Nightlights in Singapore
The Garden Rhapsody was something I was really excited for during my time in Singapore. Although to be fair there isn’t a lot I wasn’t excited to explore. Initially, I didn’t think I would make the show. I had been up til 2 am the night before trying to book tickets, and couldn’t see any that included the light show.
Luckily, the ParkRoyal Marina Bay has a team of fantastic concierges, and in the morning one of them gave the Gardens a call for me. They told him I was welcome to turn up without a booking and buy tickets at the counter. Worried I might still miss the opportunity, after the Marina Bay Sands I went straight there to reserve my spot.
Turns out I needn’t have worried. The Garden Rhapsody is not a ticketed event. With the show being completely free to attend, you just have to turn up and find a place to sit. I still bought my tickets to the other attractions and planned to return that evening.
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Wandering the Gardens by the Bay
I started with the Flower Dome and the OCBC SkyWalk. The queue for the SkyWalk can be rather long, with the sun beginning to set over Singapore as I walked across it. By the time I exited the lift, it was 6:45 and the show would be starting imminently.
I still had my ticket for the Supertree Observatory remaining, but they were open for a few more hours so I decided to enjoy a show. It had been a hot and sweaty day, and I could do with a drink.
Twilight Shows
The Garden Rhapsody shows are twice each night, 7pm and 8pm and are spectacular. And the lights look incredible, dancing along to the rhythm. It’s quite a length show, around 15 minutes which is longer than I expected considering it was free. But the sheer size of the crowds it draws in.
How do I visit the Gardens by the Bay?
The easiest way to visit the Gardens by the Bay is to book a tour is online here. I have used this company on all my trips because they offer unique experiences and make exploring a new destination easy.
Garden Rhapsody under the Trees
I luckily found a patch with a great view just below the SuperTree Observatory I would be visiting after. But if you have the time I would recommend turning up early and securing yourself a prime location. I was visiting on a Sunday so it was a bit quieter but still very busy. The food court I bought my drink from had some great food options. You can also find some fast food staples as well as snacky bits to have a makeshift picnic.
They shut down all the lights so you’re just illuminated by the trees. Which helps to make it a really immersive experience. A lot of people (including myself) laid down on the path so they could look up in the night sky to see it. Once Garden Rhapsody was finished though there was the inevitable mass crowd heading towards the exit. Many people either come especially for this or save it for their last experience. So they all exit en masse creating blockages.
I still had my ticket to the SuperTree Observatory remaining. So I didn’t have to jump straight into the rush and could take my time. Where we sat was just opposite the entrance, but by the time I had walked 20m, the queue had grown exponentially. The Light Show was fantastic though, and certainly memorable. It was the highlight of my trip to Singapore and something I will definitely be repeating when I return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the show is free to attend for anyone.
Garden Rhapsody is a free-to-visit show in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. Underneath the metal trees of the OCBC Skyway, you can watch as the lights dance and the trees change colour in time with beautiful music. There are two shows per night, and considering how expensive travel can be, something this beautiful and free cannot be missed.
Nope, it’s first come first serve. You just need to find a place in the Gardens by the Bay to get a good view. These are first come first serve. Some parts of the Garden are ticketed though, The easiest way to visit the Gardens by the Bay is to book a tour is online here. I have used this company on all my trips because they offer unique experiences and make exploring a new destination easy.
Lights by the Bay shows are at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm daily.
The Garden Rhapsody show goes on for around 15 minutes.
Yes! The Gardens by the Bay posts any planned closures well in advance. So you can check here for your upcoming visit.
Yes as the show can be viewed from anywhere they are accessible by anyone. There are ramps and lifts around the gardens to help with access.
You can enjoy the Garden Rhapsody from the base of the Supertree’s in the Gardens by the Bay.
You don’t need any tickets or go through any checks. You just have to turn up below the Supertrees and find yourself somewhere comfortable to sit. There are no chairs and many people sit on the pathways, but you may find the grass more comfortable. Bring along a travel towel or travel blanket if you are worried about the dirt.
There are a few restaurants on the grounds of the gardens. With a food court within view of the main light show area.
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