Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
1 / 5
Gardens by the Bay - by Tamal Mukhopadhyay on Unsplash
Description
Gardens by the Bay consists of three waterfront gardens in Singapore: Bay South (reviewed here), Bay East (along the Marina Reservoir) and Bay Central (along the Kallang River and Singapore Flyer). The Bay South Garden is spread over 54ha and contains: a) two cooled conservatories (the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest with separate entrance fee - see separate review for those) b) the Supertree Grove which contains 18 metallic "trees" conceived and designed by Grant Associates measuring between 25 and 50m. They perform several functions such as harnessing solar energy with photovoltaic cells and collecting rainwater for irrigation. There is also an elevated walkway and observatory (fees apply) c) a Children's Garden / playground; and d) two horticultural themed gardens.
Access & Transport
Walking distance from MBS and the Esplanade / Singapore Flyer Marina area across the Helix Bridge. The complex is now served directly by MRT with the 'Gardens by the Bay' station (TE line). Alternatively, the Bayfront station (Downtown, Circle, TE lines), is a short 5mins walk away. There are also bus stops along Bayfront Av. and Marina Gardens Dr as well as onsite parking.
Instructions & Recommendations
The garden can be visited at any time but is at its best at nightfall when the Supertree Grove gets illuminated. Several of the attractions such as the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest have an entrance fee.
Environmental & Social
Some very interesting info about the lakes' ecosystems and super-trees' technology being leveraged: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/about-us/our-gardens-story/sustainability-efforts.html The gardens also provide residents with an enjoyable and green environnent.
Conclusion
The Gardens by the Bay (South Garden) is in our view the single most interesting attraction in the city; a fascinating blend of nature and technology right next to an overdeveloped urban environment. Kudos to the designer and the execution is impressive - the only problem is that it is too costly to recreate in other cities and only make sense financially from a destination branding perspective. That bet has definitely paid off for Singapore!
Key positive
Quite an amazing sight at night
very scenic area for a walk
Key negative
None - the Supertrees may not be natural, but we do not view this as a negative
Suitability
Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 35m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo