Categories > Guides and Tips
Explore Singapore’s Eden: A Guide to Gardens by the Bay
- Things to Know
- How To Get There
- Ticket Pricing
- What to Do
- Wander around the beautiful garden landscapes of Floral Fantasy
- Walk through the tall and misty displays at the Cloud Forest
- Get up close and personal with flowers from all over the world at the Flower Dome
- Stroll around the Supertree Grove
- Watch the sunset from the OCBC Skyway
- Stay active with your friends and family at the Active Garden
- Marvel at the hundreds of art sculptures around the Gardens
- Enjoy some peace and quiet around the Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes
- Where to Eat
- Satay by the Bay
- Hopscotch
- Hortus
- TungLok Seafood
- Jurassic Nest Food Hall
- Where to Stay
- Marina Bay Sands
- The Garden Pod
Singapore is one of the world’s smallest countries, and despite that, it’s also home to one of the world’s largest indoor waterfalls, the largest glass greenhouse in the world, and one of the biggest garden destinations in Asia.
You can find all of those record-breaking attractions within one site: Gardens by the Bay. This massive garden complex houses several themed attractions wholly dedicated to horticulture, plant health, and the environment.
It’s also one of the most iconic places to visit in Singapore. So, if you’re planning a trip to the Lion City soon, here’s a detailed travel guide to Gardens by the Bay!
Things to Know
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 2:00 am
Contact: +65 6420 6848
How To Get There
By Train: The nearest MRT Stations to Gardens by the Bay are the Bayfront MRT Station, Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, and the Gardens by the Bay MRT Station.
These stations can be reached by the Circle or Downtown Line, East-West Line, and the Thomson East-Coast Line.
By Car: If you’re heading to Gardens by the Bay via car, you can drive towards Marina Boulevard and Marina Gardens Drive from Raffles Quay, Collyer Quay, or Sheares Avenue.
The nearest car parks are the basement parking slots by the main entrance, at the Meadow, Bayfront Plaza, and Satay by the Bay. Rates start at $0.035 per minute per car, with charges capped at $30 a day.
By Bus: The nearest bus stations to Gardens by the Bay are located at International Plaza (Anson Road) and Marina Gardens Drive.
You can also alight at bus stations Gardens by the Bay, Aft Gardens by the Bay, Exit 1, Bef Marina Gardens Drive, and Bayfront Station.
Ticket Pricing
| Attraction | Tourists & Non-Resident | Singaporean Citizen & Permanent Resident |
| Flower Dome | Adult: $32*Child: $18* *Rates include access to both Cloud Forest & Flower Dome for tourists and non-residents | Adult: $12*Child: $8* *Rates include access to Flower Dome only |
| Cloud Forest | Adult: $32*Child: $18* *Rates include access to both Cloud Forest & Flower Dome for tourists and non-residents | Adult: $12*Child: $8* *Rates include access to Cloud Forest only |
| Supertree Grove | Free Admission | Free Admission |
| OCBC Skyway | Adult: $14Child: $10 | Adult: $10Child: $7 |
| Floral Fantasy | Adult: $20Child: $12 | Adult: $12Child: $8 |
| Active Garden | Free Admission | Free Admission |
| Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lake | Free Admission | Free Admission |
What to Do
Wander around the beautiful garden landscapes of Floral Fantasy
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (last admission at 6:30 pm), Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (last admission at 7:30 pm)
Spanning around 1,500 square metres, Floral Fantasy is one of the largest bloom displays on the island. The thematic attraction features four different garden displays, ranging from floating flower arrangements to verdant garden landscapes.
One of the first things that might catch your eye when you enter Floral Fantasy is the ceiling. There are over 15,000 fresh, preserved, and dried flowers hanging above your head, meticulously arranged to produce colourful and creative canopies.
