By Tom · Published Oct. 10th, 2021 · Updated Nov. 28th, 2022
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Walk around Gardens by the Bay, an ultra-modern garden in the heart of Singapore, containing the famous Supertrees, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest Dome.
Page Contents:
How to get to Gardens by the Bay
Head to Bayfront MRT station on the blue Downtown and orange Circle Lines. Take the exit signposted Gardens by the Bay and you will come up just inside the gardens.
Gardens by the Bay Map
Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.
Tips for Gardens by the Bay
- It’s slightly chilly in the two main domes, so bring a light sweater.
- The paid attractions are closed for maintenance roughly once per month, check the schedule here.
- If you want to head over to the East Bay gardens, check out our Marina Reservoir Hike.
- To see the cool buildings of nearby Marina Bay, check out our Marina Bay Walk.
Gardens by the Bay Overview
Gardens by the Bay (Website, Tripadvisor Reviews*) is one of the most popular things to see in Singapore. To walk about in the garden is free, but there are five ticketed attractions within the garden you have to pay for. Get reduced-price tickets here*. There are three domes, or large greenhouses: Flower Dome, Cloud Forest and Floral Fantasy. Of these, the first two are bigger and much more interesting. Most people see both of these, but if you have to pick just one I’d recommend Cloud Forest.
The other two paid attractions are the OCBC Skywalk and Supertree Observatory. These are both in the same place, rather similar, at the Supertrees, and neither is particularly amazing. If you pick one, I’d recommend the OCBC Skywalk because you have several different viewpoints of the Supertrees, while in the Supertree Observatory you just walk around the central tree.
At the far end of the garden is the Marina Barrage and Sustainable Singapore Gallery. The grassy roof from which there are views over the Marina and downtown Singapore is a highlight. On your way here you pass Satay by the Bay, a posh hawker centre with nice views and the cheapest place to get tasty food in the gardens.
Gardens by the Bay Tickets
For the five paid attractions in the garden (Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy, OCBC Skywalk, Supertree Observatory) there are many combination deals if you book more than one at the same time. For example, the two domes are $12/20 each or $20/28 combined for local/international. There are often discount tickets on Klook*.
Attractions in Gardens by the Bay
On this walking trail you’ll see the main sites and attractions of Gardens by the Bay:
- Floral Fantasy
- Supertree Grove
- Flower Dome
- Cloud Forest
- Kingfisher Lake
- Satay by the Bay
- Marina Barrage
- Marina Bay Sands
Itinerary for Gardens by the Bay Walk
There are several timing factors to consider when planning a visit to Gardens by the Bay. The timing of sunset (roughly 7pm), the Garden Rhapsody light show (7:45pm and 8:45pm), and not wanting to walk outside for too long in the hot middle of the day all make the afternoon a good time to visit the gardens. Additionally, the two main domes (Flower Dome and Cloud Forest) are both open until 9pm, and the food court in the garden, Satay by the Bay, stays open until 10pm.
If you arrive in the gardens in the early afternoon you can walk around the free areas, visit the two large, cold domes (allow at least 1 hour each), make it up to the Marina Barrage for the view from the roof, then have a snack or early dinner at Satay by the Bay. The top of Marina Bay Sands is a great place to watch the sunset (be there 6:30-7:30pm), after which you can return to the Supertree Grove to watch the Garden Rhapsody light show (7:45pm and 8:45pm).
Gardens by the Bay Walking Route
From Bayfront MRT station take the exit signed for Gardens by the Bay. When you exit, to your right is the first stop. If you’re not going in it’s still worth seeing the building which is quite nicely designed.
1. Floral Fantasy
Key Information: Open weekdays 10am-7pm, or untill 8pm on weekends. $12/20 local/international, less for children. Find discount tickets on Klook*. Allow 30-45 minutes.
Floral Fantasy (Website, Tripadvisor Reviews*) is a small exhibit of flowers, both fresh and dried, in creative arrangements. There’s nothing to learn about botany or plant environments, it’s just for taking pictures of the beautiful flowers. The domes – Flower Dome and Cloud Forest – are much better.
Directions: Walk down the Dragonfly Lake and turn right. Take the first bridge across the water. After the floating baby (a big white, strange sculpture) head slightly left.
You’re now in the most interesting part of the free section of Gardens by the Bay. There are many paths which you can wind your way along. Head upwards and bear left to the edge of the upper gardens. From here you get a great view out over Supertree Grove.
Directions: Continue through the gardens and down to ground level. Turn sharp left and back towards the tall trees.
2. Supertree Grove
Supertree Grove is one of the highlights of Gardens by the Bay. These towering, artificial trees are now an integral part of the Singapore skyline. Upclose they look slightly ugly, but at night they are much prettier when they’re lit up and very colourful. They’re best seen during the light show.
