City and country Singapore surprises with its exoticism, an unusual combination of modern architecture and corners with preserved pristine nature. The stunning flora and fauna of the region is presented in zoological and botanical gardens. Huge manicured parks in the heart of the shopping districts impress travelers from all over the world. And the Singapore Botanic Garden is one of the best, included in the UNESCO list. This is one of the main attractions of the country.
History
The garden was established in the 1920s. The main purpose of its creation was the cultivation of cocoa beans, spices and some other crops. Then, for several decades, the need for plant breeding disappeared, and the area was not used. Serious work on the creation of the park began in 1859. Gradually, the plant world was enriched, seedlings began to be brought from other parts.
In the 20th century, the Singapore Botanic Gardens brought forth many new species of tropical plants. Soil research was also carried out here, new varieties were bred. During this period, the first hybrids of orchids began to take root. ATLater, the garden withstood the period of occupation and was not plundered. The history of the Singapore Botanic Garden does not end there: now it trains biologists, continues to ennoble the territory and breed new varieties. This park is visited by a huge number of people every year: not only tourists, but also local residents who come here to relax, relax or do outdoor sports.
Attractions
Walking through the Singapore Botanical Garden in Singapore, you can see beautiful alleys, ponds and fountains. The names of the plants you like can be read from special plates installed nearby. The Orchid Garden is located somewhat separately. Entrance there is paid, but it is worth a visit: picturesque places can be found here. Tourists will be impressed by the variety of blooming orchids.
There are waterfalls, small sculptural compositions that fit perfectly into the surroundings. Sculptures overgrown with moss give visitors the feeling that they are in a fairy-tale land. In some pavilions, the air temperature is deliberately low to make the plants comfortable.
In 2007, the first garden for children in Asian countries was opened under the name of D. Ballas. You can get there from a separate entrance, but this is also the territory of the Singapore Botanical Garden. Young visitors can not only look at plants, but also learn more about their cultivation and benefits for humans. There is also a play area and a separate cafe.
Animal world
OnOn the territory of the Singapore Botanic Gardens you can meet various animals. Swans live on one of the three park lakes. The reservoir is named after them. Of the birds, you can also meet ducks and starlings-aplonis.
And turtles live in the ponds.
You can take great photos at the Singapore Botanic Gardens in any weather. For example, to shoot a pond with water lilies or barely blossoming flowers. Wild birds live among the trees, and it will be good luck to take a photo of one of them.
What else to see?
Be sure to see such unique varieties of plants as dendrobiums, saraka, wax palms and some species of the Ginger family. They also come to the garden to listen to music. Concerts of orchestras are periodically held at special venues. In 2008, a monument to F. Chopin was even erected here. There are also other beautiful sculptures. For example, a composition depicting swans in Swan Lake.
Travelers from other countries should visit the Garden of Evolution, which covers an area of 1.5 hectares. Walking along the path, you can observe how plant species changed in different periods of the planet's history. Coniferous trees, ferns grow along the road, huge boulder stones complement the decor.
Another amazing object is the Green Pavilion - a house whose roof is completely covered with plants. It looks unusual, but inside there are recreation areas for guests. For those interested in botany, there is a horticultural library and learning centers.
Bloomingplants create an extraordinary atmosphere and exude pleasant aromas. But there is a separate area where spices are grown. The smells reigning there will be remembered for a long time by guests. Another area of the garden is devoted to marsh vegetation.
Water lilies swim in a small pond, and water-loving trees and herbs stretch out of the water around.
How to get to the Singapore Botanic Gardens?
Getting to the park, being on the island, is not difficult. The easiest way to do this is by subway. Get off at Botanic Gardens station. From there you will immediately see the signs and the entrance to the garden.
Another way to get to the sights is by taxi. But for this, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the approximate prices in advance (Singapore dollars are used here) and think over the return route. In good weather, you can walk, especially if the hotel or guest house is nearby. There are hotels located very close to the park.
Note to visitors wishing to travel by public transport: there are several entrances to the garden. Several buses follow the route.
Visitor information
There is no need to buy tickets to the park: admission is free for everyone. The mode of operation is the same for any time of the year. Every morning, the Singapore Botanic Garden opens its doors at 5 o'clock and closes at exactly midnight. The park is open seven days a week and in any weather. There are cafeterias and recreation areas in separate pavilions. Also on the territory there is a museum of the history of the garden, where you can learn about the foundersand famous biologists.
In rainy weather you should take an umbrella, but there are places in the park where you can hide from the rain. These are gazebos with benches, souvenir shops, food courts, special pavilions.
Before visiting, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the plan of the garden, located at the entrance, as well as with the rules of stay. Their main point is not to harm plants. All the main attractions, indoor areas and branches of the Center are marked there. You can view the plan right from home by going to the official website of the park.
