18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Tel: 6420 6848
If one were to walk across the long linkway from Marina Bay Sands, you would come to a halcyon lake named "Dragonfly Lake", where the waters are calm and tranquil, and one could take it the sights of the lovely gardens as well as Singapore Flyer looming in the background.
The Bay East Garden is opened 24 hours, with no admission charges, so one may roam freely and admire the beautiful flowers, plants and sculptures along the way.
The Sun Pavilion is a rather new addition to the Gardens, with an extensive range of cacti in various shapes and forms.
The Kingfisher Lake is another serene spot to visit along the way, with a more lively lake filled with fish, tortoises and a pretty little fountain settled comfortably at the center of the lake.
Turning in, one finds themselves facing a small but rather deep Aquarium with a good mix of fish, swimming about in their beautiful, colorful forms.
Next, we would pass by the World of Plants, where the trees are made into adorable shapes of animals.
Some indoor sculptures of animals and tribal statues, and giant termites on trees, and one may continue on to the Heritage Gardens or Children's Garden, OCBC Skyway etc.
Finally, the famous Supertree Grove. These tall, vertical gardens are 25 - 50 metres tall in height, with large canopies providing shade in the day. By nightfall, they turn into the enchanting Garden Rhapsody as the trees are lit up in various colors. The 11 Supertrees are embedded with environmentally-sustainable functions such as photovoltaic cells to harvest solar energy. I heard they are used to capture rainwater as well.
If one wishes to walk amongst the OCBC Skyway, admission is SGD$5.00 for adults and senior citizens; and SGD$3.00 for children. The Skyway is opened daily from 9.00am - 9.00pm.
Taking a walk on the fringes of the gardens before heading into the paid areas. Up till this point, everything (except OCBC Skyway) is free of charge to view and appreciate, for phototaking, taking strolls or jogging about etc.
To enter into Flower Dome, the fees are SGD$12.00 for adults, and SGD$8.00 for senior citizens and children. The opening hours are from 9.00am - 10.00pm daily. We regret not having chosen this location to enter into, because during the Christmas season, it has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland.
To enter into Cloud Forest, the fees are SGD$12.00 for adults, and SGD$8.00 for senior citizens and children. The opening hours are from 9.00am - 10.00pm daily. Note that all pricing stated here are for local residents only (for foreigners, you may visit the link at the top of the post to check out the admission fees).
There are also bundled pricing for Flower Dome and Cloud Forest at SGD$20.00 for adults, SGD$15.00 for senior citizens and SGD$12.00 for children.
Anyway, one is greeted by a mysterious and cooling veil of mist upon entering Cloud Forest, featuring a 35-metre tall mountain wrapped in lush vegetation and featuring the world's tallest indoor waterfall. It is a planted wall as well, covered with many types of plants and there's a walkway leading up / down so visitors could appreciate all the various types of plants on the journey.
There is a small "Japanese town" - a miniature creation of beauty, with tiny houses, real plants and train that actually moves on the tracks.
A reflective lake sits on top as we made our ascent. It is so pretty and calming just to watch.
Then there is a tree in a cute mouse / vehicular shape. It is actually besides a hearth containing some plants but I did not manage to capture photos of that visionary.
Amongst all the beautiful plants, ferns and flowers, there are many species of orchids here. Here are shots of some of my favorite flowers including some Orchids and a Pitcher's Plant.
Next up, the Crystal Mountain showcasing a variety of stalacites, stalagmites and hollowed-out crystals, including my favorite amethyst. These rock formations are beautiful to watch, especially amongst the dimmed and cooled settings which is reminiscent to a cave's.
After watching a video screening in one of the rooms on environmental issues due to climate changes etc, we entered the Secret Garden - another scenic sight of stunning creations including a smaller man-made waterfall and sculptures of alligators etc.
Finally, we have come to the end of the visit of Cloud Forest @ Gardens by the Bay, and left the place still dazed by the beauty of the plantations herein.
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