The Japanese Garden emphasises simplicity, with stone lanterns, shrubs, hillocks and a tea-house creating a soothing atmosphere. Allow one hour. Singapore Botanic Gardens Spread over 52 hectares close to the centre of the city, the Botanic Gardens combine both primary jungle and manicured gardens which together hold thousands of species of plant life, including many rare specimens. Malaysia's rubber industry had its origins in the Botanic Gardens in the late 19th century when colonial botanist Henry Ridley propagated rubber plants from London's Kew Gardens. A lake adds to the serenity of the gardens, and is home to water fowl, ducks and kingfishers.
Outdoor concerts are popular here.
Check newspapers for details. Allow two hours. Cluny Road, Singapore 259569. Located in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden is the largest orchid display in the world and features over 60,000 orchid plants. Infants in arms are free.