The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a 160-year-old tropical garden located in central Singapore. It covers an area of over 82 hectares and is one of the most visited attractions in the city-state. The Gardens were established in 1859 by the British colonial government and have since played an important role in plant research, conservation, and education.
The Gardens boast over 10,000 species of plants, including several rare and endangered species, spread across themed gardens such as the National Orchid Garden, Evolution Garden, and Healing Garden. The National Orchid Garden, which houses over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids, is particularly popular with visitors. It is home to the hybrid orchid Vanda 'Miss Joaquim', which was chosen as Singapore's national flower in 1981.
Aside from its impressive plant collections, the Singapore Botanic Gardens also offers a range of facilities and activities for visitors. These include guided tours, concerts, art exhibitions, and educational workshops. The Gardens are also a popular spot for picnics, jogging, and bird-watching.
In recognition of its cultural and historical significance, the Singapore Botanic Gardens was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, becoming the first tropical botanic garden in the world to receive such an honor. It is also the only park in Singapore to have this distinction.