Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay opened in 2012 on 105 hectares of reclaimed land beside Marina Bay, and in little more than a decade it has become the picture most people have of modern Singapore. The site mixes free outdoor gardens with ticketed attractions, so you can spend an hour strolling for nothing or a full day moving between conservatories, walkways and shows.

The free part is large. The Supertree Grove, a cluster of steel tree-like structures between 25 and 50 metres tall, is covered in climbing plants, ferns and orchids, and the Heritage Gardens, Serene Garden, World of Plants and the Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes are all open from 5am to 2am. The two cooled conservatories are the main paid draws. The Flower Dome holds plants from Mediterranean and semi-arid climates under a vast glass roof, while the Cloud Forest recreates a misty tropical mountainside around a tall indoor waterfall. Floral Fantasy, the Supertree Observatory and the OCBC Skyway, an aerial walkway strung between the Supertrees, are ticketed separately.

Timing makes a big difference in this climate. Arrive in the late afternoon, spend the hottest hours inside the conservatories (open 9am to 9pm, with last entry at 8.30pm for the Flower Dome and 8pm for the Cloud Forest), and stay for Garden Rhapsody, the free light-and-sound show in the Supertree Grove at 7.45pm and 8.45pm. Each paid attraction closes for maintenance on set days each month, though only one conservatory closes at a time, so check the calendar on the official site before booking. Tripods are not allowed in Floral Fantasy.

The gardens suit almost everyone. Families can spend hours here, couples come for the evening show, and solo travellers will find the paths easy to explore at their own pace. The outdoor areas are mostly flat and paved, and the conservatories are air-conditioned, which makes them a welcome break from the heat. Allow at least three hours to see the conservatories and the grove properly.

Bayfront MRT station is a short walk from the main gardens, and a link bridge connects the site with Marina Bay Sands. Construction of a new bridge between Bay South and Bay East means cyclists cannot use the waterfront promenade for now, though pedestrians can still walk it with a short detour. The ArtScience Museum, the Singapore Flyer and Marina Barrage are all close by, which makes it easy to build a full day around Marina Bay.