Famously known for its unique and futuristic design, Gardens by the Bay (GBTB) is an iconic attraction in Singapore. Officially opened in 2012, it is a sprawling horticultural wonderland that spans 101-hectares of reclaimed land in the city. Seamlessly blends nature, art, and technology, Gardens by the Bay creates an awe-inspiring environment for visitors of all ages. It aims to promote environmental sustainability and raise awareness about the importance of conserving nature while offering a delightful escape into the beauty of nature. Whilst most part of the attraction can be explored for free, I would highly recommend paying the entrance price to explore the two main domes.
Getting There
The cheapest and easiest way to get to GBTB is by MRT (railway system in Singapore). You can either take a Circle Line (Yellow Line) or Downtown Line (Blue Line) to Bayfront Station. Take Exit B and follow along the underground linkway till you see a flight of stairs leading up to exit.
If you are walking from Marina Bay Sands, there is an overhead bridge (Lions Bridge) located at Marina Bay Sands Hotel which leads to GBTB as well. However, do note that the door only operates from 0800-2300 hours. Alternative, you may walk along the waterfront from ArtScience Museum which leads you into Bay South Garden.
Cruiser Services
It can be quite a walk for elderly or with small children from Bayfront Plaza to the Conservatories which are the main attractions in GBTB. Be it sunny or rainy, the cruiser services seem like a popular option among the tourists and the locals to go around the gardens. There are 3 types of cruisers for you to choose from for a small fee.
Shuttle Service
- Runs at 10-minute intervals between Bayfront Plaza and the Conservatories
- Operating Time: Daily; 9.00am – 9.00pm
- Fee: SG$3 for one 2-way ride
Outdoor Gardens Audio Tour
- 20-minutes ride around the outdoor gardens with informative commentary on the cruiser.
- Operating Time: Daily; 12.30pm – 5.00pm
- Fee: Adult – SG$10, Child – SG$5
Auto Rider (unavailable till further notice)
- Driverless vehicle which allows visitors to see more of the Gardens from the comfort of an air-conditioned tour vehicle, with live commentary on board.
- Operating Time: Mon – Thurs: 12pm – 5pm; Fri – Sun: 12pm – 7pm
- Fee: SG$3 for one-way, SG$5 for return
Essential Information
Flower Dome & Cloud Forest: Daily; 9am – 9pm, SG$30
Floral Fantasy: Mon- Fri: 10am – 7pm; Weekends & PH: 10am – 8pm, SG$20
Supertree Observatory: Daily; 9:00am – 9:00pm, SG$14
OCBC Skyway: Daily; 9:00am – 9:00pm, SG$12
Outdoor Gardens: Daily; 5:00am – 2:00am, Free
Check out GBTB website for Singapore Resident and children’s rate.
Don’t Miss: A Simple Guide To Backpacking The Multicultural Singapore
Outdoor Gardens
The outdoor gardens are designed with beautifully landscaped greenery, palm trees, and numerous open spaces for visitors to enjoy leisurely walks or picnics while admiring the scenic views of the cityscape. For those who appreciate art, there are more than 40 interesting sculptures scattered throughout the vicinity to search for. Visitors can explore themed gardens like the Sun Pavilion, Kingfisher Lake, and Heritage Gardens, which showcase a wide range of plant species from around the world.
Sun Pavilion
An amazing desert-like landscapes with over 1,000 desert plants.
The Canyon
This section showcases a large collection of sculptural rocks and exotic plants species unique to arid regions. But before that, do not miss the Floral Clock which is located beside the Canopy.
Kingfisher Lakes
OCBC Skyway
This aerial walkway offers a panoramic view of the gardens and the Singapore skyline. Suspended between the Supertrees, visitors can stroll along a 128-meter-long pathway at a height of 22-meters above the ground.
Supertrees Grove
Discover over 162,900 plants comprising more than 200 species and varieties of bromeliads, orchids, ferns and tropical flowering climbers planted on the Supertrees! These vertical gardens range from 25 to 50-meters tall, these giants serve as environmentally sustainable structures, collecting rainwater and generating solar power. Don’t forget to catch the nightly Garden Rhapsody show, simulating ‘live’ musicians performing at various spots. Shows run every night at 7:45pm and 8:45pm.
Flower Dome
Being the largest glass greenhouse in the world as listed in the 2015 Guinness World Records, Flower Dome has its permanent displays as well as an area for seasonal floral displays. No matter which month you visit, there’s always something new to see! This enormous glass greenhouse is one of the largest of its kind in the world. It replicates a cool-dry climate and houses a diverse collection of plants and flowers from different regions. Visitors can explore Mediterranean and semi-arid landscapes, as well as seasonal flower displays.
Permanent Exhibits
Seasonal Exhibits
Cloud Forest
The Cloud Forest is another glass conservatory that simulates the cool-moist climate found in tropical mountain regions. It features a breathtaking indoor waterfall cascading down a 35-meters-tall “mountain” covered in lush vegetation, which used to be the World’s Tallest Indoor Waterfall of 35-meters until taken over by Changi Jewel’s HSBC Rain Vortex in 2019. Entering Cloud Forest is like stepping into the world in “Avatar” movie. Visitors can explore the diverse plant life while walking along aerial walkways.
Floral Fantasy
Floral Fantasy is an immersive indoor garden that showcases a variety of captivating floral displays in four different themes. Upon entering, visitors can expect to find a variety of beautiful landscapes and creative displays featuring different types of flowers, plants, and foliage. Combines with artistry, technology, and nature, this attraction is designed to create a unique and enchanting experience for visitors to enjoy.
Lastly, if you want to keep a track of all my photos and travels, remember to follow @wanderrsaurus on Instagram!
Planning to go Gardens by the Bay? Pin this post to read later!
