: Tourists can also get Singapore’s postcards in all kinds of designs there!
Isaac: I was too focused looking at the sales lady.
2.45pm
The Palm Valley is the home to over 115 genera and more than 220 species. They are set in a herring bone style with islands signifying the major group. All six sub-families of palms - Arecoideae, Coryphoideae, Calamoideae, Ceroxyloideae, Phytelephantoideae and Nypoideae are showed in the collection.
The valley is the “hot” spot for family gathering as there is ample space to conduct family activities such as kite flying, picnic and playing Frisbee. At the back ground is the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage. This stage is the place where “Concert in the Park” performances by local symphony and international entertainers are usually held. The Titanium Zinc roof of the stage resembled the shape of leaves and flower stands. Behind the stage is the Eco Lake and near the Valley, is the statue of Frederick Chopin.
Silvia: We should have thought of having a picnic there!! Let’s go again!
Siyi: We can ride a bike this time.
Wanshi: Local symphony like Singapore symphony orchestra and Singapore Chinese orchestra usually held their free concerts there on weekends!
Isaac: We can’t bring bicycles in, Siyi.
2.55 pm
The Rainforest is not only rich in flora and fauna, but it also contains crops such as the rattans and the towering jelutong. More than fifty per cent of its species represent plants that are rare in Singapore are found in the Rainforest, making it a part of Singapore’s natural heritage. In addition, the tallest tree in the forest can go up to 40 m and the forest is also a good place for jogger to go as it is peaceful.
The visitor centre is located next to the Rainforest where you can get brochures and pamphlets about the Garden. In addition, there is also a clock tower and photo exhibition there. There is a café called Casa Vende and Botanic Garden Shop (closed for renovation) located there. For those who are thirsty or hungry, you can visit the café for some food and drinks. However we recommend the cheaper alternative drinks which is the vending machine located opposite the café.
Wan Shi: it is better to get the map at the visitor centre at Orchard or the airport as the visitor centre in the garden is centralized so if you enter via the Tanglin or Bukit Timah Gate, you might not be able to get the map.
Silvia: Try the Ceres’s Whispers of summer sold by the vending machine. It is just the perfect drink to take after a walk in Botanic Garden, especially on a hot day.
Siyi: Yes, it had such a special taste, a definite to try!
Isaac: I have to comment on the map, though it is really very detailed, the scales of the map are somewhat deceiving.
3.15 pm
We arrived at the Evolution Garden where we can observe the remarkable story of how plants gave us life, how long before we humans arrived and how they evolved into the complex life forms that we see today. Foot prints and period of years can also be found on the foot path if observed carefully.
3.30pm
Next stop is the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden which is also Asia's first children garden. It is created to provide an unique learning experiences foe children in a garden setting. Through activities, it hopes to cultivate the young with an interest in plants and nature. Designed along the theme "All Life on Earth Depends on Plants", it is created as an interactive fun place where children up to 12 years of age can learn about various plant concepts such as photosynthesis. There is also a Kid café available there.
Opening hours
8.00am - 7.00pm (last admission at 6.30pm)
The Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is closed on Mondays (except when it falls on a designated public holiday)
Admission
Admission to the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is free. The garden is open to children up to 12 years old. All children have to be accompanied by an adult.
Silvia: I can’t believe that it was such a long distance away from the visitor centre. The path seems like endless. Those with young children, it is best to go there by cars, as there is a car park directly beside Jacob Ballas Children's Garden.
Isaac: Sorry about not informing you that it was far that day.
3.45pm
As the bus we had to take was only available at the Tang Lin gate, we had to walk back to the other entrance. This is a good thing; on the way back we passed by the remaining 3 statues: Girl on a Swing, Girl on a Bicycle and Lady on a Hammock. We also walked pass the Band Stand which was built in 1930 for early evening performances by military bands for many years. Though it is no longer used for such performances, the Bandstand continues to be one of the famous structures of the Garden. Last but not least is the Swiss Granite Fountain which was donated by the Swiss Community in 1991, to celebrate the 700th Anniversary of the Swiss Confederation. The ball is kept "afloat" by strong water pressure.
Silvia: It was fun taking photos with the Girl on a swing. We almost could not find a way to stand beside the statue and pose with it, had it not been for my pair of sharp eyes.
Siyi: Yes, all thanks to Silvia! I had fun doing magic!
4.00pm
The last two areas we visited were the Botany Centre and Green Pavilion. The Botany Centre consists of the research facilities at the garden like the Library of Botany and Horticulture, Singapore Herbarium and Orchid Breeding & Micropropagation Laboratory. The food court (which was under construction when we went), car park and function hall can also be found there.
