Given Singapore’s small size, it’s easy to think of the country as a dense concrete jungle sprawling with tall office buildings and HDB blocks. But that doesn’t mean we’re devoid of a healthy amount of nature reserves and parks to balance everything out.
Just to be extra sure everyone knows we’re good with greenery, Singapore also has the iconic Gardens By The Bay. They didn’t skimp on displaying as much as possible either – think 250 acres of manicured gardens, scenic walking paths, and educational pit stops that’ll please everyone from your SO and your friends, to your ah ma and kiddos.
Image credit: Gardens By The Bay
Picture Gardens By The Bay and an image of the whimsical tree-like towers of Supertree Grove immediately comes to mind.
Most visitors will take full advantage of strolling under the shaded walkways during the day, but you’ll likely find it worthwhile to stay till sundown. That’s because the entire enclave sparkles with colourful light displays at night, in a rousing musical show taking place at 7.45pm and 8.45pm, daily.
The Garden Rhapsody doesn’t just follow a fixed playlist 365 days a year, either. There are seasonal specials such as festive tunes during Christmas and Chinese New Year period, as well as thematic shows ranging from locally composed songs to the Star Wars soundtrack. Trust and believe that you’ll find plenty of reason to swing by and see – or hear, rather – what’s new.
Entry is free, so it’s an easy go-to spot for getting some fresh air and IG-worthy snaps. Fun fact: Supertree Grove was the backdrop for the memorable wedding reception scene in “Crazy Rich Asians”.
Image credit: @gardensbythebay via Instagram
For those who can’t resist getting a good bird’s-eye view of Marina Bay and the CBD, head up to the Supertree Observatory. Located on the highest Supertree in the park, the observatory has a rooftop deck and an outdoor walkway for unobstructed views. That, plus a cafe called The Social Kitchen for you to wind down at.
While you’re at it, check out the OCBC Skyway, a bridge between 2 Supertrees to make you feel like you’re walking through a canopy. The walk spans 128m and is a comfortable 15-minute stroll, set 22m above ground – that’s about 8 floors, mind you!
Supertree Observatory
Admission: From $10/adult | From $6/child aged 3-12
Opening hours: 9am-9pm, Daily
OCBC Skyway
Admission: From $8/adult | From $5/child aged 3-12
Opening hours: 9am-9pm, Daily
Folks who’re in need of a dose of nature but aren’t a fan of Singapore’s year-round tropical heat will find respite at the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. These climate-controlled conservatories sport cool temperatures of 23°C–25°C to house an array of plant habitats. The Flower Dome is actually the biggest greenhouse in the world, as listed in the 2015 Guinness World Records.
If you’ve been to the Flower Dome once, you’ll likely find parts of it completely different the next time you roll around. That’s because seasonal exhibitions are commonplace here, where past exhibits have included Tulipmania – a Turkish Tulip festival, and sakura displays – complete with Pokémon.
The dome also has permanent displays with Mediterranean and subtropical plants, plus succulents.
Image credit: Gardens By The Bay
Once you’re done, head over to Cloud Forest to experience a replica of mountain greenery. The most noticeable feature of this dome is its 35m waterfall and cooling mist.
Already a spectacular sight on any regular day, this observatory gets transformed from time to time as part of seasonal events. The most recent one was Avatar: The Experience, where you could channel the Na’vi and step into Pandora IRL. Keep your eyes peeled for their next thematic exhibition, who knows how wild and imaginative things could get?
Admission to 2 conservatories: From $20/adult | From $10/child aged 3-12
Admission to 1 conservatory: From $10/adult | From $5/child aged 3-12
Opening hours: 9am-9pm, Daily
Sun Pavilion.
Image credit: Gardens By The Bay
Be sure to wear comfy shoes if you’re planning to spend the day at Gardens By The Bay, because there are plenty of outdoor gardens and displays to explore – most of which are free.
Ponds, art installations, and pavilions are among the few fine touches you’ll stumble upon while strolling through manicured grounds. There are also limited time art exhibitions to keep a lookout for, such as the world record-breaking Love the Last March sculptures which measures a whopping 192m.
Floral Fantasy.
Image credit: @hottiemargaret via Instagram
Among these, check out photo-worthy gems like Floral Fantasy (from $10/adult, $5/child), a dreamy corner filled with floating bouquets and romantic paths lined with foliage.
Image credit: David Gohla via Google Maps
Meanwhile, those with young ones can head to the Far East Organization Children’s Garden so the kiddos can unleash their energy amid interactive play areas. Designed for children aged 12 and under, the playground is free to enter. Just keep in mind that it’s closed every Monday and Wednesday, except on public holidays.
Although the main attraction at Gardens By The Bay is undoubtedly the garden aspect – namely the lush greenery and colourful blooms – you’ll also find plenty of interesting exhibits that aren’t fully horticultural. Don’t head off before making a stop at the Big Fish Aquarium, one of the well-kept Gardens By The Bay secrets which only seasoned visitors may know of.
Housing exotic species such as the alligator gar – which sports a elongate snout, and arapaima – crowned the biggest breed of freshwater fish in the world, the aquarium has even attracted otters to come take a peep.
Whether you love being surrounded by nature, or simply appreciate gorgeous backgrounds for your IG feed, you’ll find Gardens By The Bay a strong contender to spend a full day at.
Pick up educational tidbits about nature while you’re there, or simply enjoy the cool temperatures of the iconic domes. Either way, the gardens are fit for a day out with your loved ones, whether it’s your fam, friends or bae.
Getting there
From Circle or Downtown Line: Alight at Bayfront MRT Station and walk via Exit B towards Gardens By The Bay.
From East-West Line: Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT Station and take Exit C. Go to bus stop no. 03223 (Intl Plaza) and take bus 400 till bus stop no. 03371 (Aft Gdns by the Bay), 6 stops away.
Cover image adapted from: Pinterest
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. Our opinions remain our own.
Article originally published on 4th December 2020. Last updated by Renae Cheng on 22nd May 2023.
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