Gardens by the Bay is an award-winning park in Singapore that spans 101 hectares and is situated in the Marina Bay area. The park is one of Singapore’s most popular attractions and welcomes over 6 million visitors annually. The park features two giant conservatories, the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome, and several outdoor gardens, including the Supertree Grove, Heritage Gardens, Dragonfly, and Kingfisher Lakes.
It is the most well-known and visited of all Singapore attractions, with 50 million in 2018, and it is even the most Instagrammable place in Singapore. It is a great place to visit when the Sun is shining or when it rains in Singapore. It is like an outdoor museum where the paintings are flowers, and sculptures are trees. This blog will explore all you need to know about Gardens by the Bay, including its history, attractions, and events.
History
Gardens by the Bay was conceptualized in the early 2000s as part of Singapore’s vision to transform itself into a “City in a Garden.” The park was designed by a team of international architects, landscape designers, and horticulturists led by Grant Associates, a UK-based landscape architecture firm. The park officially opened in June 2012 and has become Singapore’s most popular attraction.
Top Attractions To Visit In Gardens By The Bay
Gardens by the Bay features several attractions, both indoor and outdoor, that are worth exploring. Let’s look closely at some of the park’s top attractions.
1. Cloud Forest
The Cloud Forest is one of two giant conservatories at Gardens by the Bay and is home to a 35-meter-tall mountain covered in mist and tropical vegetation. The Cloud Forest features a variety of exotic plants from tropical highlands, including orchids, ferns, and pitcher plants. The conservatory also features a 30-meter tall waterfall, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, surrounded by lush vegetation.
2. Flower Dome
The Flower Dome is the other giant conservatory at the Gardens by the Bay and is home to a collection of flowers and plants from various regions of the world. The Flower Dome features a Mediterranean garden, a South African garden, a California garden, and an Australian garden, among others. The conservatory also features a flower field that changes with the seasons, as well as a Baobab tree, one of the largest species of trees in the world.
3. Supertree Grove
The Supertree Grove is a collection of 18 tree-like structures, ranging in height from 25 to 50 meters, covered in plants and serving as vertical gardens. The Supertrees have solar panels that help power the park’s lighting and other features. Visitors can walk along a 128-meter-long aerial walkway that connects two Supertrees and offers panoramic views of the park.
4. Heritage Gardens
The Heritage Gardens at the Gardens by the Bay is a collection of four themed gardens that showcase Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage. The gardens include the Malay Garden, the Chinese Garden, the Indian Garden, and the Colonial Garden. Each park features plants and architectural elements that represent its respective culture.
5. Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes
The Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes are two artificial lakes home to various aquatic plants and animals, including dragonflies, kingfishers, and turtles. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalks that surround the lakes and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Most popular events at Garden By The Bay
Gardens by the Bay hosts several events yearly that showcase the park’s attractions and celebrate various holidays and cultural events. Let’s look at some of the park’s most popular events.
1. Garden Rhapsody
Garden Rhapsody is a light and sound show that occurs nightly at Supertree Grove. The show features a dazzling display of lights synchronized to music, creating a magical and immersive experience.
2. Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese festival that celebrates the harvest moon. Gardens by the Bay hosts a month-long celebration during the festival, featuring lantern displays, cultural performances, and traditional food and drinks.
3. Christmas Wonderland
Christmas Wonderland is a festive event that occurs during the Christmas season and features a winter wonderland of lights, decorations, and activities. This event at Gardens by the Bay includes a skating rink, a Christmas market, and a Santa’s Grotto, among other attractions.
4. Sakura Matsuri
Sakura Matsuri is a celebration of the Japanese cherry blossom season and features a variety of cultural performances, workshops, and food and drink offerings. The event occurs in March and April when the cherry blossoms are whole.
Tips for visiting
If you are planning a visit to Gardens by the Bay, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:
1. Buy tickets in advance
To avoid long queues and ensure your entry to the conservatories, purchasing your tickets online in advance is best.
2. Visit during off-peak hours
The park can get quite crowded during weekends and public holidays, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds at the Gardens by the Bay.
3. Wear comfortable shoes
The park in the Gardens by the Bay is quite large, and a lot of walking is involved, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
4. Bring sunscreen and a hat
As the park is mostly outdoors, you should shield yourself from the sun with sunscreen and a hat.
5 Bring a Camera
Many beautiful photo opportunities exist throughout the park at the Gardens by the Bay. Hence bring a camera to capture your memories.
Information on Gardens by the Bay
1. Sustainability
Gardens by the Bay is committed to sustainability and has several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The park’s conservatories and Supertrees have energy-efficient features, like solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. The park also recycles its waste, uses sustainable materials in its construction and landscaping, and promotes education and awareness about sustainability through its programs and exhibits.
2. Dining Options
Gardens by the Bay offers a variety of dining options throughout the park, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. Visitors can choose from local cuisine, international flavours, and gourmet desserts and snacks. Some of the park’s dining options also offer views of the park’s attractions, such as the Supertrees or the Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes.
3. Accessibility
Gardens by the Bay is wheelchair accessible and provides several services for visitors with disabilities. The park has barrier-free access to its attractions, restrooms, and dining areas and also includes wheelchair rentals and accessible parking. Visitors with disabilities can also enjoy discounted admission rates, special programs, and services.
4. Education Programs
Gardens by the Bay offers several educational workshops and programs for visitors of all ages, including guided tours, school programs, and horticulture workshops. The park’s education programs aim to promote awareness and appreciation for nature and sustainability and provide visitors with opportunities to learn about the park’s plants, animals, and ecosystems.
5. Garden Cruiser
For visitors who prefer a more relaxed mode of transportation, Gardens by the Bay offers a Garden Cruiser service that takes visitors on a leisurely tour of the park’s attractions. The Garden Cruiser is an electric-powered vehicle that can accommodate up to five passengers and provides a comfortable and convenient way to traverse the park’s outdoor gardens.
Conclusion
Gardens by the Bay is a unique and spectacular park that offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors to Singapore. Its stunning conservatories, outdoor gardens, and cultural attractions provide a glimpse into Singapore’s commitment to sustainability and its diverse cultural heritage. With its educational programs, dining options, and accessibility services, Gardena by the Bay is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Singapore.
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