Singapore Botanic Gardens

Founded in 1859, the Botanic Gardens became Singapore's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 — and remains a beloved green lung just minutes from Orchard Road. Its 82 hectares hold rolling lawns, a pocket of original rainforest, serene lakes and centuries-old heritage trees. The star is the National Orchid Garden, a riot of colour with more than 1,000 orchid species and 2,000 hybrids, including the national flower Vanda 'Miss Joaquim' and blooms named for visiting dignitaries. History runs deep here, too: it was in these gardens that the rubber seedlings behind Southeast Asia's plantation boom were first nurtured. Entry to the gardens is free — come early for a cool morning stroll before the crowds and the heat arrive.