Singapore's Green Space Includes Flora and Fauna
The Botanical Garden is an Orchid Lover's Paradise
Aug 2, 2008
Singapore is a modern city and not too different than a city in the west. The tropical island country, which includes 60 surrounding small islands, is located in Southeast Asia between Malaysia and Indonesia. Just north of the equator, it’s one of the world’s most densely populated cities.
This small and wealthy country has over 5000 residents per square kilometer and for travelers visiting this multicultural city, an escape to the botanical gardens located within the city center is a welcome respite.
In 1819, Singapore was founded as a British trading colony. Years later, in 1859, Laurence Niven, a British nutmeg plantation owner, had the foresight along with other colonial figures to clear the tiger infested jungle and create a layout of botanic gardens.
Twenty nine years later, Sir Henry Ridley, a British botanist, became the director of the Botanical Gardens. His reign lasted from 1888 to 1912. Ridley was an interesting character; he was known by some people as “Mad Ridley” for promoting the rubber industry in its infancy. Ridley was clever and developed a new way to remove latex from trees without killing them. Consequently, within two decades, the Malay Peninsula supplied half of the world’s latex.
Considered one of the most beautiful public gardens in the world, one of the highlights at the botanical gardens are the extensive and diverse orchid pavilions. The orchid is the national flower of Singapore. With over 1000 species and 2000 hybrids, the botanical gardens have the largest display of tropical orchids in the world.
Orchids have long been identified with Singapore. In 1981, Vanda Miss Joaquim was appropriately chosen as Singapore’s national flower. It is the first registered plant hybrid from Singapore.
Another must-see in Singapore is the Singapore zoo. It is rated among the best in the world. In 1965, Singapore became an independent country and families of British forces pulled out leaving many animals behind. About 40 endangered creatures are among the zoo’s 2000 animals. Perhaps the oddest sight in the hot, tropical environment is the polar bear kept suitably cold at 30 degrees below freezing.
The Night Safari is the first of its kind anywhere. Located conveniently next to the zoo, it allows visitors to see nocturnal animals in action under subdued lighting resembling moonlight. It is home to over 1200 animals and birds. Listen for the eerie roaring of the big cats.
Hotel Tip: The Carlton is centrally located and a stone's throw from Raffles Hotel.
Getting Around: Take the Hippo double decker bus.
 |
 |
 |
