Whilst planning for my trip to Asia, I knew I had to visit the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, one of the city’s must-visit attractions. With just over 24 hours in the city to explore, it was the perfect place to experience some of Singapore’s most iconic sights. The futuristic Supertree Grove, mist-filled Cloud Forest and the world’s largest glass greenhouse, the Flower Dome, all call these gardens home.

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Quick Information

Planning a Day in Singapore: Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay

After landing late in the evening, I wanted to make the most of my one full day in Singapore. Sitting in the hotel bar, my cold beer collecting condensation on the table, I poured over Google Maps and planned my route. My first stop would be the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck, one of the most popular attractions in Singapore. Both the SkyPark and Gardens by the Bay are within walking distance of each other, but the SkyPark has limited capacity, and could be trickier to get in without a booking. Sadly I couldn’t reserve tickets in advance since all the systems were down, but my hotel’s concierge reassured me there would be no issue with the Gardens.  

From the SkyPark Observation Deck I had a staggering view overlooking the twisted metal trees of the Supertree Grove. Once I left, I followed the riverfront promenade on a short walk to the Gardens. I had been up until 2 am the night before trying unsuccessfully to book my garden tickets – pro tip: always book Gardens by the Bay Singapore tickets in advance to avoid stress.

Gardens by the Bay Wildlife: The Return of the Smooth-Coated Otter

The Gardens themselves have seen a wildlife boom over the last few years, proving the gardens are just as popular with wildlife as with humans. In fact the smooth-coated otter population has boomed over the past few years. Once facing extinction in Singapore, their population nearly doubled to about 150 between 2019 to 2022. Prompting the Singapore government to start relocation efforts to keep numbers down. You can still see Otter families hunt for fish or play in the waterways. And that’ll continue in the future as they aim to reduce and prevent overcrowding

Gardens by the Bay Tickets Explained

When I bought my tickets at the counter, I learned that the Gardens by the Bay light show, Garden Rhapsody, is completed free and doesn’t require a ticket. It takes place twice nightly, (7:45 PM and 8:45 PM) at the Supertree Grove. All I needed to do was arrive early to grab a good spot on the grass.

Most of the outdoor gardens are also free to explore, but several of the other activities are ticketed. These include the Flower Dome, OCBC SkyWalk and Supertree Observatory.

Tickets can be purchased individually or as a bundle, making it easier to pick and choose based on your interests. I didn’t have the time to visit the Cloud Forest on this trip – though its famous for its indoor waterfall. It’s definitely on my list for when I return to Singapore. 

Flower Dome

Composed of collections from around the world. The Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome is a beautiful glass building making it the world’s largest greenhouse. Here you can find flowers from across the world, from Australia, South Africa, California and the Mediterranean. It’s a beautiful walk and the smell of the flowers is incredible.

OCBC Skyway

This treetop walkway takes you up and around the artificial trees giving beautiful views of Gardens by the Bay from above. You walk in line with the Marina Bay Sands which you can see towering above the treetops. It does get very busy on the platform so you have to be constantly moving. It’s another fantastic view, in a city that is full of them, yet after returning from Singapore, my walk on the OCBC Skyway in Singapore is one of my favourite memories.

Lights by the Bay: Garden Rhapsody

The Lights by the Bay is a lightshow that’s completely free to attend. Unlike the Flower Garden and Skywalk, these areas of the Gardens can be walked into without a ticket and enjoyed by anyone for free. They hold two shows a night, one at 7pm and the other at 8pm. When I visited the theme was Rhapsody (not Bohemian Rhapsody sadly) but it was a fantastic show. Laying on the path and looking up at the trees as the lights blinked in rhythm to the music. 

Supertree Observatory

Supertree Observatory

Taking you higher than the SkyWalk, the the Gardens by the Bay Supertree Observatory gives you a complete 360 of the botanical gardens. Allowing you to look down from above or see sweeping views across the city. There is also a small bar here for drinks and the lift up is an experience in itself. 

Cloud Forest

I sadly didn’t visit the Cloud Forest, by many of my friends have which has only made me regret missing it more. The Gardens by the Bay Cloud Forest has one of the worlds largest indoor waterfalls, surrounded by all sorts of exotic fauna. You can climb up the aerial walkway and find it you will struggle to find a view that isn’t breathtaking.

The Gardens by the Bay is a must visit for any trip to Singapore. And with its variety of options it’s suitable for any budget. Keep things cheap and just sit and enjoy the lightshow, or take advantage of the multiple booking discounts and explore a few or even all of the activities.