One of Singapore’s most popular attractions, Gardens by the Bay is a nature park blessed with a variety of spoils. The gardens cover 101 hectares within the centre of the city.
Gardens by the Bay is part of the government’s ambitions to create an inner-city garden to create a verdant and colourful contract to the skyscrapers. Since it opened in 2012, Gardens by the Bay has attracted about 8.8 million visitors each year.
The main attractions at Gardens by the Bay are The Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, OCBC Skyway and Supertree Grove. Read on to learn more about these incredible parts and discover tips to make your visit to the Gardens by the Bay one to remember.
OCBC Skyway & Supertree Grove
One of the main attractions, the Supertree Grove has greatly impacted the success of the Gardens by the Bay. The artificial trees conjure scenes from the movie Avatar, thanks to their intricate and otherworldly design and towering heights often reaching 50 metres tall.
If you’re not afraid of heights, it’s possible to walk among the tree-like structures along the OCBC Skyway. This viewing walkway also offers mesmerising vistas over the famous Marina Bay Sands and the rest of the Gardens by the Bay.
Cloud Forest
The Cloud Forest is a great place to start, especially if you visit in the morning or later during the day when there are typically less crowds. Inside the Cloud Forest, you can witness the tallest man-made waterfall, which cascades 35 metres from the top of a densely vegetated centrepiece. Don’t miss the chance to wander through the different levels of the Cloud Walk and Treetop Walk, which offer vibrant plants and views of mountains.
Flower Dome
Next to the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome was listed as the largest glass greenhouse in the world back in 2015. It’s a flower lover’s paradise, where you can admire flowers and plants from various regions around the world in nine different gardens. Throughout the year they have different themes and displays. The Flower Dome is included in the ticket you buy to enter the Cloud Forest.
You can buy tickets in advance either via the official website of Gardens by the Bay or through an authorized tour company. If you decide to pay at the entrance counter instead, be prepared for a long queue if you don’t arrive when the attraction opens.
The Daily Light Show at Gardens by the Bay
The light show is a free event that takes place twice-daily. The first daily light show starts at 7:45pm and the second one starts at 8:45pm. It’s a popular event among tourists and locals who come here for picnics. The light show lasts for 15 minutes and you should arrive at least 15-20 minutes before to get a good spot on the grass. Don’t forget to bring something to sit on and some snacks and beverages.
How to Get to Gardens by the Bay
The easiest way to get to the Gardens by the Bay is by taxi, unless your hotel is located next to the MRT station. Every taxi driver knows about this attraction, and riding an UBER or Grab is cheap in Singapore, especially if you’re sharing with others. It’s also easy to get there via the MRT or on foot if you’re staying near Marina Bay.
Via the MRT
Circle Line or Downtown Line
- Alight at Bayfront MRT Station (CE1/DT16)
- Take Exit B and follow the underground linkway
- Exit and cross the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge into Gardens by the Bay
On Foot
From the Helix Bridge towards the Art Science Museum
Follow the footpath that leads under the East Coast Parkway (ECP), which will bring you directly into Bay South Garden along the waterfront.
From Marina Bay Sands
Walk across the overhead bridge (Lions Bridge) located at Marina Bay Sands (open daily from 8.00am to 11.00pm) or take the underground linkway via Bayfront MRT Station (Exit B).
Opening Hours
- Daily: 9am to 9pm
- Outdoor Gardens is open from 5am to 2am
Outdoor Gardens consists of:
- Supertree Grove
- Sun Pavillion
- Heritage Gardens
- World of Plants
- Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes
Article by Swedish Nomad
