Guide to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore - Tips, Free Entries & More

From towering supertrees to a huge indoor waterfall – there are plenty of awe-inspiring sights at Gardens by the Bay.

By Samuel Ford
Published: July 18, 2024
Gardens by the bay

Singapore doesn’t do things by halves. The city is bold, beautiful, and extravagant in every measure. Huge glimmering skyscrapers tower over technicolor colonial houses and tropical nature bursts forth from the hillsides. So you can imagine that their version of a public ‘garden’ is something really rather special.

Spanning 250 acres, Gardens by the Bay is a vast ecological, educational and simply stunning site. With so much sparkle and highrise in the city, it could be all too easy to forget that Singapore is a super-eco tropical paradise. But, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore’s most memorable attraction, will surely remind you.

In this list, you’ll discover the best things to see at Gardens by the Bay including...

  • The Supertree Grove
  • The Sun Pavilion
  • The Flower Dome
  • Heritage Gardens

While entry into the garden complex is free, you must pay admission to enter the two great biodomes - the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome - and to walk along the Supertree skywalk.

💰 >> See how you can save up to 50% on Singapore attractions

Gardens by the bay Singapore

Cloud Forest

The smaller of the two great swooping glass orbs that rise out of the ground like jewels is by no means the less impressive. Inside you’ll find a great green mountain, bursting with plant life all the way to the top where a stunning waterfall - the world’s tallest indoor falls - cascades to the ground. The mist that courses through the atmosphere of the dome will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into the rainforest.

Cloud Forest

Flower Dome

This is the world’s largest glass greenhouse and is a seriously impressive structure. The larger of the two biodomes plays host to a variety of sculpted gardens from around the globe, featuring a South American garden, a South African garden, an olive grove, a baobab forest, and more! Crowned by a gravity-defying, single-span glass roof, this place really will take your breath away.

Flower garden

Supertree Grove

Catch your breath again outside at the living sculptures that make up the Supertree Grove. A couple of clusters of 18 vertical gardens were built to resemble trees and work as ‘environmental engines’ as they take in and exhaust air for the conservatories' air systems. They are the principal feature in the complex’s ‘edutainment’ concept which aims to teach ecology through wonderful visuals and immersive elements.

In fact, our favorite time to visit Supertree Grove is at night, when the magnificent structures are lit up and perform striking light shows. But don’t just ogle these beauties from the ground. For SGD$8 you can venture 22 meters in the air over a 128-meter aerial walkway through the Supertrees canopy.

Gardens by the bay at night

Dragonfly Lake 

This gorgeous green body of water might look still and silent on its surface, but below it is teeming with plant and aquatic life. The landscaped edges are carefully planted with reeds and other naturally filtering plants that contribute to the ecosystem’s preservation. You can enjoy the lake from the 440m-long boardwalk that meanders around the edge and provides exceptional spots for photography of the gardens with the city’s skyline in the background. 

Dragonfly lake

Sun Pavilion 

This sun-soaked cactus conservatory is an unusual sight in Singapore’s perpetually humid atmosphere. Under the cover of a sculptural glass roof, these cacti and succulents are allowed to thrive in the hot climate while Singapore’s stormwater is siphoned away. Enjoy a wander among these alien-like, prickly protrusions and admire the diversity of the Garden’s inhabitants. 

Sun Pavilion

Heritage Gardens 

Made up of four themed gardens, here you can learn about the history of Singapore through its main ethnic groups - Indian, Chinese, and Malay, up to colonial times and the influence that it left, all told through the power of plants. 

Chinese garden

Wait, there’s more to see at Gardens by the Bay

This attraction is fun for all the family. The kids are guaranteed a splashing good time at the Far East Organization’s Children’s Garden, a fantastic outdoor playground complete with water jets from huge sculptural colorful flowers.

And with at least 10 different dining options and a myriad of cuisines, you almost need never leave the superb complex that is Gardens by the Bay. Satay by the Bay is a shiny new hawker center, adorned in greenery, that can give the city’s famous hawkers a run for their money. 

See the best of Singapore

Discover our full line-up of Singapore attractions including Gardens by the Bay, Night Safari, National Gallery Singapore, and more.

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.

So grab a Singapore attraction pass and save while you see!

Share your trip with us 

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and share your adventure with us. Tag us at @GoCity on your travel photos to keep us up to date with your vacation. 

