By now, it is no longer news that the Singapore Botanic Gardens was awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO's World Heritage List and also the first in Asia and the third botanic gardens inscribed in the world.
I had wanted to visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens when it was first inscribed a year ago but the usual let-the-crowd-die-down-first procrastination got the better of me.
Since the folks were out of town and I did not have anything to do at home, I decided to just grab my camera and head for the Gardens.
You can take either the new downtown line or circle line to Botanic Gardens Station (DT9/CC19).
Visiting is now made even more convenient with the train station's exit right at the Gardens' doorstep.
Since I arrived by the Bukit Timah Gate, the plan was to cover as much ground as possible while heading towards Tanglin Gate.
Foliage Garden
I had wanted to visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens when it was first inscribed a year ago but the usual let-the-crowd-die-down-first procrastination got the better of me.
Since the folks were out of town and I did not have anything to do at home, I decided to just grab my camera and head for the Gardens.
You can take either the new downtown line or circle line to Botanic Gardens Station (DT9/CC19).
Visiting is now made even more convenient with the train station's exit right at the Gardens' doorstep.
Since I arrived by the Bukit Timah Gate, the plan was to cover as much ground as possible while heading towards Tanglin Gate.
Stepping through the gates, I came to Trellis Garden which showcases the Singapore Botanic Gardens' climber collection. Climbers are plants that require support in order to grow upwards to harvest sunlight.
Eco Lake (click to enlarge)
I then came to the Eco Lake which is home to the black swan. I have no idea how many black swans there are but I saw only one.
The swan even left the water and came near me. I was a little wary because during our visit to the Botanic Gardens when we were still kids, my sister was attacked by one when she got a little too close. Fortunately, this one just pass me by.
The Bougainvillea corner
Boardwalk
Leaving Foliage Garden, I took the red brick path headed for Fragrant Garden in the Central Core.
Red Brick Path
Along the way, I saw these what appeared to be cacao. I heard a rustle from above and when I looked up, I saw two squirrels feeding.
Squirrel
I have the entire 1.5 hectare garden all to myself as I did not run into anyone else.
Just close your eyes and be one with Nature
Singa at the Visitor Centre
Singapore Botanic Gardens - UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Free roaming chicken at the Visitor Centre
I love this water feature outside the Visitor Centre
After asking for directions, I headed for lunch at Raffles Building
I break for brunch
I do not know when did it all started but there are a total of nine food establishments within the Gardens! There is a snack bar, cafe, food court and even restaurants!
I had my brunch at Food Canopy near Raffles Building which is just a short walking distance from the Visitor Centre.
After lunch, I returned to the Visitor Centre to take some photos around the Corner House.
The Corner House was so named not because it is located at a corner but it was named after E.J.H Corner, a botanist and a mycologist who lived here when he occupied the post of assistant director at the Singapore Botanic Gardens (1926–1946).
It is now a 1 Star restaurant in the Singapore Michelin Guide 2016.
*Lower your volume!
I find trees like this full of character
Spotted another monitor lizard at Heliconia Walk
A PRC tried to pull the snake out much to the horror of the people who had gathered round to watch what the commotion was all about
Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage
Pond in front of the stage
Yet another Water Monitor Lizard swimming in the Symphony Lake
National Orchid Garden
Admission to the National Orchid Garden is chargeable. Ticket for adults is $5 while ticket for students and senior citizen is $1. Children below 12 years old enter for free. How I wish locals get to enter for free or at least at a discounted rate.
Clock Tower at Orchid Plaza
You can walk behind this water fall!
We have now come to the last core (from the direction I was heading), Tanglin Core.
Sun Garden featuring cactus that resemble... nevermind
Sculpture: Passing Of Knowledge
Unfortunately, the bandstand is undergoing a makeover
Singapore's National Flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim
Vanda Miss Joaquim
Sculpture: Girl On A Bicycle
Sculpture: Girl On A Swing
Prisoner-Of-War Brick Steps
During the war, a set of brick steps down to the Plant House were built using bricks made and installed by allied prisoners of war (PoWs), which can still be seen today.
As a sign of defiance, the PoWs imprinted arrows on most of the bricks to indicate that they were detained by the authorities.
In August 1995, upon the 50th anniversary of the cessation of
hostilities, eight former veteran PoWs from Australia came to the Gardens
to examine the steps they had built with bricks marked with arrows.
Back to the place where they were held captive fifty years ago, what was going on in their minds?
The tree featured on our 5 dollar bill
Swan Lake
Sculpture: Flight Of Swans
Swan Lake Gazebo
The lone white swan
There were actually three white swans at Swan Lake. Two were together at the lake in front while this is alone at the smaller lake behind.
Frangipani Collection with swings
Lots of swings
I would not want to be here after dark!
Frangipani flower
Bonsai Garden
The earlier drizzle has advanced into a downpour
Heavy downpour at the Sundial Garden
Sundial
Something really embarrassing happened here. I was so engrossed taking photos not realizing that there were actually two shelters on either side of the sundial. I took the photo above from one of the shelter. You can see the other shelter at the opposite.
After I am done taking photos of the sundial, I realized there were some people seeking shelter there and they were looking at me taking photos in the rain with my weird pose.
My hands were operating the camera so I had my neck pinning the umbrella against my shoulder with my mouth wide open... lol
After I am done taking photos of the sundial, I realized there were some people seeking shelter there and they were looking at me taking photos in the rain with my weird pose.
My hands were operating the camera so I had my neck pinning the umbrella against my shoulder with my mouth wide open... lol
Tanglin Gate
The cloudy skies and cool weather make the walk in the Gardens a enjoyable one. Although it rained intermittently, my spirits were not dampened at all. The smell of fresh, crisp air is really invigorating! I am really proud of our beautiful Botanic Gardens for achieving the UNESCO recognition!
SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS
1 Cluny Road
Singapore 259569
Opening hours: 5am - 12am
Website: www.sbg.org.sg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SingaporeBotanicGardens