3 things to do in Gardens by the Bay

With such a huge area filled with deep greens and water views, it can be hard to know where to start when visiting the bay. This was my dilemma when arriving at the gardens. The day I arrived in Singapore it was raining, so I decided to wait to go later that week. When I finally made my way over and wandered around the gardens and lakes, I loved how large of a garden and open space it was.

I went early in the morning, just before opening times and it was calm and peaceful as the sun rising overhead shined down on the garden. I bought my tickets at the airport as part of a package deal since I had a long wait there (what else does one do in an airport at 3 am except look up things to do) so I didn’t wait in any lines once I arrived except to show my confirmation to pick up a ticket. Also, there weren’t many people when they first opened so it was perfect for taking photos.

So, where did I go?

• Supertree Grove: I started in the direction of Supertree Grove and stopped by for a few pictures before I slowly made my way over to the domes that would open that morning. It felt a bit strange walking through while it was still closed, but the structures of the trees was something to look at. The details and art displays of the supertrees in the man-made tree grove made it feel like you were in an exotic film set or in another realm. They have a free display at night where they light it up, but I never actually ended up in the area during that time, unfortunately. 

• Flower Dome: I first headed to the Flower Dome and I was pleasantly surprised by the AC as soon as I walked in (especially on a day when it was quite warm). The dome was filled with so many vivid colors with different sections for various countries. The sections weren’t too big or small, just enough to see different selections from across the globe, and along with having a beautiful garden view, the large glass windows added their own experience as well. If you love bright and vivid colors then I would recommend stopping by the flower dome since they had some unique flowers, but if I had to choose between the two domes I would probably pass just because of my preference. 

• Cloud Forest: Afterward, I headed over to the Cloud Forest, and the waterfall right at the entrance was so pretty. The perfect backdrop for photos before heading to the rest of the forest. The dome was filled with so many plants and they did such a good job of making you think you are in a jungle forest as you head up into the back of the waterfall you go up to multiple different “layers” where each floor offers more selection and other views. I enjoyed the bridge overhead and the view it gave of the garden below and the city in the distance. At the very top of the waterfall, there is a “secret” garden, but my favorite part was probably directly behind the waterfall with the rock holes giving you a view of the water running down before the path leading to the bridge. 

The Cloud Forest has misting times, which I highly recommend you take into consideration when planning to go. I decided to wait for the first misting and I’m glad I did, but it takes a little bit for the full effect in the dome because at first I was thinking “hmm this isn’t that cool” but then a few minutes later it felt like a mystical jungle as the water descended.

Gardens by the Bay has many different options, and if you want to do it all in a day you could, but there is plenty to see without paying for every part. I walked through the Wetlands on my way in, and then on my way out the Active Garden (which was neat to see so many different exercise equipment anyone could use). 

Between a cloudy forest or a cultural garden which would you choose?

Location: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953 

Website: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/