Singapore, despite its small size of just 710 square kilometres, is famously known as the “Garden City.” This densely populated urban hub has transformed into a green oasis through visionary urban planning and a steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability. The Lion City’s abundant parks and gardens are a testament to its dedication to integrating nature into urban life, making it a haven for flower and garden enthusiasts from around the world.
But why does Singapore, with its limited land, prioritise greenery so highly? The answer lies in Singapore’s desire to enhance the quality of life for its residents, create a sustainable environment, and attract tourism.
For flower lovers, Singapore offers an array of must-see attractions that showcase its botanical brilliance. Let’s explore these floral paradises that make Singapore a top destination for garden enthusiasts.
1. Various Events and Gardens at Jewel Changi
Visitors to Singapore are immediately treated to spectacular greenery and floral displays with Jewel Changi Airport’s beautifully manicured gardens. In fact, if you’re travelling to the country from the 24th of May to the 11th of August, you’ll be able to experience Jewel Blooms 2024, a yearly flower show in Singapore. This year, guests will be treated to a multi-sensory exhibit. Jewel Blooms 2024: What A Feelin5 invites visitors to be inspired by flower arrangements and larger-than-life floral artworks. With five distinct zones, visitors can indulge in exciting sights, scents, and textures in the exhibit. Of course, the displays are also perfect for various photo opportunities for a truly memorable visit.
Beyond Jewel Blooms and other garden-themed events at Jewel Changi, locals and tourists who love appreciate flowers and nature can also spend some time strolling through the Jewel’s other famed garden attractions:
Butterfly Garden. A serene oasis, the Butterfly Garden is home to over 1,000 butterflies from over 40 species. As you wander through, you’ll be mesmerised by these delicate creatures fluttering amidst vibrant tropical flowers.
Sunflower Garden. If you love sunflowers, definitely make time to view the sunflowers in Terminal 2, Level 3. The garden features a vast variety of sunflowers grown from Jewel Changi’s own nursery.
Orchid Garden and Koi Pond. This tranquil garden features an impressive collection of orchids, complemented by a serene koi pond. Indeed, the combination of vibrant blooms and graceful fish makes for a peaceful retreat that’s perfect for nature lovers.
Enchanted Garden. The Enchanted Garden lives up to its name, with interactive displays and floral arrangements that create a fairy-tale atmosphere. It’s a whimsical little garden where flowers and technology blend seamlessly to deliver delightful experiences for guests.
2. Gardens by the Bay
One of Singapore’s most iconic attractions, Gardens by the Bay, is a must-visit for any floral enthusiast. It currently has ongoing floral exhibits—Rose Romance for June and Orchids of Angkor Wat that runs until the 8th of September. So, if you love flowers and will be visiting Singapore on these dates, you may want to add Gardens by the Bay to your itinerary.
As for permanent exhibits, the Gardens by the Bay includes floral gardens and displays that may thrill the gardener in you.
Floral Fantasy. Take Instagrammable shot after shot with nearly every kind of flower as your backdrop. The Floral Fantasy area of Gardens by the Bay is a separate exhibit featuring flowers from the tropics as well as temperate regions.
Flower Dome. Step into the Flower Dome, the world’s largest glass greenhouse, and be transported to different regions of the world. Here, you can explore a diverse collection of plants and flowers from five continents, beautifully arranged to reflect distinct climates and habitats.
3. Singapore Botanic Gardens
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a historical and botanical treasure. The garden features Blumentanz / Flower Dance: An Experimental Animation Exhibition that runs until January 2025. This is the perfect event if you are into floral-inspired art.
There are a variety of gardens within the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Since most are free of charge, there’s no reason not to explore as many as you can.
National Orchid Garden. Within the Botanic Gardens lies the National Orchid Garden, home to over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids. This vibrant display is a testament to Singapore’s dedication to orchid cultivation and hybridisation.
Ginger Garden. Discover over 250 varieties of ginger in one garden. If you didn’t already know, ginger is not only used to spice up your food. There are in fact ornamental gingers with unique and attractive flowers that florists regularly include in tropical flower arrangements.
4. Jurong Lake Gardens
Jurong Lake Gardens is Singapore’s latest national garden, and it’s quickly becoming a favourite spot for nature lovers. It features traditional Chinese and Japanese Gardens, offering a tranquil escape with their meticulously designed landscapes. The Chinese Garden features classical Chinese architecture and floral displays, while the Japanese Garden offers a serene environment with bonsai and traditional Japanese flora.
Singapore’s dedication to horticulture and floral beauty makes it a top destination for flower lovers. With gardens that feature everything from native plants to exotic specimens, flower lovers and nature appreciators will find inspiration in each one.