Have you ever dreamed of walking among giant trees that light up the night sky, or exploring a dome filled with flowers from around the world? If so, you’ll love Gardens by the Bay, Singapore’s spectacular sky garden that will take your breath away.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a budding horticulturalist, or a curious explorer, you’ll find something to marvel at Gardens by the Bay. From the world’s largest glass greenhouse to the awe-inspiring supertree grove, Gardens by the Bay is a garden of the future that you don’t want to miss.
In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about Gardens by the Bay, including its main attractions, events, activities, and tips on how to plan your visit. Let’s get started!
Main Attractions
Gardens by the Bay is divided into three spaces: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden. Each space has its own theme, design, and attractions that showcase the diversity and beauty of plants and nature.
1. Bay South Garden
Bay South Garden is the largest and most iconic space of Gardens by the Bay, covering 54 hectares of land. It is inspired by the orchid, Singapore’s national flower, and features a stunning array of floral displays, sculptures, and gardens.
Some of the main attractions in Bay South Garden are:
Flower Dome: The Flower Dome is the world’s largest glass greenhouse, measuring 1.2 hectares and 38 meters high. It replicates the cool and dry climate of the Mediterranean and semi-arid regions, and houses over 30,000 plants from different continents. You’ll find exotic and rare flowers, such as baobabs, succulents, proteas, and more. The Flower Dome also hosts seasonal and thematic floral displays, such as Tulipmania, Sakura Matsuri, and Christmas Wonderland, that will delight your senses.
Cloud Forest: The Cloud Forest is a 0.8-hectare glass dome that replicates the moist and cool climate of the tropical highlands. It features a 35-meter tall mountain covered with lush vegetation and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. You’ll be able to explore the different levels of the mountain, from the Lost World at the top to the Secret Garden at the bottom, and learn about the biodiversity and conservation of these fragile ecosystems. You’ll also find a spectacular collection of orchids, ferns, bromeliads, and carnivorous plants, as well as interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.
Supertree Grove: The Supertree Grove is the most recognizable landmark of Gardens by the Bay, consisting of 12 vertical gardens that range from 25 to 50 meters tall. These supertrees are not only aesthetic, but also functional, as they collect rainwater, generate solar power, and provide ventilation for the domes. You’ll be able to walk among the supertrees on the OCBC Skyway, a 128-meter long aerial walkway that offers panoramic views of the garden and the city. You’ll also be able to enjoy the Garden Rhapsody, a dazzling light and sound show that takes place every night at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm.
Supertree Observatory: The Supertree Observatory is the newest attraction in Gardens by the Bay, located at the top of the tallest supertree, 50 meters above ground. It offers a 360-degree view of the garden, the city, and the Marina Bay area. You’ll also find an indoor observation deck, a rooftop garden, and a café where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
2. Bay East Garden
Bay East Garden is a 32-hectare space that offers a tranquil and scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is designed as a series of large tropical leaf-shaped gardens, each with its own theme, character, and landscaping.
Some of the main attractions in Bay East Garden are:
Heritage Gardens: The Heritage Gardens are four themed gardens that reflect the culture and history of Singapore’s main ethnic groups: Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Colonial. You’ll find plants and flowers that are significant to each group, such as the peony, the hibiscus, the marigold, and the heliconia. You’ll also find sculptures, pavilions, and bridges that showcase the architectural and artistic styles of each group.
Lakeside Garden: The Lakeside Garden is a 53-hectare garden that surrounds the Jurong Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Singapore. It is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers, as it features a variety of habitats, such as wetlands, grasslands, forests, and streams. You’ll be able to spot over 100 species of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and fish, as well as enjoy activities such as kayaking, fishing, and cycling. You’ll also find attractions such as the Rasau Walk, a boardwalk that takes you along the edge of the lake, and the Clusia Cove, a water playground that mimics the tidal movements of the sea.
Bay East Bridge: The Bay East Bridge is a 250-meter long pedestrian bridge that connects Bay East Garden to Bay South Garden. It offers a spectacular view of the Marina Bay skyline, especially at night when the lights are on. You’ll also be able to see the Singapore Flyer, the ArtScience Museum, and the Marina Bay Sands from the bridge.
3. Bay Central Garden
Bay Central Garden is a 15-hectare space that links Bay South Garden and Bay East Garden. It features a 3-kilometer long waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of the city and the bay. It also features a lush lawn, a children’s garden, and a floral clock.
Some of the main attractions in Bay Central Garden are:
Dragonfly Lake: The Dragonfly Lake is a large water body that runs along the edge of Bay Central Garden. It is home to various aquatic plants and animals, such as water lilies, lotuses, dragonflies, and fish. You’ll be able to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the lake from the boardwalk, or take a boat ride to get a closer look.
Dragonfly Bridge: The Dragonfly Bridge is a 440-meter long pedestrian bridge that connects Bay Central Garden to Bay South Garden. It is inspired by the shape and movement of a dragonfly, and features a curved steel structure and a glass roof. It offers a panoramic view of the garden, the lake, and the supertrees.
Bay Central Bridge: The Bay Central Bridge is a 220-meter long pedestrian bridge that connects Bay Central Garden to Bay East Garden. It is designed as a series of arches that resemble waves, and features a steel and glass canopy. It offers a scenic view of the garden, the lake, and the city.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re planning to visit Gardens by the Bay, here are some useful information and tips that will help you make the most of your trip:
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Operating Hours: The outdoor gardens are open daily from 5 am to 2 am, while the conservatories, supertree grove, and supertree observatory are open daily from 9 am to 9 pm.
The OCBC Skyway is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm, while the Garden Rhapsody is on daily at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm.
Entry Fee: The outdoor gardens are free to enter, while the conservatories, supertree grove, supertree observatory, and OCBC Skyway require tickets. You can buy tickets online or at the ticketing counters. The prices vary depending on the attractions and the age of the visitors. You can check the latest prices and promotions on the official website of Gardens by the Bay.
Some additional tips and recommendations for visiting Gardens by the Bay are:
The best time to visit Gardens by the Bay is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller. You can also visit at night, when the lights and sounds create a magical atmosphere.
The best way to get to Gardens by the Bay is by public transport, such as the MRT, bus, or taxi. You can take the Circle Line or Downtown Line to Bayfront Station, which is a 10-minute walk to the garden. You can also take bus 400 from Marina Bay Sands Hotel or bus 97 from Marina Centre Bus Terminal, which will drop you off at the garden. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the drop-off point at the main entrance of the garden.
The best way to explore Gardens by the Bay is by walking, cycling, or taking the shuttle service. You can rent a bicycle from the Bay East Garden or the Lakeside Garden, which will allow you to cover more ground and enjoy the scenery. You can also take the shuttle service, which operates daily from 9 am to 9 pm, and stops at various points in the garden. The shuttle service costs $3 per person for unlimited rides in a day.
Gardens by the Bay is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Singapore. It is a place where you can experience the wonders of nature, the marvels of engineering, and the joys of culture. It is a place where you can learn, explore, and have fun.
So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and plan your visit to Gardens by the Bay, Singapore’s spectacular sky garden. You won’t regret it!
