Gardens by the Bay Review: Everything You Need To Know

Come find out all you need to know as I share my Gardens By The Bay review and tips for visiting. From what to see to how to get there, buying your tickets, and more, this Singapore gem is a highlight you won’t want to miss!

Rated as one of the top three things to do, no trip to Singapore is complete until you check out the impressive Gardens By The Bay.

There’s so many different areas, from indoor waterfalls to flowers from all round the world, and some super impressive mechanical trees!

Seriously, Gardens By The Bay is definitely worth checking out in Singapore.

Honestly, no matter how many times I visit, this is one stop that’ll always be on my Singapore itinerary. Currently, we are at 3 times and counting, since I’m sure there’ll be plenty more to come!

Nevertheless, let’s get into all the details worth knowing so you can make up your mind whether you’d like to visit (spoiler: the answer is YES, GO).

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Location & How To Get To Gardens By The Bay

Gardens by the Bay is smack bang in the middle of the city center, surrounded by all the best touristy spots.

The good thing is it’s super close to the Downtown MRT stop. This means no matter where you’re staying, you’ll have no issues getting there.

If you don’t happen to be near an MRT station, then taxis are basically everywhere in the city (and in my experience, drivers are super friendly). Just make sure to pay by the meter.

Alternatively, there is also an excellent bus system here as well, which of course stops at Gardens by the Bay. You’ll need to jump on bus 400 and get off at stop no. 03371 along Marina Gardens Drive.

And it’s right next to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, which is seriously one of the coolest places you could stay in Singapore.

I’ve yet to save enough money to stay, but perhaps one day, cause you know that pool’s on my bucketlist.

Getting To Gardens By The Bay On The MRT

Now I must say Singapore has a freakin amazing MRT network. I remember first visiting and being completely overwhelmed (I’m from NZ and we don’t have anything like this here). Luckily enough, it was pretty easy to figure out!

In terms of getting to Gardens by the Bay, you will be in luck, the nearest station is Bayfront. You’ll be able to get there on both the Circle and Downtown lines.

Once you head off the metro, you’ll see plenty of signage around pointing you towards the famous Gardens by the Bay.

Just past the exit for the Marina Bay Sands, you’ll start a walk down a long hallway.

Once at the end, climb a small set of stairs, and you will have arrived at Gardens By The Bay.

How To Book Your Ticket

Walking around the grounds of Gardens By The Bay and the supertrees is free and a must in any Singapore Itinerary.

However, you will need to buy a ticket if you want to go inside one of the domes.

You’ll find the main ticketing area behind the Supergrove. It took us about 10 minutes to get there from the MRT exit.

A ticket costs $46 SGD / $35.80 for adults, and it allows access to both the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.

If you’re keen to get some impressive views from higher up on the OCBC Skyway, this is a separate ticket that costs $14.00 SGD / $10.90.

Visiting The Cloud Forest Dome

Once we purchased our tickets, we decided our first stop would be the Cloud Forest Dome.

Gardens By The Bay is actually made up of 3 different parts, the main one being the South Garden, where you will find the supertrees and domes. No wonder it’s one of the best things to do in Singapore.

Seriously, it’s crazy as soon as you step into the Cloud Forest, you’re transported into another world.

The first thing that hits is the refreshing temperature drop. This dome is kept at a lovely 23°C, a stark contrast to the muggy heat of Singapore.

As you enter, you’ll be greeted by a towering mountain with an impressive 30m waterfall.

Walking around, there are many gardens of orchids, ferns, and pitcher plants. Though the main journey starts with a short elevator ride up to the top.

Here is what is known as the lost world, a little garden oasis of many flowers (some of the Lego variety) and a small pond.

This is certainly one of the top attractions, and especially a must if you are traveling Singapore with kids.

Cloud Walk

The Lost World leads onto the Cloud Walk, a suspended walkway that branches away from the mountain and slowly curls around to the floor below.

