Last updated on April 27th, 2024
If you’re planning a trip to Gardens by the Bay, then this Gardens by the Bay travel guide blog will tell you all you need to know to plan your trip with suggested places to include on your itinerary.
Located in the heart of the city, Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore’s famous landmarks and well-known attractions. It is a sanctuary for nature lovers, as well as a feat of engineering. A visit to Singapore is incomplete without visiting this city’s most iconic attraction.
Gardens by the Bay has a diverse range of botanical gardens, giant indoor waterfalls, and different wildlife. There are many sights to see and exhibitions to explore. To fully appreciate this amazing place, it’s recommended to plan your Gardens by the Bay itinerary to explore the area. We’ve compiled lots of advice and information in this guide to the Garden by the Bay.
This detailed Gardens by the Bay Travel blog will share some of the useful travel information and tips, with a suggested itinerary so you can make the most of your time at the Gardens by the Bay.
Gardens by the Bay Travel Guide
Opened in 2012, Gardens by the Bay is located on reclaimed land behind Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The nature park spans 101 hectares in the Central Region of Singapore. It is also part of the city’s plans to transform itself from a Garden City to a City in a Garden.
Garden by the Bay consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden. Most visitors will stay in Bay South Garden and this area is also where the Supertrees, Flower Dome, and Cloud Forest located.
Gardens by the Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore
Opening Hours: Daily from 5:00 to next day of 2:00
Official Website: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/
How To Buy the Gardens by the Bay Ticket
The entrance ticket to the Garden by the bay is free but there are five attractions in the gardens that require an admission fee. The Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Supertree Observatory, OCBC Skywalk, and Floral Fantasy are the popular attractions and those are also the paid attraction with admission fees. Each ticket can be purchased near the entrance and some can even be purchased online. We will share each attraction in more detail at the below travel guide.
Get the Gardens Bay the Bay Ticket from Klook
Garden by the Bay is extremely popular among travelers and even locals. We strongly recommend buying the tickets before visiting. Klook offers E-ticket to Gardens by the Bay. Various packages with add-on options are available. Choose the one that suits your travel plan. It is easy to redeem and hassle-free.
Pro Tips: Klook offers the Gardens by the Bay Package Package at a discount price. Check for more detail if this suit your travel plan.
How to get to Gardens by the Bay
To get to Gardens by the Bay, the easiest and cheapest way is by taking Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). Two MRT stations serve Gardens by the Bay: Bayfront MRT Station (CE1/DT16) and Gardens by the Bay MRT Station (TE22).
If you are arriving at Bayfront MRT Station, take Exit B which is near the Bayfront Plaza. Next, walk across the Dragonfly Bridge and towards the Gardens by the Bay. Alternatively, you can take a Shuttle Service that runs from Bayfront Plaza to the Flower Dome. The Shuttle Service fee is $3 for one 2-way ride per person.
If you are arriving at Gardens by the Bay MRT Station, take Exit 1. Following the navigation, we will pass by the Satay by the Bay before you arrive at the main Gardens by the Bay drop-off point. From there, you can head up to the domes.
Another option is the handy Grab. There are a few drop-off points when you type Gardens by the Bay on Grab, but the main one is the main entrance by the Supertrees in the Golden Garden.
What To do for Garden by the Bay itinerary
There are many things to do when visiting Gardens by the Bays. We will share the must-see attractions and also what to do for a one-day Garden by the Bay itinerary.
Things to do for 1-day Garden by the Bay itinerary:
- Flower Dome
- Cloud Forest
- Floral Fantasy
- Supertree Grove
- Supertree Observatory
- OCBC Skywalk
- Gardens by the Bay Light Show
- and more gardens and parks.
Pro Tips: Get your ticket before the visit to save the queuing time – Klook offers E-ticket to redeem at the entrance.
Flower Dome
Flower Dome is the world’s largest glass greenhouse. It is an air-conditioned Mediterranean space that contains plants, flowers, and trees from all over the world. Flower Dome is kept at a temperature of 23 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Travelers can learn about various ecosystems, from baobab trees (aka Bottle Tree) to Mediterranean gardens in the nine themed areas. In the center of the dome, there is an area called the Flower Field, which regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and changes themes each season.
The Precious Peony floral display at the Flower Dome is unique. It featured more than 70 artifacts of Chinese and Peranakan culture.
Flower Dome
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 to 21:00 (Last admission at 20:30)
Required Admission Fee: Yes (Check Ticket Price)
Recommended Visit Duration: 1 hour
Cloud Forest
Another fantastic paid attraction at the Gardens by the Bay is the Cloud Forest which replicates the cloud forest mountain environment. It is a tall structure simulating a mountain with a 35-meter waterfall and a luscious green mountain with tropical plants from around the world.
The dome itself is as big as a 1.5 regular football field with lots to see. You can easily spend well over an hour and we spent almost 2 hours here on our visit.
You can see many of these exotic plants up close via the guided path, along the Tree Top Walk. Make your way to the mountain peak at Lost World with flower and plant displays.
