Garden Rhapsody Light and Sound Show | Singapore Purple Travel Guide
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Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideThe Garden Rhapsody Show is a free, mesmerizing nightly light and music spectacle centered around the iconic Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay. This 15-minute performance transforms the 18 towering Supertrees into a dazzling display of color and light. Each show is meticulously choreographed to a diverse musical soundtrack, creating an immersive atmosphere that blends nature, art, and cutting-edge technology.
Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.
free GuruWalk tours
paid Viator tours
Why You Should Visit
This is arguably the most spectacular free show in Singapore and a highlight for any independent traveler. It provides a magical experience as you find yourself surrounded by the glowing, mechanical forest. Because the themes and musical scores are updated regularly—often changing every month or for special festive seasons—the show offers a sense of discovery even for those who have visited before. It is a perfect way to end an evening after exploring the nearby conservatories.
What is Special About It?
- Surround Sound Technology: The show is powered by a sophisticated system of 68 independent audio speakers hidden throughout the grove. This setup creates a ‘spatial audio’ effect, making the music feel as though it is moving between the trees alongside the lights.
- Complex Choreography: The lighting system utilizes over 162,900 LED lights embedded within the living skin of the Supertrees. This allows for highly complex patterns, from gentle color fades to rapid, rhythmic pulses that match the tempo of the music.
- The ‘Lying Down’ Tradition: Unlike many other light shows where you stand and watch from a distance, the design of the Supertree Grove encourages you to lie down on the ground. Looking straight up into the illuminated canopies from 164 feet (50 meters) below creates a feeling of being completely enveloped by the performance.
Theme and Production
- Artistic Collaboration: The show is the result of a collaboration between award-winning lighting designer Adrian Tan and renowned music composer Bang Wenfu. Their goal was to create a ‘rhapsody’ that celebrates the harmony between humans and the environment.
- Monthly Themes: The show features a rotating calendar of themes. For example, you may experience ‘Opera in the Gardens’ in March, ‘Retro Fever’ with 1970s disco hits in July, or a ‘Star Wars Edition’ in May. During the month of December, the show transitions into a festive ‘Christmas Special’ featuring holiday classics.
Self-Guided Information
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Show Times |
Daily at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM. During festive periods (such as December), additional shows may be added at 7:10 PM or 9:35 PM. |
Admission Fee |
Free to watch from the ground level of the Supertree Grove. |
Duration |
Each performance lasts approximately 15 minutes. |
Best Viewing Spot |
The most immersive spot is the grassy area or the circular benches directly beneath the tallest Supertree, which stands 164 feet (50 meters) high. |
Elevated View |
For a unique perspective, you can pay approximately S$14 to access the OCBC Skyway, a walkway suspended 72 feet (22 meters) above the ground. You should time your entry for 7:40 PM to be on the bridge when the show begins. |
Traveler Tip
You should bring a small picnic mat or a clean towel to sit or lie on, as the stone and grass can be damp. Because this is a very popular event, you should arrive at least 20 minutes before the show to secure a prime spot in the center of the grove. If you prefer a quieter experience, the 8:45 PM show is generally less crowded than the earlier performance.
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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
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