Visiting Singapore: Exploring Gardens by the Bay

The Gardens by the Bay is a relatively new addition to Singapore's tourist attractions. It's official opening date is 1 July 2012 with only the Bay South portion opened to public so far. As it is located close to Marina Bay Sands (MBS), it makes for an easy day trip. If you want to enjoy the flowers at its best, it would be good to start at the Gardens first before ending up at MBS. If you would prefer to enjoy the lighted up night view, then start from MBS, and end at the Gardens.

If you have visited once, don't just stop at one visit. The exhibitions inside the Flower Dome observatory is changed constantly. For instance, in conjunction with the Christmas season, there is an on-going Christmas Sugar Mountain display designed by award-winning landscape designer Kazuyuki Ishihara. Previously, other displays included the Tulipmania and MidAutumn displays.

The moment you enter the Cloud Forest, the first thing that hits you is the cool atmosphere due to the 35-metre man-made waterfall right at the entrance. Take your time as you explore floor by floor of the mountain. If you are not afraid of heights, walk along the Tree Top Walk and Cloud Walk.

Although the two observatories, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, are the major attractions here, don't forget to explore the outdoor gardens too! The outdoor gardens are admission-free and you can learn more about various herbs at the Malay Garden or learn more nature-related facts as you walk about the various gardens.

If you have not visited Gardens by the Bay yet, do give it a try. It is easy to reach this place via the Bayfront MRT station. The garden is worth exploring both in the day and at night so my personal preference is to go in the evening, and stay on till night for the light show at 7:45 or 8:45 pm daily.