Time of the visit: the 22nd of Dec.,2025

The question which first comes to your mind is: why on earth is the SBG a UNESCO whs????

Because of its ( according to official sources)

1. Historical Role in Global Plant Economy: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a key hub for the introduction, cultivation, and distribution of the Para Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). The successful development of rubber tapping techniques here revolutionized the Southeast Asian economy and the global rubber industry.
2. Pioneering Tropical Botanical Science: It is one of the oldest tropical botanic gardens (founded in 1859) and has been a leading centre for plant research, particularly in orchid breeding. Its orchid hybridization programme is world-famous.
3. Unique "Garden City" Model: The Gardens' landscape design and its seamless integration into the urban fabric of Singapore directly inspired and guided the nation's transformation into a globally admired "City in a Garden."
4. Living Heritage Site: Unlike many historic gardens, it has continuously evolved, remaining a free public space for recreation, education, and cultural activities, deeply cherished by Singaporeans.

The official ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) evaluation report prior to inscription actually recommended deferral. Their concerns were later overruled by the World Heritage Committee.

ICOMOS sought a clearer, more demonstrable link between the garden's design and the actual city planning of Singapore beyond a general "inspiration."
They questioned if the SBG was truly exceptional compared to other historic botanical gardens like Kew (UK) or Padua (Italy).

Good points IMO.

Spanning 82 hectares, the Gardens are a lush, tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.I arrived there around 16.00.Enough time to visit its Orchid Garden,the Jungle path,some minor gardens and some exhibition halls.I left the park around 20.00. The park itself is divided into three main cores:

1. Tanglin Core (Historic Core):
· National Orchid Garden: The crown jewel, home to over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, including the VIP-named hybrids like the "Vanda Miss Joaquim" (Singapore's national flower).
· Bandstand Area & Swan Lake: Iconic picturesque landscapes perfect for picnics.
· Rainforest: A 6-hectare fragment of primary rainforest older than the gardens itself.
2. Central Core (Visitor Hub):
· The Evolution Garden: Takes you on a walk through time, showcasing plant evolution over millions of years.
· The Frangipani Collection & Palm Valley: A vast lawn ringed by majestic palms, often used for outdoor concerts.
3. Bukit Timah Core (Family & Learning):
· Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden: A dedicated garden where children can play and learn about plant life.
· ECO-Garden & Healing Garden: Showcases economic plants and medicinal herbs.

The gardens have multiple entrances, making access very convenient via Singapore's excellent public transport.

Opening Hours: The main garden is open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM (free admission). Individual attractions like the National Orchid Garden have separate hours (8:30 AM to 6:00 PM) and an admission fee (SGD $20 for adults).

I had a pleasant stroll through great parts of the SBG...I walked all jungle paths,twice. All in all I had a pleasant time there enjoying the walking and the green scenery. However,at times it felt overprotected,sterile,and one got the feeling that visitor amenities such as cafes, benches of all kinds, etc. are more important than the plants themselves.Despite my pleasant time there the visit itself was very underwhelming for a whs.I ve seen better botanic gardens which are no UNESCO site.(Berlin Botanical Garden for example).

Whats more most locals recommended me to skip the Unesco site and visit the Gardens by the Bay,which is a futuristic, award-winning 101-hectare nature park on reclaimed land in central Singapore. It's famous for its iconic, man-made Supertree Grove, massive climate-controlled conservatories (the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest), and stunning waterfront landscapes. It’s a landmark of Singapore's "City in a Garden" vision.

The SBG's OUV is very weak,and the site itself is one of the weakest whs I ve ever visited. Nevertheless,I had a pleasant time there.Nothing more.