Orchids in Singapore

Reputed to be the largest display of tropical orchids in the world, Singapore’s National Orchid Garden is home to over 60,000 orchid species and more than 2,000 hybrids, all arranged on the basis of a seasonal colour system. Cream and yellow for spring, pink and red for summer, purple and red for autumn and pure white for winter.

The garden opened to the public in 1995, but the breeding programme dates back more than 80 years.  Initiated by Professor R.E. Holttum in collaboration with orchid lovers such as John Laycock, or ‘Uncle John’ as orchid aficionados know him,  the breeding programme has produced a large number of striking and hugely successful hybrids from early varieties like Spathoglottis Primrose and international favourite Oncidesa Goldiana (Golden Shower or Dancing Lady), to the recent chocolate-coloured Vanda. (Get up close to this dark-petalled flower and you’ll discover that it smells deliciously chocolate-like too.)

Research and development lie at the heart of this garden, but it is also a fascinating and beautiful place to visit. Fragrant orchids can be found in the Tan Hoon Siang Mist House, endangered varieties thrive in the Cool House, while the VIP Orchid Garden is filled with extraordinary hybrids named after some of the world’s most celebrated personalities. If you have ever wondered what Paravanda Nelson Mandela or Dendrobium Jackie Chan look like, this is place to come.

All our Singapore 2020 programmes include a guided visit to the National Orchid Garden. Learn more about our tour itineraries here