Visitors to Gardens by the Bay can now immerse themselves in a spectacular celebration of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage as Orchid Extravaganza: Rhythm of the Rainforest opens at the Flower Dome, featuring more than 7,000 orchids alongside striking traditional artworks and cultural installations.
The annual orchid showcase, which has previously celebrated Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia and Malaysia, turns its spotlight on Indonesia this year as part of the Singapore Garden Festival (SGF) 2026. Presented in collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Creative Economy and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore, the display was officially launched by Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan, who also presented awards during the Singapore Orchid Show Prize Presentation Ceremony.
This year’s Singapore Garden Festival marks its 10th edition and returns to Gardens by the Bay for the first time since 2018. It also begins a new chapter, with the next three editions of the festival set to be held at the attraction.
Indonesia is home to an estimated 5,000 orchid species, making it one of the world’s richest orchid habitats thanks to its tropical rainforests, diverse landscapes and favourable climate. Orchid Extravaganza: Rhythm of the Rainforest showcases several of the country’s most remarkable native orchids, offering visitors a closer look at their beauty and significance.
Among the highlights are the antelope orchids from the Dendrobium section Spatulata, recognised for their distinctive twisted petals that resemble antlers. Visitors can also admire the vibrant magenta blooms of the ground orchid (Spathoglottis plicata), a resilient species that was among the first plants to naturally recolonise Krakatau following its devastating volcanic eruption in 1883.
Also on display is the moon orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis), one of Indonesia’s three national flowers and an important parent species behind many of today’s popular Phalaenopsis hybrids. Another standout is the tiger orchid (Grammatophyllum speciosum), the world’s largest orchid species, capable of producing flower spikes that exceed two metres in height and carry hundreds of striking yellow blooms patterned with maroon markings.
Beyond its impressive floral displays, the exhibition offers visitors a journey through Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. Nine larger than life sculptures showcase the traditional art of anyaman, a centuries old weaving technique using natural plant materials that is rarely seen outside Indonesia. The intricate works were handcrafted by a team of 27 Balinese artisans over more than 900 hours and depict iconic wildlife, folklore and cultural symbols including the mythical naga, Komodo dragon, Sumatran tiger, hornbills, peacocks, the Rafflesia flower and Jakarta’s colourful ondel ondel ceremonial puppets.
The exhibition also features recreations of Indonesia’s distinctive architectural landmarks, including the candi bentar split gateway, Balinese Meru towers, traditional Batak communal houses with their sweeping roofs and the towering uma mbatangu houses of Sumba. Visitors can also discover references to the ancient wayang kulit shadow puppet tradition, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, as well as guardian poles inspired by the indigenous Dayak communities of Borneo.
Running alongside the floral showcase is the Singapore Orchid Show, jointly presented by Gardens by the Bay and the Orchid Society of Southeast Asia. This year’s competition features 360 orchid entries from hobbyists and commercial growers across the region, with all entries, including the award-winning specimens, on display at the Mediterranean Garden and South American Garden in the Flower Dome from 4 to 12 July.
Gardens by the Bay’s own horticultural team enjoyed a strong showing at this year’s competition, winning awards for 48 orchids grown in house. The attraction also secured two of the show’s highest honours with the Best Species Plant and Best Specimen Plant awards, alongside several other accolades across multiple competition categories.
Orchid Extravaganza: Rhythm of the Rainforest is presented in collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Creative Economy, the Ministry of Law, Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation, InJourney, Wonderful Indonesia, Garuda Indonesia and Make A Scene Bali, with support from Astra, Amman, BCA, CFX, tiket.com and the Emtek Group.
The exhibition runs daily at the Flower Dome until 10 August 2026 from 9am to 9pm. Standard Flower Dome admission charges apply.
