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Your Guide to Tan Hoon Siang Mist House, Singapore’s Secret Orchid Wonderland
- History
- Things to Know
- How to Get Here
- Plants to See
- Rare and Award-Winning Orchids
- Vanda Hybrids
- Seasonal Blooms
- Exotic Tropical Plants
- Things to Do
- Walk through cool, mist-filled spaces
- Learn about orchid hybridisation
- Discover conservation and preservation efforts
- Join a guided tour
- Donate or pledge to support conservation efforts
Some of the rarest and most stunning orchids are tucked away here, including award-winning hybrids you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you love orchids, history, or just a peaceful nature walk, this spot is a gem worth discovering.
History
Established in 1995, the Tan Hoon Siang Mist House is a National Orchid Garden attraction featuring rare and award-winning orchids in a misty, tropical setting. It recreates a cool highland climate, allowing exotic hybrids to flourish in Singapore’s premier orchid garden.
Named after Tan Hoon Siang, a Tan Tock Seng descendant and orchid breeder, it honours his legacy in hybridisation.
His contributions include the prized Papilionanda Tan Chay Yan, alongside rare orchids like Papilionanda Tan Hoon Siang and the iconic Vanda Miss Joaquim.
Things to Know
Address: Singapore Botanic Gardens, 3C Tyersall Rd
Contact: +6564717361
Hours: Daily, 8.30 AM–7 PM
Fees: The Tan Hoon Siang Mist House is part of the National Orchid Garden, so entry is included in the garden’s admission fee:
- Adults: S$15
- Seniors (60 & above): S$3
- Students: S$3
- Children (12 & below): Free
Accessibility: Barrier-free pathways, ramps, and wide walkways. Some areas may have gentle slopes, so assistance might be helpful for visitors in wheelchairs, mobility devices, or strollers.
Pet-friendly? No
Rules and restrictions:
✔ Stay on designated paths
✔ Casual photography, but bulkier equipment requires permits
✖ No touching or picking of orchids
✖ No loud noises or voices
✖ No food or drinks
How to Get Here
Closest MRT: Take the Downtown Line or Circle Line to Botanic Gardens MRT Station (DT9/CC19). From Exit A, walk about 10 minutes through the Bukit Timah Gate of the Singapore Botanic Gardens to the National Orchid Garden.
The mist house is located inside, near the VIP Orchid Garden section.
Closest bus station: Alight at the Botanic Gardens bus stop (ID: 41021 or 41029) along Bukit Timah Road, near Botanic Gardens MRT. Buses 48, 66, 151, 153, 154, 156, 170, and 186 stop here. From the bus stop, enter via the Bukit Timah Gate of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
By car: Visitors driving to the Tan Hoon Siang Mist House can park at the Botanic Gardens’ Nassim Gate Car Park, which is the closest to the National Orchid Garden. Additional parking is available at Bukit Timah Gate Car Park and Tanglin Gate Car Park, with a short walk through the gardens.
Drop-offs are best at the Nassim Gate entrance, providing the shortest route to the mist house.
Plants to See
Rare and Award-Winning Orchids
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Wandering through the Mist House, I was immediately drawn to the rare orchids—each one more stunning than the last.
The Papilionanda Tan Chay Yan stood out with its fiery orange petals, while the delicate Dendrobium Fairy Splash had soft lavender blooms speckled with white.
Some orchids had unusual mutations, like twisted petals or shimmering hues that seemed unreal. Seeing these hybrid orchids up close, I finally understood why Singapore is world-famous for its orchid breeding expertise.
Vanda Hybrids
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During my stroll, I couldn’t take my eyes off the stunning Vanda hybrids—each one more vibrant than the last. The Papilionanda Tan Hoon Siang caught my attention first, with its deep magenta petals and golden speckles glowing under the soft mist.
Nearby, a cluster of Vanda Miss Joaquim, Singapore’s national flower, stood tall with its signature pink and purple hues, exuding both elegance and resilience.
Seasonal Blooms
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Each time I visit, the orchids surprise me with something new—seasonal blooms that appear for just a short window. The changing display makes every visit unique.
On one visit, I was lucky to catch the Renanthera orchids, their fiery red petals stretching out like delicate starbursts against the misty backdrop.
Another time, a cluster of Dendrobium hybrids stole the show, their soft pastel hues ranging from pale lilac to buttery yellow, almost glowing in the filtered light.
Exotic Tropical Plants
Media from klearad
While the orchids steal the spotlight, I couldn’t help but admire the exotic tropical plants thriving in the Mist House. Towering bromeliads with spiky leaves cradled pools of water, while delicate ferns unfurled their intricate fronds in the misty air.
Tucked between the orchids, I spotted anthuriums with their glossy, heart-shaped blooms in fiery red and deep purple hues. The vibrant contrast of these tropical plants against the soft mist made the entire space feel like a scene from a hidden jungle paradise.
Things to Do
Walk through cool, mist-filled spaces
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Stepping into the Tan Hoon Siang Mist House, I was instantly enveloped in a cool, misty embrace, like walking through a hidden cloud forest.
The paleo-tropical design, with its gentle mist swirling around lush orchids and cascading greenery, felt like a secret escape from Singapore’s heat. As I wandered deeper, I passed beneath arching trellises draped with delicate orchid vines, their petals glistening with moisture.
Near the waterfall feature, the mist thickened, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere where rare orchids peeked through the haze like hidden treasures.
Learn about orchid hybridisation
I never realised how much science and artistry went into orchid hybridisation until I saw the award-winning blooms at the Tan Hoon Siang Mist House.
Tan Hoon Siang’s creations, like Papilionanda Tan Chay Yan, have even earned global recognition, proving Singapore’s mastery in orchid breeding.
I also learned that some of these hybrids have dazzled at events like the Chelsea Flower Show, showcasing their vibrant hues and intricate patterns!
Discover conservation and preservation efforts
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It dawned on me that it’s more than just a beautiful orchid display; it’s a living conservation effort. Many of the rare orchids here are carefully preserved, ensuring that endangered species don’t disappear from the world.
Informative signs explained how Singapore plays a role in orchid biodiversity, from protecting native species to breeding resilient hybrids.
Seeing these delicate flowers thrive in a controlled environment made me appreciate the importance of preserving orchids for future generations.
Join a guided tour
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Joining a guided tour at the National Orchid Garden gave me a deeper appreciation for the rare orchids and tropical plants. It’s the best way to uncover hidden details about the orchids, from award-winning hybrids to the secret behind their vibrant colours.
The guide shared fascinating stories about orchid hybridisation, conservation efforts, and the unique climate-controlled environment that keeps these blooms thriving.
Tours are usually held on selected days, and signing up is easy. Just check the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ website or inquire at the visitor centre.
Donate or pledge to support conservation efforts
After seeing the rare and delicate orchids at the Tan Hoon Siang Mist House, I felt inspired to support their conservation. I hope you will be, too!
Through the Garden City Fund, visitors can pledge donations to help preserve endangered orchid species and maintain Singapore’s reputation as a global leader in orchid cultivation.
Signing up is simple. Just visit the website to make a one-time or recurring donation.