There is a great view out of the dome to Marina Bay Sands, and in the other direction is the Singapore Flyer.

Looking back towards the mountain, it is impressive to see the vast amount of plants used to clad the side of this enormous structure.

Crystal Mountain and Tree Top Walk

Built like a cave, this level has many stalagmites and stalactites, fossils, and interesting rocks.

On this level is also the tree-top walk.

Similar to the cloud walk, but at a lower level, the tree-top walk takes you away from the mountain before looping back around and exiting on the same level.

Part of the walkway takes you right up alongside the structure, so you can get super close to all the plants that line the mountain.

It makes a good photo spot with an amazing backdrop of red flowers among the green ferns.

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On The Way Out

Below the Crystal Mountain is an interactive exhibition called the Cloud Forest Gallery.

Here, it’s super interesting as you’ll learn all about how humans have shaped the world today. This includes pollution, the overuse of resources, and how we can make changes to preserve the planet.

Exploring The Flower Dome

After spending time exploring the Cloud Forest Dome, make your way over to the Flower Dome.

It’ll be another refreshing temperature drop as you walk in. However, with 3,332 glass panels, it is much larger than its Cloud Forest counterpart.

The Flower Dome seriously has so many different areas, too many for me to go over in detail. Though a good place to start is the succulent garden.

It is just like being in the desert without the heat. Here you’ll find an impressive display of Cacti, Aloes, and Crassulas. Look, but don’t touch, these plants you won’t want to get too close to.

Surrounding it are many other gardens, such as the South African, Australian, and Californian gardens, to name a few. You can actually see the African Baobab here and it’s the tallest tree in the Flower Dome.

So, there is a hell of a lot to see here, and it’s massive. Every time I’ve visited, we get to a point where we give up and leave.

You could seriously spend hours here, and that’s without spotting all the impressively camouflaged sculptures.

Walk Around Supertree Grove

Next up, we have Supertree Grove, which is free to walk around, perfect if you’re trying to backpack Singapore on a budget.

This is located right in the middle of Gardens by the Bay, so you literally can’t miss it. You’ll also be able to find smaller Supertrees at the Silver and Gold Gardens.

They may just look like some random structure, but this is Singapore, so these trees definitely serve a greater purpose.

First off, over 160,000 plants have been planted on the exterior of these 12 super trees, of which the majority are either have solar receptors to store energy for the light show in the evenings, and 2 others act as an exhaust system to keep the air cool.

Check Out The Views On The OCBC Skyway

You’ll find the OCBC Skyway in the center of the Super Tree Grove, between the 2 tallest trees. This is actually a bridge walk suspended in the air, offering amazing views.

Heads up, though, there can be quite a line, so the best time is to go early in the morning. This is simply because there’s a limit of people on the bridge at once.

I know, it may sound like a hassle, but because of these limits, it’s never overly crowded at the top, and you can get some awesome photos.

Once at the top, it’s a pretty jaw-dropping moment when the impressive view greets you. At 22m in height, you can see all around the gardens and to the neighbouring Marina Bay Sands.

Witness The Garden Rhapsody Light Show

In the evening, you’ll for sure need to head back to Gardens By The Bay for the famous light show. This happens at both 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm, so you have 2 different chances to catch it.

However, the ques here can be CRAZY LONG. Seriously, it’s a bit insane, to the point I recommend coming an hour early.

After getting off the MRT, we slowly approached the gardens. Having already visited yesterday, we knew of a few spots that would be good for viewing.

Unfortunately, with the rain, we opted for shelter under a real tree with a few other people. At 7.45 pm, right on time, all the lights of the supertrees faded to black, and we came out from hiding to watch the show.

A short narration starts the performance. Then, the music begins, and the lights of the trees start to glow.

Other Things Worth Doing In Singapore

Now I’m sure you already know how many awesome things there are to do in Singapore.

Nevertheless, let’s get into a little breakdown so you can have the best time.

