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Gardens by the Bay in Singapore: All you need to know

Team AckoFeb 27, 2024

A trip to Singapore cannot be considered complete without visiting the iconic Gardens by the Bay. Even if you aren’t a plant person, this picturesque collection of gardens in Singapore can win you over with its abundance of exotic plant life curated from across the planet. Here’s the ultimate guide on how to navigate this ode to sustainability and nature.

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Contents

How many sections is the Gardens by the Bay divided into?
When is the best time to visit Gardens by the Bay?
Here’s a look at the major attractions of the Gardens by the Bay
How to get to the Gardens by the Bay

How many sections is the Gardens by the Bay divided into?

The Gardens by the Bay consists of three sections: the Bay South Garden, the Bay East Garden, and the Bay Central Garden. The Bay South Garden is the section that is packed with crowd favourites such as the Flower Dome, the Cloud Forest, and the Supertree Grove.

When is the best time to visit Gardens by the Bay?

The Gardens by the Bay is usually open from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm. But certain attractions, such as Kingfisher Wetlands and Outdoor Gardens, are accessible from 5.00 am to 2.00 am every day. The Bay Garden East is open 24 hours a day. The peak hours and weekends might be a bit more crowded, so visiting during the weekdays and mornings is a good way to enjoy the Gardens by the Bay at your own pace without the crowds. Certain attractions can be closed for maintenance once a month, so check the schedule on Gardens by the Bay’s official site and plan your visit accordingly.

Here’s a look at the major attractions of the Gardens by the Bay

Go through the following list to get an idea about the multiple offerings at the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.

1. The Cloud Forest

Let your imagination run wild in the magnificent Cloud Forest. This forest abounds with many exotic plant species and is covered in mist, which gives the entire place an ethereal feel. The Cloud Forest is the crown jewel of the Gardens by the Bay and should not be missed. It consists of attractions such as the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the majestic, magical, and misty cloud mountain, which is covered in a wide range of plants, the cloud walk, where you get to take a leisurely walk down the cloud mountain, and the latest addition, the immersive Avatar: The Experience, based on the worldwide hit movie and its world. Visitors are encouraged to spend at least two and a half hours to take in all of the Cloud Forest.

Tourist Admission Fee For The Cloud Forest and Flower Dome: Adults - 53 SGD (Singapore Dollars), Kids (3 to 12 years) - 40 SGD
Timing: 9.00 am – 9.00 pm every day
Tip: Misting happens at 10.00 am, 12.00 pm, 2.00 pm, 4.00 pm, 6.00 pm, and 8.00 pm daily.

2. Flower Dome

Want to experience the beauty of flowers from South Africa, South America, the Mediterranean, and Australia under one roof? If yes, then the Flower Dome is the place for you! The nine gardens at the flower dome are awash with beautiful blooms and exotic plants. Many plants will delight and amaze you, ranging from African Bottle Trees to a thousand-year-old olive tree. The Flower Dome is the largest glass greenhouse as per the Guinness World Records and has 3,332 glass panels. You will need an hour to fully explore the Flower Dome. Free guided tours called "ASK Me!" are also available at select times and dates for the curious to learn more about the pretty blooms and plants that call the Flower Dome their home.

Timing: 9.00 am – 9.00 pm every day

3. Floral Fantasy

As the name indicates, this dreamy attraction is another opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of blooms. This garden is divided into four sections named Dance, Float, Waltz, and Drift. "Dance" is the section where artfully suspended flowers look as though they are dancing in the air. Nobu, the plant guardian, and his nine fairies beckon you to enjoy the abundance of fuchsia blooms at "Float." Tiny poison dart frogs and flowers enchant in "Waltz." Plants from South and Central America charm in a cave-type space in the last part of the Floral Fantasy "Drift." You will have to set aside an hour for this attraction.

Tourist Admission Fee: Adults - 15 SGD, Kids (3 to 12 years) - 9 SGD
Timing: 10.00 am – 7.00 pm (Mon to Fri), 10.00 am – 8.00 pm (Sat, Sun, and Public Holidays)

4. The Supertree Observatory

The supertrees have become one of the most recognised structures dotting the Singapore skyline. They are 18 man-made trees, the tallest of which stands at the height of a 16-storey building. The supertrees act as vertical gardens abundant with lush greenery and house more than 200 plant species. The observatory features an Open-Air Rooftop Deck and an Observatory Deck, both of which offer stunning views of the Gardens and Singapore’s breathtaking skyline. The supertrees become even more enchanting at night as they are beautifully lit up. Another special feature is Garden Rhapsody, a synchronised light and sound show featuring the supertrees that takes place at 7.45 pm and 8.45 pm daily. The Garden Rhapsody takes place in Supertree Grove and is entirely free.

Tourist Admission Fee: Adults - 14 SGD, Kids (3 to 12 years) - 9 SGD
Timing: 9.00 am - 9.00 pm every day
Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes before the Garden Rhapsody show takes place to get a good spot to enjoy the show.

5. The OCBC Skywalk

The OCBC Skywalk is another great way to take in the beauty of the Gardens by the Bay. It is a 128-metre walkway that connects two supertrees set at a height of 22 metres from the ground. It is located in Supertree Grove. You can easily spend up to 15 minutes on the skywalk.

Tourist Admission Fee: Adults - 10 SGD, Kids (3 to 12 years) - 6 SGD
Timing: 9.00 am - 9.00 pm every day

6. The Canyon

This section of the Gardens is home to over 60 ancient rock forms sourced from Shandong, China. Considered to be the world's largest collection of sculptural rocks, The Canyon is also an amazing outdoor garden that is home to over 200 plant species from arid regions. The biggest rocks here are as high as 7 metres. It also contains four magnificent sculptures: a giant dragonfly, a metal dragon, and two Chinese totems.

