Gardens by the Bay: A Visitor Guide | Singapore Purple Travel Guide

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Gardens by the Bay is a monumental 250-acre (101-hectare) nature park that has redefined urban gardening and ecological innovation on a global scale. Famous for its towering Supertrees and massive,

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.

Why You Should Visit

This is a non-negotiable stop for any traveler. The Gardens offer a spectacular blend of nature, architecture, and sustainable technology. You can explore the Flower Dome, which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest glass greenhouse, and the Cloud Forest, which features a massive indoor mountain. Together, these conservatories allow you to experience diverse botanical landscapes from five different continents without ever leaving the city.

What is Special About It?

• The Supertree Grove: These 18 tree-like structures range in height from 82 feet (25 meters) to a staggering 164 feet (50 meters). They are vertical gardens covered in over 150,000 plants, including exotic ferns, orchids, and bromeliads.
• The Cloud Mountain: Inside the Cloud Forest conservatory, a 115-foot (35-meter) tall mountain is covered in lush vegetation. It features the world’s tallest indoor waterfall (recently surpassed by the Jewel Changi waterfall, but still the tallest within a conservatory), which creates a cooling mist that replicates the environment of tropical highlands.
• Flower Dome Displays: Covering an area of 3 acres (1.2 hectares), this columnless glasshouse maintains a perpetual spring-like climate. It features eight different themed gardens, including an olive grove with a tree that is over 1,000 years old.

Architecture and Facts

• Ecological Engines: The Supertrees are not merely decorative; they function as environmental engines. Eleven of them are fitted with solar cells that generate electricity, while others act as air intake and exhaust pipes for the cooling systems of the conservatories.
• Sustainable Cooling: The glass in the domes is specially coated to let in light while reflecting heat. Below the floor, a chilled water pipe system cools the air only at the level where people walk, rather than cooling the entire massive volume of the dome, which saves a significant amount of energy.
• The Orchid Inspiration: The master plan of the entire park is inspired by the shape of an orchid, the national flower of Singapore. If you view the gardens from above, the layout of the lakes and paths mimics the delicate geometry of the flower.

Self-Guided Information

Traveler Tip

You should visit the conservatories in the mid-afternoon to escape the humidity of the city. After exploring the domes, find a spot on the grass at the Supertree Grove at least 15 minutes before the light show begins. You may lie flat on your back to enjoy the full perspective of the lights dancing above you; it is a favorite local way to experience the show!

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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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