Three is the number of times I have visited the Singapore Botanic Gardens – once with my family when I was little (I have a picture with the swans as evidence), once with my ex-colleagues for a picnic seven years ago and the last was with the Husband (then-boyfriend) about five years go. I remembered it was a perfect day for lazing on the grass with the sun up, fluffy clouds providing shade and a gentle breeze giving relief from the humidity.
Thanks to Singapore’s National Parks Board, I made my fourth visit to the Botanic Gardens and explored the newly minted UNESCO World Heritage site with a new perspective. The trip is made even more memorable and engaging with narration by Dr Nigel Taylor, Director of Singapore Botanic Gardens, and David Lim, Manager of National Orchid Gardens (whom we affectionately called “Uncle David”). I can’t wait to go back again with friends and this time to spot all the sculptures.
Dr Nigel Taylor and Uncle David
Do you know that it takes an enormous amount of rigorous planning and preparation in order to be validated as a UNESCO heritage site? The process to inscribe the Gardens started in 2010. It took two years of feasibility study from 2010 to 2012 to prove that the Botanic Gardens has an outstanding universal value, integrity and authenticity before submitting the inscription request to UNESCO.
A couple of detailed assessment and reviews then took place and finally the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) did a technical assessment before the Gardens got recommended by ICOMOS on 15 May 2015 to be inscribed. It was only on 4 July 2015 during the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC), where WHC unanimously accepted the recommendation.
I’m so proud of Singapore’s achievement; as a tiny city-island with young history (since independence), this is a significant milestone for the country.
I always thought that going to the Gardens is just to have picnics and exercise and/or chillout. I mean, a garden is a garden right? But after the heritage tour, it is so much more.
Here are my top 3 things you can do at the Singapore Botanic Gardens (for the not-so-athletic):
#1. Take a Brisk Walk Around the Gardens
Wear your most comfortable shoes and go on a walking trail. Trail Guides are available for download and comes with stories and history of the flora and fauna species.
I went on a Heritage Trail and had a great time listening to the history of the place and buildings narrated by Dr Taylor, who is also part of the committee that helped with the UNESCO inscription submission preparation.
During the course of the trail, I got to visit the famous 20-year-old National Orchid Garden* opened by the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew. I had an enjoyable time spotting orchids named after celebrities at the Celebrity Garden and listening to Uncle David explaining to us patiently about orchids and the history of the place. Do you know that orchid is actually a herb? A perineal herb to be specific. I never knew that.
*NOTE: Admission to National Orchid Garden is now open to all Singaporeans for free until 31st August.
One of my favourite celebrity orchid named after Mrs Picasso
Uncle David also mentioned that orchids can be made into a dish, such as coleslaw or add into Lou-hei using either Ann Black or Red orchids. I’m going to try it out and share the recipe one day.
The most vandalised tree in Singapore Botanic Gardens (as told by Uncle David)
We walked pass this tree and he said that it is the most vandalised tree in the Gardens. Ladies and Gentlemen, go and find this tree in National Orchid Park. Admire from afar and please don’t leave your mark. The marks would remain there for years.
Group photo with Uncle David at the National Orchid Garden. Photo courtesy of National Parks Board.
If you prefer a guided tour, there is a complimentary guided Heritage Tour which takes place on every fourth Saturday of the month. Other tours are available on every other Saturday as well, such as:
- Healing Garden Tour (first Sat of every month),
- Rain Forest Tour (second Sat of every month)
- National Orchid Garden Tour (third Sat of every month)
#2. Go for a Gastronomic Trail at the Gardens
For brunch or lunch, pick up a picnic basket or eat in at the pet-friendly Casa Verda managed by the Les Amis Group.
Singapore Laksa (Available for a limited period only from 3 to 17 August, excluding weekends and public holidays)
To commemorate Singapore’s 50th Birthday and the Botanic Gardens’ recent UNESCO status, Chef Danny Tan of Casa Verde will be offering Singapore iconic dishes, Singapore Laksa, Mee Siam, Mee Rebus, and Char Kway Teow, in addition to its existing menu to celebrate this special occasion. Available for a limited period only, from 3 to 17 August (weekdays, excluding public holidays), the iconic dishes are going for S$9.80 nett together with a choice of selected beverage between 12 pm to 2.45 pm.
On National Day itself, freshly-baked pizzas are going for 50% off from 11.30 am to 5.45 pm too! It’ll be a great idea to be there early and grab some before the festivities take place.
