Gardens by the Bay Singapore

The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest

Before embarking on your foray into the unknown, get a map of the Gardens from the Visitors' Centre (located opposite the ticketing booth). From there, it won't be hard locating the two domed conservatories, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest – the latter of which houses plants from tropical highlands as high as 2,000 metres above sea level. Besides carnivorous plants, stalactites and stalagmites that can be taken in from the cloud walk or treetop walk, the conservatory houses an impressive 35-metre-tall waterfall set against a carpeted wall of plants.

Over at the Flower Dome, you'll find plants from Mediterranean and semi-arid subtropical regions, spread across nine smaller Gardens. Admire the swollen trunks of Baobabs, thousand-year-old olive trees and rare succulents before making for the Flower Field that – depending on the time of year – is thematically refreshed, whether for Chinese New Year, Mid Autumn Festival, Christmas or hanami (cherry blossom) season.

Giant, futuristic Supertrees

Any mention of Gardens by the Bay brings to mind these so-called Supertrees – Avatar-like, manmade structures fashioned from concrete and steel frames. Their branches, angled to the sky as if in a cry to the gods, shelter vertical gardens comprising over 200 species of plants. For a bird's eye view of the gardens – and a small fee – hop in a lift to the suspended walkway, OCBC Skyway. One of the trees even houses a restaurant and rooftop bar 16 storeys up.

Looking to go higher? Visit the SkyPark Observation Deck for a view of Gardens by the Bay that's not to be missed. From 56 storeys above, take in the entirety of the gardens and more - admire the sea view that stretches from Marina South Pier to the Singapore Strait, or spot Singapore's iconic landmarks amongst the city's skyline.

Come evening, these Supertrees come to life (as best as they can, anyway) during the Garden Rhapsody show (free nightly, 7.45pm & 8.45pm). Watch the man made beauties twinkle in rhythm to a soundtrack, their branches illuminated against the inky night sky. If you can’t get enough of the lively light show, immerse yourself in Singapore nightlife with more nightclubs and top notch bars.

Don't forget the festive season, where Gardens by the Bay Christmas is filled with a host of festive treats, dazzling luminarie light sculptures and more. It's surely the most wonderful time of the year to experience magic when you visit Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Fun for the kids

If the little ones are starting to get restless from your possibly overzealous attempts at rallying the Brady Bunch for a fun day out, make for the Far East Organization Children's Garden (Tue-Sun 9am-7pm, closed Mondays). From treehouses to obstacle courses, a toddler play zone and a water play area, there's plenty of fun to be had for kids. Don't forget to pack the swimwear and sunblock.

However, if the weather is less than agreeable to your outdoor plans, head indoors to the Digital Light Canvas at The Shoppes - watch as the little ones chase after vibrant fishes and butterflies while leaving behind a trail of flowers in this multi-sensory experience. For more ideas on keeping the little ones entertained, check out our guide to activities for kids in Marina Bay.

Photo: Tourism Information & Services Hub

Suss out these secret spots 

Lest you think you've covered the Gardens after having traversed the cavernous domes and Supertrees, think again. Locate the Web of Life to admire a collection of sculptured topiaries, including an orangutan-shaped one. Or try the Big Fish Aquarium to catch a glimpse of the Arapaima – only the biggest fish in the tank that's carnivorous and native to the Amazon basin.

Keen on more? Try spotting over 40 sculptures that dot the Gardens: the seven-metre-wide Floral Clock holds within it tropical plants and flowers; Planet by Marc Quinn features a giant baby balancing on its right hand, giving the illusion of weightlessness; and the striking Ferns by Manolo Valdés is rife with symbolism.

Passing by Marina Bay Sands? Check out Wind Arbor by Ned Kahn, a structure that covers four vertical acres of glass facade, comprised of a myriad of metallic elements that sway in the wind. Hop by the Rain Oculus by Ned Kahn to observe an indoor whirlpool and waterfall from all angles - though the best seats in the house are on the Sampan Rides, where passengers enjoy a leisurely ride along the Canal while 22,000 litres of water pour from a skylight two storeys above.

How to go Gardens by the Bay

You can walk from Marina Bay Sands, or travel by car, bus or train (MRT)

• MRT: Circle or Downtown MRT lines. Alight at Bayfront station (CE1/CT16). Exit B and follow the underground linkway.
• Walking from Marina Bay Sands? Cross the connecting overhead Lions Bridge (open daily 8am-11pm) located in the Hotel.
   

Alternatively, if you're closer to the ArtScience Museum, walk under the Helix Bridge and keep going until you reach the domes of Gardens by the Bay. 

Gardens by the Bay opening hours

• Open daily from 5am-2am.
• The cooled, domed conservatories and OCBC Skyway are open daily 9am-9pm.

After experiencing the Supertrees and conservatories up close, go higher – by admiring the Gardens in all its splendour at the SkyPark Observation Deck, located 56 storeys up from the heart of the Marina Bay area. From the SkyPark Observation Deck, head down to the enthralling Digital Light Canvas before giving your legs a break on a Sampan Ride. Finally, end the day at Celebrity Chef restaurants at Marina Bay Sands or browse all dining options at Marina Bay Sands, a luxurious lifestyle destination, for an array of international cuisines.