“Friends of the Gardens” membership benefits

Singapore is known for its leafy greenery, but not so much its flowers – being a warm tropical country, we’re quite deprived of blooms, apart from the yearly “sakura” season and bougainvillea draped across overhead bridges. But at Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, you get to feast your eyes on pretty florals that otherwise wouldn’t thrive in our climate.

If you plan on having multiple visits to the Gardens in a year, it would do you good to sign up for a “Friends of the Gardens” membership card – especially with it going at 20% off from now till 31 March 2019 for all DBS/POSB Cardmembers. It’ll help you save on entry, and comes pegged with a bunch of other sweet deals as well. Here are some of the best ones:

1. Unlimited admission to Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, and Skyway

Sakura Matsuri
Image credit: @sohchris

Covering the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, and Skyway in one day would have you blowing almost $28 at one go. But as a member, you’ll get unlimited entry to all 3 for an entire year.

Cloud Forest

Visit just thrice within a year and you would’ve more than covered the cost of your membership, so it’s super worth it for those planning to catch all the highly anticipated seasonal specials like Sakura Matsuri, Tulipmania, and Poinsettia Wishes during the Christmas period.

Skyway
Image credit: @gopro_rich

While the 2 Cooled Conservatories host a collection of flora, the Skyway is a 22-metre high aerial walkway at the Supertree Grove, offering you a panoramic view of the trees below and Marina Bay skyline in the distance. You’d want to stay long enough to catch the Garden Rhapsody light show, where the entire area will be illuminated by dazzling lights.

2. Free parking

Image credit: @stacey_notteboom

Car owners know all too well the additional costs that come with owning a set of wheels – COE, ERP, and of course, parking fees. Save as a member with free 2-hour parking at Gardens by the Bay – that’s enough time for you to cover the 2 Conservatories at a leisurely pace without worrying about getting caught by the “summon auntie”. 

3. Birthday treats at Bakerzin, Cafe Crema, Majestic Bay, & more

A decadent slice of cake from Bakerzin
Image credit: @jinfeng.zheng

Make it a garden affair during your special day; Members will be able to enjoy yummilicious treats at the following eateries during their birthdays:

• Bakerzin*: complimentary slice of cake with every order of ala carte mains, steaks, burgers, and sandwiches
• Cafe Crema*: complimentary Handcrafted Hot Long Black Coffee worth $5 with purchase of any slice of cake
• Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant: complimentary Birthday Noodles worth $30 with minimum spend of $50
• Oriental Western Bistro: 20% discount during birthday month
• Peach Garden Noodle House*: complimentary dessert with any amount spent
• SuperTree by Indochine: complimentary dessert with any amount spent.

Complimentary dessert at SuperTree by Indochine
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay

Note: Dining promotions differ from year to year. What has been listed here will be valid till 31 Dec 2018, after which they might be subject to changes. Visit the Friends of the Gardens webpage and membership application brochure to check out the current promos.

*Only valid at Gardens by the Bay outlets

4. Free Apple Pie at McDonald’s

Image credit: @wildcard

Dessert is always a good idea, especially when it’s McDonald’s crispy warm Apple Pie. As a member, get your hands on this flakey pastry for free when you spend $20 in a single receipt at the Gardens by the Bay outlet. 

5. 10% off at Satay by the Bay, Peach Garden & more

Satay by the Bay
Image credit: @mejooon_

All that walking through the Gardens is going to work up an appetite. Which is all the better that the following eateries are offering 10% off to members:

• Bakerzin* (with minimum $30 spend)
• Children’s Garden Cafe
• Conservatory Cafe
• Hill Street Coffee Shop* (with minimum $30 spend)
• Oriental Western Bistro
• Peach Garden Noodle House (with minimum $50 spend)
• Satay by the Bay
• SuperTree by Indochine (food and non-alcoholic beverages)

Hill Street Coffee Shop
Image credit: @bonjour625

*Only valid at Gardens by the Bay outlets

6. Discounted Audio Tours

There’s more to Gardens by the Bay than its Cooled Conservatories and Skyway; The surrounding areas like The Meadow and Heritage Gardens are also worthy of exploration – see how many plant species you can spot, such as nutmeg and banana! 

Nutmeg fruit
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay

It’s a sprawling plot of land, so those who would like to conserve time and energy can cruise by with an Audio Tour while comfortably seated in a tram. This 25-minute ride normally costs $8, but goes at $5 for Friends of the Gardens.

7. Discount vouchers for dining, shopping, and more

Upon collecting your card, you’ll also be presented an envelope full of discount vouchers for various activities like dining and shopping. Some of the past ones include: $5 off at Cafe Crema, $30 off at Vineyard at Hort Park, and a free combo meal upsize at Texas Chicken.

Note: Voucher deals are subject to change each year. Terms and conditions and minimum spend on use of vouchers apply.

8. 10% off at Gift Shops

Image credit: Gardens by the Bay

So, you’ve just had a successful romantic date strolling through the flower-lined paths of the Gardens and you want to end the day on a sweet note. Surprise your lucky lad or lady with an item from one of the Gift Shops as a memento of your outing – members get 10% off selected merchandise at The Canopy, Visitor Centre, and Conservatories Shops.

Image credit: Gardens by the Bay

They’re also a great place to get presents for the whole family – such as air plants for your grandma, Risis gold-coated orchids for your mum, or adorable teddy bears for your younger siblings.

Image credit: Gardens by the Bay

Enjoy 20% off a Gardens by the Bay membership with your DBS/POSB Card

These are just some of the perks you’ll have as a “Friends of the Gardens” member – you can find the full list of privileges here.

What’s great is that there are various membership plans catered to your needs – such as child/student plans to packages for families of up to 5 people.

Image credit: @cleveland_dan92

Here’s another good reason to sign up: from now till 31 March 2019, you can get your “Friends of the Gardens” card at 20% off when you pay with your DBS/POSB Credit or Debit Card. That means instead of the usual $68, you only have to spend $54.40 for a 1-year membership.

Drop by the Cooled Conservatories and Skyway just thrice a year, and you’d already have saved close to $30 on entry fees. And the more you visit, the more you save!

Find out more about DBS’ Gardens by the Bay membership deals here!

Gardens by the Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Opening hours: Daily, 9AM-9PM (last ticket sale and admission at 8PM)
Telephone: 6420 6848

This post was brought to you by DBS.