Garden Rhapsody Light Show
Garden Rhapsody is the light show that happens daily at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm. It’s free admission but it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends. The theme of the music and lights changes every few weeks, varying from 70s disco, to classical to Singaporean folk songs. The show is short – only ten minutes – so don’t be late else you might miss it entirely.
The best place to watch the light show is under the trees – many people lie on the ground so it’s easy to look upwards. The OCBC Skyway and Supertree Observatory get very busy around this time, but they’re also fun places to watch the light show from.
OCBC Skyway
Key Information: Open 9am-9pm daily. $8. Allow 15 minutes.
OCBC Skyway (Website, Tripadvisor Reviews*) is an aerial walkway through the Supertrees. You’ve elevated high above the ground so get nice views of the gardens and can see the supertrees close up. It’s a popular place to watch Garden Rhapsody (daily 7:45 and 8:45 pm).
Supertree Observatory
Key Information: Open weekdays 4-9 pm, weekends 12-9 pm. $10/14 local/international. Allow 15 minutes.
The Supertree Observatory (Website, Tripadvisor Reviews*) contains a circular observation deck wrapping around the largest tree in the garden, plus a rooftop deck on top. You get 360-degree views of the marina, the Singapore city skyline and the shorter trees below. It’s a popular place to watch Garden Rhapsody (daily 7:45 and 8:45 pm).
Directions: Head out the other side of the supertrees. Make your way right through the Colonial Garden and left to the edge of Dragonfly Lake.
Colonial Garden is one of the four Heritage Gardens here. The others are the Malay, Chinese and Indian Gardens which are all in this section of the park. At Dragonfly Lake you can follow a wooden boardwalk along the edge of the water and under the bridge.
Directions: After the bridge turn right and wind your way through the Heritage Gardens and over to the two large domes. The entrance to Flower Dome is on your level, while Cloud Forest is down the stairs.
3. Flower Dome
Key Information: Open 9 am-9 pm daily except for maintenance days. $12/20 local/international. Allow at least 1 hour.
Flower Dome (Website, Tripadvisor Reviews*) displays a large selection of flowers and plants from different floral kingdoms around the world. For example, if you head right from the entrance you see plants from arid regions including blobby baobabs, spiky quiver trees and cacti. Walking left you head through Australian, South African and Mediterranean flora amongst others.
On the lower floor are temporary exhibitions based on festivals, seasons, or flowers from other countries. These include a Sakura cherry blossom show in early spring and red-dominated flowers for Chinese New Year.
4. Cloud Forest
Key Information: Open 9 am-9 pm daily except for maintenance days. $12/20 local/international. Allow at least 1 hour.
Cloud Forest (Website, Tripadvisor Reviews*) is famous for its large artificial waterfall and luscious central mountain. You take a lift and a short flight of stairs up to the top of the mountain and then wander back down on a walk ‘through the clouds’. The vegetation here is native to cloud forests and there are also hundreds of beautiful orchids.
Directions: After leaving the Cloud Forest walk right along the edge of Marina Reservoir and take the first right around the back of the dome. Head left towards the covered structure.
At the back of the Cloud Forest is the Sun Pavilion, a covered area full of cacti. The roof helps to keep out the heavy rain as these plants normally grow in a desert environment.
Directions: Return to the water’s edge and head right. Just before the bridge turn right to explore Kingfisher Lake.
5. Kingfisher Lake
This is a lovely lake surrounded by jungle plants. There is a nice path circling the lake from which you can watch for birds and pond insects. Don’t forget to check out Water Lily Pond to your right for some views over the water to the skyline of Singapore.
As you walk around Kingfisher Lake there are several short out and back viewpoints. There are many water lilies covering the surface and often a lot of dragonflies.
Directions: If you continue around the water you will soon reach Satay by the Bay to the right.
6. Satay by the Bay
Key Information: Open daily 9am-11pm for drinks, 11am-10pm for food. Get discounted food vouchers here*.
Satay by the Bay (Website, Tripadvisor Reviews*) is a Hawker Centre within a lovely section of Gardens by the Bay. The food here is decent but slightly expensive for a hawker centre, though it does have perhaps the best setting. You can stop for a full meal, snacks such as fried bananas or just a reviving drink like teh tarik (black tea with condensed milk – yum).
Directions: Head out of Satay by the Bay towards the water and turn right to visit the Marina Barrage.
Shortcut: If you want to shorten the route, skip the Marina Barrage and head left from Satay by the Bay. You’ll save a 1 km walk.
7. Marina Barrage
Key Information: Barrage open 24/7, Sustainable Singapore Gallery open 9am-6pm every day except Tue, Green Roof open 8am-9/10pm Mon-Thu/Fri-Sun.
The Marina Barrage (Website, Tripadvisor Reviews*) is a dam across the water separating the freshwater or Marina Reservoir from the salty ocean. You can walk across the actual barrage, visit the Sustainable Singapore Gallery, or head to the roof for views over the city.
