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A Guide to the National Orchid Garden Singapore, an Unrivalled Orchid Collection
Orchids have always been my mother’s favourite flower, and she cultivated a beautiful collection in our backyard when I was growing up. Today, her orchids still thrive, and she’s passed on her knowledge to me as I start my own collection.
When she heard about my interest, she encouraged me to visit the National Orchid Garden to deepen my understanding. Seeing the vast variety there completely transformed what I thought I knew about orchids.
If you’re a big orchid enthusiast, use this guide to help you explore the complex. It’s a must-see that I think is worth the extra admission fee!
Things to Know
Address: 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:30 am to 7:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adults: $15 (foreigners), $5 (locals)
Children: Below 12 years old are free of charge
Students: $3 (foreigners), $1 (locals)
Seniors: $3 (foreigners), $1 (locals)
How to Get There
By Train: The National Orchid Garden is in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. To access the Bukit Timah entrance of the gardens, take the train on either the Downtown Line or Circle Line and get off at Botanic Gardens MRT Station. Alternatively, you can reach the Tanglin entrance by alighting at Napier or Orchard MRT Station.
By Bus: To reach the Tanglin Entrance of the gardens, you can take bus numbers 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 174, or 174E. To enter through the Bukit Timah entrance, board bus numbers 48, 66, 67, 151, 153, 154, 156, or 170.
By Car: The closest parking is accessible through the Tyersall entrance. Additional parking options can be found at the Nassim Entrance via Evans/Cluny Road or at the Tanglin Entrance near the Holland/Cluny Road intersection.
Sections
Tan Hoon Siang Mist House
Media from amanda_sherbert
The Tan Hoon Siang Mist House showcases some of Singapore’s rarest orchid species, making it a must-see for any admirer of the island’s national flower.
If you’re an orchid enthusiast, this highlight of the National Orchid Garden will undoubtedly be the crown jewel of your visit.
Here, you’ll walk through a pathway lined with colourful and vibrant orchid displays. A popular section is the Fragrant Orchids area where you’ll find the Vanilla planifolia, a famous type of vanilla orchid from West Africa.
Tip:
- Be mindful of the other guests while on your way through the mist house. The area is quite small, and the guests behind you will be waiting for you to leave to get their turn. Don’t spend too much time in one section.
Sembcorp Cool House
Media from beixin
The Sembcorp Cool House is where you can find rare orchids that can only be found in high altitudes (about 1,000 to 2,000 metres above sea level). That said, the section is cooler in temperature compared to other areas in the garden.
Popular species you’ll find here include the Tasmanian tree ferns, the Bulbophyllum echinolabium (the largest flowering orchid), and the pitcher plant.
Here’s a fun fact about the Cool House: most orchids are cultivated here before being planted elsewhere. This is the best spot to find what orchids look like before they’re in full bloom!
Tip:
- This area of the gardens is cooler, so don’t forget to bring something to keep you warm while inside. People like to enter here to beat the heat, so I recommend dropping by in the morning (afternoons are packed) to avoid the crowds.
Burkill Hall
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Burkill Hall is a 19th-century colonial house that once was the official residence of Sir Henry Nicholas Ridley, a renowned British botanist and orchidologist as well as the first director of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Today, the perfectly restored home stands tall at the highest point of the gardens. You can walk around the grounds and take pictures along the beautifully landscaped lawns to pass some time before moving to the next stop.
Tip:
- The house is a popular venue for weddings and small parties, so the grounds may be closed to the public during events. It’s best to contact the Botanic Gardens management and ask if there are ongoing events here before your visit.
VIP Orchid Garden
Media from cityboycalum
Did you know that there is an orchid named after the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher? That’s just one of the several other orchid species that were named in honour of famous and important figures in history.
I mean, it is named the VIP Orchid Garden for a reason. It’s a small area in the complex, but it’s also a great place to unwind, stroll, or even take a short jog around.
Tip:
- Give yourself about 2 hours to visit this place. Take your time, as there are a lot of orchid displays here! A fun game I played with my kids here is to guess which orchid was named after who.
Tropical Montane Orchidetum
Media from vernisse_official
The Tropical Montane Orchidetum is one of my favourite attractions within the National Orchid Garden. This impressive exhibit recreates a tropical forest, showcasing the ecosystem from the ground level all the way up to the canopy.
As you meander through the exhibit, you’ll be surrounded by a captivating array of plants—orchids, bromeliads, magnolias, gingers, and tropical rhododendrons—each thriving beautifully in their distinct high-altitude and lowland montane habitats.
Tips:
- To protect the orchids in the Orchidetum, refrain from touching or holding them, as this could introduce bacteria and other pathogens. If you’d like to take photos near the orchids, seek assistance from a staff member!
- Discounted tickets are available for students, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities at the Orchid Garden’s ticket office, provided you present valid identification. Please be aware that these discounts apply only to Singapore citizens and residents.
Yuen-Peng McNiece Bromeliad Collection
Media from theplantstory
While bromeliads aren’t classified as orchids, the Yuen-Peng McNiece Bromeliad Collection showcases around 200 stunning specimens sourced from Shelldance Nursery in the United States.
This area is thoughtfully designed to mimic a Neotropical forest, featuring a diverse range of species including Ananas, Guzmania, Neoregelia, Aechmea, Vriesia, and even Cryptanthus.
Tips: Bring an umbrella in case it rains or the sun gets too intense. The area is open to the elements, so prepare to keep yourself dry or comfortable while strolling around the area.
