Overseas Walk: Singapore Orchid Gardens for a walk among flora
Founded in 1859 the beatuful National Orchid Garden in Singapore showcases the best and most spectacular British tropical colonial flora.
In the heart of the city it is situated at the fringe of Singapore’s Orchard Road shopping district. One of three gardens and the only tropical one to be honoured as a
UNESCO World heritage Site. It is the only four hectare patch of original jungle left on the island with the tallest tree standing about 40 metres high.
Spanning 82 hectares to walk and only 5 minutes from Orchard Road thousands of plant varieties including rare orchids and ancient trees are interconnected with boardwalks and elevated walkways amongst a range of habitats, fresh water, forest and lowland rainfore
The Orchid garden is a must for lovers of these plants of which there is a display of 2000 that were started in the 1920’s.
The Ginger Garden displays 250 plants. There is a range of colourful birds and insects thanks to the ponds and lakes that attract them to the area.
There was so much to explore so I started at the Orchid Gardens. I can only say that it is fantastic.
With a map I set out to amble through this astounding park. It
was very interesting to observe the banana trees were covered in a thick netting over the bananas.
At first I was baffled as to why, then I noticed a family of cheeky marauding monkeys bounding happily amongst them.
There is a symphony stage sitting on an islet in the middle of a lake that hosts classical orchestral performances very much the same as the one in Brooklands Park New Plymouth.
As I walked around the lake I noticed several monitor lizards of varying sizes gliding along under the large lily pads in the water below the stage.There were also a variety of little turtles on the banks enjoying the hot sun.
I cannot put into words the splendour of this beautiful park, with the boardwalks, raised walkways, the foliage, trees and the way it has been set out. As you walk within the canopy you can look into the crown of the trees and glimpse their flowering close up.
I loved the beautiful sculpture of Chopin and I presume his wife along with other sculptures set in different areas of the gardens. The beautiful walks and paths set amongst different scenery and plants, all intermingled to make a stunning array of colour and variety. Very well planned and maintained by hard working dedicated workers and gardeners.
There are cafes situated in various parts of the gardens to suit all wallets along with cold drink machines which are very much appreciated due to this very hot climate.
I made the mistake of visiting in the heat of the day, when I should have picked early morning or evening. I took my own food and drink which you can do and sat on one of the many seats available .There are toilets through out and plenty of shade amongst the trees but still very hot.
It is a perfect setting for strolls, jogging, picnics, and just enjoying this magic place.
There is no admission fee for the gardens but it is $5-00 for the Orchid Gardens and well worth it. The gardens, as is the rest of Singapore is scrupulously clean and well maintained. There are strict laws regarding the cleanliness in this city. Pity it didn’t apply in other cities in the world.