Samuel Ford
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Best Neighborhood to Stay in Singapore
Blog

Best Neighborhood to Stay in Singapore

Picking the right accommodation location is one of the most important parts of planning a vacation. What can your budget allow? What kind of vibe are you looking for? What do you want to be near? Whether you're looking for a mix of things, or are more specifically target one parameter, we've got you covered. Below, we've collated the best neighborhoods to stay in when you visit Singapore. So, whether you're looking to be by the city's most famous landmarks, in the thick of Singapore's nightlife, or want something a bit more traditional, we've found districts that will fit you like a glove. So read on, and find the perfect place for you! Including Marina Bay Riverside Downtown Orchard Road and more! Marina Bay Bringing your family to Singapore? Then Marina Bay is arguably the best neighborhood for you and your clan to stay in. Though it may err on the pricier side, if you're bringing the entire family to the city, you probably have the cash to burn. Location-wise, you'll be in the thick of the action. Marina Bay is a stone's throw from Clarke Quay and the Civic District, so you'll find plenty to keep busy. Plus, one of Singapore's top attractions, the Gardens by the Bay, is right on your doorstep. If you can, book a room at the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Not only are the rooms exquisite, but you'll also have easy access to the hotel's wonderous infinity pool. Riverside Leaving the little ones at home and looking to explore the city's after-dark samplings? Look no further than Riverside. Here, you'll find Singapore's hub of nightclubs, bars, and affluent restaurants. The once-busy docks have been transformed into Singapore's hippest evening area. Not only will you find plenty of rooftop bars where you can soak up some rays or see in the sunset, but you'll also don your dancing shoes at one of the area's many discotheques. Boogie woogie, and all that. However, like Marina Bay, Riverside is on the dearer side of Singapore neighborhoods. Many of the city's top restaurants and night haunts are located there, and you'll be paying a premium to sample their delights. It's also the busiest district for tourism, so if you travel during peak season, expect to be rubbing shoulders with plenty of other travelers. Downtown Singapore's financial district is, understandably, the city's most expensive place to stay. Reserved for traveling business people and the many clients they're visiting, accommodation can be on the pricier side. However, if you can afford it or are in town for business, why not splash the cash? Some of the city's best hotels are housed within, so if you've got it, why not flaunt it? Stacked with skyscrapers and futuristic designs seen in shows like Westworld, you'll find plenty of photo ops around Downtown. But don't worry; it isn't all glass, steel, and concrete. In fact, you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities and even parks if you need to take a verdant break. And yes, while most hotels are relatively expensive, hunt about, and you might find cheaper deals on some more reasonable places. Orchard Road Calling all shoppers. Do you have expensive taste? Do you accept nothing but the biggest and best labels adorning your body and accessories? If you answered yes, then Orchard Road is the best neighborhood to stay in while visiting Singapore! Even if you're not in the market for a new coat or bag, there are still plenty of reasons to stay in the area. You'll find classy cafes, wonderful restaurants, and smaller boutique stores where you can pick up unique items you won't find on the high street. And, when you finally hit your overdraft and have too much to bring back with you, you'll find easy connections to other parts of the city. So, if you need to shop but also want a dazzling locale as your base of operations, check out Orchard Road. Chinatown While we've mainly covered the higher end of budgets when it comes to neighborhoods in Singapore, you needn't break the bank to get the best. In fact, if you're looking for a more authentic cultural experience where rents are cheap, and food is affordable, you can't do much better than Chinatown. A little piece of China in the heart of Singapore, Chinatown also offers all the wonderful delicacies you can expect from a little slice of the east. Food stalls selling myriad Chinese dishes and street food; welcoming shops full of cultural items and knickknacks, as well as great connections to some of the more expensive parts of the city. If you're not looking to break the bank and desire a bit of peace with your accommodation, Chinatown is more than worth a look. Plus, you'll even find the city's cheapest Michelin-star restaurant within, so you can dine like a king without flogging the crown jewels. Little India If you like the idea of Chinatown but prefer your cuisine with a little added spice, say hello to Little India. As a location, it shares many of the same benefits as its eastern partner, with cheaper rents, affordable food, and plenty of authentic shops and experiences to discover. Food-wise, however, expect to find plenty of traditional offerings; curries of all shapes and sizes, pakora, vada pav, and many more. And, as it's located close to some of Singapore's best shopping districts, you'll have plenty of reasons to head out and explore, should you wish to. And those are our picks of the best neighborhoods to stay in during your Singapore vacation! Now that you know where to set up your base camp, you'll need to plan the rest of your trip. If you're suffering from choice paralysis, let Go City ease your woes! Thanks to our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits and make huge savings while you're at it!
Dom Bewley
Singapore Skyline at Night
Blog

Singapore from Above: Sky-High Views You Can’t Miss

From glass towers to cable cars, these spots show off Singapore’s finest skyline.
Is Singapore Expensive to Visit
Blog

Is Singapore Expensive to Visit?

