6 Jul 2026 By Cathy Lau

MORE THAN 7,000 ORCHIDS BLOOM IN THIS YEAR’S INDONESIAN-INSPIRED ORCHID EXTRAVAGANZA

From native orchids and larger-than-life handwoven sculptures made by an ancient art form, this year’s edition brings together the culture and heritage of the diverse regions of the archipelago

Highlights include sculptures handwoven using the centuries-old Indonesian technique of anyaman, like the pair of nagas flanking a recreation of the candi bentar, or split gate, of Bali.

SINGAPORE – More than 7,000 orchids bloom in Flower Dome for Orchid Extravaganza: Rhythm of the Rainforest (兰花盛事), where vibrant floral displays are complemented by striking artistic and cultural elements. The annual orchid display celebrates the rich diversity of ASEAN, having previously featured Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia and Malaysia. This year’s edition draws inspiration from Indonesia’s biodiversity and cultural heritage, with highlights including intricate large-scale anyaman sculptures – handwoven creations crafted from natural plant materials using a centuries-old tradition that is rarely seen outside the country.

Presented in collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Creative Economy and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore, the orchid display was officially launched today by Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Mr Alvin Tan. Mr Tan also presented awards at the Singapore Orchid Show Prize Presentation Ceremony following the launch.

Both Orchid Extravaganza: Rhythm of the Rainforest and the Singapore Orchid Show are part of this year’s Singapore Garden Festival, returning to Gardens by the Bay for the first time since 2018. This 10th edition also marks the start of three consecutive editions to be held at Gardens by the Bay.

Orchid Extravaganza: Rhythm of the Rainforest will run till 10 August 2026.

Gardens by the Bay CEO Mr Felix Loh said, “Singapore and its ASEAN neighbours are not only bonded by proximity, but share a rich tropical flora shaped by our common Southeast Asian roots. After featuring several ASEAN countries in our orchid displays, we now turn the spotlight to Indonesia; pairing its extraordinary orchid diversity with the country’s breathtaking cultural traditions and craftsmanship. The orchid display is also a prelude to a major orchid showcase next year – the 60th anniversary of ASEAN – which will celebrate the orchid heritage and cultural diversity of all 11 ASEAN countries. With Orchid Extravaganza nestled under the wider umbrella of the Singapore Garden Festival this year, it is not just an orchid extravaganza, but an all-out horticultural extravaganza for visitors to Gardens by the Bay.”

Native Indonesian Orchids

 Home to an estimated 5,000 orchid species, Indonesia is one of the most orchid-diverse countries in the world, a richness owed to its vast tropical rainforests, varied landscapes and year-round warm, humid climate. Orchid Extravaganza: Rhythm of the Rainforest has on display some of Indonesia’s most storied native orchids.

Among the highlights:

  • Antelope orchids (Dendrobium sect. Spatulata hybrids) are known for their striking flowers with twisted, antler-like petals.
  • Ground orchid (Spathoglottis plicata), which produces vibrant magenta blooms and was among the first plants to naturally recolonise Krakatau following its 1883 eruption.
  • Moon orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis), one of Indonesia’s three national flowers, whose elegant sprays of broad white blooms with soft yellow centres have made it one of the most important parent species behind modern Phalaenopsis hybrids.
  • Tiger orchid (Grammatophyllum speciosum), the world’s largest orchid species, whose flower spikes can exceed 2m in height and bear hundreds of tawny yellow blooms richly marked with maroon blotches.

 A Journey Through Centuries of Indonesian Heritage

Drawing inspiration from regions across Indonesia, the display also pays tribute to some of the country’s most iconic architecture, cultural traditions, and folklore.

Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia Ms Irene Umar and Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Singapore Mr Alvin Tan view handwoven anyaman sculptures of Jakarta’s ondel-ondel puppets.

Nine larger-than-life handwoven sculptures showcase anyaman, the centuries-old Indonesian art of weaving plant materials. The sculptures were handcrafted by a team of 27 Balinese artisans over more than 900 man-hours, and depict Indonesia’s wildlife, cultural icons and folklore, including the mythical naga, Komodo dragon, critically endangered Sumatran tiger, hornbills, peacock, Rafflesia and ondel-ondel, the towering ceremonial puppets of Jakarta’s indigenous Betawi community.

Other highlights include:

  • The candi bentar split gateway traditionally used to mark the transition into a sacred space, and recreations of Meru towers, the tiered shrines central to Balinese temple architecture
  • Traditional Batak communal houses distinguished by their sweeping saddle-shaped roofs, traditionally built without nails to withstand the region’s seismic activity.
  • A recreation of the uma mbatangu, or peaked house, known for its dramatic central tower, with taller peaks traditionally signifying more prominent ancestral lineages.
  • References to wayang kulit, Indonesia’s centuries-old shadow puppet tradition, which uses intricately carved leather puppets to retell ancient Hindu epics and moral tales, and recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
  • Guardian poles inspired by the indigenous Dayak people of Borneo, an island shared between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The Dayak people comprise many distinct ethnic groups, each with their own traditions of carving protective spirits believed to guard against evil.

Singapore Orchid Show

The Singapore Orchid Show, presented by Gardens by the Bay and the Orchid Society of Southeast Asia (OSSEA), brings together 360 orchid entries from hobbyists and industry growers across the region. All entries, including this year’s award-winning specimens, will be showcased at the Mediterranean Garden and South American Garden in Flower Dome from July 4 to 12.

Forty-eight orchids grown in-house by Gardens by the Bay won awards, reflecting the expertise and dedication of the Gardens’ horticulturists. Gardens by the Bay clinched the coveted Best Species Plant and Best Specimen Plant awards – two out of four of the highest honours in the Singapore Orchid Show – as well as accolades across several categories.

Orchid Extravaganza: Rhythm of the Rainforest

Date: Until Monday, 10 August 2026

Venue: Flower Dome

Time: 9.00am to 9.00pm

Details:

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