To complete your visit to this majestic attraction, take a ride on the Flight of the Dragonfly 4D ride before leaving. The ride basically lets you see the attraction through the eyes of a dragonfly, complete with special effects, moving chairs, and sounds!
| Tip: The Flight of the Dragonfly has a height requirement of at least 1 metre or taller. The ride also involves moving chairs, so guests with a history of motion sickness or painful physical conditions are discouraged from taking part. Additionally, admission rates for tourists are slightly higher than regular rates for locals. Tickets for foreigners start at $20, on top of the admission fees you’ll pay for entry to Floral Fantasy. |
Walk through the tall and misty displays at the Cloud Forest
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (Last admission at 8:30 pm)
If Jewel Changi has the HSBC Rain Vortex and Shiseido Forest Valley, Gardens by the Bay has the Cloud Forest. This 35-metre-tall mountain is home to one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls, set on a towering mountain clad with plants and flowers.
Aside from the waterfall, two of the attraction’s most defining features are the aerial walkways and glass ceilings. You can get Instagrammable shots at almost every level, plus fantastic views of Marina Bay and the city skyline the higher you go!
A few notable flora you’ll find here are rare species usually found at about 2,000 metres below sea level. You’ll mostly find mosses, ferns, Venus flytraps, and pitcher plants within a misty cloud caused by the water pipes that keep the air cool.
| Tip: The Cloud Forest has an average humidity of 80% to 90%, but guests are kept cool inside thanks to the thermal stratification system. These water pipes underneath the floor gradually reduce the volume of air and keep the plants hydrated during misting hours. If you want to see the Cloud Forest get covered in a cloudy mist, the misting hours happen daily at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 8:00 pm. |
Get up close and personal with flowers from all over the world at the Flower Dome
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (last admission at 8:30 pm)
Did you know that the Flower Dome is roughly the same size as 75 Olympic-sized swimming pools? This massive conservatory actually earned the esteemed Guinness World Record for the largest greenhouse in the world!
There are a total of nine themed gardens inside the Flower Dome, all showcasing plants and flower displays from all over the world. A few notable sights are the 1,000-year-old olive tree at the Olive Grove and African baobab trees (bottle trees).
Now and then, the Flower Dome hosts special exhibits and events that showcase rare or iconic flora from all over the world. They also invite veteran horticulturists to speak about plant care and innovations related to agriculture and the environment.
| Tip: Free guided tours are available at the Flower Dome from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm but will only begin if a group of 5 or more people sign up for them. Tours last between 10 and 15 minutes and are available on specific dates. Note that some guided tours for specific gardens are only available on selected dates and time slots. The only gardens available for guided tours are the Succulent Garden, the Baobabs, the South American Garden, Olive Grove, and the Mediterranean Garden. |
Stroll around the Supertree Grove
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 2:00 am
If you scroll through the Internet about Gardens by the Bay, you may stumble upon captivating images of Gardens by the Bay’s iconic Supertree Grove: towering structures that dazzle with a kaleidoscope of colours.
The Supertree Grove is made up of 12 massive trees with trunks clad with flora and canopies branching out into the sky. If you look up close, you’ll find that the Supertrees are actually vertical gardens designed to harvest solar energy during the day.
There are about over 160,000 kinds of plants planted on the Supertrees, ranging from bromeliads to orchids.
Admission to the Supertree Grove is free of charge, so you can take as many photos as you want or stroll around the grounds until closing!
| Tip: If you’re wondering about where the solar energy that the Supertrees harvest daily goes, consider sticking around the attraction after sunset. The Supertree Grove lights up at night and turns into an audiovisual attraction called the Garden Rhapsody at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm. This nightly show features the Supertree Grove lighting up in different colours to the beat of music. The show runs for about 15 minutes and doesn’t charge any admission fees. All you have to do is stick around and watch! |
Watch the sunset from the OCBC Skyway
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (last admission at 8:30 pm)
If you find yourself at the Supertree Grove a little earlier than expected, we recommend spending a bit more time (and a little money) around the grounds to visit the OCBC Skyway.
