NoorWhen we think of Singapore, The Gardens By the Bay is one of the top attractions that come to mind. And after seeing how green Singapore is, it’s no wonder that one of the best things to do in Singapore is centred around a green space.
After all, I guess Singapore was named as Asia’s greenest city for a reason!
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What Is The Gardens By The Bay
The Gardens By The Bay is an urban nature park spanning 270 acres in the heart of Singapore’s Marina Bay district.
It’s a green sanctuary famous for housing the Supertree Grove and exotic plants from around the world. This includes giant vertical gardens and even an indoor waterfall located within the two cooled conservatories.
It promises a fun day out with lots of things to do for the solo traveller, photographer, and those on a family day out. For those who have been to Kew Gardens in London, imagine that, but much better (and I love Kew with all my heart).
Location
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Layout of The Gardens: Map of Gardens By The Bay
How To Get To The Gardens By The Bay
There are many ways to get to The Gardens By The Bay including by Train and Bus, making it easier for the traveller visiting Singapore.
By Train
Arriving via The circle Line or Downtown Line
- Alight at Bayfront MRT Station (CE1/DT16)
- Take Exit B and follow the underground linkway
- Exit and cross the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge into Gardens By The Bay
By Train & Bus
Arriving via The East West Line
- Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (EW15)
- Take Exit C towards International Plaza on Anson Road
- Head towards bus stop no. 03223
- Take bus 400
- Alight at bus stop no. 03371 along Marina Gardens Drive
Walking From Nearby Attractions
From The Helix Bridge towards The Artscience Museum
- Follow the footpath leading under East Coast Parkway (ECP)
- Enter Bay South Garden from along the waterfront
From Marina Bay Sands
- Cross the overhead bridge (Lions Bridge) located at Marina Bay Sands Hotel
- Take the underground linkway via Bayfront MRT Station, Exit B
If you are arriving by Car, you can find all the details here.
Gardens By The Bay Attractions
There are many tourist attractions to choose from when visiting Singapore’s Garden by The Bay. The below will aim to give you a flavour of things to do when visiting the gardens.
Tickets
I would highly recommend that you pre-purchase your tickets to the Singapore gardens like I did, to avoid the long queues in the humid weather.
Best Selling Tickets:
Gardens By The Bay Tickets – This is an open date ticket giving you access to both the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.
OCBC Skyway Tickets – You can adjust your ticket up to 11 pm on the day of your visit in case of bad weather or anything else that may affect your visit.
Cloud Forest
Opening Hours: 9am -9pm (last admission at 8.30pm)
Mist Timings: 10am, 12pm, 2pm 4pm, 6pm and 8pm daily
Recommended Duration: 1hour, though for my fellow photographers you could easily spend 3 hours here
Temperature: 23c – 25c
Humidity: 80% – 90%
The Cloud Forest at Singapore’s Garden By The Bay is a cool-moist conservatory, that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a tropical highland.
As you enter you are greeted by the famous falls that will give you a refreshing cool down from the outside heat. This is the spot that everyone will be fighting for to get that perfect shot. So be sure to arrive here nice and early to get the best shots, with the least amount of bodies photobombing your pictures.
TIP: if a crowd enters with you, just wait 5-10 mins for the crowd to disperse. You will then have a free window for your photography before the next batch enters. You can utilise this time to position your tripod or to get up close shots of the falls.
Once you’ve obtained the money shot, there will be many levels for you to discover as the Mist Dome is built around a vertical garden. At the highest point is Lost World, which showcases vegetation typically found at 2000 metres above sea level. From there you will make your way down along the heart shaped cloud walk leading to the below levels.
Challenge: How many of Singapore’s Landmarks and attractions can you spot from the walkways?
Be sure to time your visit with one (or two) of the misting times mentioned above, to experience the feeling of walking amongst the clouds.
If you’ve just stepped off the plane, the humidity levels here will do wonders to rehydrate your skin. Although, it could make you feel sticky, so be sure to dress accordingly. If you’re wearing makeup on the day, you may want to also be mindful of this.
Flower Dome
Opening Hours: 9am -9pm (last admission at 8.30pm)
Recommended Duration: 1hour, though for my fellow photographers you could easily spend 2 hours here
Temperature: 23c – 25c
Humidity: 60% – 80%
The Flower Dome at Singapore’s Garden by The Bay is a conservatory that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the last days of spring. As a May baby, a visit here in the middle of the British winter was very welcomed.
The Flower Dome consists of 8 gardens ranging from South America to the Mediterranean and 1 flower field to marry it all together. If you are visiting The Gardens by The Bay Flower Dome during the Christmas period, you’ll be treated to festive installations dotted throughout.
For my fellow rosacea sufferers or those with sensitive skin, be rest assured that the indoor temperature will once again be between 23c – 25c. In fact, you may actually find the Flower Dome conservatory to be cooler than the outside temperature in Singapore.
TIP: Bring a portable fan to help keep you cool
Although it’s slightly less that the Mist Dome, the humidity will be between 60% – 80%, which may still make you feel sticky. Again be mindful of this.