Take a mid-day break from exploring the gardens and drop by Halia for something sweet and tipsy to quench the mid-day heat. Inspired by the flavours of Orchids, Halia presents a SG50 Desserts & Cocktails menu that uses orchid tea as its ingredient. The orchid used for the tea is specially grown and made into tea within the compounds of the Gardens for the purpose of the Jubilee and UNESCO celebration. Halia’s Desserts and Cocktails menu is currently available until 31 August.
White Orchid and Lapis
My favourite has to be the “White Orchid and Lapis”. Halia’s homemade lapis is moist and have the right amount of buttery-ness that makes me crave for more. Topped with White Orchid Tea ice cream, the light fragrance of the ice cream balances off the sweetness just perfectly.
Yam Seng and 1965
The alcoholic in me gives two thumbs up to “Yam Seng” and “1965”. Generous with the amount of rum and gin respectively, it is the kind of drink that I would wind down my evening with. For the non-alcoholics, there is a “Singapore Jubilee” mocktail option too.
If you are planning for a romantic evening with the special someone, try Chef Jason Tan’s Gastro-Botanic cuisine at the CORNER HOUSE. The restaurant sits within the historical and charming EJH Corner House. The black and white bungalow was built in 1910 and has since been modernised but still retains its original architecture.
The “Whispering Room” is my favourite area of the restaurant, located on level two of the restaurant with a panoramic view of the gardens. I can only imagine how lovely it will look during evening time. I was told many proposals took place at this very corner.
The Whispering Room (pic courtesy of CORNER HOUSE)
To mark SG50 and the first Anniversary of the CORNER HOUSE, Chef Jason Tan has prepared a celebratory 8-course menu as a gift to Singapore on its 50th birthday, as well as a reminder of his own journey from boyhood to acclaimed stewardship of CORNER HOUSE.
Remembering Oyster Omelette (Royale oyster, farm egg, coriander mochi and Kristal de Chine caviar.
I was fortunate enough to see how “Remembering Oyster Omelette” is plated before it was served. It’s like watching a MasterChef episode up close (fangirl moment). When Bing says “Please combine the flavours by mixing the elements together to enjoy this dish”, I was shocked and so reluctant. This dish is so pretty and after witnessing the detailed and laborious plating process, I’m not willing to let it become a mess. However I was assured that the dish is best enjoyed by mixing all the elements together. With great reluctance I obeyed and oh boy, it does tastes heavenly!
My Corner of The World’ is a durian bread and butter pudding; it is the
final course and Jason’s ode to CORNER HOUSE on its 1st anniversary.
Next I got to try Chef Jason’s version of durian bread and butter pudding. Now, I have to say upfront, I’m not a fan of durian but this is something that I would gladly have seconds. Mildly fragrant yet not too overpowering. Chef Jason did mention he might prepare a”power-up” version for durian lovers. Good news for the durian-obsessed!
The CORNER HOUSE SG50 celebratory menu is now available until 16 August and for dinner service only. Reservations are strongly recommended to ensure a seat.
Having fun with the milk jar
If you happen to crave for a decent cup of coffee, CORNER HOUSE makes one of the nicest coffee plus they have the quirkiest table accessories. Check out their milk jar … SO CUTE! I want this for my new house!
If you are still hungry for more, visit Food Canopy for some finger-licking-good local dishes. Do you know that an in-house nutrionist actually reviews the food menu and offer recommendations to the stall owners to offer healthier options? Good to know that more and more businesses are beginning to pay attention to health-conscious consumers’ needs.
#3. Shopping at the Gardens Shop
For shopaholics, drop by the Gardens Shop and take a look at the wide variety of gifts, from aromatic Orchid Tea Collection to premium kaya and stylish scarves that would be perfect for this coming National Day or even as gifts to your friends.
Orchid Tea Gift Set (30g x 3) SGD$42 (Orchid Red Tea | Orchid White Tea | Orchid Gold Tea)
The flavours of the Orchid tea used in Halia’s Dessert and Cocktails menu are also available for sale. They come in gift sets of three in different flavours or individual larger tins. Personally I am in love with the Orchid Gold Tea; it is so fragrant and soothing as an evening tea.
A host of activities have been lined up for this double celebration all the way until 31 August. If you have not decided what to do during the long National Day weekend, why not drop by the Gardens and take pride at our very own UNESCO heritage site?
During the long weekend of 7 to 9 August, you can look forward to a carnival featuring activities such as heritage walks, cultural booths, balloon sculpting, favourite childhood knick-knacks and snacks such as kacang putih and ice balls. Get to enjoy as well a variety show reminiscent of the “Aneka Ragam Ra’yat” or “People’s Variety Show” first held at the Gardens in 1959, concerts and performances. Performances at the bandstand and outdoor movie screenings will also be available for visitors to enjoy. For more information, click here.
