Gardens by the Bay is a must-visit spot in Singapore. With the iconic Supertrees and distinctive pair of Cooled Conservatories, it is an instantly recognisable landmark in Singapore. Here is a quick guide to commonly asked questions for those who are visiting Gardens by the Bay.
Below these, you can also find a comprehensive guide to all the attractions and areas at Gardens by the Bay.
The Useful Guide To Visiting Gardens By The Bay & Its Attractions
Quick Answers to Common Questions
1. Is there an admission fee?
Gardens by the Bay consists of outdoor gardens such as the Supertree Grove, Sun Pavilion and Heritage Gardens which are open for free to visitors.
Admission fees apply for entry to the two Cooled Conservatories – the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest, OCBC Skyway at the Supertree Grove, the Supertree Observatory and Floral Fantasy
2. How much are Gardens by the Bay tickets?
There are two types of Gardens by the Bay tickets. These are Standard Tickets and Singapore (SG) Resident tickets.
Here are the rates for the Standard Tickets. For SG Resident tickets, refer to the section below. Adult prices apply to 13 years old and above.
- Cloud Forest & Flower Dome: $32 for adults and $18 for children.
- OCBC Skyway: $14 for adults and $10 for children.
- Floral Fantasy: $20 for adults and $12 for children.
Prices are as of March 2024. Take note that prices are subject to change.
3. Are there any discounts for tickets to Gardens by the Bay?
Singapore Residents get to enjoy discounted rate for entry into Gardens by the Bay’s ticketed attractions.
Singapore Resident rates are applicable to Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and those living in Singapore, including holders of employment passes, work permits or dependent passes.
Here are the SG Resident rates:
- Cloud Forest & Flower Dome: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $12 for children between three to 12 years old.
- Cloud Forest: $12 for adults and $8 for seniors and children.
- Flower Dome: $12 for adults and $8 for seniors and children.
- OCBC Skyway: $10 for adults, and $7 for children who are three to 12 years old and seniors 60 years old and above.
- Floral Fantasy: $12 for adults and $8 for Seniors and Children.
Prices are as of March 2024. Take note that prices are subject to change.
4. I have bought tickets online. Do I need to print them out before visiting Gardens by the Bay?
If you have purchased tickets online, you should receive an email with an e-ticket. You can have this e-ticket scanned at the entrance of the Cooled Conservatory.
5. Does my child need a ticket to visit the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest?
Children who are three years old and above need a ticket to visit the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.
6. What are Gardens by the Bay’s opening hours?
The outdoor gardens at Gardens by the Bay are open from 5 am to 2 am daily. The Cooled Conservatories are open from 9 am to 9 pm. The last ticket sale and admission is at 8 pm.
7. What is the closest MRT station to Gardens by the Bay?
There are two MRT stations that serve Gardens by the Bay: Bayfront MRT Station (CE1/DT16) and Gardens by the Bay MRT Station (TE22).
Bayfront MRT station is on both the Circle Line and the Downtown Line. It is around 600 metres from Bayfront MRT station exit to the domes on foot.
Gardens by the Bay MRT station is on the Thomson-East Coast Line. It is around 650 to 700 metres from the Gardens by the Bay MRT Station exit to the domes on foot.
8. How do I get to Gardens by the Bay from the MRT?
From Bayfront MRT Station
Once you have arrived at Bayfront MRT, look for Station Exit B. Once you have exited the station, go straight ahead for around 100 metres and cross the Dragonfly Bridge on the right to reach the Heritage Gardens. You will find yourself at the Malay Garden.
Straight ahead is the Supertree Grove.
To reach the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest from the Malay Garden, walk through the Chinese Garden and Indian Garden.
Alternatively, you can take a Shuttle Service that runs from Bayfront Plaza (Exit B from Bayfront MRT) to the Active Garden to the Flower Dome. Shuttle Service fee is $3 for one 2-way ride per person.