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Chinatown

Seriously, I do love Chinatown in Singapore, it’s a great place to stay, and generally affordable compared to a lot of other options.

If you’re keen on some shopping and cheap eats, wander on over to Pagoda Street. Seriously, prices here were surprisingly crazy cheap for souvenirs!

Afterwards, definitely make sure to head over to The Buddha’s Tooth Relic Temple. For a unique perspective, try visit at night when it’s all beautifully lit up.

Little India

Now, to mix things up, definitely visit Little India. It really is a lot different than the rest of the city, a little bit of the Chaos of India meets the orderly Singapore.

If you’re looking for a decent, affordable meal, be sure to hit up the great restaurants around here, especially if you like Indian cuisine.

Also, keep an eye out for all the cool murals and street art, which you’ll find all over the place!

Sentosa Island

For those looking for a bit of fun, perhaps traveling as a family, then Sentosa Island is a must.

This is where you will find Universal Studios, though there’s also a waterpark, skywalk, butterfly garden, and plenty more.

Make sure to take the cable car over for some seriously epic views!

Marina Bay

Last up, we have exploring the impressive area of Marina Bay. If you can definitely visit in the early evening when the heat isn’t at its worse, and it’s a great spot to watch the sunset.

While here, you can simply wander along the waterfront, see the famous Merlion statue, and catch the light show, all of which are free.

Alternatively, there’s a super nice touristy hawker center called Makansutra Gluttons Bay, which is worth checking out. And afterwards, head over to ride the Singapore Flyer.

If you want even better views, hit up the bar at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Or just stand back and admire the building, then walk through the mall that’s part of it.

Where To Stay In Singapore

Now, when it comes to accommodation in Singapore, you’ll be super spoiled, but definitely prepare your wallet. Seriously, it’s majorly not cheap here… At all!

The number of times I have traveled to Singapore and found myself in a random lil hostel, even when one of Taylor Swift’s concerts was on, so you just know that was hectic.

Anyway, in terms of hostels, one I do keep going back to is Wink at Mosque Street. It’s very much no frills, but still super comfortable at a pretty damn good price point for Singapore.

They have pod-style dorms, with a privacy curtain, great air con (as long as your bunk mate doesn’t change the temp *eye roll*), and I’ve never ever had an issue with cleanness here.

Oh, plus a massive bonus, the bedding in the dorm is amazing. Thick, fluffy duvets and multiple pillows. No lies, it’s the main reason I come back.

Though if you have a bit more cash to splash out on a hotel, awesome stuff, I’m not jealous at all…

Well, I am definitely someone big on value for money, and I did stay at Hotel Mi Rochor on a girls’ trip and it was the perfect choice. Clean, comfortable, modern, and with a nice swimming pool.

Oh, and make sure you stay somewhere that is close to the MRT, as that’ll no doubt be your main transport method. Both Wink at Mosque Street and Hotel Mi Rochor are about 2 minute walk away from the MRT station, and it makes a massive difference.

Wink At Mosque Street In the heart of China town. A comfortable and clean hostel starting from $40.00 per night. BOOK NOW	Cube Social Boutique Capsule Hotel Super modern capsule hotel right on the Singapore River. These capsule rooms start from $70.00 per night. BOOK NOW
Hotel Mi Rochor Excellent hotel in a great area surrounded by restaurants. Rooms start from $140.00 per night. BOOK NOW	Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay by IHG A super nice hotel with a great view and epic location. Prices for rooms start from $190.00 per night. BOOK NOW

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Wrap Up: My Gardens By The Bay Review

Okay, so hopefully I have convinced you why Gardens By The Bay is worth visiting. From the impressive domes, massive mechanical trees, and super crazy light show.

Though, seriously, one of the reasons I love this place the most as unless you want to explore a bit further in depth, there isn’t actually an entry fee to check it out. So really, you have zero excuses to not come!