Singapore Botanic Gardens
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About
The only tropical botanic gardens in the world to be inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Singapore Botanic Gardens has enchanted visitors since 1859 with its extraordinary collection of over 10,000 species of plants across 74 hectares of beautifully maintained tropical greenery in the heart of the city. The National Orchid Garden houses over 1,000 orchid species and 2,000 hybrids including the Vanda Miss Joaquim, Singapore's national flower, displayed in a stunning hillside setting of curved pathways and tropical waterfalls. Free symphony concerts on weekends at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, a bandstand dating to 1930, add a cultural dimension to what is already Singapore's most beloved green space.
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- National Orchid Garden
- Swan Lake and Bandstand
- Lush tropical plant collections
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Samy's Curry
Operating since the 1960s, Samy's Curry is an institution famous for its South Indian 'banana leaf' dining experience. Historically, it started as a small stall and grew into a massive, no-frills dining hall in a former British military barrack. The sensory experience is authentic and tactile; food is served on fresh banana leaves, and the aroma of their signature 'Masala Chicken' and 'Fish Head Curry' is intoxicating. Experts recommend the spicy 'Mysore Mutton' and the free-flow biryani rice. Practical pro tip: Eating with your hands is encouraged here for the full cultural experience; it is an open-air, non-air-conditioned hall that gets very busy on weekends, so dress for the tropical heat and arrive early to secure a table.
Candlenut
Candlenut is the world's first and only Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, where Chef Malcolm Lee reimagines traditional Straits-Chinese recipes with modern refinement. Historically, it elevated humble home-style Nyonya cooking to the global stage. The sensory experience is airy and elegant, set in a high-ceilinged space in Dempsey Hill decorated with bamboo lanterns and patterned tiles. The flavors are complex and soul-satisfying, highlighting the 'Buah Keluak' nut. Experts recommend the 'Ah-ma-kase' tasting menu for a curated journey through heirloom recipes. Practical pro tip: The restaurant is located in the trendy Dempsey Hill area; it is perfect for a sophisticated weekend lunch. Be sure to try the 'Kurobuta Pork Satay,' which is widely considered the best in the city.
PS.Cafe (Harding Rd)
PS.Cafe at Harding Road is the brand's flagship and arguably the most beautiful cafe in Singapore. Set in a glass-walled pavilion surrounded by the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill, it offers a sensory escape from the urban jungle. Historically, it transformed from a hidden fashion-boutique cafe into a city-wide institution. The atmosphere is high-fashion and chic, famous for its towering flower arrangements. Experts recommend the 'Truffle Shoestring Fries' and the 'Double Chocolate Blackout Cake.' Practical pro tip: The parking can be tricky on weekends, so take a taxi; it is a favorite for the 'see-and-be-seen' crowd, so dress up a little. Request a window seat to fully appreciate the jungle views.
Burnt Ends
Burnt Ends is a Michelin-starred modern Australian barbecue restaurant that centers around a four-tonne, custom-built dual cavity oven and four elevation grills. Historically, it led the trend of 'open-fire' cooking in Singapore's fine-dining scene. The sensory experience is intense and masculine—the heat from the open kitchen, the smell of apple and cherry wood smoke, and the sight of chefs working with live fire. The 'Burnt Ends Sanger' (pulled pork burger) is a cult favorite. Experts recommend the counter seats to watch the fiery action up close. Practical pro tip: It has recently moved to the Dempsey Hill area; reservations are notoriously difficult and open 30 days in advance at 10 AM. If you can’t get a seat, they sometimes have a walk-in policy for their bar area.
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