Singapore Gardens by the Bay travel guide
Intro lineEverything you need to know before visiting Singapore’s stunning botanical gardens
Singapore's aspiration to be "a City in a Garden" is epitomised by Gardens by the Bay, which is spread across 250 acres of reclaimed land. Gardens by the Bay is truly awe-inspiring, from its futuristic biodomes to its sprawling waterfront gardens.
This design and technical achievement goes far beyond mere aesthetics. It's possible to get up close and personal with a wide variety of exotic plant species thanks to the conservatories. When they're not being photographed, the alien Supertrees offer a stunning view of Marina Bay. Other than that, there are numerous outdoor gardens and amenities where visitors can learn about our natural and cultural heritage as well as reconnect with nature and enjoy a variety of leisure activities.
With that in mind, our comprehensive Gardens by the Bay guide is here to help you get the most out of your visit.
About Gardens by the Bay
Following an international design competition, the park opened in 2012, forever altering the skyline of the city. For the sake of Feng Shui, it was placed on the imaginary dragon's nose, which was drawn from a head above the Marina district.
For the world's largest cities, Singapore ranks first in the amount of green canopy with 30% coverage, thanks in part to Gardens by the Bay, which covers more than 100 hectares.
There are plans to turn Singapore into a "City in a Garden" in this park, which is situated on reclaimed land behind Marina Bay Sands. The Prime Minister announced the plan to create the park at the National Day Rally in 2005.
How to get to Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is located directly behind the city. Use the local MRT, which is just a two-minute walk from Bayfront MRT. You can also take a taxi, but as with any car transport in Singapore, expect to pay a premium.
Gardens by the Bay opening hours
The park is open from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m and at 8:00 p.m., all paid attractions are closed. The Supertrees and Bay South area are still open for free light shows in the evenings, but they close at 9:00 p.m.An hour should be allotted for each attraction. Because peak hours are from 4pm to 7pm daily, expect longer waits.
Gardens by the Bay tickets
Some parts of Gardens By The Bay are free to enter, while others require a fee. Admission to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, two of the world's most famous greenhouses, is a separate cost. You'll need to buy a ticket if you want to walk the OCBC Skyway.
The Flower Dome charges an entrance fee of $12 for adults and $8 for children (3-12 years) It costs $12 per adult and $8 per child to visit Cloud Forest (3-12 years). For adults, the OCBC Skyway costs $8, while the ticket for children is $5. (3-12 years)
Gardens by the Bay main attractions
The Flower Dome
The Flower Dome is the second conservatory in Gardens by the Bay. Glass-enclosed gardens in the Mediterranean and subtropical regions of the world display plants that thrive in the cool and dry climates. Be awed by the towering African baobabs and bottle trees that tower over you, or take a picture next to a 1000-year-old olive tree in the South African Garden.
Cloud Forest
At the Cloud Forest conservatory, you'll get a taste of tropical highlands coolness. The flora of tropical montane ecosystems, such as orchids, bromeliads, and begonias, can be found here. Lost World is an excellent place to begin your journey because it contains both carnivorous pitcher plants and other lush greenery. Entrance to Crystal Mountain and Secret Garden, a magical place with stalagmites and stalactites resembling limestone forests and caves, is through the cloud and treetop walk that descends through layers of mist and forest. The 35-meter-tall waterfall, the tallest in the world, is also not to be missed.
Supertree Grove
Gardens By The Bay Singapore's main draw, the Supertree Grove, is a major reason for the influx of visitors that occurs on a daily basis.
The Supertrees, which are between 25 and 50 metres tall, are completely free to enter. The famous Garden Rhapsody light show takes place every night in the iconic tree-like vertical gardens.
In the summer, their large canopies provide shade, while the OCBC Skyway, a 22-metre high walkway, offers a bird's eye view of the garden.
With a maximum height of 16 storeys, Gardens by the Bay's tallest Supertree stands at a staggering 12 stories tall in Supertree Grove.
The Light Show at the Gardens by the Bay
Watch as the enormous Supertrees come to life from the comfort of your own home. Listen to some of the greatest movie soundtracks of all time as you dance!
The forest of Supertrees, one of Singapore's most impressive light shows, is a sight to behold, and visitors stand in awe of the massive show above them.
Almost like a scene from Avatar, the crazy light show matches every beat and is a show not to be missed for anyone who loves live music.
OCBC Skyway
It is a 128-meter-long walkway that connects the Supertree Grove's magic to the OCBC Skyway.
With a height of 22 metres, this viewing platform offers a bird's-eye view of the garden.
It links two of the Garden's most popular futuristic attractions, the Supertrees, allowing visitors to get a closer look at the technological marvels on display.
Entrance to the museum is by pre-purchased ticket only, which can be obtained here from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., seven days a week. OCBC Skyway + Gardens By The Bay Combo Tickets
A quick trip down the Skyway will take you no more than ten to fifteen minutes, but you'll be rewarded with stunning views of not only the Gardens but also the harbour and the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
Serene Garden
A leisurely stroll through the Serene Garden is a pleasant way to unwind. With a mini waterfall cascading over blue rocks from Niyodo, Japan, the garden was inspired by Japanese Zen gardens. 160 red and blue rocks from the land of the red sun make up a small rock garden. Though there are a lot of rocks in the Serene Garden, it also has lovely bamboo trees and bismarckias with fan-shaped leaves, along with an overall peaceful atmosphere.