The OCBC Skyway is a suspended bridge that links two of the largest Supertrees in the Grove. It’s about 22 metres high and 128 metres long, so there is plenty of space to capture photos or to find a spot to catch the sunset.
From the bridge, you get scenic views of Marina Bay and the city skyline as well as the other attractions within Gardens by the Bay. If you stick around a little longer, you can also catch the Garden Rhapsody show from the bridge (just get your timing right!).
| Tip: You can actually catch the Garden Rhapsody show from the OCBC Skyway, but note that visitors typically only get a 15-minute time limit to stay on the bridge. The time limit is often imposed during busy days when crowds pile up. So if you want to catch the show during your time slot on the bridge, we recommend entering the Skyway just before 7:45 pm to 8:45 pm. Admission to the OCBC Skyway is not free, in contrast to the Supertree Grove. Tickets start at $7 for children and $10 for adults. |
Stay active with your friends and family at the Active Garden
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 2:00 am
Gardens by the Bay isn’t just all about learning about diverse flora and taking pictures against beautiful plant displays. It’s also a place to keep your energy levels high and stay active with your friends and family!
You can break a sweat or spend a day doing all sorts of outdoor activities at the Active Garden. It’s a one-hectare outdoor activity area designed for hosting events, picnics, family playtime, and keeping up with your fitness.
A few noteworthy spots in the Active Garden are the Outdoor Fitness Gym, Musical Playground, community garden spaces, Moongate Lawn, and the Sensory Trail. All the areas within the Active Garden are child-friendly and wheelchair accessible too!
| Tip: The Active Garden is located at the very northwestern tip of Gardens by the Bay. A quicker and more convenient way to reach the garden without walking from the very end is to take the Gardens by the Bay shuttle service and alight at the Active Garden drop-off area. If you’re coming via car, you can park your car at Bayfront Plaza and the Main Entrance car parks. |
Marvel at the hundreds of art sculptures around the Gardens
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 2:00 am
Aside from verdant landscapes and mesmerising plant displays, Gardens by the Bay is also home to over 200 sculptures created by artists from all over the world. Art enthusiasts might consider the Gardens as their next art destination in Singapore!
The sculptures are categorised into two groups: outdoor and indoor sculptures. Most of the sculptures are animal and plant-themed, but sometimes, the Gardens also host art fairs and events that feature themed sculptures for a limited time.
Some of the most popular sculptures you’ll find scattered around are the Ethereal White Persians, Ants On Trees, the Giant Snail, and the large Magnificent Bull. Other non-plant and animal-themed works include a floral sundial and a Maori doorway.
| Tip: To stay up to date with the latest additions to the Gardens by the Bay art sculptures, check out this page for special events and limited-time-only art installations! |
Enjoy some peace and quiet around the Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 2:00 am
The Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lake is a great spot within Gardens by the Bay to get some peace and quiet. If you’ve already explored most of the Gardens’ main attractions, a leisurely stroll around the lake offers a scenic treat and time away from the crowds.
Within the lake grounds, two main attractions stand out: the garden and the lake boardwalk. The garden offers ample greenery for relaxation, while the boardwalk is ideal for observing aquatic life and migratory birds like dragonflies and kingfisher birds.
The boardwalk is roughly 440 metres long and sits along the edges of the lake. Since the garden area is free to visit and opens as early as 5:00 am, you’ll find lots of joggers and cyclists doing laps around the boardwalk for a quick but scenic sweat session.
| Tips: There are binoculars located along the boardwalk if you want to zoom in on the dragonflies lurking around the lake. If you want to learn more about the aquatic life and insects living in the Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lake, there are plaques with QR codes and information to keep you informed. You’ll find most of them scattered along the boardwalk and the edges of the lake. |
Where to Eat
Satay by the Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Waterfront Promenade, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore 018953
Contact Details: +65 6538 9956
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 10:30 am (Drink stalls), 11:30 am to 10:00 pm (Food stalls), Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am to 10:30 pm
Eating at a hawker centre is the most Singaporean thing a tourist can do when they’re hungry, so take your visit to Gardens by the Bay in a full circle, and consider grabbing your breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Satay by the Bay.