The Green Pavilion consists of a visitor centre, statues and a fish pond. Fish feed can be bought at the visitor centre for $1. It is packed in a capsule and you can recycle the container by placing it in a basket on the nearby table. You should feed the big fishes at the pond outside the pavilion instead of the small fishes that is in the pond surrounding the pavilion because the fishes there are too small to eat the feed.
Silvia: Ah! I wasted that $1. But it’s okay. Treat it as a donation to Botanic Garden.
Siyi: Overall, the trip was a great one! If only the weather was a little bit cooler.
Wanshi: Oh you can also take some photos at the green pavilion if you think that you didn’t have enough photos.
This concludes our journey of Singapore Botanic Garden.
Some attractions that we did not manage to visit are the Sun Garden, Eco Lake and EJH Corner (colonial bungalow).
The highlight for the Eco Lake will be the black swans that come from Australia. There are also fish, water hen, heron and ducks living in or near the lake. Another amazing sight will be how the bee eater will catch insects above the lake surface.
EJH Corner is a colonial bungalow that was formerly the home of E.J.H. Corner and is named after him who was Assistant Director in the period 1929-1945.
The Sun Garden displays plants of arid regions such as succulents. Succulents have fleshy leaves or stem that is used for water storage. An interesting point is that their stems may be green and take over from the leaves as the main organs of photosynthesis. Plants available there include cacti and euphorbias. agaves, yuccas and grass trees. The Passing of Knowledge sculpture is also located there.
Another interesting attraction is the eleven mature trees in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which were selected as National heritage trees in August 2002.
They are:
• Adenanthera pavonina (Saga Tree)
• Calophyllum inophyllum (Penaga Laut)
• Ceiba pentandra (Kapok Tree, 80-90 yrs old)
• Fagraea fragrans (Tembusu, >100yrs old)
• Millettia atropurpurea (Purple Milletia)
• Sindora wallichii (Sepetir)
• Terminalia subspathulata (Malayan Terminalia)
• Fagraea fragrans (Tembusu, >100 yrs old)
• Sindora wallichii (Sepetir)
• Samanea saman (Rain Tree)
To mark its 150th Anniversary, an additional 9.8 hectares will be added to the Botanic Gardens at Tyersall Avenue, which brings the total area to almost 74 hectares. It will also provide even more chances for Singaporeans and foreign visitors to enjoy this unique green space set within our city
The upcoming attractions are The Learning Forest, Marshland, Amenities, Nassim Entry Precinct and Healing Garden
The Learning Forest will showcase the finest tropical trees that grow under local condition; Marshland will showcase a variety of tropical wetland plant species and aquatic wildlife, including birds and amphibians. The amenities such as more drop-off and pick-up points and additional car parking facilities will be built. The target completion date is 2012.
The Nassim Entry Precinct will be made more convenience by having more parking and smoother traffic. Target completion is the 2nd quarter of 2009. The Healing Garden will be a botanically diverse showcase of plants used in medicine by various cultures in Asia and its target completion is 2010
All in all, if you are a plant enthusiast who is taking a leisure tour, you should stay at the Garden for at least half a day. There is a large variety of insect such as hornets and butterflies, small animals, flowers and plants for you to spot in the garden. A quick stroll around the park usually takes around 1-2 hours. The best time to visit is early morning and late evening when the weather is not so hot.
It is a great place to go for a simple stroll as you can watch children having fun, have a picnic or simply immerse yourself in the lush greenery of the garden. It also serves as a escape from the city life as it combines primary forest with the collection of botanical plants.
Suggested Itinerary:
8.00am Arrival at Botanic garden Tanglin Gate
8.00 to 8.30am Swan Lake
Highlight: Swan Lake Gazebo, Swan, Statues e.g. Flight of Swans and Swing Me Mama. For those who want to feed the swan, please remember to bring your own bread.
8.30 to 9.15am Ginger Garden
9.15 to 10.30am National Orchid Garden
Highlights: Tan Hoon Siang Mist House, Cool House, VIP Garden, Yuen-Peng Mcneice Bromeliad Collection and different varieties of orchid.
10.30 To 12.30pm Palm Valley and Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage (Lunch can be held here or eaten at the restaurant at the Visitor Centre)
Highlights: Palm, Stage and ample space to your children to run around or pull out your picnic basket for a nice and relaxing meal.
12.30 To 1.00pm Evolution Garden
1.00 To 2.00pm Eco Lake and Eco Garden
2.00 To 3.00 pm Jacob Ballas Children Garden
3.00 To 4.00 pm Walk back to Tang Lin Garden
On the way back, you can take pictures of the other statues in the garden such as girl on swing, lady on hammock etc.
4.00 to 9 pm shopping on Orchard road
It is just about 15 minutes walk or 8 minutes bus ride from the Garden
