Gardens By The Bay Attractions, Singapore: What To See & Do
Last Updated: January 10 2024
If you’ve visited our blog before, you’ll know that Singapore is one of our favourite places in Asia!
One of the main reasons we love this city so much is because of Gardens by the Bay. It’s one of, if not, the most popular tourist attraction in Singapore, so you have to make sure you visit.
A fine example of Singapore’s innovative projects, Gardens by the Bay is a 250-acre nature park that consists of a huge range of different attractions. This includes highlights such as the Supertree Grove and the OCBC Skyway.
To make sure you don’t miss anything when visiting, we’ve put together this Gardens by the Bay attractions guide. We’ll tell you everything you need to know, what you can expect, and so much more!
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What are Gardens by the Bay?
Before you can even think about visiting Gardens by the Bay, you need to know what it is, so let’s start with that.
Gardens by the Bay is a 250-acre (101-hectare) nature park that sits in the Central Region of Singapore. You can find it adjacent to the Marina Reservoir near the famous Marina Bay Sands.
Part of Singapore’s ‘Garden City’ project, Gardens by the Bay aims to turn Singapore into a ‘City in a Garden’. The park features three waterfront gardens and a vast array of attractions!
Split between Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden, Gardens by the Bay attractions include the Flower Dome, Supertree Grove, the OCBC Skyway, Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy, and Garden Rhapsody.
There are many reasons why you should visit the Gardens by the Bay attractions. There are loads of things to see, lots to do, and even more to learn. So what are you waiting for?
Essential Information for Visiting Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
- Location: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
- Parking: There are four car parks at Gardens by the Bay; The Main Entrance Car Park, The Meadow, Bayfront Plaza, and Satay by the Bay
- Entrance Fee: Some of the attractions are free to visit, while others cost between 8-53 SGD (£4.70-£31.50)
- Opening Hours: Some attractions are open 24/7 while others are open from 5 am – 2 am
- Facilities: Cafes, restaurants, shops, shuttle service, ATMs, Mobile charging station, nursing room, first aid, electronic lockers & more
Iconic Gardens by the Bay Attractions
Now you know more about Gardens by the Bay, let us show you some of the best attractions that this nature park has to offer. There is a staggering range of different things to do here but some are better than others.
Therefore, if you plan on visiting Gardens by the Bay, you need to plan your trip carefully. You should prioritize the best attractions and try to leave enough time to visit everything else too.
We’ll start by showing you the best Gardens by the Bay attractions like Supertree Grove and Garden Rhapsody. After that, we’ll show you the other attractions that this place has to offer too.
Supertree Grove
- Opening Hours: 5:00 am – 2:00 am
- Entrance Fee: Free admission
Arguably the most impressive part of Gardens by the Bay is Supertree Grove. Home to 18 Supertrees, Supertree Grove is a unique garden that features towering man-made trees.
Each Supertree features a lush garden growing off the side. Standing 50 metres (164 feet) above the ground, this iconic Singapore attraction is a sight to behold and something you don’t want to miss. During the day, you can explore the grove and take in the amazing views.
At night, the grove comes to life with an impressive light and music display. Aside from being an incredibly beautiful attraction, Supertree Grove is well worth visiting because it’s free.
In fact, it’s probably one of the best free places to go in Singapore! You can admire the Supertrees up close and from a distance or you can view the grove from the observation deck.
Garden Rhapsody
- Opening Hours: 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm
- Entrance Fee: Free admission
No list of attractions in Singapore is complete without Garden Rhapsody. Above, we mentioned that the Supertree Grove comes to life with a light and music display at night. That display is called Garden Rhapsody!
Garden Rhapsody is a spectacle of colour and sound that takes place every night at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm. Completely free to watch, during a Garden Rhapsody show, the grove is brought to life with vibrant lights, show tunes, classical music, and pop.
Meanwhile, small stalls sell food and drink, as well as a selection of flashlights that are perfect for small children.