Sustainable Singapore Gallery
The Sustainable Singapore Gallery is free and can currently only be visited on a guided tour. These take place every hour apart from 12 noon. You need to pre-register to book a place, but if it’s not busy you can pre-register on-site.
The most interesting part of the Gallery is about how Singapore manages its water supply, trying to collect and recycle every drop of rain. The rest of the gallery is similar to other environmental exhibits in Singapore and is corporate greenwashing, not once mentioning what you personally can do to help the environment.
Green Roof
The Green Roof is a grassy space on top of the buildings. It’s a popular spot on the weekend for picnics but it lacks shade. There are great views across the marina, to Marina Bay Sands and the glittering towers beyond.
Directions: Return the way you came along the water’s edge.
There are lovely views across the water along this part of the walk.
Directions: Once you’ve passed the Flower Dome turn left and make your way across a bridge. Turn left again to walk along the water of Dragonfly Lake. You’ll soon reach some escalators, take these upwards and to a walkway over the road.
This fun walkway heads right through Marina Bay Sands about 10 metres off the ground floor. You find yourself in the atrium, looking at the soaring space above, and with views of the people inside the hotel below. There is no direct connection to elsewhere in the hotel, you have to continue on the walkway until some steps down just outside the building. From there you can easily enter the hotel again.
8. Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands (Website, Tripadvisor Reviews*) is the most iconic building in Singapore. It’s hard to imagine the Singapore skyline without it, though it only opened in 2010. Apart from marvelling at the soaring atrium as you walk up and down, the most popular thing to do is visit the rooftop.
You can either do this by buying a ticket to SkyPark Observation Deck, or by visiting CÉ LA VI Sky Bar. It’s roughly the same price for an Observation Deck ticket or a cocktail at the bar, though from the bar you can’t get to the very edge of the roof. Either way, sunset is a popular time. The only way you can swim in the rooftop pool is to book a stay*.
SkyPark Observation Deck
Key Information: Open every day 11am – 9pm, except closed 6pm – 7.30pm Wed – Thurs. Cost: $26 per person on the MBS website, or reduced price from $15 on Klook*.
The SkyPark Observation Deck (Website, Tripadvisor Reviews*) is on the roof of the spaceship at the top of Marina Bay Sands. You can get tickets here* – make sure to tick the option ‘Admission to Sands Skypark’. There are signs to lifts for the SkyPark in the main atrium. Obviously, try and visit when it’s not raining when sometimes the rooftop can be in the clouds.
CÉ LA VI Sky Bar & Sky Lounge
Key Information: Open weekdays 4-10:30pm, Sat 12-10:30pm and Sun 12-9pm. Reservations are recommended.
Ce La Vi (Website, Tripadvisor Reviews*) sits on the rooftop of Marina Bay Sands. The seating is mainly outdoors, though there are also tables inside for when it rains. You can go for drinks only, lite-bites, or full meals at the restaurant. While slightly pricey, the drinks aren’t much more than any nice bar way down on ground level. There are various discounts during the week, including Happy Hours and Ladies Night, while on weekends there can be minimum spend requirements.
This is the last stop on the tour. From Marina Bay Sands there is a direct connection to Bayfront MRT Station, or you can head onward to stroll around Marina Bay.
Guidebooks to explore more of Singapore
If you want to see the other main sights of Singapore, check out our Colonial District Walk, Chinatown Heritage Trail or Little India Walking Trail. For an overview of hikes in Singapore, see our Singapore Hiking Page.
FAQS – Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a modern garden in downtown Singapore containing several tourist attractions such as Flower Dome, Cloud Forest and the Supertree Grove.
The Gardens by the Bay light shows at 7:45pm and 8:45 pm daily. It takes place at the Supertree Grove and lasts 10 minutes.
Gardens by the Bay was developed from 2005 to 2012 as part of the Singaporean Government’s ‘City in a Garden’ plan.
Entry to the large outdoor part of Gardens by the Bay is free. This includes viewing the supertrees and the evening light show. However, there are five main attractions within the gardens that you have to pay for. These are Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy, OCBC Skywalk and Supertree Observatory.
Gardens by the Bay is in central Singapore, on the edge of Marina Reservoir and next to Marina Bay Sands.
The easiest way to visit Gardens by the Bay is to take the MRT to Bayfront MRT station on the blue Downtown and orange Circle Lines.
You can buy tickets to Gardens by the Bay on the official website or on Klook* which sometimes has discounts.
Dogs are allowed into the outside gardens but not in the domes of Gardens by the Bay.
The afternoon is the best time to visit the gardens if you want to stay for the light show at 7:45 or 8:45pm. Inside the two main domes it is cold so you don’t have to worry about the heat.
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