Singapore has a thing for greenery. You see it everywhere, from the airport to high-rise balconies. Gardens here are attractions and a huge part of daily life.
In 2025, the city’s biggest green landmarks are more polished than ever. The Botanic Gardens marks ten years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gardens by the Bay adds new themed displays, and the long-closed Chinese and Japanese Gardens are finally back in action at Jurong Lake Gardens.
Let’s go through what’s worth seeing, what’s new, and how to plan your time so you get the most out of Singapore’s living, breathing attractions.
Quick Picks by Traveler Type
| Traveler Type | Best Pick | Why It Works |
| First-timer short on time | Gardens by the Bay | Easy access, iconic domes, Supertree light shows |
| History or science buff | Singapore Botanic Gardens | Deep heritage, research hub, UNESCO status |
| Families who want space | Jurong Lake Gardens | Reopened Chinese & Japanese Gardens, playgrounds, trails |
| Home gardeners, design fans | HortPark | Themed plots, plant education, community showcases |
| Rainy-day backup | Jewel Changi’s Forest Valley | Indoor greenery and waterfall magic right inside the airport |
1. Singapore Botanic Gardens (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The Singapore Botanic Gardens are the heart of the country’s green story. Founded in 1859, the site has grown into a world-class research and conservation hub.
In 2015, it became the first and only tropical botanic garden on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The 2025 season celebrates its tenth anniversary on that list, making it an extra special year to visit.
The main grounds are free and open from 5 a.m. to midnight, so you can come early for the sunrise over Swan Lake or enjoy a twilight stroll under the rain trees.
Highlights in 2025
2025 is a milestone year for the Singapore Botanic Gardens, marking a decade since its UNESCO recognition.
The anniversary brings refreshed exhibits, new trails, and special programming that highlight why this green icon still sets the standard for tropical conservation.
National Orchid Garden
The star attraction inside the park, open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last entry 6:00 p.m.). Standard adult tickets are S$15, while seniors and students pay S$3. Kids under 12 enter free.
Inside, the Tropical Montane Orchidetum connects three cool-climate sections:
- Sembcorp Cool House – a re-creation of mountain forest habitat.
- Tan Hoon Siang Mist House – a lush, misty area filled with colorful hybrids.
- Yuen Peng McNeice Bromeliad Collection – rare tropical bromeliads from the Americas.
The Learning Forest and Rain Forest
Boardwalks and canopy towers take you through freshwater wetlands and lowland rainforest. There’s also a self-guided audio tour for visitors who prefer exploring solo.
Gallop Extension
An 8-hectare addition that includes:
- Forest Discovery Centre @ OCBC Arboretum – conservation education in a colonial-era bungalow.
- Botanical Art Gallery – detailed botanical illustrations in a restored black-and-white house.
- COMO Adventure Grove – natural play space for children with climbing structures.
Practical Info
- Entry: Grounds are free, Orchid Garden ticketed.
- Best time: Early morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler.
- Special programs: Check the NParks calendar for 2025 heritage walks, music events, and ecology workshops.
- Families: The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden (8 a.m.–7 p.m., closed Mondays) is a must. It’s free but adults must be accompanied by a child. Perfect for nature play, with shaded paths and splash points.
Official Links
2. Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is where nature meets sci-fi architecture. The futuristic Supertrees, the misty Cloud Forest, and the Flower Dome’s ever-changing floral exhibitions make it one of the most recognizable attractions on the planet.
In 2025, more than 1.5 million plants thrive across the grounds, with a new “Jurassic World” immersive experience inside the Cloud Forest pulling big crowds.
Main Attractions
The big draws at Gardens by the Bay are packed into a few spectacular spaces. Each one shows off nature through design, scale, and imagination.
Cloud Forest
Home to the iconic 35-meter indoor waterfall , the Cloud Forest mimics a tropical mountain. Through 2025, the space hosts a Jurassic World experience blending animatronic dinosaurs with real tropical vegetation.
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (last entry 8 p.m.)
- Tickets: Combined entry with Flower Dome, currently around S$34 for Singapore residents.
Flower Dome
Cool-dry conservatory showing plants from Mediterranean, Australian, South African, and desert regions. Displays rotate every few months, keeping the visuals fresh year-round.
Supertree Grove, OCBC Skyway, and Supertree Observatory
The grove is free, while the 22-meter-high OCBC Skyway and the Observatory are ticketed. Hours run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Weather closures can occur, so always check online before going.
Tips for Visitors
- Best time: Late afternoon to evening for photos, then stay for the light-and-sound show.
- Budget tip: Outdoor gardens are free, so even without tickets, there’s plenty to see.
- Check closures: Domes close occasionally for maintenance; October often sees short shutdowns.
Official Links
3. Jurong Lake Gardens (Chinese and Japanese Gardens Included)
Jurong Lake Gardens is Singapore’s third national garden and the first built in a residential area.
After years of redevelopment, its most famous sections, the Chinese and Japanese Gardens , finally reopened in 2024, making 2025 the first full year they’re back.
The area now offers 90 hectares of landscapes, lakes, and lawns, all connected by walking trails.
Key Areas
Each section of Jurong Lake Gardens offers its own atmosphere. Some are peaceful and traditional, others wide open and built for play.
Lakeside Garden
A 60-hectare section with Rasau Walk , a boardwalk through freshwater wetlands. Great for birdwatching at sunrise. Open 24 hours, so it’s perfect for joggers or photographers chasing early light.