From Gardens by the Bay MRT Station
Once you have arrived at Gardens by the Bay MRT Station, take Exit 1. Turn left and follow the footpath, past the vehicular entrance to Satay by the Bay and take the first path on the right. You will arrive at the main Gardens by the Bay drop off point. From there, you can head up to the domes.
9. What can I see inside the Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome?
Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome is kept at a temperature of 23 to 25 degrees Celsius. This creates a Mediterranean climate within the Conservatory. On display are various sub-gardens that showcase the flowers, and even fruit, that grow in such climates.
10. When is best time for visiting Gardens by the Bay?
Visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds. Alternatively, pay a visit towards the early morning or the evening when it is cooler. The Cooled Conservatories stay open till 9 pm and have a different atmosphere after dark. There are also usually fewer crowds then.
11. How long will it take to see Gardens by the Bay?
Expect to spend between two to four hours on a visit to Gardens by the Bay. This would allow sufficient time to visit the Cooled Conservatories and some of the Outdoor Gardens.
12. What time is the light show at Gardens by the Bay?
The evening light show at Gardens by the Bay takes place at Supertree Grove. This free music-and-light show takes place at 7.45 pm and 8.45 pm daily.
13. What are the towers at Gardens by the Bay for?
The “towers” at Gardens by the Bay are known as Supertrees.
There are 18 of these distinctive structures around Gardens by the Bay. They are grouped into three separate clusters.
They serve different functions. Some have solar cells to harvest solar energy while other act as air exhaust receptacles for the Cooled Conservatories.
Protip: You can get a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes at Gardens by the Bay’s Supertrees at the World of Plants area, which is between the Golden Garden and the Supertree Grove.
14. Are there restaurants at Gardens by the Bay?
Yes, there are a variety of dining options at Gardens by the Bay. These include fast food restaurants, cafes, casual dining restaurants and formal dining establishments.
One of the latest food establishments is Jurassic Nest Food Hall at the Supertree Grove.
15. What is there for kids to do at Gardens by the Bay?
Besides visiting the Cooled Conservatories, kids can enjoy a special area known as the Far East Organization Children’s Garden. There are both wet and dry playgrounds at this children’s play area.
16. Are there car parks at Gardens by the Bay?
The main car park at Gardens by the Bay is located at the Visitor Centre with 420 car lots and 39 motorcycle lots.
Another car park is located at The Meadow but this is a distance away from the Cooled Conservatories.
A third car park is located at Bayfront Plaza with the entrance at Marina Boulevard.
17. Can I rent a wheelchair at Gardens by the Bay?
Wheelchair are available for rent at $2 per day at the Arrival Gift Shop.
18. What Gardens by the Bay events should I look out for throughout the year?
Gardens by the Bay regularly changes the exhibits at the Flower Dome.
Throughout the year, these typically include Dahlia Dreams for Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), Sakura (Mar/Apr), Tulipmania (Apr/May), Mid-Autumn Festival (Sep/Oct) and Christmas (Nov/Dec).
Gardens by the Bay Attractions: What to See & Do
Let’s just start by saying that Gardens by the Bay is huge. If you are visiting just for a short time, you probably will need to prioritise what you’d like to see.
Here’s a rundown of some the major areas and attractions at Gardens by the Bay.
Cloud Forest and Flower Dome
These are probably what comes to mind when you think of Gardens by the Bay. The twin domes are Cooled Conservatories, or sometimes referred to as reverse greenhouses.
While greenhouses are used in temperate climates to create tropical environments for tropical plants to grow, the two domes are cooled to create a mediterranean-like climate for temperate plants.
The Cloud Forest simulates a cloud forest mountain environment with the opportunity to see a variety of plants.
The Flower Dome is divided up into multiple smaller gardens that are themed after different regions such as the South American Garden and the Australian Garden. It also hosts a regularly changing set of displays.
Supertree Grove
The next most iconic feature of Gardens by the Bay is the supertrees. The largest cluster of these are found at the Supertree Grove.
