This year’s Orchid Extravaganza uncovers the allure of orchids in the east tropics that have captivated early botanical explorers and plant hunters.
Venue: Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome
Dates: 28 Jul - 17 Sep 2023
Admission: Admission to Flower Dome applies
This year’s Orchid Extravaganza, presented in partnership with Embassies of Indonesia and Thailand and High Commissions of Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, uncovers the allure of orchids in the east tropics that have captivated early botanical explorers and plant hunters.
Each country is represented by orchids cultivated from species native to their land, as well as a recreation of their traditional house and display of cultural handicrafts and artefacts. There will also be a showcase of kebaya by each country, in support of the joint bid by Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand to inscribe the kebaya on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity.
Lath House
A lath house is a type of structure that provides support, shade, and protection for plants, particularly shade-loving ones such as orchids. Thin strips of wood or metal are arranged in a parallel pattern, with small gaps between them, allowing diffused light, air and rain to enter while ensuring direct sunlight, excessive wind or other harsh weather conditions are kept out. Begin your journey at the viewing gallery as you walk through the Lath House display.
Kebaya
Kebaya is a traditional blouse worn by women in various countries in Southeast Asia, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Form-fitted, embroidered or brocaded, it is typically made of lightweight fabric like silk or cotton and worn with a sarong or batik skirt. Discover the cultural significance of Kebaya during your visit.
Singapore Shophouse
The archetypal Singapore shophouse is a two or three-storey building with a commercial shop on the ground floor and living accommodations above. Built in adjacent blocks with common party walls, they have a distinctive sheltered five-foot way for pedestrians which was introduced by Sir Stamford Raffles as part of his town plan for early Singapore.
Rumah Tungkap
Rumah Tungkup refers to the traditional houses with pyramid shaped roofs in Kampong Ayer, an area of Brunei's capital city Bandar Seri Begawan that is situated after the Brunei Bay. An elaborate style of traditional house favoured by Malay nobles and dignitaries, Rumah Tungkup features a hip roof which covers the whole of the indung rumah (main house).
Spot the country’s national flower, Dillenia suffruticosa, also known as simpor, displayed alongside the house during your visit.
Ruean Thai
Ruean Thai, also known as a Thai house, refers to a style of traditional architecture in Thailand. It reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, embodying distinctive characteristics and design elements passed down through generations.
Spot the country’s national flower, Cassia fistula, commonly known as golden shower displayed alongside the house during your visit.
Rumah Toraja
Rumah Toraja, also known as Tongkonan, refers to the traditional houses found in the Toraja ethnic group of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Characterised by its distinctive boat-shaped roof resembling an upturned boat or buffalo horns, the roofs are adorned with intricate carvings and designs, a reflection of the rich cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Toraja people.
Spot the country’s national flower, Phalaenopsis amabilis, commonly known as moon orchid, displayed alongside the house during your visit.
Rumah Pahang
Rumah Pahang refers to the traditional houses found in the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia - Pahang. The traditional architecture of Rumah Pahang reflects the cultural and environmental influences of the region.
Spot the country’s national flower, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, well known for its bold flowers, displayed alongside the house during your visit.
Indonesia Cultural Performance
Venue: The Baobabs, Flower Dome
Dates: 13 Aug 2023, 2 - 2.40 pm
Experience the beauty of Indonesia's diverse and captivating culture through modern and traditional dance performances from across the archipelago. Join us as we celebrate the rich tapestry of Indonesia's heritage from the vibrant rhythms of Sumatra to the graceful movements of West Java, the captivating traditions of South Sulawesi, and medley of various Balinese dance.
Four Regions Dance of Thailand
Venue: The Baobabs, Flower Dome
Dates: 19 Aug 2023, 11 - 11.40 am, 2 - 2.40 pm, 4 - 4.40 pm
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Thailand's Four Regions Dance, an enchanting spectacle that transports audiences on a mesmerizing journey through the country's rich history and cultural heritage. Presented in a four-part dance, it showcases the magnificence of four distinct civilizations that predated modern-day Thailand. Each segment of the dance embodies unique dance moves, melodious tunes, and exquisite costumes that were characteristic of those ancient civilizations. The Four Regions Dance is a true celebration of Thailand's vibrant past, offering a visual and auditory feast that leaves audiences enchanted and immersed in the country's cultural richness.
Johor Language of Love by Yayasan Warisan Johor
Venue: The Baobabs, Flower Dome
Dates: 20 Aug 2023, 11 - 11.40 am, 2 - 2.40 pm, 4 - 4.40 pm
Flowers embodies love, encompassing elements of devotion, purity, tenderness, and passion, which are incorporated into the graceful movements of the Zapin dance. Accompanied by traditional rhythmic music, the dance conveys the depth of passion between couples, while preserving an air of modesty. Using flowers as symbolic representations, the performance weaves together hope and love, intertwining the hearts of the couple. Dancers also don the unique artistry of Johor weaving, known as Kain Benang Johor.
This captivating performance of traditional music along with the graceful movements of Zapin dance, creates an enchanting tapestry that celebrates love, passion, and the cherished traditions of Johor by preserving and celebrating the cultural legacy of the region.
Get Crafty! – Orchid Corsage
Venue: Australian Garden, Flower Dome
Dates: 29 & 30 Jul 2023, 10 am - 6 pm
Fees: $12
Participants will get to craft their own corsage as an elegant wrist accessory or as an attractive hair band for all to admire. Materials include artificial fabric flowers, ribbons and glue.
Get Crafty! – Mystical Bell Orchid
Venue: Australian Garden, Flower Dome
Dates: 5 & 6 Aug 2023, 10 am - 6 pm
Fees: $15
Collect this signature orchid themed ornament curated specially for the Orchid Extravaganza floral display! Learn the science behind fixing a lighted ornament and bring home this enchanting memento of your Orchid Extravaganza experience.
Materials include a glass dome, batteries and orchids in acrylic cut-outs.
Get Crafty! – Lighted Floating Blooms
Venue: Australian Garden, Flower Dome
Dates: 12 & 13 Aug 2023, 10 am - 6 pm
Fees: $15
In this specially curated activity for our Orchid Extravaganza floral display, participants will get to choose from a variety of real dried florals and artificial moth orchid fabric florals to create a delicate lighted floating bloom!
Get Crafty! – My Soilless Orchid
Venue: Australian Garden, Flower Dome
Dates: 19 & 20 Aug 2023, 10 am - 6 pm
Fees: $15
Learn the basics of soil-less growing with this activity by using lightweight expanded clay aggregate (Leca), a glass vessel and an orchid. Transplant a young Dendrobium or Phalaenopsis into Leca within a glass vessel that has no drainage hole.
You will also get useful tips on maintaining your orchid.
For more details visit Orchard Extravaganza 2023.