We absolutely loved the lights and music on display when we visited the Garden Rhapsody. Every show tells a different story through colour and sound. The show you’ll see will depend on when you visit, so just keep that in mind.
Popular shows include Journey Through Asia, Spring Blossoms, and Garden Waltz.
OCBC Skyway
- Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Entrance Fee: 8 – 12 SGD
The OCBC Skyway is a 128-metre (420 feet) walkway that offers the best views of the gardens at Supertree Grove. The walkway is suspended 22 metres (72 feet) above the ground, allowing visitors to observe the Supertrees from above.
Most of the Instagram photos you see of Supertree Grove are taken from the Skyway so make sure you take a walk along it too. Situated in the heart of Marina Bay, the OCBC Skyway costs between 5 and 8 SGD depending on your age.
It’s open every day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and the last admission is 8:30 pm. You can buy OCBC tickets on the Gardens by the Bay website, which we certainly recommend as the ticket line can be long.
There are staff on the bridge that try to keep things moving so you’ll probably only be able to spend 15-30 minutes on the walkway.
Supertree Observatory
- Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Entrance Fee: 10 – 14 SGD
One of the best Gardens by the Bay attractions is the Supertree Observatory. The Supertree Observatory is an observation deck and bar area that overlooks Supertree Grove!
A wonderful place to kick back and relax, the observation deck offers awesome views of the surrounding area and the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel. It sits at the top of the tallest Supertree in Supertree Grove, so the vistas are spectacular.
The observatory is a great place to enjoy a refreshment after a day of exploring the city. You might even want to book your tickets for when the Garden Rhapsody show is on. However, you’ll want to book your tickets for Supertree Grove in advance because it can get busy here!
The Supertree Observatory also has an immersive digital learning experience on offer. Here, you can learn more about Gardens by the Bay and Singapore’s sustainability projects. Honestly, this isn’t a place you want to miss out on when visiting Gardens by the Bay.
Cloud Forest
- Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Entrance Fee: 10 – 14 SGD
The Cloud Forest attraction at Gardens by the Bay might be our favourite attraction in Singapore. It’s certainly one of the most impressive anyway!
Open from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm, the Cloud Forest is an enormous greenhouse glass dome that contains a 42-metre (138 feet) high tropical rainforest. In fact, the dome is actually home to one of the tallest indoor waterfalls in the entire world!
We quickly fell in love with the rainforest exhibition in the Cloud Forest dome so make sure you add it to your Gardens by the Bay attractions itinerary. The unique structure has multiple levels that replicate the cloud forests of Central America and Southeast Asia.
Each level represents a different part of the rainforest canopy. Exhibits to look out for in the Cloud Forest include ‘the waterfall view’, ‘the lost world’, and ‘the crystal mountain’.
Flower Dome
- Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Entrance Fee: 40 – 53 SGD
The Flower Dome is a stunning attraction that sits inside the largest glass greenhouse in the world. A fine example of Singapore’s innovative projects, the place in itself is pretty special, never mind what can be found inside.
Within the Flower Dome, you’ll find a huge collection of different gardens, sculptures, and unique pieces of architecture. The dome is split into several beautiful gardens that have different themes and flora.
Each garden is related to a different part of the world, for example, there are gardens from Africa, Europe, and Australia. Some of the best gardens are the South American Garden, Baobabs and Bottle Trees Garden, and the South African Garden.
After paying for your Flower Dome tickets, you can walk freely around the garden via dainty paths and overhead walkways. The overhead walkways are a great place to wander along if you want to see the gardens from above!
Floral Fantasy
- Opening Hours: Mon – Fri (10:00 am – 7:00 pm), Sat-Sun (10:00 am – 8:00 pm)
- Entrance Fee: 12 – 20 SGD
Another one of the iconic Gardens by the Bay attractions is Floral Fantasy which is just a short walk away from the Bayfront MRT station. Floral Fantasy offers visitors the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city through a magical experience that features lush gardens, bursting with plant life.
