Gardens by the Bay (GBTB) is already one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions, with crowd-favourites like the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest drawing visitors from all over the world. Since opening its doors in 2012, the gardens have become a must-visit spot for both tourists and locals alike, especially during events like the annual River Hongbao and Sakura display.
But after more than a decade, it looks like GBTB is getting ready for a brand new attraction. It was recently announced that GBTB will be developing Wetlands by the Bay, a nature-themed space that will also house a flagship museum by teamLab.
Here’s everything we know about Wetlands by the Bay so far.
Reference image of Wetlands by the Bay.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
It’s a new attraction that will be developed as part of the next phase of expansion at GBTB, which will be built alongside other upcoming landmarks in the area, including the new Bay East Garden and the Founders’ Memorial.
To give you an idea of the scale, Wetlands by the Bay will span about 5ha – roughly the size of 7 football fields, and 3 times bigger than the existing Kingfisher Wetlands. So yes, we’re talking about a sizeable addition to the already massive GBTB.
Artist’s impression of the bridge built across the Marina Reservoir.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
A 550m bridge that will link the Bay South and Bay East Gardens will also be constructed. This includes a 175m stretch meant to replicate a “walking on water” experience, as it will rest above the Marina Reservoir.
Construction for Wetlands by the Bay will begin in Q1 2027, with the different amenities within the space opening in phases by the end of 2028.
Considering the scale of the project, the timeline actually feels pretty speedy. If all goes according to plan, we’ll be able to check out the wetlands and that highly anticipated teamLab museum before we know it.
Artist’s impression of the upcoming teamLab museum at Wetlands by the Bay.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Arguably, the most exciting highlight is the flagship teamLab museum that will be part of the new wetlands attraction. If the name rings a bell, that’s because the collective is also behind teamLab Future World, the popular interactive digital art exhibition that opened at the ArtScience Museum back in 2016.
This upcoming museum, however, is expected to be even bigger and more ambitious, taking up a 12,000sqm site within Wetlands by the Bay. From the artist’s impressions released so far, the space appears to be housed in its own standalone building, similar to teamLab Biovortex Kyoto.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
You can expect exhibitions and activities that incorporate both wet and dry environments. One concept that has already caught our attention is a multi-sensory pedal kayak experience – something that hasn’t been featured in any other teamLab exhibition before.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Wetlands by the Bay will also feature an expanded Kingfisher Wetlands, creating even more room for nature to thrive. The space will house over 600 mangroves and coastal plants sourced from around the world, and is expected to provide new habitats for birds, as well as locally endangered and vulnerable species that have already been spotted around the area.
So the next time you’re strolling along the waterfront promenade near GBTB MRT Station, don’t be surprised if you spot wildlife making themselves at home.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Another useful addition to look forward to is a cantilevered boardwalk that will offer better views of the surrounding greenery. Beyond being a scenic walkway, it’ll also double as a linkway between the GBTB MRT Station and the Main Entrance of GBTB.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Then there’s the 3,500sqm Glade Lawn, an open green space designed to host events. And if you ask us, it already sounds like it has the makings to be the next popular picnic spot in Singapore.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Food options around the area are also getting a refresh. The current operator of Satay by the Bay is set to wrap up its lease in December 2026, making way for a brand-new 2-storey dining concept.
From what’s been announced so far, the ground floor will house a food court, while the upper level will feature casual dining restaurants. There’ll also be both indoor and alfresco seating, so you can dine in air-con comfort or soak in the waterfront views while you eat.
While we’ll still need to wait a little while before everything opens, the upcoming Wetlands by the Bay already sounds like it’ll offer a good mix of nature, art, and fun activities. Until then, this will be something to look forward to the next time you’re at GBTB.
More new and upcoming openings:
Cover image adapted from: Gardens by the Bay
It will span about 5ha, which is roughly the size of 7 football fields
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