Impressions of Singapore's tropical gardens, a world heritage site

Beyond this gate lies the garden covering an area of 183 acres (74 hectares). It is regarded as an outstanding example of a tropical botanical garden. It has played an important role in advances of scientific knowledge, particularly in the fields of tropical botany and horticulture.

The Gardens were partly built by Australian prisoners of war during World War II. When it was still a zoo, the Singapore Botanical Gardens received flamboyant gifts such as a leopard from the King of Siam (Thailand).

It is the most visited botanic garden in the world with 4.5 million visitors every year.

Built in 1867 on the highest point of the Gardens, Burkhill Hall was formerly the residence of the Gardens’ directors. Today it is believed to be the only surviving example of an Anglo-Malay plantation-style house in the region.

The Tembusu tree is featured on the five Singapore dollar note. This specimen is 170 years old, as old as the Botanical Gardens. It is an evergreen tree that can reach a height of up to 25 metres. During flowering, its creamy-white flowers open during sunset and give off a sweet perfume.

The National Orchid garden is a highlight of the Gardens, showcasing some 450 different orchids. The Singapore Botanic Gardens pioneered orchid Hybridisation, making the island-state one of the world's top centers of commercial orchid growing.

The "Vanda tessellata" is native to Sri Lanka and the southern tip of the Indian Peninsula. It has a strong fragrance quite unlike that of any other garden flower. Its use in traditional medicine is well established. Now a commercial perfume line is in the works.

Tai Chi is very popular in Singapore. In the Singapore Botanic Gardens you can join the free classes every morning.