This attraction features a variety of vibrant indoor gardens that consist of colourful flowers, hanging blossoms, waterfalls, and even reptiles.
The dazzling floral arrangements are an absolute delight to walk around so make sure you leave plenty of time to explore the gardens. One of the highlights here is a vivarium that houses poison dart frogs. The brightly-coloured frogs looked amazing!
Unlike other attractions at Gardens by the Bay, Floral Fantasy isn’t open every day, therefore, you will have to plan your visit. This attraction is shut every Tuesday.
Other Gardens by the Bay Attractions
Now we’ve shown you the best things to do in Gardens by the Bay, we want to show you the other things that this area has to offer. The Gardens by the Bay attractions we’ve already looked at are the best of the bunch and the things you don’t want to miss when visiting this incredible place.
The attractions we’re going to show you next are the things you should try and see after exploring the main attractions. One of the best things about Gardens by the Bay is that most of these places of interest are in the same area.
Therefore, you can quite easily take a look around the main attractions before visiting some of the other places.
Active Garden
The Active Garden is one of the best Gardens by the Bay free attractions. In keeping with Singapore’s project to make Gardens by the Bay the ‘People’s Garden’, Active Garden is designed to offer something for everyone.
Bringing everyone together, Active Garden is a beautiful and relaxed outdoor space or communal area that acts as a social hub. Here, you can kick back and relax, admire the natural surroundings, hit the outdoor gym, listen to music, and much more.
There’s also a lawn here that hosts events throughout the year and a pet-friendly cafe.
Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes
The river walk path offers scenic views of the surrounding architecture and a lush adventure around Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes.
The river walk at Gardens by the Bay features a 440-metre (1,444 feet) boardwalk that takes you around the lakes. A walk along this boardwalk allows you to admire the aquatic life that lives in and around the lake, whilst also teaching you how the lake water is used to irrigate the gardens.
It won’t take you long to wander along the river walk and it’s free, so make sure you enjoy a refreshing stroll here if you get the chance.
Kingfisher Wetlands
One of the newest attractions in Gardens by the Bay is Kingfisher Wetlands. This attraction is a nature lovers and bird watcher’s paradise, so if you love wildlife pay it a visit.
Kingfisher Wetlands is a freshwater sanctuary that houses exotic fauna and flora. It’s unusual to find wetlands as impressive as this in the heart of a city, making this place a real treat.
Open from 5:00 am in the morning till 2:00 am the next day, and free to walk around, a stroll around the wetlands is a must. There are 3 different zones to walk around and hundreds of bird species and reptiles to spot!
Gardens by the Bay Sculptures
As you explore Gardens by the Bay, you’ll come across a wide range of different sculptures. In fact, the area currently has more than 200 sculptures to look at!
As you can probably imagine, you’re probably not going to have time to see all the sculptures during your visit so you’re going to want to narrow the list down. When we visited Gardens by the Bay, we decided to spend an hour or two looking for specific sculptures before then letting luck dictate the other sculptures we saw.
In our opinion, some of the best sculptures to visit include Planet, Moongate, Trash-Sure, and Magnificent Bull.
Far East Organization Children’s Garden
If you’re travelling with your family, then you have to visit the Far East Organization Children’s Garden. Designed with children under the age of 12 in mind, this is the perfect place to spend a few hours with your little ones.
Only children under the age of 12 and their parents are allowed to enter the garden as all of its attractions are designed for youngsters. This attraction has four themed gardens that feature various things for children to enjoy.
Popular attractions include the Toddler Play Zone, the Rainforest Tree Houses, and the Amphitheatre. Your children will love the Water Play area too. Overall, this attraction will provide your children with hours of fun!
Marina Barrage
Marina Barrage is one of the most interesting things to do at Gardens in the Bay!
