Holding a Singapore Passport may require us to fork out $150 to get into the MBS Casino. But walk 700m down and the same passport can get you complimentary admission into our beloved Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. In our latest series of things we’re not gatekeeping, here’s a hack for all local fans to get free entry into Gardens by the Bay.
Well, of course, most of the beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces can be accessed by anyone for free. The grounds cover a pretty big area of 540,000sqm, so if you want to clock in your daily steps, simply complete a full circle.
To check out specific highlights, follow the online gardens map for directions to “hidden” spots like the Big Fish Aquarium and Victoria Lily Pond. There’s even a free water playground for kiddos to splash around in.
Tulipmania 2023 in the Flower Dome.
There are, however, 5 main attractions that require one to purchase an entry ticket. Namely, Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, OCBC Skyway, and Supertree Observatory.
| Attraction | Cloud Forest | Flower Dome | Floral Fantasy | OCBC Skyway | Supertree Observatory |
| Admission Fee | Singapore residents: $12/adult | $8/child | Singapore residents: $12/adult | $8/childNon-residents: $20/adult | $12/child | Singapore residents: $10/adult | $7/childNon-residents: $14/adult | $10/child | ||
When it comes to the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, non-residents only have the option of getting a package for both attractions at $32/adult and $18/child.
Singaporeans can purchase individual tickets for either attraction or get the same combined package for $20/adult and $12/child.
Avatar: The Experience in the Cloud Forest.
Now, if you want to save on the entrance fee for Cloud Forest listen up. You’ve got to camp on the GBTB website on the first Wednesday of each month and register for one of their free Nature and Sustainability Tours.
These 1-hour tours happen every Saturday and Sunday at 2 timings: 8.30am-9.30am and 10.30am-11.30am. But choose wisely as only selected tours include free entry into the conservatory for Singaporeans.
Carbon and Climate Tour.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Take note that some of these tours are having their last sessions in December 2024 and will not be available thereafter. However, there are also a couple of new tours starting in 2025.
| Tour | Time | Free entry zone | Availability |
| Energy and Water Tour | 8.30am-9.30am | Cloud Forest | All year round |
| Carbon and Climate Tour | 8.30am-9.30am | Cloud Forest | All year round |
| Urban Wetlands Tour | 10.30am-11.30am | – | Till 29th Dec 2024 |
| A Sensory Stroll – What’s that Smell? | 10.30am-11.30am | – | Till 29th Dec 2024 |
| Biodiversity and Ecosystems Tour | 8.30am-9.30am | Cloud Forest | Till 29th Dec 2024 |
| A Sensory Stroll – Touch Me if You Dare! | 10.30am-11.30am | – | Till 29th Dec 2024 |
| A Sensory Stroll – Hidden in Plain Sight | 10.30am-11.30am | – | From 4th Jan 2025 |
| A Sensory Stroll – Can Eat or Not? | 10.30am-11.30am | – | From 4th Jan 2025 |
Each tour allows roughly 20 participants to join and spaces run out pretty quickly. Hence, it’s best to plan early on which day and tour you’re interested in.
Pro tip: Sign-ups are via Eventbrite so follow Gardens by the Bay on the platform to be notified whenever new tour dates are released. And voila! You’ve got yourself a fun weekend activity planned, plus free entry to the Cloud Forest.
Having said that, don’t be kiasu and book multiple back-to-back tours as the meeting points are quite far apart and require a fair bit of walking. If you’re more than 10 minutes late, you may be denied entry to the tour.
For the uninitiated, Cloud Forest is the dome with the gorgeous waterfall – one of the tallest in the world. It’s been designed to mimic a mountain with aerial walkways bringing you higher up to view the exotic plants from around the world that thrive in mountainous climates.
The Flower Dome is one of the largest glass greenhouses in the world and often holds themed floral displays such as tulips from Türkiye and sunflowers from Spain. At the moment, the Christmas Train Show is on display.
Image credit: @heydeets via Instagram
If you plan to see the garden in its entirety, you’ll probably need a good 3-4 hours. Each of the domes takes about an hour to explore, and you’ll need another 30 minutes at the Skywalk. You won’t want to miss Insta-worthy spots like the Dragonfly Lake and Serene Garden either.
Image credit: Eatbook
Factor in time for resting and filling your tummies too. When it comes to Gardens by the Bay food options, there’s Shake Shack, McDonald’s, a couple of cafes, and sit-down restaurants like TungLok Seafood.
If you’re looking for variety then head to Satay by the Bay for local delights or the indoor Jurassic Nest food hall. Btw, when the weather is pleasant, it might also be a good idea to pack food for a picnic in the gardens.
The easiest way to get there via public transport is to take the MRT to Bayfront Station and get out from Exit B. Follow the underground linkway to Gardens by the Bay. This side is closer to the Dragonfly Bridge and the Meadow Bridge and will get you to the ticket counter.
If you’ve already bought tickets online, you can choose to get off at Gardens by the Bay Station and walk along the Singapore River towards Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.
Biodiversity and Ecosystems Tour.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
There’s nothing more exciting for Singaporeans than places and events that are free. Now that you know there’s a way to get complimentary access to this famous attraction, KIV for things to do over the weekend.
Plus, when you sign up for one of these free educational tours by Gardens by the Bay, you also get to say you learnt something new that day!
More guides to Gardens by the Bay:
Cover image adapted from: Gardens by the Bay
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