Singapore Botanic Gardens (not be confused with the new Gardens by the Bay) have been an important botanical institute since the mid nineteenth century and in 2015 was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This was a huge badge of honour for the island city/state as there are only two other gardens granted this status, the others being Padova in Italy and Kew Gardens in London, (lofty company indeed).

Today these splendid gardens cover 82 hectares of mature parkland style gardens that provide the visitor with a comprehensive array of tropical plants that are meticulously maintained and thoughtfully displayed. 

These are easy gardens to navigate with excellent pathways, plenty of signposts, excellent plant naming signs, a host of food and beverage outlets and of course masses of vitally needed shade.

Let's not beat around the bush here, Singapore is awfully hot and humid all year round so the unacclimatised visitor can find it taxing walking longer distances. 

And these gardens are very large, so we recommend multiple visits to cover different areas on different days - unless you are a local of course.

Entering through the Tanglin Gate brings you to the 1.5 hectare Swan Lake which was built in 1866 and is an ongoing popular attraction in the gardens providing a cooler location to walk around while providing home to numerous waterbirds and fish.

The Ginger Garden offers a large collection of these ultimately tropical, shade plants that produce the most wonderful, waxy blooms. 

Many colourful Heliconia can also be seen here too.

The National Orchid Garden is a 'must-see' and although there is an entrance charge, it is well worth it for the kaleidoscope of colours, frangrances and shapes created by these enduring wonders of the plant world. 

Singapore Botanic Gardens are renowned for their work on Orchids, with the state's national flower being bred here - Papilionanthe 'Miss Joaquim', sometimes also known under its original name of Vanda 'Miss Joaquim'.

The Frangipani Collection is worth a visit when in bloom, as is the Bouganvillea and Bamboo Collection.

Other features to look out for are:-

• Symphony Lake, 
• Eco-Lake, Healing Garden, 
• Palm Valley
• Fragrant Garden, 
• Foliage Garden, 
• Herbs and Spices Garden, 
• Evolution Garden, 
• while the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden provides children under 14 with the chance to learn about plant-life and biodiversity in an environment of adventure and play.

Singapore Botanic Gardens has it's eye on both its academic status while also providing world class visitor amenity. 

There's a lot to see and do here, its beautifully presented and a comprehensive showcase for the avid plant lover.

Highly recommended - but bring a shade umbrella and water bottle.