Satay by the Bay is a large open-air food court that mainly sells local drinks and food such as barbecue, chilli crabs, and seafood steamboats (hot pot). Safe to say, you don’t have to go all the way to the East Coast of Singapore to try good seafood.
There are also halal-certified food and drink stalls in the food court as well as vegetarian options for diners with strict dietary preferences. You won’t get the comfort of air conditioning here, though, but at least the prices are fairly cheap!
| Tip: Satay by the Bay services visitors within the Marina Bay area, so the food court tends to get very crowded during lunch and dinner hours (12:00 noon and 5:00 pm). It’s better to drop by in the morning or early afternoon to get a snack or some food to avoid the crowd. |
Hopscotch
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, #01-21 Bayfront Plaza (next to Bayfront MRT Station), Singapore 018953
Contact Details: +65 6539 9653
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Another place to get your hands on local fare is Hopscotch, a bistro and cocktail bar that specialises in Singaporean dishes with a twist. There are three branches in total around Singapore, but one of the popular ones is at Gardens by the Bay.
Hopscotch sits right by Floral Fantasy, so it’s not a long walk from the main attractions within Gardens by the Bay. In fact, if you’re feeling really hungry but don’t want to eat in the heat, this is one of the closest spots to have lunch or dinner from the west entrance.
Notable menu items you should try here are the salted egg chicken waffle, buttermilk cereal prawn burger, and the pork ribs. Wash your lunch or dinner down with a refreshing cocktail like the Garden City Sling (gin, vodka, white grape, and orchid).
| Tip: Hopscotch has a Happy Hour promo wherein all cocktails are priced at $18. The promo runs daily every 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm! Reservations during this time are highly recommended to ensure you get a table. You can book a table here. Aside from cocktails, the cheapest drink you can get during happy Hour is the $9 house pours and $14 premium pours as well as $10 pints of select draught beer. |
Hortus
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, #01-09 Level 2 Flower Dome, Singapore 018953
Contact Details: +65 6702 0158
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Nestled in the beautiful Flower Dome, Hortus is a garden restaurant that specialises in Mediterranean cuisine created by Michelin-starred chef Michael Wilson. Their menu items are made up of healthy and hearty mains like meat cooked on a wood fire grill.
So, if you’re looking for healthier food and drink options within Gardens by the Bay, Hortus is a restaurant to check out. The restaurant’s seating areas give you great views of Marina Bay from inside the Flower Dome, so it’s also a good spot for a romantic date.
Popular food items include grilled Corsican sea bass, beef and lamb kebabs, spaghetti and mud crabs, and falafel salad. For smaller bites, they serve hummus, pita bread, roasted vegetables, and a selection of desserts that change daily!
| Tips: Are you tired of walking around Gardens by the Bay? You can reach Hortus at the Flower Dome using the restaurant’s personalised buggy service that picks you up from the Gardens by the Bay main entrance and into the Flower Dome. This service is exclusive to Hortus customers who booked tables in advance and is free of charge. Note that since Hortus is inside the Flower Dome, temperatures in the restaurant remain at 20 degrees Celsius, so it’s advisable to wear clothing that’ll keep you warm throughout your stay. |
TungLok Seafood
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, #01-10 Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore 018953
Contact Details: +65 6022 0188
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 am to 5:00 pm, 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
There’s nothing more Singaporean than eating chilli crabs by the waters. If that’s exactly what you’re after when visiting Gardens by the Bay, head over to TungLok Seafood for platters of saucy and tangy chilli crabs.