In the day, you can visit to marvel at the towering trees. At night, it is worth a visit to view the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show.
OCBC Skywalk
There are two ticketed attractions at the Supertree Grove. The OCBC Skywalk is a chance to walk on a bridge that is suspended under the the Supertrees.
Supertree Observatory
The largest supertree at Supertree Grove also hosts an observation deck. You can ascend up the supertree and take in the views from both the indoor and rooftop viewing areas. Read more about the Supertree Observatory.
Floral Fantasy
Floral Fantasy is an indoor flower display that features creative ways of showcasing flowers. It also has a frog display area too. Read more about Floral Fantasy.
Outdoor Gardens: World of Plants & Heritage Gardens
Flanking the Supertree Grove are two Outdoor Gardens.
To the south of the Supertree Grove is the World of Plants. Take a walk through to view themed areas such as the World of Palms, Understorey, Fruits and Flowers and Web of Life.
North of the Supertree Grove are the Heritage Gardens. The four themed gardens provide some insight into the significance of plants to Singapore’s ethnic groups.
Golden Garden
In addition to the Supertree Grove, there are two other clusters of supertrees. The Golden Garden is what greets visitors at the main entrance drop off.
It is also where you can find food establishments like McDonald’s and Starbucks.
Silver Garden
Located to the west of the Flower Dome is the Silver Garden, also known as the Silver Leaf Garden. This has another cluster of supertrees.
Far East Organization Children’s Garden
This is the Gardens by the Bay children’s playground with both wet and dry play areas. Entry is only for adults with kids. Read more about the Far East Organization Children’s Garden.
Sun Pavilion, Victoria Pond and Big Fish Aquarium
Beside the Far East Organization Children’s Garden is a small display of cacti. There is also a picturequese water lily-filled pond as well as a hidden aquarium.
Kingfisher Wetlands
The Kingfisher Wetlands has recently undergone an upgrade, providing a new sanctuary in the heart of the city for wildlife and a place where visitors can take a stroll to enjoy nature. Read more about Kingfisher Wetlands.
The Meadow
The Meadow is a large event space south of Supertree Grove. It is frequently used for events and festivities such as Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival displays.
A prominent sight close to The Meadow is a huge sculpture of a white floating baby.
Serene Garden & Garden Pod
The Serene Garden is tucked away at the southern end of Gardens by the Bay. It is a tranquil spot that seems sheltered from the bustle of the rest of Gardens by the Bay.
The Garden Pod hotel is located within the Serene Garden.
Active Garden
This area by the waterfront promenade has exercise equipment, an edibles garden, event rooms, a cafe and a small children’s playground.
Lakes
There are two notable lakes at Gardens by the Bay.
Dragonfly Lake is close to Bayfront Plaza and it has a boardwalk that stretches around it. The lake runs almost along the entire stretch of Gardens by the Bay and has the Active Garden at the north end down to Marina Boulevard in the southern end.
Kingfisher Lake is located closer to Satay by the Bay. Much smaller, it is also landscaped to look more naturalistic than Dragonfly Lake.
Satay by the Bay
This outdoor food court offers a chance to sample local fare, including satay. Read our guide to what to eat at Satay by the Bay.
Restaurants and Dining
There are various cluster of dining outlets throughout Gardens by the Bay.
At the Golden Garden by the main Entrance Pavilion, there is McDonald’s and Starbucks.
The Canopy area, at the Domes, has Shake Shack along with a Chinese restaurant, Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant, and a concession stand. Inside the Flower Dome is Hortus, a Mediterranean restaurant.
Supertree Grove has Jurassic Nest Food Hall, a dinosaur-themed establishment.
Bayfront Plaza, next to Bayfront MRT station Exit B, has Hopscotch, a restaurant and cocktail bar, while Active Garden and Far East Organization Children’s Garden both have cafes.
If you found this story useful, we think that you will appreciate this one on what to see at the Cloud Forest and some tips for visiting the Cloud Forest.