It’s a dam that can be found at the confluence of five rivers. It was built across the Marina Channel between Marina South and Marina East in 2006 and is the fifteenth reservoir in Singapore. The Marina Barrage is super interesting, so is a great place to visit if you find yourself with extra time.
It actually turned the saltwater Singapore River into a freshwater river. The dam provides water, controls flooding, and offers a place for locals to relax and walk.
The Canyon
Next up, we have the Canyon. The Canyon is an art exhibition and garden that houses a huge collection of sculptural rocks and more than 5,900 plants. Interestingly, the collection of sculptural rocks here is the largest collection in the world!
More than 60 ancient rock forms can be found here, some of which are more than 2 metres (7 feet) tall. To explore the rock sculptures, you’ll walk along a 400-metre (1,312 feet) trail that has been inspired by the dragon.
The ancient rock formations along the trail were sourced from Shandong in China, while the plants that line the trail come from all over the world.
Gardens within the Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is actually comprised of three different gardens; Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central. Each of these distinct waterfront gardens is special in its own right so try to visit all three if you can.
The biggest of the three gardens is Bay South. Opened in 2012, this award-winning attraction is home to the Garden by the bay conservatories, the Supertrees, and the Flower Dome. The area is scattered with floral displays and is generally a lovely place to explore.
There are a variety of smaller gardens within Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central too. These include:
- Heritage Gardens
- Serene Garden
- Sun Pavillion
- World of Plants
These four gardens are an absolute delight so if you can leave enough free time to explore one or two of them, then great. Each garden is home to its own attractions but almost all of them house vibrant plants and interesting wildlife.
Helpful Information for Visiting Gardens by the Bay
How to get to Gardens by the Bay
There are several different ways to get to Gardens by the Bay including train, bus, and car. Depending on where in Singapore you’re staying, you can also walk here.
In our opinion, the best way to get to Gardens by the Bay is via the metro. From almost anywhere in the city, you can simply jump on a metro train and end up at Gardens by the Bay in no time.
The nearest metro station is Bayfront MRT Station, with both the Downtown Line and Circle Line running from here.
There are a few different buses you can take to get to the gardens too but it might take you longer to get there. Alternatively, you could get a taxi to drop you off nearby or park your own car in the Bayfront Plaza Carpark.
How to get around Gardens by the Bay
As you might be able to guess, the best way to get around Gardens by the Bay is on foot. All the attractions you’ll want to explore can be found in one large area!
You don’t need to take any mode of transport to get around. However, you can jump on a shuttle to move around some parts of the park if you wish but it isn’t really worth it (in our opinion). The area is quite large but you shouldn’t have any trouble walking between the attractions.
When we visited Gardens by the Bay, we walked between all the attractions with ease. We did feel tired by the end of the day but we had an incredible time, and it was nothing some delicious local cuisine couldn’t fix!
Gardens by the Bay Tickets
You can buy tickets for Gardens by the Bay on the Gardens by the Bay website but unfortunately, there isn’t one combination ticket that you can purchase for everything!
Instead, you have to buy multiple tickets for different things. For example, you would have to buy a joint ticket for the Flower Dome and Supertree Conservatory, separate from tickets for Floral Fantasy and the OCBC Skyway.
Luckily, we found a solution! That solution is the Singapore All-Inclusive Pass. This pass gives you access to 35 attractions, including a wide range of Gardens by the Bay attractions. Not only does this pass make things easier for you but it also saves you a lot of money!
If you have any further questions about visiting Gardens by the Bay then don’t hesitate to contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below.
You can save up to 40% compared to buying separate tickets. After visiting Gardens by the Bay, you can use the pass to access the other best attractions in Singapore (of which there are plenty).
Where to eat at Gardens by the Bay
Thanks to the wide range of facilities within Gardens by the Bay, you can quite easily spend the whole day there. One of the most important things you’ll want to think about when spending the day here is food.
You’ll be very pleased to hear that there are lots of different food options to choose from. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a quick snack and something to drink or a sit-down meal in a restaurant, there’s something for everyone!
