Singapore: Gardens by the Bay

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It was raining in Singapore that afternoon and we were so worried that we wouldn’t be able to go to the Gardens by the Bay but Eros, our tour guide, guaranteed it us that it would be no problem. 

 I’m so impressed with how the Singapore government markets their country. They continually build new tourist attractions to draw in visitors. Putting a garden in 101 hectares of prime property in Singapore is a big feat and a sacrifice. In Manila prime land that size would definitely be filled with condominiums, malls and hotel/casinos. 

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First stop was the Flower Dome. I was more interested in the dome’s architecture than the flowers itself so you will be seeing a lot of pictures of the glass dome. 

The Flower Dome is the lower but larger of the two, at 1.2 hectares (3.0 acres). It replicates a mild, dry climate and features plants found in the Mediterranean and other semi-arid tropical regions (e.g. parts of Australia, South America, South Africa).

The Flower Dome is 38 metres (125 ft) high and maintains a temperature between 23°C and 25°C, slightly lower at night.

The Flower Dome features 7 different “gardens” as well as an olive grove with a bistro and a central changing display field has also been incorporated to enable flower shows and displays to be held within the conservatory. Wikipedia

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My favorite was the Cloud Forest because it was so chilly inside. I actually forgot I was in Singapore. You might want to bring a light sweater or a shawl when you visit the Gardens.

The Cloud Forest is higher but slightly smaller at 0.8 hectares (2.0 acres). It replicates the cool moist conditions found in tropical mountain regions between 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) and 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) above sea level, found in South-East Asia, Middle- and South America. It features a 42-metre (138 ft) “Cloud Mountain”, accessible by an elevator, and visitors will be able to descend the mountain via a circular path where a 35-metre (115 ft) waterfall provides visitors with refreshing cool air.

The “cloud mountain” itself is an intricate structure completely clad in epiphytes such as orchids, ferns, peacock ferns, spike- and clubmosses, bromeliads and anthuriums. It consists of a number of levels, each with a different theme. Wikipedia

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Here’s another view of the falls. 
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I just can’t stop taking pictures of the curved glass wall. 

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You must take time to watch the video  called +5 degrees. It shows what could happen to our planet if the temperature rises by 5 degrees celsius. It was really scary to see the effect of global warming. We’re actually seeing some of it right now with the flooding and extreme weather changes around the world. 

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Outside I got to see the Supertrees all lighted up. 

Supertrees are tree-like structures that dominate the Gardens’ landscape with heights that range between 25 metres (82 ft) and 50 metres (160 ft). They are vertical gardens that perform a multitude of functions, which include planting, shading and working as environmental engines for the gardens.

The Supertrees are home to enclaves of unique and exotic ferns, vines, orchids and also a vast collection of bromeliads such as Tillandsia, amongst other plants. They are fitted with environmental technologies that mimic the ecological function of trees – photovoltaic cells that harness solar energy which can be used for some of the functions of the Supertrees, such as lighting, just like how trees photosynthesize; and collection of rainwater for use in irrigation and fountain displays, exactly like how trees absorb rainwater for growth. The Supertrees also serve air intake and exhaust functions as part of the conservatories’ cooling systems.

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I specially enjoyed the light and music show called the OCBC Garden Rhapsody. Be sure to check the schedule so you won’t miss it. You can watch the video I shot for a preview.

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All visitors to Singapore must not miss the Gardens by the Bay. Young or old will be entranced by the whole place. Be prepared to spend at least 2 to 3hours here. 

Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Gardens Drive Singapore 018953.
telephone:+65 6420 6848
website

Garden Hours
Bay South Outdoor Gardens:
Opens 5:00 AM – 2:00 AM daily

Cooled Conservatories & OCBC Skyway:
Opens 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Last ticket sale at 8:00 PM daily
Last admission at 8:30 PM daily

Garden Cruiser
Monday* – Friday
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last ride)
*Service begins at 12:00 PM every first Monday of the month
Saturday, Sunday, eve of and on PH
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Last ride)

Click here for admission rates and other information.

 Click on the pictures below to see more of the beautiful Gardens by the Bay. 

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