I paid a visit to the newly opened Gardens by the Bay in Singapore sometime in July to do a timelapse video with my buddy. It’s a place definitely worth visiting. I arrived at the place at 630am in the morning to catch the morning sunrise. It was a little cloudy at first, but the sky managed to clear up after that, and I managed to get a shot of the sunrise.
Sunrise at the Gardens
Gardens by the Bay only opened in late June 2012. The place comprises of several key attractions, but I am mainly going to be talking about the 3 sites, you should definitely visit to make this trip a fruitful one.
1. Flower Dome Conservatory
The flowers are segregated based on their types at several locations inside the air conditioned dome. Amazed yourself with the enormous cactus found in the a corner of the dome that you would probably never have seen before if you are a visitor from Asia, or visit the frightening trees as seen in the movie, Sleepy Hollow.
Part of the cactus exhibition in the Flower Dome
I am not sure why I see miniature fishes around the cactus garden. To me, it didn’t make much sense. But I guess tropical fishes are probably what the people wanted to showcase. Many different types of flowers to see. Do check them out if flowers are your thing.
2. Cloud Forest Conservatory
Cloud Forest was visually more attractive in my opinion. You step into this place where the temperature plunges to below 20 Degree Celsius, and the first thing you would see, is a 35m tall man made waterfall. A beautiful sight. This dome aims to simulate what it is like 2000m above sea level. The man made waterfall comprises of 8 different levels, with each level displaying different types of plants and flowers. Be surrounded in really lush greenery, as if you were at a mountain. What I found was most amazing was the top level, where carnivorous plants, such as the pitcher plants were found. Get up-close and personal with these plants. Awesome sight. Elevators are available, and you are recommended to take the it all the way up to the top floor, and slowly make your way down, visiting the different sites in the place.
3. Supertree Grove
Take a walk up the OCBC skyway, and enjoy the view of the Supertree Grove from the skyway. Again, each of the Supertree is decorated with different types of flowers. What was most worth it about the trip up the Supertree Grove is the magnificent view of the Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer. I would highly recommend you visit the Supertree Grove in the night, to enjoy the beautiful night lights of Marina Bay.
Besides the beautiful night lights, do not miss the OCBC Garden rhapsody, which is a 15 minute musical light display. There are only 2 timings, one at 7.45pm and the other at 8.45pm.
Do take note that due to weight limit, the skyway can only take a certain number of people up, so I would suggest you head up there slightly earlier if you like to catch the light display!
Other Locations
If time permits, do take a walk around the Heritage Gardens and understand more about the diverse cultures of Singapore. Visit the Dragonfly lake, for a scenic photographic moment with your loved ones. The Heritage Gardens isn’t a paid attraction, so if aren’t too keen on dishing out a cash to see greenery, then this would probably be something you would like to see!
And if you get hungry, you may drop by the F&B outlets in the location. There are several eateries available, but it is definitely not budget travelers, unless fast food chain “Texas Chicken” is your form of an ideal meal.
More Information
Do check out the Gardens by the Bay website for more information regarding the pricing and how to get there. I would really like to applaud the site managers for making the website comprehensive enough for travelers.
My timelapse video will hopefully offer you a nice visual treat before you make plans to pay a visit to this place. Definitely recommend this place for visitors!
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