To give you a better idea in regards to what you can eat during your time at Gardens by the Bay, we’ve listed the best restaurants, cafes, and fast food restaurants below!
Restaurants in Gardens by the Bay
Here are the restaurant options in Gardens by the Bay:
- Jurassic Nest Food Hall
- Hopscotch
- Hortus
- Marguerite
- Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant
- Shake Shack
Cafes/fast food in Gardens by the Bay
Here are some of the cafes and fast food options in Gardens by the Bay:
- McDonald’s
- Conservatory Café
- Mylo’s
- Petit Coco @ Children’s Garden Café
- Satay by the Bay
- Starbucks
- The Social Kitchen
Where to Shop at Gardens by the Bay
There are also some great shops to check out during your time at Gardens by the Bay. If you want to grab any souvenirs to take home or some gifts for your family, we recommend doing it here.
The Floral Fantasy Gift Shop found at the Floral Fantasy exit is particularly cool. Unfortunately, Singapore was our first destination in an 8-month Asia trip, so we had limited space. That meant we couldn’t pack our bags with souvenirs, even though we’d have loved to.
Other popular gift shops you can find at Gardens by the Bay include the Arrival Gift Shop at the main entrance and the Conservatory Gift Shop found at the Conservatories’ exit.
It might also be worth noting that Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is nearby!
Events at Gardens by the Bay
Aside from the daily Gardens by the Bay light show, there is a wide range of different events hosted here throughout the year. While you’re visiting Gardens by the Bay, you’re bound to find something going on.
At the moment, the Gardens by the Bay Avatar exhibition is one of the best events the attraction has ever hosted. Found in the Cloud Forest, Avatar Gardens by the Bay is an immersive exhibition that will transport you into the world of Avatar (if you hadn’t already guessed that).
Events change every year so keep your eyes peeled before you visit. You can find most events for the upcoming year on the official website. Other events for the rest of the year include Rolling Good Times, The Plantsman’s Fair, La Notte Della Taranta – Passion of Italy, and Pokégenic in Singapore.
Tips for Visiting Gardens by the Bay
No trip to Singapore is complete without heading to Gardens by the Bay, and you’ll want to make the most of your visit. Here are some of our top tips when it comes to exploring this iconic attraction:
- If you’re short of time, then prioritise the attractions that you want to see first. We’d recommend the Cloud Forest, the OCBC Skyway, and of course, the Garden Rhapsody show.
- Try to visit on a weekday if you can as you’ll encounter fewer crowds. The weekends can be extremely busy with locals and tourists alike.
- While here, make sure to appreciate all the awesome viewpoints. The OCBC Skyway and the Supertree Observatory offer some of the best views in the area.
- Make sure you head behind the Cloud Forest Dome during your trip to Gardens by the Bay. If you’re lucky, you might get to spot the group of otters that call the river here home.
- There are plenty of dining options at Gardens by the Bay if you’re hungry. Opt for something more traditional like the satay chicken and rice, as it’s delicious!
Sustainability Efforts at Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a must for any Singapore itinerary for so many reasons! Not only is it undeniably impressive, but it plays an important role in Singapore’s energy system.
In fact, some of the Supertrees within Supertree Grove feature solar panels. These panels are used to collect energy, which in turn is then used in the light displays rather than non-renewable energy. Some of the energy is also used within the site’s conservatories.
The conservatories are run through cutting-edge technology and this has allowed Gardens by the Bay to reduce their energy consumption by around 30%. You’ve also got Kingfisher Wetlands, where over 200 mangrove trees have been planted to act as a carbon sink.
Not only that but Gardens by the Bay provides habitats for a variety of species, leading to increased biodiversity. This place does wonders for the city and its wildlife, all while being incredibly sustainable.
Where to Stay in Singapore
To make the most of your time in Singapore, you’ll want to stay somewhere relatively central. There’s a lot to do in this city, and you don’t want to spend too much time on public transport, rather than exploring.
