Singapore's Botanic Gardens is more than a park, it's home to a world-class orchid breeding center — the National Orchid Garden.

The garden's orchid breeding program began in 1928, and has developed magnificent hybrids. More than 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, with more added each year, are on display by way of verdant walks and trails. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Botanic Gardens contains one of the world's only urban tropical rainforests (the other is in Rio de Janeiro). Special programs are offered regularly such as the Rainforest Trek, EcoGarden Tour, Nature Photography and Orchid Breeding; other special tours, workshops and educational events are held each week.

Journey back to the 19th century when Sir Stamford Raffles arrived in Singapore. Back then, the island was covered with lowland tropical forest. Singapore's national park service also maintains nature reserves around the island. Venues such as the Bukit Timah and Central Catchment Nature Preserves are not only for enjoying nature but also renowned centers for biodiversity research.

More than 840 flowering plants and 500 species of animals are nurtured in these preserves by the park service's experience and expertise, which is so efficient that they have set up a consultancy to keep up with demand from cities around the world in need of advice on greening things up.

CHINESE GARDEN

The entrance to the Chinese Garden bodes well — the White Rainbow Bridge follows the style of the 17-arch bridge at the Beijing Summer Palace. After your journey over the bridge, courtyards, fishponds, a teahouse and a pagoda await. But that's not all. Tucked within its domain are bonsai gardens with more than 1,000 trimmed plants.

The Garden of Abundance contains other wonders such as four more auspicious bridges representing blessings of love, prosperity, fertility and — of course — abundance. How can you miss? Step over the Bridge of Double Beauty to the Japanese Garden or Seiwaen. After all the grandeur of the Chinese Garden, some austere simplicity provides an interesting contrast. Here, minimalist use of stones, lanterns and arched red bridges complete the tableau.

NIGHT ANIMALS

Considering the average daytime temperature and humidity, tropical countries may not always be a daytime walk in the park. Try some nightlife that is really wild and visit the world's first wildlife park built for visiting in the coolness of night.

The trail leading to the entrance plaza is designed to get visitors into the spirit with its Fragrant Walk. Breathe deeply, for there are more than 4,000 fragrant plants that have been designed to set the stage for your encounter with nature.

Clearly, the Night Safari is no ordinary zoo. Occupying 98 acres of forest, the park is designed for visitors to explore wildlife in a tropical jungle at night — a unique experience in itself. Through the use of subtle lighting techniques, visitors can view more than 100 species of animals in their natural, nocturnal habitats. The Night Safari has set up a nature experience that all zoos should replicate.

AVIAN PARK

Green is a beautiful color, but for a wilder variety of hues, the Jurong BirdPark will amaze with fine-feathered friends of various shapes, sizes and personalities. Arranged into several themes such as Jungle Jewels, Parrot Paradise, African Wetlands and several aviaries, more than 9,000 colorful birds from 600 species squawk, play, fly around and put on shows. The Waterfall Aviary is a favorite. The world's largest walk-in aviary is home to 1,500 free-flying birds and a man-made waterfall. Don't miss the park's signature Birds and Buddies Show starring Rocky the Penguin, Cranky the Crow and Pedro the Pelican. But the BirdPark is also about landscaping, with 10,000 exotic trees, bamboo, palms and other vegetation to simulate a tropical rainforest.

Singapore is not only about shopping malls and fancy high-rise hotels. Just venture a bit farther afield and the island's true treasures are just waiting to be enjoyed. After all, nature is all around us; it is just that in Singapore it is so abundant, well-presented and easily accessible that it is hard to pass by without at least admiring. Einstein once said that "joy is in looking and comprehending nature's most beautiful gifts." If this is true, then Singapore is a natural feast to enjoy.

John Lander is a freelance writer and photographer who lives in Japan.