Our Southeast Asia cruise in November 2025 ended in Singapore. We stayed several extra days to explore the city.
Most days were overcast and humid, with varying probabilities of precipitation. The sunniest day was our first full day in the city, so we took that opportunity to visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Most of the garden could better be described as a nice city park. It was a beautiful oasis of nature amid an otherwise crowded, overbuilt city. But it lacked the variety of interesting plants from around the world that we have found in most botanic gardens we’ve visited.
That changed when we entered the National Orchid Garden. We were amazed by the wide variety of orchid species on display. We took dozens of photos. Selecting about 20 was a challenging task.
Before we reached the orchid garden, we passed this stage where orchestra concerts are performed. There is a large sloped grass lawn for the audience behind the spot where this photo was taken.
Birds of Paradise, much like we have in the Southwest and California.
The National Orchid Garden displays approximately 1,500 species and 3,000 hybrids.
The horticulturists at the garden are constantly working on creating new hybrids. Whenever a dignitary from a foreign country visits, they name a hybrid after them. Their Orchid Diplomacy program has honored Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, Pope Francis, and the leaders of many countries, including the United States.
After being in the sunny heat and humidity for a couple of hours, we were grateful to enter the Cool House, where species that thrive in cooler environments are displayed.
If you’re ever in Singapore, their Botanic Garden is well worth a visit. Admission to the park is free; only the orchid garden charges a small entry fee. Singapore’s excellent train system has a station right at the entrance.