History of Singapore Botanical Garden

The idea of a national garden in Singapore started in 1822 when Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore and a keen naturalist, developed the first 'Botanical and Experimental Gardent' at Fort Canning. This Garden closed in 1829 and it was not until 30 years later that the Singpaore Botanical Gardens at its present site was founded by an agri-horticultural society. This oasis of beauty and grennery was soon handed over to the Government.

In the early years, the Gardens played an important role in fostering agricultural development in Singapore and the region through collecting, growing, experimenting and distributing potentially useful plants. One of the ealiest and most important successes was the introduction, experimentation and promotion of Para Rubbers, Hevea brasiliensis, from 1877.
This become a major crop that brought great prosperity to the South East Asian region. In the 1920s, the Gardens spearheaded orchid breeding and started its orchid hybridisation programme. In contemporary times, the Gardens also played a key role in Singpaore's Garden City programme through the continual introduction of plants of horticultural and botanical interests.

Today, the 63-hectare Garden is home to a great diversity of tropical plants set in verdant landscapes. Here is a tropical Eden, rich with 150 years of history, where time seems to stand still. Be it a rejuvenating walk in solitude, a romatic rendezvous or a day with your family, the Garden has plenty to offer.