Gardens by the Bay is not just a park, but a grand project embodying Singapore`s ambitious dream to become a "City in a Garden." This is a place where nature and cutting-edge technology merge to create breathtaking landscapes that have already become a symbol of a new, eco-friendly future for megacities.
How did this futuristic idea come about?
The idea for creating Gardens by the Bay did not emerge from nowhere. The Singaporean government long recognized that, given the limited territory and growing urbanization, the quality of life for its citizens directly depends on the quantity and quality of green spaces. The project was launched in 2006 as part of a national strategy to transform Singapore from a "Garden City" into a "City in a Garden," where nature is integrated into the very fabric of the urban environment.
The goal was ambitious: to create not just a beautiful park, but a world-class center for biodiversity conservation, botanical research, and simultaneously, to become a new icon for tourists. The main facilities opened in 2012, and since then, Gardens by the Bay has welcomed millions of visitors annually.
The Heart of the Gardens: The Supertree Grove and Its Secrets
The most recognizable element of the park is undoubtedly the Supertrees (Supertree Grove). These fantastic structures, ranging from 25 to 50 meters in height, are not just art objects but multifunctional ecological engineering systems.
The construction of these giants took place between 2008 and 2012. Each tree is a steel frame covered with living vegetation. Their "trunks" and "canopies" are home to more than 162,000 plants representing over 200 species of bromeliads, orchids, ferns, and climbing plants.
What do the Supertrees hide?
• Solar Panels: Some trees are equipped with photovoltaic elements that accumulate solar energy to illuminate the trees themselves and power the irrigation systems.
• Rainwater Collection System: They collect rainwater, which is used for watering plants throughout the gardens.
• Ventilation Ducts: Some of the trees act as air intake and exhaust ducts for the park`s giant conservatories—the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest.
• Observation Deck: The tallest Supertree features a bar and the OCBC Skyway observation deck, offering a panoramic view of the entire park and the Marina Bay skyscrapers.
What can tourists see today?
Today, Gardens by the Bay is a vast 101-hectare area offering many unique zones:
Conservatories: The Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest
• Flower Dome: The world`s largest columnless glass greenhouse. It maintains the cool, dry climate of the Mediterranean and subtropical regions. You will see ancient olive trees, baobabs, vineyards, and constantly changing floral displays, where orchids can frequently be seen.
• Cloud Forest: Upon entering, you find yourself in a world of tropical montane forest. The centerpiece is a 35-meter "cloud mountain" covered in vegetation, from the top of which cascades the world`s tallest indoor waterfall. A spiral ramp winds around the mountain, allowing you to ascend to the top and walk "among the clouds," literally passing through them on aerial walkways.
Light and Sound Show: "Garden Rhapsody": Every evening, the Supertrees come alive. Accompanied by specially composed orchestral music, they shimmer with thousands of lights in a synchronized visual spectacle. It is an absolutely magical sight, worth staying in the park until evening for.
Other Gardens: Besides these, the grounds feature thematic gardens (Heritage, Indian, Chinese, Malay), winding paths, lakes, and sculptures.
When is the best time to visit?
This is one of those rare places that is interesting to visit both during the day and in the evening, with each time of day revealing it in a new light.
During the day (from 9:00 to 18:00): The ideal time to visit the conservatories, study the details of the Supertrees, stroll along the shaded avenues, and photograph the flora. You can appreciate the full scale and engineering genius of the project in sunlight.
In the evening (after 19:00): This is when the park transforms. Be sure to wait for the light and sound show, which takes place daily at 19:45 and 20:45. The view of the illuminated Supertrees against the dark sky and the gleaming skyscrapers of the financial district is one of Singapore`s most memorable sights.
Tip: Arrive around 17:00-18:00. You can comfortably visit the conservatories, explore the park in daylight, and then, as dusk falls, find a comfortable spot on the lawn beneath the Supertrees and enjoy the magical show. This way, you will get the most complete experience of this futuristic marvel.
