The World's Best Resorts: Gardens by the Bay

Zéphyr

A Futuristic Oasis in Singapore

Opened in 2012 along Singapore’s Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay is a futuristic botanical garden that spans over 100 hectares. Towering artificial trees dominate the landscape, while glass-domed conservatories line the waterfront. As one of Singapore’s iconic attractions, this expansive facility embodies the city-state’s vision as a global tourism hub.

Harmony Between Nature and Urban Life

Guided by the vision of "creating a city within a garden," Gardens by the Bay is divided into three main areas: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden. With a vast expanse exceeding 100 hectares, the park is home to some of the world's largest structures, including the Supertree Grove and the Flower Dome, offering visitors a seamless blend of nature and urban life.

At the heart of the park, the Supertree Grove features 18 towering artificial trees inspired by Singapore’s national flower. These structures reach heights of up to 50 meters—equivalent to a 16-story building. Serving as the park’s iconic landmark, the Supertrees offer a spectacular panoramic view of the Marina Bay area, making them a must-visit spot for breathtaking scenery.

A Floral Wonderland

Overlooking the bay, the Flower Dome is a rare sanctuary where flowers bloom year-round. Spanning an area equivalent to 75 Olympic-sized swimming pools, the dome houses gardens from around the world, including California, the Mediterranean, South Africa, and Australia. It showcases a diverse range of flora, from the Baobab (Tree of Life) to rare species like the Drunken Tree and Ghost Tree, allowing visitors to experience global botanical wonders without leaving Singapore.

At the center of the dome lies a seasonal floral display, where vibrant flowers are arranged according to various themes and events throughout the year. Though encased in glass, the Flower Dome is designed with energy-efficient glass panels that regulate sunlight and heat to maintain an ideal environment for plants. This fusion of old and new, nature and technology, captivates visitors at every turn.

A Journey Through a Misty Rainforest

Adjacent to the Flower Dome is the Cloud Forest, a conservatory designed to replicate tropical montane rainforests. The interior is home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, standing at 35 meters. Enveloped in mist, the setting creates a dreamlike atmosphere that transports visitors into a lush, mystical world.

The structure features a dramatic elevation change, with environments ranging from foggy valleys and limestone forests to cave formations and 2,000-meter-high mountain peaks. Visitors can admire a diverse range of plants, including prehistoric ferns, mid-mountain Anthuriums, and high-altitude flora. A TreeTop Walk is also built into the mid-section, offering an immersive experience of the breathtaking natural beauty.

Unique and Inventive Attractions

Scattered throughout the park are various innovative and distinctive gardens. Highlights include The Canyon, featuring dragon- and giant dragonfly-themed sculptures; the Sun Pavilion, which recreates desert landscapes with over 1,000 species of cacti; and Kingfisher Wetlands, a freshwater conservation zone with more than 200 natural mangroves. Each section boasts its own distinct charm, ensuring that visitors never run out of exciting discoveries.

Gardens by the Bay is conveniently accessible via MRT Thomson-East Coast Line, directly at Gardens by the Bay Station. A visit to this spectacular attraction is a must when traveling to Singapore.