Things to Do in Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore - Complete Travel Guide
Gardens by the Bay is Singapore's iconic nature park and horticultural wonderland, spanning 101 hectares in the heart of Marina Bay. This award-winning attraction seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with nature, featuring the famous Supertree Grove, climate-controlled conservatories, and stunning waterfront views of Singapore's skyline. The park represents Singapore's vision of a 'City in a Garden' and has become one of the most photographed destinations in Southeast Asia.
The attraction consists of three main areas: Bay South Garden (the largest section), Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden. Visitors can explore diverse themed gardens, marvel at the 25 to 50-meter tall Supertrees that come alive with light and sound shows, and experience different climate zones in the world's largest glass greenhouse. Gardens by the Bay offers a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and natural beauty, making it suitable for families, nature enthusiasts, and photography lovers alike.
Top Things to Do in Gardens by the Bay
Explore the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome Conservatories
Step into two climate-controlled biomes housing rare plants from around the world. The Flower Dome showcases Mediterranean and semi-arid plants, while the Cloud Forest features a 35-meter indoor waterfall and mountain vegetation from tropical highlands.
Booking Tip: Conservatory tickets cost around S$28 for adults. Book online for small discounts and skip-the-line access. Visit early morning (9-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-5 PM) for fewer crowds and better photography lighting.
Experience the Supertree Grove and OCBC Skyway
Walk among the iconic 25-50 meter tall Supertrees and take the aerial walkway 22 meters above ground for panoramic views. These vertical gardens are covered in over 200 species of plants and feature stunning light shows every evening.
Booking Tip: Skyway tickets cost S$8 for adults and can be purchased on-site or online. The best time to visit is 30 minutes before the light show (7:45 PM and 8:45 PM) to secure good viewing spots for the Garden Rhapsody show.
Attend the Garden Rhapsody Light and Sound Show
Watch the Supertrees come alive with a spectacular multimedia show featuring music and colorful LED displays. This free 15-minute show transforms the grove into a magical wonderland with different themes throughout the year.
Booking Tip: The show is completely free and runs nightly at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM. Arrive 20-30 minutes early to find the best viewing spots on the grass areas around the Supertree Grove, especially during weekends and holidays.
Discover the Themed Outdoor Gardens
Explore 15 different themed gardens including the Heritage Garden, World of Plants, and Sun Pavilion. Each garden showcases unique plant collections, sculptures, and landscape designs that tell different stories about Singapore's horticultural heritage.
Booking Tip: Access to outdoor gardens is free with general admission. Allow 2-3 hours to explore thoroughly. The gardens are best visited during cooler parts of the day (early morning or late afternoon) with comfortable walking shoes and sun protection.
Visit the Children's Garden and Far East Organization Children's Garden
Let kids explore interactive water play areas, adventure trails, and educational exhibits designed specifically for young visitors. The garden features tree houses, splash pools, and hands-on learning activities about plants and nature.
Booking Tip: Children's Garden entry is S$5 for kids and free for adults. Bring swimwear and towels for water play areas. Best visited in the morning when it's cooler, and avoid Mondays when it's closed for maintenance.
Getting There
Gardens by the Bay is easily accessible via MRT (subway) - take the Circle or Downtown Line to Bayfront Station and follow the underground walkway directly to the gardens (5-minute walk). From Changi Airport, take the MRT (45 minutes) or taxi (30-45 minutes depending on traffic). The gardens are also within walking distance of Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer, and other Marina Bay attractions. Free shuttle buses connect different areas within the gardens, and the park offers bicycle parking facilities for those cycling from nearby areas.
Getting Around
Gardens by the Bay provides free shuttle buses that run every 10-15 minutes between major attractions within the park, including stops at the Conservatories, Supertree Grove, and various garden sections. The park is designed for walking with well-maintained paths, clear signage, and multiple rest areas. Rental wheelchairs and strollers are available at the Visitor Services counter. The gardens are fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators throughout. Most visitors can cover the main attractions on foot in 4-6 hours, though the free shuttle is helpful for covering longer distances between garden sections.
Where to Stay
Marina Bay (luxury hotels with garden views)
Downtown Core (business district, close to MRT)
Chinatown (cultural area, budget-friendly options)
Clarke Quay (riverside dining and nightlife)
Orchard Road (shopping district)
Sentosa Island (resort atmosphere, family-friendly)
Food & Dining
Gardens by the Bay offers several dining options ranging from casual to fine dining. Pollen restaurant provides contemporary European cuisine with views of the Flower Dome, while Supertree Food Hall offers local and international food court options. The Satay by the Bay outdoor dining area features traditional Singaporean hawker food with waterfront views. For a unique experience, dine at the Cloud Forest or Flower Dome cafes surrounded by exotic plants. Outside the gardens, Marina Bay area offers world-class restaurants, while nearby Chinatown and Clarke Quay provide authentic local cuisine and vibrant dining scenes.
When to Visit
Gardens by the Bay is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during Singapore's drier months from February to April when there's less rainfall and humidity is slightly lower. The gardens are beautiful in any season, but avoid visiting during heavy rain as many attractions are outdoors. For the best experience, plan your visit in the late afternoon (3-6 PM) to explore during daylight and stay for the evening light shows. Weekday visits are less crowded than weekends, and the gardens are particularly magical during festive seasons when special decorations and themed displays are featured.
Insider Tips
Download the Gardens by the Bay mobile app for interactive maps, audio guides, and real-time information about shows and events
Bring a portable phone charger as you'll likely take many photos, and consider bringing a light jacket for the air-conditioned conservatories
Visit the free outdoor gardens first, then time your conservatory visit to end near the Supertree Grove 30 minutes before the evening light show for the perfect finale to your day