Cloud Forest
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 to 21:00 (Last admission at 20:00)
Required Admission Fee: Yes (Check Ticket Price)
Recommended Visit Duration: 1.5 hour
Floral Fantasy
The beautiful Floral Fantasy is an indoor exhibit of creative floral arrangements. It is the best place for flowers and taking pictures! There are over 15,000 fresh-cut and preserved flowers hanging from the ceiling and mixed with other creative displays. You can follow the trail and see a diverse garden landscape.
Floral Fantasy
Opening Hours: Weekday from 10:00 to 19:00 and weekend from 10:00 to 20:00
Required Admission Fee: Yes (Check Ticket Price)
Recommended Visit Duration: 1 hour
Supertree Grove
A visit to Supertree Grove is a truly magical experience. This futuristic Supertree is an Avatar-ish forest made with 12 giant high metal trees ranging from 25 and 50 meters tall. Every supertree has different functions, some have photovoltaics, some are cooling towers, and some release moisture into the environment. These trees were symbols of modern architecture.
We recommended reaching the place in the evening while there’s still light so that the gardens and the plants can be enjoyed before heading over the light show.
Supertree Grove
Opening Hours: Daily from 9.00 to 21:00 (Last admission at 20:30)
Required Admission Fee: Free (With add-on Paid Attraction to OCBC Skywalk and Skytree Observation Deck)
Recommended Visit Duration: 1 hour (For Day Visit)
Supertree Observatory
A visit to the Supertree Grove ground area is free. But you can also opt to have go observation deck and the skywalk. The views from the skyway bridge and observation deck are fantastic and well worth the admission fee. Truly recommend this experience.
Skytree Observation is located on the canopy level (about 16 stories high) of the tallest Supertree. There is an observation deck that offers unparalleled views of Gardens by the Bay’s lush surrounds and the Marina Bay area. And there’s even a restaurant at the top!
Supertree Observatory
Opening Hours: Daily from 9.00 to 21:00 (Last admission at 20:30)
Required Admission Fee: Yes (Check Ticket Price)
Recommended Visit Duration: 45 minutes
OCBC Skywalk
Sponsored and branded by OCBC, one of the Singapore banks, the OCBC Skywalk is one of the popular attractions in the Garden by the Bay. This OCBC Skywalk is a 128m-long aerial walkway suspended between two Supertrees at 22 meters above ground.
It takes about 15 minutes to walk the entire skywalk. Another fun way to see Supertree Grove and the surrounding area in Marina Bay!
OCBC Skywalk
Opening Hours: Daily from 9.00 to 21:00 (Last admission at 20:30)
Required Admission Fee: Yes
Recommended Visit Duration: 15 minutes
Gardens by the Bay Light Show
At night you won’t want to miss the amazing Light Show at the Supertree Grove called Garden Rhapsody.
It is one of the most popular attractions in Gardens by the Bay. You’ll be amazed by the spectacular light and music show where the Supertrees light and change colors to the beat of the music. The ambiance is truly amazing.
The 15min light show starts at 19:45 and 20:45 every evening and it is truly worth seeing during your trip. We would advise getting to the Supertree Grove at least 30 minutes before the show starts as it gets pretty crowded.
Find yourself a good spot. It was an experience watching silence a beautiful atmospheric light show. The trees light up to the music which is themed depending on the time of year you visit.
Pro Tips: Arrive at least 30 min early, especially during weekends and special occasions as the show gets really packed.
Gardens and Parks inside Garden by Bay
There are many gardens and parks where you explore when visiting Gardens by the Bay. All are free entry. Feel free to take a quick visit and include it on your Gardens by the Bay itinerary.
Heritage Garden: North of the Supertree Grove is the Heritage Gardens. The four themed gardens provide some insight into the significance of plants to Singapore’s ethnic groups. These gardens combine plants, trees, and all kinds of cultural expressions.
Far East Organization Children’s Garden – This is the Gardens by the Bay children’s playground with both wet and dry play areas. Entry is only for adults with kids.
Kingfisher Wetlands and Kingfisher Lake provide a new sanctuary in the heart of the city for wildlife. The area is over 15,000 sqm and has over 200 mangrove trees and a diversity of exotic flora and fauna. A place where visitors can take a stroll to enjoy nature.
More Gardens by the Bay Travel Tips
Here is a quick guide to commonly asked questions for those who are visiting Gardens by the Bay.
Most of the outdoor gardens of Gardens by the Bay are open for free to visitors. Only 5 attractions with admission fees apply for entry – The Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Supertree Observatory, OCBC Skywalk, and Floral Fantasy.
Visit Gardens by the Bay on weekdays to avoid the crowds. Go either early in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is not too hot. This is an ideal time to explore the gardens and take in their lush beauty.
Expect to spend between 3 to 4 hours to see the attractions. You will need a longer time if you are a flower lover.
There are a variety of dining options at Gardens by the Bay such as fast food restaurants, cafes, casual dining restaurants, and formal dining establishments.
Overall: A Visit to Garden by the Bay
All in all, we hope you enjoyed this Gardens by the Bay travel guide blog post. It is a fantastic place to visit in Singapore and you will never get bored. We are still returning to explore other areas and discover hidden gardens and gems. A must-see attraction and include on your itinerary!
Are you planning on going to Singapore? Check out our Singapore travel stories on what to see and do in this fantastic and vibrant city!