TungLok Seafood is located just below the Flower Dome, and although it’s not exactly seaside, you still get amazing views of the gardens and Marina Bay from inside an airconditioned, semi-fine dining environment.
Definite must-try dishes here are the black pepper chilli crab, deep-fried prawns with wasabi mayo, steamed clams with garlic and vermicelli, and wok-baked Australian lobster. Price points here are higher, but you get what you pay for!
| Tip: Note that when making reservations at TungLok Seafood, you can only book tables within their two seating sessions for both lunch and dinner. If you book a table too close to the time limit, you may be asked to move your reservation to a later time or date. You can book a table through this reservation portal. |
Jurassic Nest Food Hall
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, #01-19, Singapore 018953
Contact Details: +65 6022 0188
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Looking for a restaurant that your kids will enjoy dining at? Take them to the Jurassic Nest Food Hall for dinosaur-themed snacks, local fare, and quick but hearty bites in the middle of the Supertree Grove.
Aside from its dino-filled charm, the Jurassic Nest Food Hall is actually a Michelin-rated food court with stalls like Hawker Chan, Tsuta, and Bismillah Biryani serving Michelin award-winning dishes like chicken rice, biryani, and ramen.
To be fair, eating Michelin-starred food at food court prices is a very Singaporean thing to do. If you’re a first-time visitor, the Jurassic Nest Food Hall is a definite must-visit if you want to get your hands on award-winning food without breaking the bank!
| Tip: To add more fun to the charm, the dinosaur sculptures and installations around the Jurassic Nest Food Hall actually come to life for a few minutes every hour from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm daily. There are about 15 life-sized dinosaurs scattered around the food hall, so we highly recommend taking your time eating your meals here to catch them roaring! |
Where to Stay
Marina Bay Sands
Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
Contact Details: +65 6688 8868
Check In: 3:00 pm
Check Out: 11:00 am
Pricing: $$$
Marina Bay Sands stands as one of Singapore’s most iconic hotels, renowned for its towering height, luxurious accommodations, and prime location next to Marina Bay. This hotel conveniently sits within walking distance of Gardens by the Bay.
If you’re looking for a premium accommodation that has shuttle services and great access to shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions nearby, Marina Bay Sands should be on your radar. It’s pricey, but the rooms and world-class service balance out the cost!
You can choose from three types of accommodations within the hotel, namely the Sands Collection (restored suites with modern furnishing), the Paiza Collection (residential-style suites on the topmost floors), and the Original Collection.
| Tip: If you’re travelling with a family or with your partner and want to make the most out of what you’re paying to stay at Marina Bay Sands, you can book your room using a Stay Package. These stay packages offer accommodation as well as exclusive perks like dining vouchers, access to rooftop amenities, free breakfast, and tickets to nearby attractions like Gardens by the Bay. You can learn more about the Stay Packages here. |
The Garden Pod
– From rachaelwong
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Contact Details: +6566657500
Check-in: 3:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am
Pricing: $$
Staying at the Garden Pod ensures an exceptional eco-living venture. Situated amidst the serene Gardens by the Bay, this pioneering pod hotel is an enticing option for nature lovers in search of a cosy overnight retreat.
Consider it a modern reinterpretation of a treehouse, providing all the comforts and facilities of a typical hotel with the added allure of being surrounded by nature. Rooms are relatively smaller, but the concept may be perfect for solo travellers or couples.
Benefiting from its prime location, the Garden Pod offers quick access to popular attractions like the Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, Cloud Forest, and OCBC Skyway. You can use the buggy service provided by Gardens by the Bay to get to them!
| Tip: Note that the buggy service from the Garden Pod to the attractions within Gardens by the Bay is only available for guests who book pods using the Gardens by the Bay tour package. There are a total of four suites at the Garden Pod with a maximum of 10 people staying in one suite. Typically, the pods are designed to sleep up to 6 people, but you can ask the staff to install a sofa bed or extra beds at an additional cost of $50 per night. |
