I can't believe that I have not yet done a post about Singapore's Botanic Garden, my number one favourite place in Singapore and somewhere that I probably visit between 2 and 5 times a week!
There are dozens of paths linking the different areas of the garden and although I know most of them even now, 5 years on from my first visit I seem to find a new path or corner that I've not seen before
The Botanic Gardens are free to enter and must have hundreds of visitors every day but it rarely feels crowded. Most tour groups and visitors head for the Orchid Garden to see the world class collection of fantastic orchids (this is the only part of the garden where one has to pay to visit, at only $5 I think it's a bargain)
Orchids occur naturally all over the world and in all continents except for Antarctica
and they come in many different sizes from tiny dwarf varieties to very tall specimens
Generally orchids have no perfume but a few have the most delicious scent
You can see orchids in other parts of the garden including some living in some of the trees, this is a tiger orchid which is native to Singapore. It was believed to have become extinct here due to habitat loss but was reintroduced in 1999 and seems to be doing very well
The Botanic Gardens are possibly busiest very early in the mornings when hundreds of locals and expats exercise here. People run, walk, do tai chi, luk tong ( a form of exercise originating from Hong Kong, which has 36 set movements involving all parts of the body) , yoga, boot camp, walk their dogs or meditate
Some do a form of tai chi with swords, these are real metal swords!
I used to regularly see this lovely gentleman doing fan tai chi on his own, I asked his permission to take this photo, he seemed delighted and posed for me. Sadly I haven't seen him in the gardens for several months, I do hope he's still going strong
Many dogs are walked in the mornings and evenings, I've seen many different breeds including Dalmatians, labradors, huskies, chows, whippets and lots of "Singapore specials', the term people use to refer to cross breeds, often they are rescued street dogs.
It is not uncommon to see dogs wearing 'shoes'! At first I thought this was a ridiculous fashion thing but then realised its probably to protect their paws from being burned by the blistering hot pavements
I belong to a walking group that meets in the Botanic Gardens. This has been a wonderful experience, and a fabulous way of making friends. Whilst doing a 5 kms sweaty fast paced power walk around the gardens, we keep fit, chat, share knowledge and tips, whether it be where to find a good plumber, what's on locally or a hotel recommendation.
Every time I'm in the gardens I'm looking out for wildlife and there's always lots to spot, whether it be a plant with a new or unusual flower, (this is an Aristolchia or Dutchman's pipe)
or the local Jungle Fowl, a wild chicken and a descendant of the modern chicken
They seem to breed all the year round and I often see hens with their brood of tiny chicks
Black swans live on Eco lake
and white swans on Swan lake
with little Waterhens scuttling about always near water
the lakes are full of fish and terrapins, some quite large ones
One of the animals that I'm always hoping to see are the fabulous monitor lizards, it really feels like we are walking amongst dinosaurs
Recently 3 smooth coated otters have made the Botanic Gardens their home and I've been lucky enough to several times watch them hunting for fish or just playing
The lakes are a magnet for wildlife but there's also plenty in the plants and trees, including snakes. Not all of my friends are keen to see them but I love it, although they are very hard to spot. This is a stunning Oriental Whip snake, it's only mildly venomous
This is a paradise tree snake, also mildly venomous
Of course there are lots of birds in the Gardens from sweetly singing bulbuls, noisy mynah birds, beautiful sunbirds and sharp eyed kingfishers. This is a Stork Billed Kingfisher
The loudest and biggest bird is the Oriental Pied Hornbill and it's always a treat to see them
Throughout the Gardens there are many different statues and water features, here is a selection of just a few of them...
The Gardens are kept in immaculate condition, there's a small army of gardener's, tree surgeons, botanist's, helpful guides and "sweeper's". Every morning most of the paths are swept of any debris or falling leaves, as we power walk around they pause to let us pass and wish us good morning
I have a particular fondness for this lady who when we stride pass and I call out hello she always responds with a smile and says "thank you", I'm not sure what she's thanking me for, I should be thanking her
As well as being used by hundreds of people to exercise and relax in each day the garden's host many events including free concerts at the Shaw Symphony Stage. When possible Papa T and I get together with a group of friends and share a picnic whilst listening to the concert. It's a fabulous setting and very relaxing listening to wonderful music whilst the sun sets behind the stage
Of course the Botanic gardens are there because of and for plants and there are fantastic specimens of trees, shrubs and flowers far too numerous to mention them all, but to finish off here are a few of my favourites
The Singapore Botanic Gardens are truly wonderful and I'm so lucky to have them on my doorstep
