When searching for things to do in Singapore, Gardens by the Bay comes up as one of the top recommendations. After visiting, it’s no surprise as to why it’s searched often because it’s a beautiful nature park with state-of-the-art engineering and lush greenery. If you’re looking for tips and a complete guide to visiting Gardens By The Bay, you’ve come to the right place!

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO GARDENS BY THE BAY

How To Get To Gardens by the Bay
Things To Do At Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay Light Show
Dining at Gardens by the Bay
Where to Stay Near Gardens by the Bay

Quick Tips on Visiting Gardens by the Bay:

Bring a light jacket – the conservatories can get cold.
Have a wide-angle lens to shoot (recommendation: 16-19mm lens or GoPro) – to get that ‘long’ water-fall shot.
Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen – walking around outside the park can get hot.
Short on time? Make Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest your priorities!
Our favorite at Gardens by the Bay? The Garden Rhapsody light and sound show at the Supertree Grove!

HOW TO GET TO GARDENS BY THE BAY

Gardens by the Bay is located at 18 Marina Gardens Drive, which is directly behind Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Singapore has great public transportation, getting around is not a problem in this safe city. To reach Gardens by the Bay, you can either take MRT, Bus, Taxi, or Ride-Share Services such as Grab.

*If taking the MRT – Get a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP), this will allow you unlimited travel for one day (S$10), two days (S$16) or three days (S$20).

THINGS TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY

Explore plant life from around the world. From diverse species in the Cooled Conservatories to towering vertical gardens and much more, discover a world where wonder blooms.

CLOUD FOREST

The cloud forest takes you on a unique, simulated, 11,500 feet elevation without the strenuous work of getting there. The tropical highlands hosts a wide range of plant life with the indoor section resembling a cave. The Singapore Cloud Forest was once home to the tallest indoor waterfall (30M) – which has since been dubbed by the Jewel – Airport Singapore Mall.

Admission Rate: For Two Conservatories – $28 (adult) / $15 (child 3-12 years old) (Two conservatories include: Cloud Forest and Flower Dome)
Operating Hours: 9:00am – 9:00pm daily
(Mist Timings: 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm daily)
Photography Tip: As soon as the park opens, head straight to the Cloud Forest Conservatory. This way, you can get a photo in front of the 30 meters indoor waterfall with no distractions. Another great photo-op is at the Treetop Walk with the Cloud Walk in the background.

CLOUD FOREST CAN GET VERY CROWDED:

FLOWER DOME

An incredible display of flowers from all around the world. The Flower Dome showcases exotic plants from five continents across nine different gardens.

Admission Rate: For Two Conservatories – $28 (adult) / $15 (child 3-12 years old) (Two conservatories include: Cloud Forest and Flower Dome)
Operating Hours: 9:00am – 9:00pm daily
Tip: Take your time going through the gardens – especially if it’s hot outside! The flower dome and cloud forest is the best place to cool down at the park.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR CLOUD FOREST + FLOWER DOME HERE!

SUPERTREE GROVE & OCBC SKYWAY

The towering, man-made Supertree Grove Trees with the highest standing at 16 stories in height. The trees comprise of more than 200 species of plants and are it’s own “garden”. The SkyWay connects two supertrees for a 128-meter walkway that overlooks Gardens By The Bay, creating a perfect photo spot.

Admission Rate: Admission to Supertree Grove is free. Admission for OCBC Skyway: Adult: $8 / Senior (≥60 years old): $8 / Child (3-12 years old): $5
Operating Hours: Supertree Grove (5:00am – 2:00am daily) / OCBS Skyway (9:00am – 9:00pm daily)

GARDEN RHAPSODY – GARDENS BY THE BAY LIGHT SHOW

When night falls, be enchanted as the vertical gardens come alive nightly with a mesmerizing Garden Rhapsody light and sound show. The light show was the highlight of our visit!

Admission Rate: Free
Light Show Hours: 7:45pm and 8:45pm

Tip: Get there 30 minutes early (it gets very crowded) to get a good area to lay on the floor in front of the main supertree. The best thing about the light show is that it’s free for everyone – no entrance fee needed.

CROWDS 15 MINUTE BEFORE THE LIGHT SHOW:

FLORAL FANTASY

Floral Fantasy is the latest thematic attraction at Gardens by the Bay. Flowers, artistry, and technology come together to create a dream-like, fantastical experience for visitors. It comprises four diverse garden landscapes, each showcasing a different concept, as well as a 4D ride.

Admission Rate: Adult: $20 / Child (3-12 years old): $12
Operating Hours: 9:00am – 9:00pm daily

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR FLORAL FANTASY HERE!

OTHER THINGS TO SEE AT GARDENS BY THE BAY

Aside from the main attractions, there are other things to check out such as the Art Sculptures, Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes, Serene Garden, and Bay Eat Garden.

DINING OPTIONS

There are multiple places to dine at Gardens By The Bay. The best place would be at Satay by the Bay – Gardens by the Bay’s very own hawker center where you can try local delights! Other dining options include: McDonald’s, Texas Chicken, Cafe Coco, Chutney Mary, Nigata Bento, Pho Street, Hill Street Coffee Shop, Hong Kong Sheng Kee Noodle House, Children’s Garden Cafe, Cafe Crema, Bakerzin, Pollen, Cafe Aster, and Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant. For more information on dining, visit here.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR GARDENS BY THE BAY

Airbnb in Singapore
There are Airbnb’s available throughout Singapore. If you’re not familiar with Airbnb, it’s an online marketplace for arranging or offering lodging, primarily homestays, or tourism experiences. Get $40 off your first booking at any Airbnb in Singapore!

Luxury Stay: Marina Bay Sands
Towering over the bay, this iconic hotel offers the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, 20 dining options and a world-class casino. It has direct access to Singapore’s premier shopping mall and the ArtScience Museum, which features the permanent exhibition, Future World. Free WiFi is available in all rooms. Marina Bay is a great choice for travelers interested in skyline views, botanical gardens and city trips.

Comfort Stay: Hotel Mono
Opened in November 2016 and set in a restored, traditional heritage shophouse, Hotel Mono provides accommodations in the heart of Chinatown. It is located along Mosque Street. Chinatown is a great choice for travelers interested in culturally diverse food, city trips, and food.

Basic Stay: Wink Capsule Hostel
Housed in a heritage shophouse in Chinatown, Wink Hostel offers modern air-conditioned dormitory rooms with free Wi-Fi. A shared kitchenette and laundry room are available. Free internet stations are also provided. A free breakfast is served daily at Wink Cafe. Alternatively, guests can prepare their own meals with the hostel’s microwave, toaster, and grill. The hostel provides a chargeable airport shuttle, which can be arranged at the front desk. The common lounge area has a flat-screen TV and DVD movie selections. Chinatown is a great choice for travelers interested in culturally diverse food, city trips, and food.