This extraordinary fusion of human engineering with a fabulous natural environment is not to be missed.
Adjoining the city and with views over the mouth of the river, Singapore Gardens by the Bay is a wonderful feat of design and construction. Stroll along tranquil paths and admire the massive vibrant domes, while craning your neck back to look up the towering 'Supertrees'.
50 metres tall, and home to many hundreds of delicate orchids, ferns and other tropical flowers, the manmade 'Supertrees' bring the natural and the built environment together. Hop on an elevator to the top and take a skywalk, or come in the evening time and enjoy the spectacular 'Garden Rhapsody' light extravaganza.
The two enormous domes are the gardens' main attractions. Flower Dome takes you on a global trip in a climate that's a pleasant few degrees cooler than Singapore's humidity. Big and bulbous baobab trees are joined by spiky cactus and long-lived olive plants – there are hundreds of species from all over the world. Flower Field offers a vivid assault on the senses with its vibrant colours and alluring scents, and is well worth a return visit as it's always changing when different flowers come into bloom. The other dome seeks to replicate the unique environment found in the uplands of the tropics: Cloud Forest. You can follow twisting paths around the highest indoor waterfall in the world, with your surroundings interspersed with carnivorous plants, highland orchids and even a cavern filled with crystals.
There are many kilometres of paths to follow outside in the gardens, with different delights awaiting at the end of each one. You can join a guided tour of the park, or discover the beautiful flower gardens and unusual tropical plants by yourself.
Singapore Gardens by the Bay is found beside the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. There are four car parks, which are free every lunch time from 12 to 2 p. m. – there is a fee at all other times. You can also take the bus or the MRT to Bayfront station, and then stroll over Dragonfly Bridge to the gardens. Open every day, there is an charge to go up the 'Supertrees' and to enter the domes.
