On the waterfront of Marina Bay stands the futuristic complex Gardens by the Bay. While the Supertrees themselves have become an icon of the city, the glass domes hide botanical wonders. The most impressive of these is the Cloud Forest Dome. It is not just a greenhouse, but a theatre of nature, recreating the unique ecosystem of tropical mountain forests, usually hidden from humans behind cloud veils.
History of the Cloud Forest Dome
The Cloud Forest Dome was officially opened to the public in June 2012 as part of the large-scale Gardens by the Bay project. The city-state`s authorities sought to demonstrate the harmony between modern technology and fragile nature by creating a man-made corner of the planet that fosters environmental awareness. Designed by the British architectural firm Grant Associates, this dome became a true engineering masterpiece.
Technical Design: The Art of Climate Control
Behind the external lightness and beauty lies a complex technical system that maintains ideal conditions for thousands of plants.
• Dome Structure: The huge glass geodesic dome has no internal supports, creating a sense of space and freedom. The special glass filters excess solar radiation but lets in enough light for photosynthesis.
• Climate Control: A constantly cool temperature (around 23-25°C) and very high humidity, characteristic of highland regions, are maintained inside. This is achieved with powerful cooling and humidification systems.
• The Cloud Mountain: The 35-meter tall artificial mountain, covered with living plants, is the heart of the complex. It serves as the framework for the ecosystem and simultaneously as a giant water recirculation system.
• Waterfall: The world`s tallest indoor waterfall (35 meters) is not only a spectacular sight but also a key element of the climate system. The falling water naturally cools and humidifies the air, and also feeds the recirculation system of the entire dome.
A Journey for the Tourist: From the Base to the Heavens
Upon entering the cool hall, filled with the scent of damp earth and blooming orchids, visitors are struck with awe. Directly in front of them, soaring up to the very top of the dome, is a mountain covered in lush greenery, from which a powerful seven-level waterfall thunderously plummets. The air is filled with a fine mist of water, creating that very "cloudy" atmosphere.
Ascent to the Summit and Breathtaking Views:
The visiting logic is based on the "top-down" principle. Visitors take a special lift to the highest point of the mountain, to the level called "The Lost World". From there, a leisurely descent begins along two spiral footbridges that encircle the mountain. These bridges, hovering over the abyss, offer truly dizzying panoramic views of the entire dome, the waterfall, and the surrounding Gardens by the Bay.
A Jurassic World: Dinosaurs Among Orchids
One of the most unexpected and impressive features of the Cloud Forest is its "inhabitants" from the distant past. Among the ferns and lianas, tourists encounter realistic figures of dinosaurs. Here, the long neck of an Apatosaurus peeks out from behind a giant leaf, and a fierce Velociraptor lurks in the thickets near the water. This resemblance to "Jurassic Park" is no coincidence—it reminds us that modern tropical forests are direct descendants of the flora of the Mesozoic era, and many plants surrounding you are contemporaries of the dinosaurs.
Botanical Treasures of the Cloud Forest Dome
The plant collection of the Cloud Forest is a true living museum.
• Ferns and Horsetails: These ancient plants, remembering the dinosaurs, create the main green carpet of the mountain.
• Orchids: Dozens of species of these amazing flowers grow directly on tree trunks and rocks, demonstrating their epiphytic nature.
• Carnivorous Plants: In a special zone, you can see predatory pitcher plants (Nepenthes) with their bright traps, ready to digest an unlucky insect.
• Bromeliads: The bright rosettes of these plants, filled with water, are mini-ecosystems for small frogs and insects.
• Lianas and Creeping Plants: They entangle the mountain, creating impenetrable jungles.
On the way down, you visit several thematic grottoes and galleries, such as "The Crystal Cave", whose walls are studded with minerals, and "The Mist Walk", where you can literally find yourself inside a cloud.
The Cloud Forest Dome is a must-see attraction in Singapore. It is a place where the line between reality and fantasy blurs, where the ancient world of dinosaurs comes to life in the heart of an ultramodern metropolis.
