A fairy-tale wonderland on earth — 5 must-do highlights at Singapore’s “Gardens by the Bay,” hailed as one of the most beautiful in the world

Reported by reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Singapore | Photography by reporter Lin Shih-wen

When talking about must-visit attractions in Singapore, you simply can’t miss the “Gardens by the Bay,” known as a fairy-tale wonderland on earth. Even though everything from the architecture to the ground beneath your feet is man-made, every blade of grass, every tree, and every corner is crafted with exceptional artistry, making it impossible not to relax and immerse yourself in this lush green world. ETNEWS Travel Cloud has compiled five must-do highlights at Gardens by the Bay, allowing you to get a head start in discovering the charm of this green paradise.

▲ Gardens by the Bay is known as a fairy-tale wonderland on earth.

▲ From Gardens by the Bay, you can enjoy Singapore’s stunning skyline.

In 2012, this world’s most beautiful garden was born on reclaimed land in Singapore. The city-state hoped that through this, it could evolve from a “City in a Garden” to a “Garden in a City.” Since its opening, the garden has lived up to expectations, earning countless accolades such as “Top 10 Best Indoor Gardens in the World,” “Fairy-tale Wonderland on Earth,” “Central Park of Asia,” “Urban Forest of the 21st Century,” and “Real-life Avatar World.”

▲ Dragonfly Lake at Gardens by the Bay.

▲ Wooden boardwalk at Dragonfly Lake in Gardens by the Bay.

▲ Outdoor rainforest garden at Gardens by the Bay.

Gardens by the Bay features vast green spaces, shaded areas, and numerous small gardens and streams interwoven throughout. Most areas are open to the public free of charge. Visitors can walk along the wooden boardwalks, gaze at the breathtaking skyline composed of Supertrees, the Singapore Flyer, and the greenhouses from Dragonfly Lake, or simply sit on the grass and relax. The garden management has even created a jogging route, so people can exercise here at sunrise or sunset while enjoying the beautifully arranged scenery — a true highlight of the Gardens by the Bay experience.

▲ One of the must-visit greenhouses at Gardens by the Bay: “Flower Dome.”

▲ Tens of thousands of plants transform the greenhouse into an urban jungle.

▲ The central flowerbed area changes periodically.

Another two major highlights within the garden are the two reputedly world’s largest indoor greenhouses — “Flower Dome” and “Cloud Forest.” Flower Dome is home to over 30,000 plants, divided into nine garden zones where visitors can admire flowers and plants from the Mediterranean, Australia, South Africa, and South America. The central flowerbed area frequently changes themes based on seasons, holidays, and events — sometimes featuring tulips, other times romantic fairytale-style plant arrangements — ensuring that every visit brings something new.

▲ Cloud Forest boasts the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

▲ Various ferns and tropical plants form a massive hill inside Cloud Forest.

“Cloud Forest” lets you enjoy the beauty of a waterfall right in the city. As soon as you pass through the entrance automatic doors, you’re greeted by a rush of mist and the sound of cascading water. Over 60,000 tropical alpine plants form a giant hill inside Cloud Forest, and a spectacular waterfall continuously plunges down from a height of 35 meters — a sight that draws many visitors eager to take photos.

▲ The Skyway in Cloud Forest.

▲ The Skyway offers a close-up view of the waterfall.

To get an up-close look at this massive hill, take the elevator to the top and walk down the Skyway through the forested canopy. As you slowly descend, you’ll be able to closely observe various ferns and unique epiphytic plants. Through the greenhouse’s transparent glass, you can also enjoy views of Singapore’s urban landscape. The reporter also recommends visiting near dusk when the golden hues of the setting sun filter through the glass, creating a natural lighting effect inside the greenhouse. As night falls, the lights along the pathway gradually illuminate, offering yet another unique scene.

▲ The iconic Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay.

▲ The OCBC Skyway in the Supertree Grove.

▲ The OCBC Skyway is a recommended spot to watch Singapore’s sunset.

Even though every corner of Gardens by the Bay is beautiful, the unforgettable showstopper that draws visitors back again and again is undoubtedly the Supertree Grove. This cluster of over 10 towering Supertrees, each standing over 23 meters high, is truly impressive even just to look up at. Visitors can purchase tickets to walk along the OCBC Skyway that connects the Supertrees, allowing them to appreciate their intricate details up close. The skyway stretches approximately 128 meters, offering a bird’s-eye view of Gardens by the Bay from a height of 22 meters, as well as views of the Marina Bay Sands. It’s also a great spot to enjoy Singapore’s sunset.

▲ The Supertree Grove is illuminated at night.

▲ Two nightly light shows at the Supertree Grove.

The Supertree Grove is also one of the most stunning nighttime spots in Singapore. The “Supertree Light Show,” which takes place daily at 7:45 and 8:45 PM, combines music and light effects to give the Supertrees a magical glow. As the LED lights on the trees change continuously, it feels as if you’ve stepped into the world of Avatar. The show also occasionally changes its visuals and music, offering a fresh experience every time.

▲ %The serene beauty of the Supertree Grove makes you feel as if you've truly entered a dreamlike botanical world.

Each Supertree is surrounded by circular seating. While enjoying the light show, why not lie back on a bench and gaze at the sky to fully appreciate the enchanting beauty of the Supertrees at night? Don’t worry about lying down being rude — in fact, it’s one of the best ways to enjoy the Supertree Grove. With limited seating, many locals even bring their own picnic mats to stake out a spot before the show begins, then simply lie back and unwind — the ultimate in relaxation.

Garden by the Bay
Transportation: Take the MRT to Bayfront Station, exit via Exit B and follow the underground walkway; the exit leads directly to the gardens.
Opening Hours:

Outdoor Gardens: 5:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Conservatories: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Supertree OCBC Skyway: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Admission Fees:

Outdoor Garden Area: Free
Combined Ticket for 2 Conservatories: SGD 28
Supertree OCBC Skyway: Adults SGD 8, Children aged 3–12 SGD 5