All major metropolises strive to build the tallest building with the most unique shape, or to create another mall where either there will be a ski slope or sharks will swim. The vision for the future of cities includes skyscrapers, wide transportation arteries, residential complexes, and entertainment centers.
But that is by no means the case with Singapore!
When something is done in this city, it seems to be carried out with boldness and a vision for the future. One of the main goals set by the government back in 2005 was for Singapore to become a “City in a Garden” in order to improve the quality of life for its residents and to increase the amount of green spaces.
Said and done!
This happened in 2012, when the Gardens by the Bay park opened its doors – a unique space offering relaxation areas and intriguing designs, as if the future had been transported into the present.
Personally, I am so glad I had the chance to visit this incredible place a few years ago, together with my sister! It’s extremely easy to reach by metro, bus, or taxi. The park stretches along the sea and Marina Reservoir, with the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel located directly across from its entrance. This is the building with the ship on its roof!
The gardens consist of three connected parts: Bay South Garden, East Bay Garden, and Bay Central Garden. Some of these areas are freely accessible, while others require you to purchase a ticket.
You can buy tickets here:
In Bay South Garden, there are two incredibly interesting structures in terms of architecture and design, or rather greenhouses resembling domes. Due to their unique design, they were awarded Building of the Year at the World Architecture Festival in 2012. Inside the larger structure is the Flower Dome, the largest greenhouse in the world, which is also listed in the Guinness World Records. As you might imagine, it houses a variety of plants and flowers, but since we had already visited the Botanic Gardens the previous day, we decided it wouldn’t be as interesting for us.
That’s why my sister and I decided to enter the other dome – the Cloud Forest, also known as the Misty Mountain, located in East Bay Garden.
Here, right in the center of the dome, a magical waterfall cascades down from a height of 35 meters, wrapped in a veil of mist, lush vegetation, and countless breathtaking views. You walk up and down along winding ramps, surrounded by rare plants that can’t be found just anywhere. The feeling is incredible, as if you’re truly in the jungle, and if it weren’t for the glass dome above our heads, I would’ve easily believed I was deep in untouched nature.
Orchids, bromeliads, and anthuriums – these are just a few of the amazing plants you’ll see here, with a strong presence of species that thrive in a humid climate. And that’s exactly the purpose of this dome – to gather moisture-loving species from around the world.
After we enjoyed this incredible walk among the clouds, night had already fallen, and before our eyes unfolded another breathtaking view – the Supertrees, located in Bay Central Garden.
These are steel structures resembling trees, ranging from 25 to 50 meters in height. They also serve as vertical gardens, used for growing rare plant species. What’s more, they’re equipped with photovoltaic panels that generate electricity for lighting and cooling systems, and they collect water for irrigation. Some of the Supertrees also function as cooling towers for the nearby domes.
Two of the trees are connected by a high-level walkway, offering stunning views. If during the day these structures seem a bit strange and not particularly eye-catching – just wait for nightfall, and you’ll witness a magical light show bursting to life right before your eyes!
This is definitely one of the top attractions in Singapore, and with each passing year, the interest in it continues to grow. The construction of the gardens alone cost over 1 billion US dollars, and maintaining all these systems is a rather expensive task — but it’s something Singapore can easily afford!
Just to give you an idea, the annual maintenance costs are around 58 million dollars, but as I mentioned, the demand is high, and these expenses are certainly covered by ticket sales for the flower domes, cloud forests, and Supertrees.
Back in 2012, there were around 1.7 million visits per year, while by the end of 2018, that number had soared to over 50 million!
Gardens by the Bay – this is truly one of the most wonderful places I’ve ever visited!
In the heart of a massive metropolis, surrounded by the sea and towering skyscrapers, rises this incredibly vibrant and futuristic garden. It’s both fascinating and exciting to stroll through such a place, because at times you completely lose your sense of direction – you’re not quite sure if you’re in the city, in a garden, or in the jungle. But one thing is absolutely certain – the entire experience is unforgettable, and you just don’t want it to end!
Personally, I’m eagerly looking forward to the next big project in Singapore!
Considering they already have a ship perched on top of a skyscraper, butterflies at the airport, and gardens under glass domes, I can’t help but wonder — what else could they possibly have in store for us?