OCBC Skyway
Supertree Grove Opening Hours: 5am – 2am
OCBC Skyway Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm (last admission at 8.30pm)
Recommended Duration: 15 mins, although for my fellow photographers, you could easily spend 1 hour here.
It’s now time to step back outside into The Gardens by The Bay and head to the famous Supertree grove. From here, you will be able to stroll along the 128-meter long and 22-meter high OCBC Skyway, which will allow you to enjoy panoramic views of the Singapore Marina Bay skyline.
TIP: I would suggest a visit to the OCBC Skyway during the day or at sunset, so that you can clearly see the Marina Bay Skyline.
Be sure to return during the night so that you can see the Supertree Grove transform from the green gigantic gardens, and into a scene out of Avatar. Here you can find The Best Things To Do In Singapore At Night including the timings for the Garden Rhapsody.
Supertree Observatory
Opening Hours: 4pm – 9pm (last admission at 8.30pm)
Recommended Duration: 1 hour
If you’re looking for a fuller experience at The Gardens By The bay, head to The Supertree Observatory at the canopy of the tallest tree in the Supertree Grove.
From here you can enjoy unobstructed views of the cityscape from the open-air rooftop deck. As well as an immersive digital learning experience from within the observatory space.
Other Attractions At The Gardens By The Bay
Whilst the above attractions are the main things to do at the Gardens By The Bay, there’s plenty more on offer here. If you have the time, do check them out.
- Floral Fantasy: This is a new exhibit showcasing garden landscapes of floral artistry and an immersive 4D multimedia right.
- Art Sculptures: The Gardens by The Bay is home to more than 40 sculptures from around the world dotted around the grounds. So be sure to keep an eye out for them.
- Far East Organization Children’s Garden: With water play features and educational programs on offer, there’s plenty here to keep the little ones entertained.
- Outdoor Gardens: There are 7 outdoor gardens and lakes that can be enjoyed by all, located at various points around The Gardens by The Bay.
Dining At Gardens By The Bay
After all the walking and photographing around the gardens, it’s without a doubt that you will be wondering what is there to eat at Gardens by The Bay?
Well, you’re in luck, because there are a lot of food options available at Gardens by the Bay.
And for my fellow Muslim travellers, be rest assured that The Gardens by The Bay is very Muslim Friendly. In fact, the whole of Singapore is Muslim Friendly. You will without a doubt have lots of Halal food options to choose from here.
Satay By The Bay
Halal Status: Halal
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Daily
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, #01-19, Singapore 018953
If you google eating at The Gardens by The Bay, you will undoubtedly come across Satay By The Bay. It’s located between the Marina Barrage and Gardens by The Bay and serves you spectacular views of the Marina Bay.
If you are not familiar with satay, it’s a grilled meat skewer that’s served fresh with peanut sauce and garnishes. It’s perfect at any time of day, and night and can be enjoyed by all BBQ meat lovers.
If Satay isn’t your thing, well you have other options to choose from here, such as Briyani and a variety of Turkish cuisines.
Here are some Cash Vouchers that can be redeemed at Satay By The Bay.
Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant
Halal Status: Not Halal (Some items may be)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm and 5:30pm – 7:30pm Daily
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
The Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant is a Singaporean Chinese restaurant offering a wide array of foods. If you haven’t guessed it already, this restaurant specialises in seafood alongside Dim Sum and many other dishes.
Here are some exclusive deals to help you get the best buck for your money when dining at Majestic Bay.
- 1 For 1 Signature Xiao Long Bao Dumplings – At a whopping 52% off, this is a deal that everyone should try
- Deluxe Seafood Treasures in Claypot for 6 + New Claypot – perfect for those celebrating Chinese New Year with others
SuperTree Food Hall Gardens By The Bay
Halal Status: Halal Food available
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm Daily
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
The SuperTree food hall at Gardens By the Bay, is an indoor food hall with lots of stalls appealing to very appetite. It’s perfectly located by the Supertree Grove, so you won’t have to walk far for a meal. Or a refreshing break from the heat!
Available Food Stalls:
- Cafe Coco – All day brunch including Waffles, coffee, pizzas and local craft beers
- Texas Chicken (Halal Certified) – Fried Chicken
- Hill Street Coffee Shop – Classic dishes from Singapore’s old days
- Pho Street – Vietnamese street food
- Chutney Mary – Traditional Indian food
- Nigato Bento – Japanese dishes including bento sets, donburi and udon
- Hong Kong Sheng Kee Noodle House – Authentic Cantonese dishes
The price for a meal at The SuperTree Food Hall can range from $6 – $30 per person. So to help you with that, here’s a voucher offering you 10% off.
The Veiled Explorer Takeaway
If you’ve been to The Gardens by The Bay in Singapore what was your favourite part of it? If you have yet to go, what are you most looking forward to? Leave a comment down below!
Such a detailed and we’ll informed article. Thanks for sharing
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I really enjoyed reading this, thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed it 🙂