Gardens by the Bay is a sprawling outdoor park in Singapore filled with everything from hanging gardens to an indoor cloud forest, and even a flower dome! When the sun goes down, the park transforms with the amazing light show in the Supertree Grove. Here’s how to get your Gardens by the Bay tickets, fun facts, and more tips for this special place in Singapore!
8 Best Gardens by the Bay Tips
1. Know the Gardens by the Bay History
Back in 2006, Singapore ran a competition for architectural design which drew over 70 entries from 24 different countries. When the winning idea came to fruition in 2012, the city opened the massive Gardens by the Bay!
The impressive display of flowers and plant life from all over the world has now captivated millions of travelers. This is part of an ongoing project where Singapore hopes to become a “City in a Garden.”
Sprawling nature is not just seen at Gardens by the Bay but throughout the city. While strolling around you’ll notice that hotels, apartments, and landmarks incorporate an abundance of greenery into their structures.
2. Walk or Take the MRT to Gardens by The Bay
Escaping the hustle and bustle of urban life couldn’t be easier in this modern capital city of Southeast Asia. Just a quick walk from the financial hub of Singapore, you’ll find this one-of-a-kind nature exhibit that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another planet!
The best way to get around Singapore is to simply walk. It may seem intimidating at first, but the city is extremely easy to navigate by foot.
You’d be surprised how much you can see with just a 2 day Singapore itinerary. If you’re short on time you can always hop in a Grab taxi or take the MRT downtown line to the Bayfront Station.
→ 6 Awesome Reasons to Use the Singapore MRT On Your First Visit
3. Buy Your Gardens by the Bay Tickets
Know that it’s very easy to get your Gardens by the Bay tickets! You can purchase them directly at the ticketing hub when you arrive, or beforehand online. However, some sections of Gardens by the Bay are free, while for others you’ll have to pay for entry tickets.
At the time of the writing of this, Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome & Cloud Forest is included at one price for $53 Singapore ($39 USD). The OCBC Skyway is only $8 Singapore dollars and takes you high above the Supertree Grove.
You can walk through the actual Supertree Grove anytime and it’s free to watch the nightly light show. For updated times and Gardens by the bay tickets info, be sure to check out the official website.
4. Adventure to the Cloud Forest
Now that you know some of the general Singapore Gardens by the Bay info, it’s time to get to the actual attractions! One of the most unique things you’ll find anywhere in Asia is the Gardens by the Bay Cloud Forest.
This living rainforest is complete with the world’s 2nd tallest indoor waterfall, its very own microclimate, and countless exotic gardens. In case you were wondering, it used to be the tallest indoor waterfall before The Jewel at Singapore’s very own Changi Airport took the title!
When you first walk in you can stand under the massive 115 foot (35 meter) waterfall and look up to see the hanging gardens above you. After that, take a quick ride to the top of the canopy where you will then loop your way back down to the bottom.
This is your chance to take in all the spectacular views that the Gardens by the Bay Cloud Forest has to offer! We recommend pre-booking your tickets for the best time slot in the early morning.
Gardens by the Bay won’t be too busy then, and you’re guaranteed a spot as early as 9am. Make sure to also plan your trip around a daily misting! This is where the entire dome fills with mist to keep the plants healthy. They’re scheduled every two hours, starting at 10am with the last one going off at 8pm.
5. Explore the Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome
Located right next to the Cloud Forest is the bright and beautiful Gardens by the bay Flower Dome. This humungous conservatory is filled with different plants and flowers from all over the globe. It’s actually in the Guinness World Records for being the world’s largest glass greenhouse!
Honestly, after seeing all the skyscrapers and high tech innovations of the city, it’s hard to believe this exists in the heart of Singapore. The highlights of the botanical garden for us were the many species from the semi-arid subtropical and Mediterranean region.
While these might look more traditional than the Singapore hanging gardens, they are equally as impressive! You should plan for at least 2 hours to see both the Cloud Forest and the Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome.
6. Experience Supertree Grove
Set in the center of Gardens by the Bay in Singapore is the iconic Supertree Grove. These giant metal trees first gave this tourist attraction international recognition with their unique structure.
The vertical gardens that grow up the base of the trees are made up of over 158,000 plants and 700 different species!
The 18 Supertrees also generate solar energy, collect rainwater, and act as natural air venting ducts for the rest of the park. You can see the tops of the trees from around Gardens by the Bay, and are a well recognized symbol of the city.
