Singapore’s Botanic Gardens have long had a close association with the breeding and hybridisation of orchids. The Singapore orchid breeding programme began in 1928, and the recognition of the advances and importance of this programme culminated in the opening of the National Orchid Garden in 1995. 

A Myriad of Colours and Species

The National Orchid Garden is set on the highest hill in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It is home to an incredible 1,000 species, 2,000 hybrids and 60,000 plants. The orchids are displayed in different zones according to their colours. The spring zone shows orchids in shades of yellow, gold and cream, the summer zone is vibrant with reds and pinks, the autumn zone features deeper and richer colours and the winter zone is especially beautiful with the pristine whites and the more unusual blue orchids. 

Special Features

The VIP Orchid Garden is worth a visit as it has a rotating exhibit of rare and beautiful orchid hybrids which have been created by the Orchid Programme in Singapore.  See lovely orchids and guess which VIPs they have been named after. 

Highland orchids are also housed in the Tan Hoon Siang Mist House where temperatures are kept lower and mists recreate the conditions that orchids from cooler climates need to thrive in.

Take a Guided Tour

Guided tours are conducted regularly by volunteers at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The National Orchid Garden tours are held on the third Saturday of each month. Tours are free, although admission fees will still apply for the National Orchid Garden itself.