Gardens By The Bay: Solar-powered Super Trees in Singapore
Singapore, the vibrant city-state, is home to the ultra-wealthy with a unique lustre of opulence. From high-end luxury hotels to sprawling shopping malls and exquisite cuisine, Singapore is a playground of indulgence. But its abundance doesn’t just end there – this futuristic city holds a vibrant past and captivating attractions. One of which that caught my attention was Gardens By The Bay – a breathtaking collection of floral terraces. With a quick stroll across the overhead bridge from Marina Bay Sands, I was able to explore this incredible destination.
Embark upon a journey of fantasy and whimsy at the wondrous Gardens by the Bay! Estimated at S$1 billion, the park offers a 100+ hectare escape from the mundane with its technologically advanced biodomes, Supertrees, and the newly added ‘Floral Fantasy’, where floral art and technology come together in a 4D ride. To get here, take Exit B and follow the underground linkway or traverse Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge into GBTB. In addition, frequent shuttle buses link Bayfront Plaza to the conservatories between 9AM and 9PM. What are you waiting for? It’s time to explore this botanical paradise!
The Flower Dome will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to a Mediterranean oasis. But the Cloud Forest is the real star of the show – the lush tropical vibes will leave you in awe. But the best part? Connecting between the SuperTrees is the OCBC Skyway – a spectacular viewing platform with panoramic views of the marina. And, if you’re feeling lucky, come back in the evening when these SuperTrees put on a light show, every night at 7.45 and 8.45. It’s free to visit the gardens, but if you want to take it to the next level and explore inside the treetop or the conservatories, you’ll need to buy a ticket from the ticketing hub. Bundle those tickets for the ultimate experience!
As I stepped in, I was immediately in awe of the magnificent, funnel-shaped supertrees, whose impressive trunks and branches were made of metal. I was absolutely amazed that someone was able to create such a stunning horticultural masterpiece, housing a spectacular range of both natural and artificial plants. It was undoubtedly one of the most impressive engineering feats I had ever seen! The Marina Reservoir area, which was once a barren land, had been transformed into a lush green paradise, with over a million plants planted in the vicinity. In 2015, the Garden by the Bay, the world’s largest cooled-conservatory, even managed to cultivate olive trees in a non-tropical environment! Truly remarkable!
As I wandered through the picturesque Gardens by the Bay, I felt nothing but sheer awe as I beheld the vibrant haciendas from all corners of the world. Singapore’s ambitious attempt to transform from a garden city to a city in a garden had certainly paid off! From the Bay Central, Bay East and the largest of them all – the Bay South Garden, to the Heritage Gardens inspired by Singapore’s three main ethnic groups – Chinese, Malay and Indian – there were endless sights to behold. Not to mention the unique sculpture created by British artist Marc Quinn which added an extra touch of beauty to the grounds. Truly remarkable!
Behold Planet, the 7-tonne infant bobbing over the lawn in the South of Supertree Grove. Got kids in tow? Then take them to the Children’s Garden for an unforgettable adventure complete with a playground, a water playground and a majestic treehouse. And don’t forget to take advantage of the Visitor Centres’ superb rental services – lockers at S$2, a stroller at S$2, and audio guides for S$4! After enjoying the sights, be sure to check out the magnificent Cloud Forest waterfall illuminated in broad daylight.
The Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay is truly a unique experience that I won’t soon forget. Not only does it feature a domed gallery of plants on multiple levels, it also has artificial mists that form above you and mimic real clouds! It was incredible to witness the rare Orchids, dahlias, and bromeliads, although I prudently kept my distance from the carnivorous pitcher plants. The collection of flora and fauna, the cooled conservatories, and the larger-than-life Supertrees take the experience to an entirely new level. I loved every moment of it!
Who would have imagined that the captivating oasis of Gardens by the Bay was once an expanse of sea? I certainly couldn’t resist exploring the Skyway walk, which I was lucky enough to do on a day with fewer crowds. After getting my ticket, I took the lift to the third floor and that’s when the magic began; the lift doors opened to reveal a bright yellow and curvy bridge, and I was able to marvel at the Supertrees that had beautifully redefined the Marina Bay skyline. Solar-powered and spectacular, this was an experience I wouldn’t soon forget!
Visiting the Gardens By The Bay is nothing short of an enchanting experience – and it only gets better when you dine at the restaurant located inside one of the Supertrees! Whether you traverse the captivating Cloud Forest, explore the flora in the Flower Dome, or take a stroll across the tranquil Supertree Grove, you’ll be delighted by the sheer beauty of the place. So why not treat yourself to an unforgettable, personalised experience and enjoy the incredible sights and sounds of the Gardens By The Bay?
I’ve been so intrigued by those structures. I’ve been thinking I have to see it the next time I’m there. Thank you for taking us through Gardens by the Bay.
Beautiful pics 🙂
Its amazing to know about GBTB, the entire place designed in a very creative way, the funnel shaped tress looking very beautiful.