botanic garden

Hovering just over Orchard Road and set in the midst of Singapore’s cultural district is Fort Canning Park. A little small though it may seem, the location is actually at the highest elevation and close by to the city’s central business district. Fort Canning Park offers tourist a wide variety of activities to engage in while wondering through its lush greenery and beautiful lawns.

The artistic hive of activity emerging from Fort Canning Park not only serves to attract tourists and visitors but the vast foliage of the park also makes up for an essential green lung in the city area. In addition, the park has also been the frequent choice for hosting outdoor activities like theatre carnivals, starlight cinemas and the famous ‘Ballet under the stars’ performance. Also a popular calendar event in Singapore – WOMAD and has been regularly held at the park ever since 1998.

Of the many historical, recreational and cultural experiences offered at the park there are a few highlights that tourists should not miss out on. Those attractions include the Spice Garden, the Gothic Gates, Fort Canning Green and the Fort Canning centre. A replica of the first botanical garden in Singapore, which was established by Sir Stamford Raffles – the Spice Garden, packs in an amazing array of plants and spices.Being concerned for Singapore’s agricultural growth Raffles planted nutmeg and clove plants in this garden, which were brought down from Bencoolen.

Leading visitors into Fort Canning Green are the subdued gothic gateways called the Gothic Gates. The gates once led people to a Christian cemetery that was established there years ago. These gates which are steeped in history have now come to be the main landmark at Fort Canning Hill. The popular outdoor concerts and theatrical performances at the park all come alive ironically at the Fort Canning Green, which was once the resting place for about 600 odd graves.

For tourists hoping to spend a few days in town to see the sites of the park then a stay at a Singapore luxury hotel should not be missed, especially a night at the famed Raffles Hotel Singapore. This graceful landmark offers guests Singapore luxury accommodation at its best.