Although considered an expensive city, there are affordable accommodation options here too. If you don’t mind staying in a hostel, then you won’t have to spend lots of cash either.
Here are our best recommendations for staying in Singapore!
Garden Pod
Before we take a look at any of the other accommodation options for Singapore, we just had to mention Garden Pod. It’s a unique shipping container hotel that prides itself on being eco-friendly and is located within Gardens by the Bay itself.
There are a variety of suites available including the Bamboo Duplex Suite, the Juniper Duplex Suite, the Jasmine Duplex Suite, and the Maple Duplex Suite.
Luxury: Marina Bay Sands
This gorgeous 5* hotel is one of the most luxurious options in Singapore. It’s home to the largest rooftop infinity pool in the world, so naturally offers fantastic views of the city.
Boasting an on-site spa, several restaurants and bars, and a fitness centre, Marina Bay Sands has so much to offer. Not only are the suites gorgeous, but you’ll have direct access to the ArtScience Museum.
Mid-range: Lyf Funan Singapore
Lyf Funan Singapore is just a short walk from several of the city’s attractions including the Singapore Art Museum, St Andrew’s Cathedral, and Raffles City. You’ll also be just a short walk from City Hall MRT Station.
There are a variety of rooms and apartments at this hotel and they sleep up to 9 adults. This makes Lyf Funan Singapore the perfect option for groups or families.
Budget: Hipstercity Hostel
If you’re after a budget-friendly option then check out Hipstercity Hostel. There are both dormitory beds and private rooms available here, and you’ll benefit from plenty of amenities. This includes free WiFi, a shared lounge, and a shared kitchen.
Like the other properties we’ve mentioned, Hipstercity Hostel is in a great location. You’ll be close to several iconic attractions including Chinatown, Sri Mariamman Temple, and the National Gallery Singapore.
Booking.comVisiting Gardens by the Bay FAQ
What attractions are free in Gardens by the Bay?
There are several Gardens by the Bay free attractions including Supertree Grove and its Garden Rhapsody show, Bay East Garden, and the Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes among others.
However, if you can spare the cash, then you certainly don’t want to miss out on the paid attractions here. This includes the Cloud Forest, the OCBC Skyway, the Supertree Observatory, and the Flower Dome.
How much time do you need at Gardens by the Bay?
There is so much to see at Gardens by the Bay so it all depends on how much time you’ve got in Singapore itself. For the best experience, allow yourself at least 2-3 hours for your visit, although preferably longer.
In fact, you could easily spend half a day or even a full day exploring all that Gardens by the Bay has to offer.
What time is best to visit Gardens by the Bay?
Gardens by the Bay is one of the city’s most popular attractions so naturally, it gets extremely busy. For the best experience, you’ll want to visit first thing so there are fewer crowds, and so you’ll have more time to explore.
Your other option is to visit during the late afternoon, and then stay in the area for the Garden Rhapsody light show which runs at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm.
Do you need to book tickets in advance?
You don’t need to purchase your tickets in advance, but we recommend that you do. As we just mentioned, Gardens by the Bay can get extremely busy and you’ll often find large queues at the ticket counter.
By buying tickets in advance you can guarantee your space, and you’ll often benefit from discounts if you purchase them beforehand.
Final Thoughts on Gardens by the Bay Attractions
Gardens by the Bay is one of the most popular attractions in Singapore so is a must-visit. There are so many things to do here so you don’t want to rush your time.
Whether you’re on a budget or you’re splashing the cash, this place has something for everyone. There are several free attractions to visit or you can visit some of the paid ones if you don’t mind paying for them. They’re certainly worth it!
If you have any further questions about visiting Gardens by the Bay then don’t hesitate to contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below.
I’m one half of Acouplescalling. I'm passionate about all things travel and photography and I love sharing my experiences with others. I've seen a lot of the world already and I want to help as many people as I can do the same thing!