With its melting pot of diverse cultures living in harmony, and a wealth of experience opportunities, Singapore is one of the world's best vacation destinations. With so many cultures in one place, no two days will be the same. You'll be sampling eastern cuisine one day only to hold up the bar at an Irish pub the next. So, with so much to do, see, and try, you might wonder how much it will all set you back. Well, wonder no more, because we're about to answer all your most burning questions. Is Singapore expensive to visit? What kind of budget should you plan for, and how can you keep costs down? Read on after the jump. Including: When to visit Where to stay How to get about the city Where to eat and drink What to do and more! When to Visit If you want to warm your chilled bones in the colder months, Singapore is a great place to miss the freeze. Temperatures year-round vary between the mid-70s to almost 90°F, so you'll be comfortable in your summer best. However, one thing to bear in mind is the country's climate. Singapore is what we call a 'tropical paradise'. While that may fill your mind with exotic fruits and palm trees, what it actually means is that those high temperatures are partied up with frequent heavy rainfall. Monsoon season takes place between November and January, so if you're not bothered by a few inches of rain, you'll likely get the best deals on flights if you plan to go around then. Likewise, if you head there between June and August, you'll pay a premium as it's the country's busiest time of year. Flights-wise, your best bet to get a good deal is to plan ahead. Booking flights months or even a year in advance means you'll likely get the best prices as well as your pick of the seats. Check out sites like Skyscanner to compare airlines, flight times, and prices all in one handy place. Where to stay Accommodation is usually the biggest expense on any vacation. But it needn't be. Savvy shoppers, or at least those of you who don't need the lap of luxury, will find a ton of budget-friendly options in Singapore. Families might not want to stay in a hostel, but solo travelers or groups of friends might luck out on shared accommodation, with some going as low as around $20 a night. It won't be romantic and won't have all the bells and whistles of a classy hotel, but you'll get a bed, a bathroom, and bag space for your carry-on. Alternatively, if you're looking for that 5-star experience, you'll need to multiply that nightly amount by 10 at least, because top hotels start at around $220 a night. That might not seem like a lot compared to quality hotels in other countries, but all these costs add up. To summarise, accommodation in Singapore is only as expensive as you make it, so consider that when planning your visit. Attractions Of course, when considering if Singapore is expensive to visit, we have to talk about attractions! The city is a veritable playground of things to see and do, from floral extravaganzas to theme parks. But, with so much to see, costs will inevitably begin to add up. Well, put your fears at rest, dear reader. Pick up an All-Inclusive Pass or an Explorer Pass and let Go City handle the rest. With the former, you can pick the number of days you want and visit as many of Singapore's best attractions as you want. With the latter, pick up to 7 of the city's experiences and see them at your own pace. Whichever you pick, you could save up to 50% on entry, so pick a pass, skip the queue, and enjoy all of Singapore's best bits in one affordable place! Transportation Another often-significant vacation expense is travel. Some cities have public transport systems that leave much to be desired, forcing you to rent a car or pay for myriad cabs throughout your stay. Thankfully, Singapore is not one of those cities, as it boasts a fantastic interconnected series of buses and trains that will help you navigate to every experience your heart desires. And best of all, it's cheap too! For as low as $10, you can pick up a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel around the city. Get a 1-day pass or one that covers you for up to 3 days. It's easy peasy and won't break the bank. And, when you're trying to minimize costs and squeeze your cents, it's a godsend. Food and drink Given the diversity of cultures on display in Singapore, one of the country's biggest draws is its cuisine. Local dishes are married with cuisines from across the eastern world and beyond, so no matter your predilections, your appetite is sure to be sated. And, thankfully for your bank, fine dining can be had on a budget. Street food lovers can wander to any market and find brilliant local dishes like chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow for under 5 bucks. Shopping mall food courts have similar deals, but more on shopping later. Alternatively, if you fancy Michelin-starred bites, you will have to pay a comparable amount to countries like the US and UK. Meals at top joints will set you back about $40 - 200 per person, so you're certainly paying for the privilege. However, if you want to wet your whistle, things aren't so simple. Singapore is a traditionally conservative country with strict laws on alcohol consumption. So, while you'll find a thriving rooftop bar scene that makes the most of the country's climate and surroundings, you'll need to fork out a little extra to sip some suds. Beers typically come in at around $8-10, which will be fine for those of you traveling from New York or London, but can seem exceedingly pricy when compared to other cheaper neighborhoods. The good news is that happy hours and drinks deals are relatively common, so examine the menu before making a purchase to get the best boozy bang for your buck. Shopping Finally, it's time to talk about shopping. Many consider Singapore to be a shopping haven, with handfuls of malls, markets, and boutiques more than willing to take your coin. If you're big into designer brands and luxury items, head to the aforementioned malls, or high streets like Orchard Road, to get the very biggest labels. Prices are negligibly better than in the west, but you may also find items you simply can't get on our shores. Alternatively, if you're in the market for authentic clothing, handcrafted jewelry, or other knickknacks, Singapore's markets are the way to go. Prices are more than affordable, and the items you'll find will be more unique than anything in a shop window. So, is Singapore expensive to visit? Yes and no. Hopefully, we've given you the tools and tips to work to a budget. Now stop worrying and enjoy your vacation!
Dom Bewley

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.