Gardens by the Bay

Walking around the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore is like walking in paradise. If you like gardens I’m sure you will agree with me and if you haven’t been yet, I hope I can inspire you to visit these very creative and innovative gardens.

We first saw the work in progress in 2011 and when we returned in 2012 the gardens hadn’t yet opened. So the following year, on a 10hr stopover from Europe via Bangkok we finally got our chance for a visit.

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Eager to see the gardens we headed there straight from the airport and we were not disappointed. There are many wonderful zones to explore. This virtual garden city is very well laid out, but as it is was a warm day and we had a limited stopover, we took the buggy ride around the complex. In fact Gardens by the Bay redefines the whole garden strolling experience as it spans over 250 acres or 100 hectacres.

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The gardens, located on reclaimed land near the Marina Reservoir feature three large garden spaces.  We found the Bay South section being the most impressive. This section features two bio controlled conservatories, Cloud Forest and Flower Dome containing plant life from different corners of the earth.

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The Flower Dome is spectacular and ground-breaking in design and home to a collection of plants from deserts all over the world. There are nine different garden types replicated here, such as South African, South American, Australian, Californian, Mediterranean and Succulent gardens. The Dome showcases the adaptation of plants to arid environments thriving in the replicated dry Mediterranean climate.

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Cloud Forest replicates the cool most tropical Montane region with orchids, pitcher plants and ferns on display.  We were amazed when we saw and later travelled up, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. The waterfall at 35 metres tall adds to the exotic touch and is truly a place for plant enthusiasts. We even found a Bride having Wedding photos here.

Wandering through this surreal mist filled Cloud Walk, covered in lush vegetation, showcases plant life from tropical highlands, 2,000 metres above sea level. There are two walkways and a lift taking us up to the mountaintop for an aerial view of the canopy. The mountainside is densely planted with a mixture of orchids, ferns, bromeliads, begonias and carnivorous pitcher plants. This type of plant lives on top of other plants in nature so are perfect for this vertical wall.

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Another intriguing section of the gardens are the huge tree like structures known as the Supertree Grove which remind me of something from Avatar.  The Skyway, suspended 22 metres from the ground, links these vertical gardens. As we discovered when we returned at night, these living trees, home to a vast collection of exotic and rare ferns, orchids and vines, come to life with colourful lights and magical music at night with a light and sound show when lit up at night in two shows at 7.45 and 8.45. They are fascinating.

There is a link from Marina Bay Sands to the Gardens which is the nation’s most beautiful masterpiece. Gardens by the Bay is one of the Top 10 Indoor Gardens in the world, featuring the best horticultural, sustainability and architectural designs, filled with wonders from every continent, except Antarctica.

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This is far from a secluded garden of peace. Here you can allow your wonder to bloom and know-how to flourish. It will leave your senses overloaded as you admire pretty pavilions and tree groves with more than 250,000 rare plants. There are also seven discovery zones for interactive educational adventures, where you can learn about the country’s diverse ecosystem and be inspired by nature.

The colourful changing displays of the Flower Field reflect different seasons and festive themes where you can stop and smell the flowers. During the winter season there was an exhibit called Winter Wonderland of lovely white flowers and penguin shaped plants.

A first for SE Asia and 5 months in the planning is Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay. An additional 95,000 lights have created a magnificent luminarie display throughout the festive season. The spectacular Spalliera is one of over 30 light installations that stands 17 metres tall and 31 metres wide, features designs inspired by Baroque architecture of the 16th and 17th century and will be featured until 4th January.

These displays are delicate and fascinating, dazzling and colourful and make me wish I was there to experience them too. Gardens by the Bay is just one of the top things to see once the sun goes down, and there are many other things to do.

Have you been to Gardens by the Bay?  Did it captivate you?

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