Sculpture Trail
Visitors to Gardens by the Bay can design their own sculpture trail. In the Gardens, you'll find more than 40 works of art that change with each visit. A large reproduction of the artist's son, Planet, appears to float in midair; Fiore depicts a woman's head with a flourishing headdress; Diaspora pays homage to early Chinese immigrants; and Moongate, an abstract piece that nudges us toward new stories of Singapore.
Dining at Gardens by the Bay
Conservatory Cafe
What's better than ice cream and a chilled drink when trailing through a park? When there are 17 delicious flavours of ice cream to choose from, as well as a variety of refreshing beverages and light snacks, it's hard to choose.
Conveniently located between the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, the Conservatory Cafe is a grab-and-go eatery, so stop by for a snack before or after your visit to the gardens.
Hortus
Garden by the Bay's Flower Dome is home to Hortus, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant tucked away in a private garden.
Chef Michael Wilson's offerings include small and large plates like the pomegranate, mint, and bottarga-dressed Amberjack Crudo ($22) and the spice-and-prune-infused Lamb Tagine ($25).
The atmosphere is just as impressive as the food. At night, the pergola is illuminated, making it the ideal location for a romantic dinner date under the stars overlooking Marina Bay.
Shake Shack
The chain is self-explanatory. Shake Shack Gardens By The Bay is conveniently located by a shuttle stop at the entrance of the Flower Dome and serves some of our guilty pleasures, including burgers, shakes, beer, and wine.
Visit the Floral Clock, Cloud Forest, and The Canopy, all within walking distance.
The Social Kitchen
The Social Kitchen is a dining concept that is testimony to food with heart. Have a go at their delicious plant-based meals and baked goods from a social enterprise that aims to create sustainable jobs for the vulnerable with sustainable food.
The cafe is situated near the Supertrees — you can purchase your meals, then enjoy them gazing at the Gardens By The Bay's Light Show.
More attractions near Gardens by the Bay Singapore
Clarke Quay
Lining the Singapore River, the renovated riverside warehouses and shops of historic Clarke Quay comprise one of Singapore’s major wining and dining precincts. Now pedestrianized and home to shops, restaurants, nightclubs, river cruise bumboats, and floating cafés, Clarke Quay is a good place to look for varied cuisines—from Italian to brewhouse to fine French—and relaxed outdoor bars with riverfront views. You can ride Singapore's wild Reverse Bungy adventure ride there as well!
Fort Canning Park
Located in Singapore’s super-sleek business district, Fort Canning Park is a hilltop oasis that encompasses nine smaller historic parks. In addition to a fragrant spice garden, an art gallery, and some grandiose Gothic gates, Fort Canning Park is also home to a World War II bunker and command center.
Singapore Flyer
All the major world cities seem to have a big wheel these days, and Singapore is no exception. Lifting you 540 feet (165 meters) into the air, the Singapore Flyer is Asia’s largest observation wheel, providing amazing panoramic views of the city, the sea, and the surrounds from one of 28 capsules.
Helix Bridge
From New York to San Francisco, big cities are known for their beautiful bridges. But perhaps none are as impressive as Singapore’s Helix Bridge. Originally known at the Double Helix Bridge, this scenic footbridge is encased with twisting metal tubes and shimmering lights reminiscent of DNA strands.
The best hotels near Gardens by the Bay
Marina Bay Sands
Located along Marina Bay waterfront with 3 cascading hotel towers, 2,560 rooms, the extraordinary Marina Bay Sands features floating crystal pavilions, the lotus-inspired ArtScience Museum, The Shoppes, Celebrity Chef Restaurants, theatres and the hottest nightclubs.
Ritz Carlton Singapore
With an iconic location in Marina Bay, immerse in a canvas of views at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. The luxury hotel offers gorgeously appointed rooms and suites, a 4,200-piece museum quality art collection and an elevated Club Lounge experience on level 32 with panoramic views of the city.
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay has completed its transformation into a “garden-in-a-hotel”, the first of its kind in Singapore. Sitting in the heart of the Central Business District, the hotel is a stone’s throw away from well-loved Singapore landmarks, world-class attractions, and dynamic art scene - hallmarks of a destination hotel for travelers seeking unique experiences.
Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Located in the Central Business District, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is a 5-minute drive from Clarke Quay and Boat Quay. It features a spa, infinity pool and a fitness centre. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is a 25-minute drive from Changi International Airport.
Raffles Place MRT Station is a short 5-minute walk from the hotel. Each room at Fullerton is equipped with a flat-screen TV and WiFi. A minibar and tea/coffee maker can be found in all rooms. Guests can indulge in spa treatments at The Fullerton Spa. Hotel Fullerton also houses various luxury boutiques on site.
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Experience Raffles’ charming ambience and legendary service at the newly restored Raffles Singapore hotel. Enjoy newly opened bars, restaurants, courtyards, and social areas; spaces designed to make Raffles the place to meet, spend time, shop and celebrate. Long Bar returns fully restored and continues its proud tradition as the Home of the Singapore Sling.
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