Tourist Admission Fee: Free Entry
Timing: 5.00 am – 2.00 am every day

7. Far East Organization Children’s Garden

The Gardens has a dedicated area for children where they can play and learn. The Far East Organization Children’s Garden consists of three play areas: the Toddler Play Zone, Rainforest Tree Houses, and Water Play. Children can engage in activities that are both fun and formative in these play areas. The Far East Organization Children’s Garden also has an Amphitheatre, which plays host to educational events. Children aged 12 and under can access the Children’s Garden.

Tourist Admission Fee: Free Entry
Timing: 9.00 am - 7.00 pm (Thursday - Sunday and Public Holidays). During the Singapore School Holidays, the Far East Organization Children’s Garden remains open between 9.00 am - 7.00 pm from Tuesday to Sunday

8. Heritage Gardens

History is told with the help of plants at the Heritage Gardens. This garden is split up to represent the multiple ethnic groups that have contributed to Singapore's rich heritage. It also acknowledges the city-state's colonial past. The Chinese Garden, Indian Garden, Malay Garden, and Colonial Garden at the Heritage Garden each tell the story of Singapore through the plants that have historical significance to each of these cultures and the colonial time period.

Tourist Admission Fee: Free Entry
Timing: 5.00 am – 2.00 am every day

9. Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes

Take a picturesque walk around the Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes and discover a rich ecosystem that is home to colourful dragonflies, fish, migratory birds, and amphibians. The water from the lake is also used to sustain the plant life in the Gardens. The lakes are also a part of the Gardens’ sustainability efforts, as the aquatic plants in the lakes act as a filtration system for the water run-off from the Gardens.

Tourist Admission Fee: Free Entry
Timing: 5.00 am – 2.00 am every day

10. Kingfisher Wetlands

Visitors get to spot kingfishers, otters, dragonflies, butterflies, and other rare creatures at the Kingfisher Wetlands. The wetlands are also home to over 200 mangrove trees. The wetlands are split into three zones: Natural Rock Pool and Main Cascades, Kingfisher Cascades, and Wildlife Lookout.

Tourist Admission Fee: Free Entry
Timing: 5.00 am – 2.00 am every day

11. Sun Pavilion

Explore plants that thrive in the desert heat right in the comforts of the Gardens. The Sun Pavilion is home to over 1000 plants found exclusively in a desert climate. From the brain-shaped Brain Cactus to the Mexican Columnar Cacti, there are over 100 species of desert plants to see here.

Tourist Admission Fee: Free Entry
Timing: 5.00 am – 2.00 am every day

12. Serene Garden

Let go of your stress and discover a bit of peace and serenity in the Serene Garden. This garden is spread across 2 hectares of land and is modelled after the Japanese zen gardens. You will find bamboo trees, bismarckia, podocarpus, and junipers here. A zen garden is incomplete without a water element, and the Serene Garden has this in the form of a small waterfall. It also houses over 160 pretty rocks from Niyodo, Japan, and Singapore’s Bukit Timah granite quarry that form a rock garden. The Serene Garden is also home to the Garden Pod, which gives visitors to the Gardens the opportunity for an overnight stay there. The Pod has four duplex suites, which are in line with the sustainability objectives of the Gardens. The Pod provides a great view of the Singapore skyline and the Serene Garden.

Tourist Admission Fee: Free Entry (Stay at the Garden Pod is charged)
Timing: 5.00 am – 2.00 am every day

13. Bay East Garden

The Bay East Garden is a section of the Gardens that is accessible all day. This is an area that is exclusively dedicated to visitors so that they can relax while taking in the vibrant vegetation of the Gardens and a great view of Singapore. It is as big as 32 football fields and is the second largest of the three waterfront gardens at the Gardens by the Bay.

Tourist Admission Fee: Free Entry
Timing: Open 24 hours

How to get to the Gardens by the Bay

The Gardens by the Bay is easily accessible by public transportation. If you are taking Singapore’s efficient MRT, get off at the Bayfront MRT station, and the Gardens is just a short walk away. You can also take a taxi or a bus to the Gardens.

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Here are some common questions and their answers related to Gardens by the Bay.

How to get to the Gardens by the Bay

The Gardens by the Bay is easily accessible by public transportation. If you are taking Singapore’s efficient MRT, get off at the Bayfront MRT station, and the location is just a short walk away. You can also take a taxi or a bus to the Gardens.

When is a good time to visit Gardens by the Bay?

As with most crowd-favourite attractions, the Gardens are packed during the weekends and in the evenings. The best time to visit the Gardens would be in the mornings and on weekdays.

Is entry to the Gardens by the Bay free?

While most of the Gardens by the Bay can be enjoyed for free, certain attractions do come with an entry fee. Floral Fantasy, Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, OCBC Skywalk, and the Supertree Observatory are the attractions that one needs to purchase a ticket for. There is also a price difference between tickets bought by tourists and those bought by Singapore residents.

What are the attractions at the Gardens that I shouldn't miss if I can’t spend a lot of time there?

One can easily spend an entire day at the Gardens, but for some tourists, this might be a luxury that they cannot afford. So, just the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome can be given priority if you don’t have a lot of time on hand. If you happen to have some time in the evening, you can catch the Garden Rhapsody show and have a good view of the supertrees all lit up.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes.