Antisocial Tourist

Millions of people flock to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore each year, and after our recent visit, we can see why! It’s a scenic paradise for nature lovers, influencers, and photographers, and an absolute must-do when visiting Singapore.

Gardens by the Bay is a large nature park featuring lush greenery, state-of-the-art engineering, and several unique attractions. It’s located right in the heart of Singapore, along the Marina Reservoir, and it’s just steps away from the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

If you’re looking for a complete guide to visiting Gardens by the Bay, you’ve come to the right place. We spent three days exploring every inch of the park, where we gathered all the best tips, tricks, and suggestions for future travelers like you. We hope this guide helps you craft the perfect trip to Gardens by the Bay!

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What to Do at Gardens by the Bay

Visitors can easily see everything at Gardens by the Bay in a single day, but we recommend exploring the park over the course of two days instead. You’ll want to see some of the attractions both during the day and at night, and Singapore’s weather can be extremely hot, so breaking up your time in the park is important to stay cool.

Besides walking around and taking in the beautiful gardens and bay area that makes up Gardens by the Bay, there are six main attractions that visitors come to see. These include Supertree Grove, the OCBC Skyway, Supertree Observatory, Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and Floral Fantasy.

The park consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden. Bay South Garden is where all the attractions above are found and where most visitors choose to spend their time. For the purposes of this post, when we refer to Gardens by the Bay, we are talking about the Bay South Garden area.

WHAT TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Supertree Grove

Supertree Grove makes up the center of Gardens by the Bay, and it’s the only attraction that doesn’t require a ticket. Supertree Grove is completely free and open to visitors of the garden and it serves as a pathway to several of the other attractions in the park.

The Grove is made up of 12 Supertrees, towering up to 160 feet (50 meters) in height. Think of a Supertree as a vertical solar-powered garden that resembles a tree — narrow and tall with a canopy on top. The Supertrees house a diverse selection of flora with almost 163,000 plants and more than 200 different species and varieties that climb toward the sky.

These futuristic giants provide shade during the day and dazzle visitors with a light and music show each night (more on that below). They serve as an irrigation system for the garden and conserve energy that is used to cool some of the park’s domes. To generate electricity, 11 of the supertrees are fitted with solar photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into energy.

Admission: Free
Operating Hours: 5:00 am – 2:00 am daily
Time Limit: None

WHAT TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

OCBC Skyway

The OCBC Skyway is a 420 foot (128 meter) walkway raised high in the air between two Supertrees. The views from the skywalk provide an entirely different perspective of the gardens and a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The skyway provides the best views and photo opportunities of the Supertrees, in our opinion.

There is an admission fee to walk along the skyway, as well as a 15-minute time limit once you’re up there. Visitors will take an elevator up to the top and walk the length of the skyway before taking an elevator back down on the opposite end. The entrance can be identified by looking for the two Supertrees that connect the yellow skywalk — when facing the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the entrance is in the tree to the right. This attraction is closed any time it rains, which is often in Singapore, so it’s worth planning this one around the weather.

Admission: S$12 per adult (13+) and S$8 per child (3 to 12)
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm daily
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Important: Closed once a month for maintenance. Click here for closure dates.

WHAT TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Supertree Observatory

The Supertree Observatory is located on top of the tallest Supertree in Supertree Grove! From the observatory, you’ll have unparalleled views of the entire Marina Bay area and a perfect shot of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The observatory has two levels, an immersive digital learning experience about climate change, and a refreshment bar. The indoor area is air-conditioned, so it’s a great place to cool off, and the top level is open-air.

There is an admission fee to enter the observatory. The entrance is easy to spot — just look for the tallest Supertree! The top also looks different than the other trees, with floor-to-ceiling windows making up its 360-degree viewing room at the top. The Supertree Observatory is an especially great place to visit at night when Singapore’s skyline is lit up to perfection.

Admission: S$14 per adult (13+) and S$10 per child (3 to 12)
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm daily
Time Limit: 45 minutes
Important: Closed once a month for maintenance. Click here for closure dates.

WHAT TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Cloud Forest

The Cloud Forest is a lush indoor mountain covered in exotic plants and surrounded by an alluring cloud of mist. The mountain hosts a wide range of plants and the inside of the mountain resembles a cave. The front of the mountain has the world’s second-tallest indoor waterfall, which only adds to the magic.

Visitors will make their way to the top of the mountain on a simulated hike to 11,500 feet above sea level, with little effort and all the reward. You’ll journey through different sections, such as the Lost World, the Secret Garden, the Tree Top Walk, and others. No hiking is required — the walk is all flat and involves several elevators and escalators.

The Cloud Forest often has themed experiences. When we visited, the theme was Avatar, in celebration of the newest Avatar movie, Avatar: The Way of Water. While we were truly immersed in the world of Avatar, it didn’t take away from the magic of the Cloud Forest itself. It’s also worth noting that the ticket price for the Cloud Forest automatically includes admission to the Flower Dome.

Admission: Combo Cloud Forest/Flower Dome, S$53 per adult (13+) and S$40 per child (3 to 12)
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm daily
Misting Hours: 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, 8:00 pm daily
Time Limit:
Important: Closed once a month for maintenance. Click here for closure dates.

WHAT TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Flower Dome

The Flower Dome is an incredible indoor garden that showcases flowers from all around the world. Visitors will find themselves surrounded by exotic plants from five different continents. The Flower Dome is a great way to take a break from the Singapore heat and the perfect place for plant lovers and photographers.

The roof of the dome is made of special glass that allows for optimal lighting in the dome, making the building more efficient and eco-friendly. The plants are broken up into nine different sections, from the Mediterranean region to South African savannahs. The center of the garden is usually themed and changes several times a year.

Currently, you cannot purchase solo tickets to the Flower Dome — all tickets are sold as a combo. You can purchase the Cloud Forest/Flower Dome combo or the Supertree Observatory/Flower Dome combo only.

Admission Option 1: Combo Cloud Forest/Flower Dome, S$53 per adult (13+) and S$40 per child (3 to 12)
Admission Option 2: Combo Flower Dome/Supertree Observatory, S$30 per adult (13+) and S$18 per child (3 to 12)
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm daily
Time Limit: 1 hour
Important: Closed once a month for maintenance. Click here for closure dates.

WHAT TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Floral Fantasy

Floral Fantasy is similar to the Flower Dome but on a much smaller scale. It heavily leans into the “fantasy” theme and adds whimsy to all of the flower displays.

Visitors will walk through four garden landscapes, each with a different concept. There’s also a large vivarium full of poisonous dart frogs, a wall of the world’s most dangerous plants, and a 4D adventure ride. Unfortunately, the 4D ride was temporarily closed during our visit.

Admission: S$15 per adult (13+) and S$9 per child (3 to 12)
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm weekdays, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm weekends
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Important: Closed once a month for maintenance. Click here for closure dates.

WHAT TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Other Things To Do at Gardens by the Bay

There are several other notable things to do at Gardens by the Bay. The Far East Organisation Children’s Garden has some small waterfalls and fountains for children to run and play in. There’s a World of Plants and Sun Pavilion that are often overlooked. The World of Plants is a unique garden with mushroom cap seats and artistic displays. The Sun Pavilion is home to a desert-themed landscape.

There are also several secret gardens and heritage gardens to explore and some really unique artwork to look for. The park extends far past the main attractions, so you’ll need to venture off the beaten path a bit to find these hidden gems.

Gardens by the Bay is also home to many food stalls and restaurants. They have their own hawker center called Satay by the Bay, as well as a food hall, several fast food options, coffee shops, and a few premium restaurants.

WHAT TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Gardens by the Bay Map

Gardens by the Bay is relatively easy to navigate. The park has plenty of directional signage, and the Supertrees and Domes appear high above the treetops. The Marina Bay Sands Hotel also towers over the park, making it the perfect landmark to get your bearings. When you’re facing the hotel, you can count on the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest to be on your right, and the smaller gardens, children’s splash pads, and sculptures on your left.

Where to Eat at Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay has plenty of options to pick from when it comes to food, but some of them are surprisingly hard to locate. The easiest restaurants to spot are Shake Shack and Starbucks located just outside of the Cloud Forest.

The Supertree Food Hall is southeast of Supertree Grove, but it’s well hidden, so you’ll likely walk right past it if you’re not looking for it. This food hall sells local delights, including noodles, pho, rice, fried chicken, and more.

Then there’s Satay by the Bay which is set up like a traditional hawker center. Satay by the Bay is directly east of the Cloud Forest. It has a wide range of satay stalls along with plenty of other options for people who don’t like satay. They also have a fresh fruit stall, with delicious mangos and coconuts.

There is also a premium sit-down restaurant called Pollen which is located inside the Flower Dome. They serve fine-dining meals in a romantic setting. Gardens by the Bay has recently added another sit-down restaurant as well, called Hopscotch. Hopscotch is located right outside Floral Fantasy.

WHAT TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Is it Free to Enter Gardens by the Bay?

It’s completely free to enter and walk around the Gardens by the Bay! Although it’s free, there are some attractions within the gardens that require a cost for admission. These include the OCBC Skywalk, Supertree Observatory, the Cloud Forest, the Flower Dome, and Floral Fantasy. You can purchase tickets for all of these attractions by clicking here.

Anyone can walk into Supertree Grove without paying for admission though — it’s open and ungated. Supertree Grove, which is home to 12 of the park’s 18 Supertrees, sits right in the center. The grove is easy to spot as the trees tower above the rest of the park. Supertree Grove also has an amazing light and music show that plays twice a nice, which is free and open to everyone.

WHAT TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Where is Gardens by the Bay?

Gardens by the Bay is located right in the heart of Singapore, along the Marina Reservoir. The park is a short 15-minute drive from the Jewel Changi Airport and just steps away from the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Visitors can easily get to the Gardens by the Bay by car, train, bus, or on foot.

If you’re coming from the Marina Bay Sands Hotel on foot, you’ll take the overhead bridge (Lions Bridge) or the underground linkway from the hotel to the park. There’s plenty of signage to point you in the right direction. If you’re coming from the Helix Bridge or The Shoppes, found on either side of the park, you’ll also find plenty of signage directing you to the entrance.

If you’re being dropped off, your driver will likely drop you at the Main Entrance. In fact, make sure they do! If they are unsure of where the Main Entrance is, tell them to navigate to the Golden Garden instead, which will take you right to the Main Entrance. This is the most ideal location to be dropped off, since it’s closest to all of the parks attractions. If you’re driving your own car, we cover where to park below.

If you’re arriving by train, you’ll want to get off at the Bayfront MRT Station (CE1/DT16). Take Exit B and follow the underground linkway to the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge to access the Gardens by the Bay.

If you’re taking the bus, from the Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (EW15), you’ll take Exit C and head towards bus stop number 03223 located at International Plaza on Anson Road. Take that bus to bus stop number 03371 along Marina Gardens Drive.

WHAT TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Where Do You Park for Gardens by the Bay?

Parking at the Gardens by the Bay can be a bit confusing because GPS leads straight to the center of the park. Instead, you’ll need to pick a specific location for your GPS to take you to. There are four car parks available — they are the Main Entrance (indoor), The Meadow (outdoor), Bayfront Plaza (outdoor), and Satay By The Bay (outdoor). All four car parks charge by the minute but cap out at S$30 per day.

We recommend parking at the Main Entrance, which is an underground parking garage, or the Bayfront Plaza Car Park, which is an open area parking lot on the southwest edge of the park. Bayfront Plaza Car Park comes up on Google Maps, but the Main Entrance does not. To get to the Main Entrance, set your GPS to the Golden Garden instead. This will take you right to the underground car park!

WHAT TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

How to Get to Gardens by the Bay from Marina Bay Sands Hotel

If you’re fortunate enough to stay at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, you’ll only be steps away from Gardens by the Bay. And if you’ve never heard of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel — you need to check it out now! It has the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, hundreds of shops and restaurants, and a world-class casino. It was one of the best hotels we have ever stayed at!

From the hotel, there’s a long bridge (Lions Bridge) that leads directly to the Gardens by the Bay. The bridge begins from inside the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, between the second and third towers. To begin the walk, you’ll exit the hotel lobby and take an outdoor elevator up to the top of the bridge. You’ll walk the entire length of the bridge until you get to the end, where you’ll take an escalator back down to ground level. From there, you’ll be at the edge of the park.

WHAT TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Organized Tours for Gardens by the Bay

If you don’t want to worry about buying tickets for each attraction and you don’t mind paying a bit extra, there are a couple of really good private tours to choose from. Most tours include stops at several other notable spots in Singapore too, so this is a great way to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time.

Private Singapore Night Tour with Gardens by the Bay, Trishaw Ride & River Cruise
We took this tour and highly recommend it! If you spent most of your time at Gardens by the Bay during the daytime, as we did, this tour is a great way to see the park at night. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby and take you to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, which truly transforms at night. Then you’ll head to Little India for a Trishaw ride. Then you’ll end the night with a bum boat ride on Clarke Quay. It’s the perfect combination and provides so many awesome photo opportunities!
Private Singapore City Highlights Tour By Car – Half Day or Full Day
This is another great option and it’s perfect for those who want to see as many highlights as possible in a short amount of time. You’ll see everything with this tour — such as St Andrew’s Cathedral, City Hall, National Gallery, Esplanade Park, Merlion Park, Fullerton Waterboat House, Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Marina Bay. You’ll also ride the Singapore Flyer, explore Gardens by the Bay, and look out over the city from the Sands Skypark Observation Deck. Your tour can be customized to include as many Gardens by the Bay attractions as you’d like!

If you’re mostly interested in capturing all the Instagram-worthy shots that you can, check out these two private photography tours:

Singapore Instagram Private Walking Tour (Private & All-Inclusive)
This tour will take you to the most Instagrammable spots in the city, including Gardens by the Bay, Helix Bridge, Merlion Park, and Haji Lane. This is a 4-hour half-day tour, all on foot, so have your walking shoes ready. You’ll explore famous landmarks, stunning architecture, and even some hidden gems for some really unique shots of the city.
Singapore Instagram Tour By Car (Private & All-Inclusive)
This tour will also take you to the most Instagrammable spots in the city, but you’ll be escorted everywhere by car, so you’ll cover more ground and see more of the city. This is a 6-hour tour that will take you to Gardens by the Bay, Siloso Beach Bridge, Marina Bay Sands, Helix Bridge, Merlion Park, Haji lane, Tan Teng Niah, and the famous colorful Old Hill Street Police Station. If you’re an influencer, blogger, or photographer, this tour was made for you!

WHAT TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Is the Light Show Free at Gardens by the Bay?

As night falls, Supertree Grove lights up in mesmerizing colors. Better yet, twice a night, the grove comes to life with a light and sound show called Garden Rapsody. Just like the grove itself, access to the show is completely free.

The light show is magical and shouldn’t be missed. The dazzling lights are timed perfectly to the beat of the music, and the show’s theme changes every few months. Two shows take place each night at 7:45 pm and again at 8:45 pm.

We recommend getting to the show 20 – 30 minutes early as it gets very crowded. The second show does tend to be less crowded than the first. Bring a blanket and lay on the ground near the Supertree Observatory, which is the tallest Supertree in the center of the grove. Your neck will thank you and you’ll get the most out of the show.

Admission Rate: Free
Light Show Hours: 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm daily

WHAT TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Final Thoughts: Gardens by the Bay

While we loved everything about Gardens by the Bay, we were most entranced by Supertree Grove. The Supertrees are just so unique and amazing to look at, especially lit up at night. It’s unlike anything we’ve seen before. We could have spent hours just lounging around and taking in the sights — actually, we did spend hours there!

Although the Supertrees were our favorite, the entire park is amazing and shouldn’t be missed. Whether you spend several days here or you’re squeezing it in during a layover after checking out the Changi airport waterfall, it’s absolutely worth your time.

Thank you for reading our post! We hope it helps you plan the perfect trip! Check out our other guides here and follow us on Instagram (@AntisocialTourist) or on Facebook to see our latest adventures!