Gardens by the Bay is a huge, colorful, futuristic park in the bay area of Singapore. The famous Super tree structures offer an impressive sky walk over the gardens, over-sized seashell-shaped greenhouses recreate chilly mountain climates and there are hundreds of trees and plants to discover, making this destination great fun for both kids and adults.
The best place to grasp the size of Gardens by the Bay is from the top of Marina Bay Sands, which sits directly opposite the park, the space encompass 250 acres of reclaimed land on the waterfront. Getting here is easy, either via walkways from the hotel, giving you an elevated view of the gardens, or taking the slightly longer riverside promenade to enter the park near the two domes. Walking around the park won’t cost you a cent but if you want to step inside the climate-controlled conservatories, or walk among the Super trees, there is a fee. The main park area is open from 9:00 to 21:00.
Super tree Grove
There is no doubting the dominance of the steel-framed ‘tree’ plantation, towering over Gardens by the Bay with 12 of the large metal structures in the central grove and half a dozen others placed in other parts of the garden. Over 200 difference species of plants and flowers cover the exterior of these tall upright gardens and twice a night they are a centerpiece of the gardens’ light and music show (at 19:45 and 20:45), casting a glow over the park, and making you feel like you are in a modern fairy tale. For those who like a view, take the trip 25 meters up to the remarkable walkway that connects three of the trees together. For that extra special dining experience, the 50 meter tree at the center offers food and a view at Super tree by Indochina, with a 360 degree view from the lounge and a tree-top roofless bar.
The Greenhouses
If you need to cool down, head into Cloud Forest, the smaller shell-shaped building, with a 35 meter high mountain covered in plants that thrive in tropical highlands. Don’t worry if climbing feels too much, there is a lift that takes you up into the mist and gives you a great view looking down over the walls of plants and orchids. The Flower Dome is also cooler than outside, recreating the drier climes of places like California and the Mediterranean. In this gigantic conservatory you will find yourself on a journey around the world, with Baobabs from Africa, Olive trees from Spain, Kangaroo Paw from Australia. A visit to both greenhouses will cost 28 SGD for adults and 15 SGD for children. Inside the Flower Dome you will also find Pollen, a Mediterranean restaurant that creates dishes using herbs and vegetables grown in-house.
The Rest of the Garden
If you arrive via the MRT at Bayfront you will first have to walk past the Dragonfly and Kingfisher lakes. If you have enough time, walk along the boardwalk to discover the many birds and insects that have made this area their home. In a nod to the different nationalities that have settled in Singapore over the years, there is a series of four interconnecting gardens with plants and trees from India, China, Malaysia and the Colonial garden. As well as Pollen and the Super tree there is also a host of casual restaurants to try: Cafe Crema offers sandwiches and snacks, Seventh Heaven serves up ice-cream and Verandah is a traditionally inspired black and white bungalow that features an Asian and International inspired menu. Gardens by the Bay’s location makes it an easy getaway from Singapore traffic and skyscrapers, offering a fun space to explore horticulture from around the world, but even better than that, the Super trees, Cloud Forest and Flower Dome bring plants to life in a way you will have never seen before.
Opening Hours: Outdoor Gardens: Daily 05:00 - 02:00
OCBC Skyway: Daily 09:00 - 21:00 (Last ticket sale at 20:00)
Garden Cruiser: Mon - Fri 09:30 - 17:00 (Last ride), Sat - Sun & Public Holiday 09:30 - 16:00
MRT: BayFront
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6420 6848
