The first step of an ambitious plan to transform Singapore into the 'Garden City' or 'City in the Garden,' the Gardens by the Bay span a staggering 101 hectares (250 acres) of reclaimed land alongside the Marina Reservoir. From its grove of skyscraping Supertrees to the space-age biodomes, these waterfront gardens are anything but ordinary. Complete with its own waterfall, the Cloud Forest replicates a tropical paradise, while the Flower Dome encapsulates quintessentially Mediterranean climes. Even more fascinating is the Sun Pavilion with its collection of cacti and the topiaries of the World of Plants. Mesmerizing works of art are scattered across the three gardens - Bay East, Bay West and Bay Central - while the Heritage Gardens showcase Chinese, Malay and Indian culture through themed natural spaces. A magical world of wonders, Singapore's Gardens by the Bay are an awe-inspiring horticultural showcase of 21st-century design.
Singapore Botanic Gardens have proudly found a place on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list. The gardens are a paradisaical expanse replete with lush, blooming greens that were founded in 1859 with a mission to cultivate plants of economic potential. Today, with more than 600,000 plant specimens, it is clearly one of the world's largest botanical reserves. The park provides a comprehensive introduction to plants in a variety of settings, from rolling lawns and orchid gardens to tropical droves and a rejuvenating rainforest. The grounds of the botanic gardens also harbor various other attractions including options for dining and garden's specifically designed for children.
Mottled with a tapestry of dense woodlands, rejuvenating rainforests and water features aplenty, Singapore Zoo forges a fascinating, wild revelry where a multitude of animals thrive and flourish with pleasant solidarity. Opened in 1973, Singapore Zoo uses moats and beautifully-landscaped glass-fronted enclosures to house hundreds of thousands of animals. 28 hectares (69.2 acres) of land is divided into more than a dozen regions, featuring hundreds of species, including rare and endangered ones. The world's largest captive orangutan group lies nestled in the verdant recesses of the zoo which attaches great importance to wildlife education and conservation. Two programs, Wild Breakfast and Afternoon Tea, enable visitors to interact with and learn more about several species of animals while having their meal. Photographic opportunities, of course, abound, while other highlights of the zoo include feeding programs, elephant and pony rides, animal shows, tram rides and insightful, open exhibits.
Put a zoo and a national wildlife park together and you will get this enchanting Night Safari that is home to 100 exotic species, many rare and endangered. The first of its kind in the world, this 40-hectare (98.8-acre) jungle allows you to watch 1000 nocturnal animals come alive at night in their natural habitats. A tram ride lets you tour the park in comfort (extra charges apply). For more adventure, choose from one of the three walking trails and discover the wildlife from close quarters.
Cradled in the southern frontiers of the Tenasserim Hills, this verdant park spans a monumental area and is draped in one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world. Criss-crossed by an array of meandering rivers - of which the Endau and Rompin are the most prominent ones - this paradise of nature is favored for several rugged outdoor activities, most popular of which are trekking, camping, birdwatching, fishing, and four-wheel drive excursions. Replete with cascading waterfalls, rugged expanses, and winding trails, this teeming national park is speckled with a string of chalets, campsites, and dormitories that add to the park’s enthralling beauty. A safe haven of an arsenal of wild creatures like Asian elephants, tapirs, leopards, deer, long-tail macaques and wild boars, the park is flecked with numerous rock formations which have aged gracefully over millions of years. Also home to the Orang Asli tribe, this national park is a soulful nexus of indigenous cultural nuances and nature’s sheer magnificence.
Tucked away behind the Grand Palace, this local zoo is the oldest zoo in all of Malaysia dating back to 1928. The Johor Zoo is a popular attraction for families on weekends with a plethora of exotic animals to see. Paths are well maintained and enclosures are large and spacious for the animals. See everything from tropical birds, camels, African gorillas, lions, tigers and many other wonderful creatures. At Johor Zoo, you can indulge in fun activity like horse riding and also features a playground for kids.
The Evolution Garden is one of the theme gardens within the famous Singapore Botanic Gardens. It tells the amazing story of how plants evolved from simple bacteria growing on rocks to the diverse flowers and trees that we know today. It is also the most educational of the attractions within the Botanic Gardens, with trails following a timeline beginning 300 million years ago. As you explore the garden, you can watch the process of natural evolution, including how plants evolve from lichens to ferns, then petrified trees to modern plants. Information signs explain each step and free guided tours are available as well.
While vacationing in Singapore, your best chance to catch a spectacular sand and sea experience is at Lazarus Island, one of the islands located South of Singapore. This island is free of inhabitants and has a pristine character. If you are looking for camping or other water sports facilities such as snorkeling, you will have to look elsewhere. This is a charming island without any facilities other than the empty beaches with clear, green waters and palm trees. You can visit this island by a ferry that takes you to St John’s Island. From there you can just walk across to Lazarus. Don’t forget to take enough food and water, because you won’t be able to buy anything out there.
A man-made marvel awaits your arrival at the famous Gardens by the Bay. Aptly called the Cloud Forest, this wonderful attraction has an environment that transports you into a tropical forest. The cool temperature here is controlled using air conditioners and mist is sprayed artificially at regular intervals to create an illusion of being amidst the clouds. The mountain itself towers over 40 meters (131 feet) with an elevator placed inside it for visitors to scale the gigantic structure. A waterfall gushes down the mountain from a height of over 30 meters (98 feet). Visitors standing at the extended observation desks can feel the sprinkles from the waterfall while breathing in the tropical scents of the many ferns that are artificially grown here.
Mottled with a tapestry of dense woodlands, rejuvenating rainforests and water features aplenty, Singapore Zoo forges a fascinating, wild revelry where a multitude of animals thrive and flourish with pleasant solidarity. Opened in 1973, Singapore Zoo uses moats and beautifully-landscaped glass-fronted enclosures to house hundreds of thousands of animals. 28 hectares (69.2 acres) of land is divided into more than a dozen regions, featuring hundreds of species, including rare and endangered ones. The world's largest captive orangutan group lies nestled in the verdant recesses of the zoo which attaches great importance to wildlife education and conservation. Two programs, Wild Breakfast and Afternoon Tea, enable visitors to interact with and learn more about several species of animals while having their meal. Photographic opportunities, of course, abound, while other highlights of the zoo include feeding programs, elephant and pony rides, animal shows, tram rides and insightful, open exhibits.
Featuring more than 700 species of orchids, the National Orchid Garden was opened in 1996 and boasts one of the largest orchid displays in the world. The variety of hybrids found here are the result of an impressive orchid-breeding program, which began in 1928. Catch a glimpse of Singapore's national flower (Vanda Miss Joaquim) and the diverse breeds of its family in stunning orchid terraces. Publications, orchid plants and other orchid-related items are available at the Entrance Pavilion. Orchid jewelry, made by plating real orchids with gold, makes for great souvenirs and gift ideas.
Singapore Botanic Gardens have proudly found a place on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list. The gardens are a paradisaical expanse replete with lush, blooming greens that were founded in 1859 with a mission to cultivate plants of economic potential. Today, with more than 600,000 plant specimens, it is clearly one of the world's largest botanical reserves. The park provides a comprehensive introduction to plants in a variety of settings, from rolling lawns and orchid gardens to tropical droves and a rejuvenating rainforest. The grounds of the botanic gardens also harbor various other attractions including options for dining and garden's specifically designed for children.