My first ever out-of-the-country trip was to Singapore almost 20 years ago. Back then, my family explored Sentosa, Jurong Bird Park, and Singapore Zoo. Singapore’s now most famous tourist attractions including Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay did not yet exist. Here are other seven tips if you’re travelling to Singapore for the first time.
This year, on my way to the Philippines, I was lucky enough to have a 13-hour layover in Singapore. There are many ways to maximize a Singapore layover. This time, I met up with my high school friend, Diana, who showed me around the Lion City. I was so excited to see Gardens by the Bay and I would say it definitely was the highlight of my short stopover in Singapore. It is actually in the list of 50 Instagrammable Places in Singapore so obviously, I had to go. 😛
Before coming to Singapore for the second time, what I thought of Gardens by the Bay was this garden full of modern-looking trees straight out of a sci-fi movie but I was surprised to find out that it was only a part of it. Gardens by the Bay is actually divided into three different waterfront gardens.
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Bay South
This is the biggest garden out of the three gardens. This is where you’ll see the Instagrammable Supertree Grove. There are a total of 18 supertrees and 12 can be found in the Supertree Grove. Admission to the Supertree Grove is free and it is open daily from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. I went there at night where I was mesmerized by the lights that adorned the trees.
You may also choose to walk from one supertree to the other by walking along a 128-metre aerial walkway called the OCBC Skyway. There is, however, a fee to enter the OCBC Skyway. The ticket price for adults costs SGD$8 and SGD$5 for children three to 12 years old. The largest greenhouse in the world (2015 Guiness Book of World Records), the Flower Dome, is also found in the Bay South. If you are a flower-lover, you will be delighted to see exotic plants on display. Ticket price for the Flower Dome varies for Singapore residents and tourists. There is also the Cloud Forest where you will see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and a wide variety of vegetation.
The OCBC Skyway, Flower Dome, and Cloud Forest are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Bay East
This 32-hectare garden comes second only to Bay South. It is open 24 hours for families to enjoy wide-open green spaces and pavilions complete with palm trees. You may opt to ride a bike, go for a jog, or just take in the beautiful view of the Marina Bay skyline.
Bay Central
It serves as a link between Bay South and Bay East and is still undergoing development.
Such pretty pictures of Gardens by the Bay. Did you visit the place during the daytime too? If yes, which one would you recommend? Nighttime or daytime?
Yesterday I was watching a video about that gardens – they look really amazing. And it’s on my bucket list for Singapore number one for sure! Thanks for sharing!
Hi shreya! I didn’t get to visit it during the day but during the night, it was spectacular!
This is really a cool combination of man-made beauty with natural beauty. What a unique, beautiful place! Unlike most gardens, it seems like a fascinating place to visit at night! Yet another thing to add to the bucket list.
exploring the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore is definitely on my bucket list. I just love your pics of the man made illuminated trees. With the backdrop of the night sky it looks like a sci-fi movie for sure. Sounds like an amazing adventure!
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I have a weird fascination with light installations, and this one is already a legend. I will for sure visit it and make some photos.
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This place looks unreal! Like something in a dream. It seems like it would be a very fun place to visit and definitely a photographer’s paradise. I’d love to visit Singapore one day.
The Gardens by the Bay looks so beautiful. The pictures look spectacular with all the lighting. I guess, you really utilised your layover time by visiting there.
Gardens by the Bay is a must see when in Singapore. I remember being there 2 years and it was so humid, but seeing all the lights was worth it. A lovely attraction for sure!
Gardens by the Bay are absolutely spectacular and I can say, one of my favourite places in Singapore. I love the Supertree grove and how they light up at night and the aerial walkway from one tree to another is so amazing. I loved the view from there of Marina Bay Sands and I remember stalling my walk only to catch the sunset while they were asking people to move along so that others could go haha.
The super trees are absolutely stunning at night! I was in Singapore a few years ago and only saw them during the day because the hotel I was staying at had a view of them at night so I figured I’d just see them from up high. Major regret now looking at your gorgeous photos!!!
Gardens by the bay is such a beautiful place, it is a must visit when in Singapore. The walk around Supertree groves is really impressive. Loved the whole concept, its stunning!
Gardens by the Bay is awesome. There is so much to see and do in Singapore, but this is an absolutely must-visit. Thanks for sharing.