Chinese and Japanese Gardens
The twin gardens have been completely refreshed, keeping their traditional pagodas and bridges but adding new pavilions, cooling water features, and more shade trees. Accessibility has improved with better paths and shuttle links connecting zones.
Hours and Access
- Lakeside Garden: Open 24 hours.
- Chinese and Japanese Gardens: 5:30 a.m. to midnight.
- Information counters: 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Seasonal Events
Expect light-ups during Mid-Autumn Festival , guided walks, and family events. Schedules rotate, so check NParks’ official site before your visit.
4. HortPark and the Southern Ridges
If you’re into home gardening or landscape design, HortPark is paradise. It’s Singapore’s dedicated “gardening hub,” and part of the larger Southern Ridges trail network.
In 2025, the park continues to host community showcases, with garden-themed workshops, pop-ups, and the much-loved HortFest .
What to See
- Themed Gardens: Showcases range from edible landscapes and urban farming setups to low-water planting ideas.
- Southern Ridges Connection: Trails like Forest Walk and Canopy Walk link HortPark to Telok Blangah Hill and Henderson Waves. These routes occasionally close after heavy rain, so check updates before going.
Official Link
5. Jewel Changi’s Shiseido Forest Valley and Canopy Park
Even the airport gets in on the garden trend. Jewel Changi is a nature-infused shopping and entertainment complex wrapped around the Rain Vortex , the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
Inside it, the Shiseido Forest Valley creates a real rainforest feel with 900 trees, 60,000 shrubs, and a gentle mist that cools the air.
Upstairs, Canopy Park adds a playful edge: hedge mazes, sky nets, glass bridges, and slides.
Useful Details
- Tickets: Forest Valley is free, but Canopy Park’s attractions are ticketed.
- Maintenance: Occasional closures for events or cleaning; check Jewel’s website before visiting.
- Tip: Great for a layover or before a night flight—easy luggage storage, air conditioning, and food everywhere.
Official Links
How to Plan a Garden Day in Singapore
Planning a garden day in Singapore is about timing, comfort, and a bit of local savvy. Here’s how to make it easy.
Weather and Timing
Singapore’s tropical climate means it’s hot and humid year-round. The trick is to plan around it.
- Start early or finish late: Outdoor gardens open as early as 5 a.m. and stay open till midnight.
- Conservatories: Most open at 9 a.m., so you can pair an early outdoor walk with an indoor cooldown later.
Ticket and Budget Planning
- Free Options: Outdoor areas at both Singapore Botanic Gardens and Gardens by the Bay .
- Worth Paying For: National Orchid Garden for orchid lovers, Cloud Forest for its cool mountain air and incredible structure.
- Buy Ahead: Official sites often offer bundled tickets and occasional discounts.
Accessibility
All major sites have barrier-free access and stroller-friendly paths.
- Gardens by the Bay and Jurong Lake Gardens both run shuttle services.
- Wheelchair rentals are available at most major entrances.
Family Favorites
- Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden – Nature play for younger kids.
- COMO Adventure Grove – Rope climbs and slides for older children.
- Canopy Park at Jewel – Indoor fun for when it rains.
Suggested Itineraries
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Planning a garden day can be as simple or as detailed as you want. Here are a few easy itineraries to match different moods, from quick highlights to full weekend escapes.
The Essential Day
- Morning: Singapore Botanic Gardens (Bandstand, Swan Lake, National Orchid Garden)
- Lunch: Café near Cluny Court
- Afternoon: MRT to Bayfront, visit Flower Dome and Cloud Forest
- Evening: Stay for the Supertree light show
Family Weekend
- Day 1: Jurong Lake Gardens for lakeside trails, Rasau Walk, and playgrounds.
- Day 2: Jacob Ballas Garden in the morning, picnic lunch, Learning Forest stroll, finish with Jewel in the evening.
Design Enthusiast’s Route
Start at HortPark to see innovative gardening ideas, continue along the Southern Ridges trail to Henderson Waves , then wrap up at Gardens by the Bay for architecture and sustainability exhibits.
What’s New in 2025
| Update | Why It Matters |
| Botanic Gardens marks 10 years of UNESCO status | Expect exhibitions, light shows, and public events. |
| Chinese and Japanese Gardens fully reopened | After years of closure, they’re better connected and more accessible. |
| HortFest returns | Gardening festival showcasing local green projects. |
| NParks’ park connector expansion | More walking and cycling routes joining major gardens. |
Handy Reference Table
| Garden | Core Highlights | Typical Hours | Ticketing |
| Singapore Botanic Gardens | Heritage landscapes, Learning Forest, Gallop Extension | 05:00–00:00 | Free entry; Orchid Garden ticketed |
| National Orchid Garden | Cool House, Mist House, Bromeliad Collection | 08:30–19:00 | Adult S$15, concessions available |
| Gardens by the Bay | Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, Supertrees | 09:00–21:00 | Domes ticketed, outdoor areas free |
| Jurong Lake Gardens | Lakeside, Chinese & Japanese Gardens | 24 hrs / 05:30–00:00 | Free |
| HortPark | Themed gardens, Southern Ridges access | Daylight hours | Free |
| Jewel Changi (Forest Valley & Canopy Park) | Indoor forest, waterfall, mazes | Mall hours | Forest free, Canopy ticketed |
Final Tips Before You Go
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a small towel , as humidity sneaks up quickly.
- Book tickets online when possible, especially for domes and observatories.
- Check maintenance notices a few days before your visit.
- For birdwatchers and plant lovers , early mornings at Jurong Lake Gardens or the Learning Forest offer the best light and wildlife activity.
- Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing; many paths are long but worth every step.