Gardens by the Bay always come on top of the popular attractions to visit in Singapore, and that’s for a good reason. It showcases two climate-controlled conservatories that have won the World Building of the Year Award in 2012 and the Largest Glass Greenhouse in Guinness World Records 2015. It’s also part of government’s strategy to make Singapore from a “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden”.
As you may already know, Singapore is a tiny island without much natural resource. That’s why the planning, cost and effort that the administration allots to make the city livable, environment sustainable and at the same time world class, are without a doubt, impressive.
The whole nature park covers 101 hectares of interesting divisions with the two conservatories (Flower Dome and Cloud Forest), OCBC Skyway and Supertree Grove as the most loved. Here’s a roundup of our visit.
FLOWER DOME
The larger of the two conservatories and replicates the mild, dry climate designed for Mediterranean plants. The flora displayed in the dome changes every time so you’re in for a treat on each visit. We went during Sakura season last April and enjoyed the lovely pink cherry blossoms. Uhuh, that will do while we can’t visit Japan for now. :)
At this point, the Flower Dome is now filled with tulips! Just right in time for the annual Tulip Festival in Keukenhof, Holland. It’s forever spring season here!
CLOUD FOREST
The Cloud Forest conservatory replicates the cool, moist nature of tropical mountains and lush vegetation in high humidity. It has the tallest indoor waterfall (featured above) and refreshing mists that hover on air. The greenhouse highlights plants like orchids, ferns, mosses and an informational display of how global warming threatens the natural science of cloud forests.
I enjoyed walking around here far better because it’s cooler and there’s less tourist. There are different levels or floors that give you a nice view from the top and you can also walk behind the waterfalls.
OCBC SKYWAY & SUPERTREE GROVE
OCBC Skyway is an elevated walkway that connects two Supertrees where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the gardens.
The 25-50 meters giant man-made plantings are the Supertrees. They provide shade in the day and come alive at night with a light and sounds show. It’s beautiful and they look like a set scene from the Avatar movie.
But that isn’t all what Supertrees are about. These well thought-out giants actually collect rainwater and sunlight that they convert to energy to moderate the temperature of the conservatories and light them at night. I know, so smart right?
It’s been hot and humid around the city these past few weeks. As staying outdoors can be draining, exploring the glass domes during the day and watching supertrees at night are great ways to get out of heat.
For opening hours, admission prices and promotions, visit Gardens by the Bay official website.
Have you been to a greenhouse before? How was the experience like?
