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. 

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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. 

My Garden Rhapsody Experience

I started with the Flower Dome and then onto the SkyWalk. The queue can be rather long, but the views from the OCBC Skyway at Gardens by the Bay are phenomenal. And with the sun beginning to set over Singapore as I walked across it, a truly remarkable memory. 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. 

Garden Rhapsody Show Times

The Garden Rhapsody shows are twice each night, 7:45pm and 8:45pm 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 Early Should You Arrive for Garden Rhapsody?

I arrived between 30-15 minutes before the showtime, and it was starting to get busy. We managed to find a good spot at the edge of the pathway that meant when the show started I could lay down and look up at the lights. I think leaving it any later than 15 minutes risks getting a less than ideal view of the show. But if you get a bad shot at 7:45, you still have an opportunity at the 8:45.

Where Is the Best Place to Watch Garden Rhapsody?

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 on masse creating blockages.

What Else Can You Do Before Garden Rhapsody?

There is so much you can do at Gardens by the Bay, so I really recommend arriving early and spending the afternoon here. The outdoor gardens are free to explore, while several attractions require a ticket, including the OCBC Skyway, Supertree Observatory, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.

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.

Would I Recommend Garden Rhapsody?

The Garden Rhapsody is an incredible experience, watching the lights dance in time with music was a moment of pure magic. You can combine this with a visit to the Gardens if you want a relaxed, low budget activity option. Alternatively if you have a little more budget and want to get more involved, you can pick and choose from the choice of activities.

Whichever you choose, the Garden Rhapsody is the perfect way to end your experience. Watching this light show will give your experience the hero moment that it deserves, and should not be missed. I was only in Singapore for two nights, I landed too late in the evening on the first night so could only visit on the second. If I had more time in Singapore, I’d have come back again, and next time I visit I definitely will be.

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