While there are many amazing and rare plants in other parts of the park, this technology is truly remarkable. The best part is that this area is open to the public and free for all to enjoy!
7. Stroll the OCBC Skyway
Now it’s time to get a better view! Hanging high above the trees is a 420 foot (128 meter) long aerial walkway that connects the tops of the Supertree Grove.
From here, you can get a birds eye of Singapore Gardens by the Bay with the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands hotel in the distance. It’s also incredible to see the Supertrees from the sky and all their power up close.
Getting this unique perspective was a great way to end our time at the different gardens. We can absolutely say this is one of the best things we did in Singapore! These Gardens by the Bay tickets are sold in the center of the Supertree Grove, or you can book online in advance.
→ Supertree Grove: How to Walk the Fun OCBC Skyway in Singapore
8. Watch the Gardens By the Bay Light Show
Ready for a nightcap? Twice a night (7:45pm & 8:45pm) tourists and locals alike fill the walkways of Supertrees Grove to take in the Garden Rhapsody Show.
Nicknamed Garden Rhapsody for its epic sound show and synchronized lights, it’s best seen by laying back on the ground and looking directly up.
This way you can get the perfect view as the Supertrees flash their lights in a magical display along to the music. The themed gardens are lit up for 15 minutes as the songs radiate around you.
No visit to the Gardens by the Bay Singapore would be complete without experiencing this awesome light show! Also, be sure to check out the Marina Bay Sands light show if you have time.
→ Gardens by the Bay Light Show: Is it Worth Seeing in Singapore?
Is Visiting Singapore Gardens By the Bay Worth it?
Absolutely! We travel to Singapore often so we know how easy it is to get caught up in the different neighborhoods. From Chinatown to Little India and the colorful Arabic Quarter, there is so much to do and see in Singapore. Not to mention, all the delicious food at the Hawker Centres sprinkled around the city!
Sometimes travelers don’t include this in their itinerary or may just run out of time. Yet, it’s really is the perfect place to see nature within Singapore. They’re constantly improving and innovating, which means you’ll find new additions every visit.
In between the beautiful gardens, you’ll come across cooled conservatories, massive art sculptures, and even Kingfisher lake! So plan to spend a morning or evening exploring the Gardens by the Bay Singapore, and embrace it in all its glory.
Have any questions on this article or want to share your own favorite things about Singapore Gardens by the Bay? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where to Stay in Singapore
Luxury – Marina Bay Sands – We stayed at the Marina Bay Sands for Jake’s 30th birthday and it blew away our expectations. Aside from the luxury amenities, swimming in the rooftop infinity pool will be the highlight of your visit!
Iconic – Raffles Hotel – As one of the most historic hotels Southeast Asia, staying at Raffles will be an experience like no other. Enjoy a Singapore Sling and take in the amazing architecture of this landmark built in 1887.
Fun Vacation – Parkroyal on Pickering– It doesn’t get much more green and lush then Parkroyal on Pickering! This fun vacation spot is literally one of the greenest hotels in the world. Plant life covers the entire property to make for a unique stay in Singapore.
Boutique – KēSa House – Located in Chinatown, this fantastic hotel was built in 1920’s. Enjoy the incredible setting in the heart of the city in a traditional building on Keong Saik Road.
Hostel – Hipstercity hostel – Fun hostel in downtown Singapore with both private and dorm rooms. Great place to meet other travelers to explore the city with.
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Singapore Travel Planning
Activities: 23 Fun Things to Do – Butterfly Garden – Chinatown – Marina Bay Sands – Haji Lane – Merlion Park – Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel – Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool – 2 Best Light Shows
Hawker Centers: 8 Must Try Hawkers – Maxwell – Old Airport Road – Tekka Centre – Chinatown Complex – Lau Pa Sat – Liao Fan Hawker Chan
Travel Tips: Singapore Airlines Review – 15 Wild Laws
Flights: We always find deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Athens to Singapore for $230 USD, and Singapore to Thailand for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare competitive sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for activities all over Singapore. You can book everything from a Singapore Highlights Bike Tour to a Gardens by the Bay E-Ticket, and even a private food tour with 10 tastings!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Here’s all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists! Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
I’ve been in Singapore since November, and if you enjoy nature as much as I do, Garden by the Bay should definitely be on your travel itinerary. Gardens by the Bay Cloud Forest is my favorite tourist attraction because of its breathtaking scenery.
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Absolutely! Love exploring this amazing part of Singapore