Marina Bay & Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay: Where Nature Meets Technology

Since opening in 2012 as part of Singapore's vision to become a "City in a Garden," Gardens by the Bay has captivated millions of visitors. Spanning 101 hectares of prime waterfront land, the park was rated No. 8 World's Top Attraction by Tripadvisor's 2024 Travellers' Choice Awards—and for good reason.

The Iconic Supertrees

These 25-50 meter tall vertical gardens are Gardens by the Bay's most recognizable feature. Covered in over 162,900 plants from more than 200 species, these architectural marvels aren't just for show—they collect rainwater, generate solar power, and act as air venting ducts for the conservatories below.

Garden Rhapsody Light & Sound Show: Don't miss the nightly spectacular at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM when the Supertrees illuminate to music. It's completely FREE and one of Singapore's most magical experiences. Pro tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot on the ground or walk along the OCBC Skyway for a bird's-eye perspective.

Cloud Forest - Journey to the Mountains

Step into a cool, moist environment replicating mountain conditions 1,000-3,000 meters above sea level. The centerpiece is the world's tallest indoor waterfall at 35 meters, surrounded by rare plants from tropical highlands. The temperature inside is maintained at 23-25°C—a refreshing escape from Singapore's heat.

Admission: Adult 0, Child (3-12 years) 2

Flower Dome - Mediterranean Paradise

The world's largest glass greenhouse replicates Mediterranean and semi-arid climates, featuring plants from five continents. The famous Baobab trees from Africa are a highlight, along with seasonal flower displays that change throughout the year.

Admission: Adult 0, Child (3-12 years) 2
Money-Saving Tip: Purchase a combo ticket for both conservatories at 2 (saves vs buying separately)

2025 Special Exhibitions

• Disney Garden of Wonder at Floral Fantasy: Running until August 2025, featuring Disney-themed floral displays
• Orchid Extravaganza: Annual showcase with Supertrees decorated entirely with orchids celebrating National Day
• National Day Concert: Free outdoor concert in August with celebrity performances

Marina Bay Sands: Icon of Modern Singapore

SkyPark Observation Deck

Located 56 storeys high at 200 meters above ground, the SkyPark offers 360-degree panoramic views of Singapore's skyline, Gardens by the Bay, and the Singapore Strait. As of January 17, 2025, a new exhibition called "Skyline Singapore: Stories From Above" chronicles the history and future of Marina Bay Sands.

Admission: Adult 2, Child (2-12 years) 6
Insider Tip: Visit at sunset (around 7 PM) to see the city transition from day to night—you'll catch both the golden hour and the twinkling lights of the city.

ArtScience Museum

The lotus-shaped museum hosts world-class exhibitions blending art, science, culture, and technology. The Marina Bay Sands Art Path features large-scale outdoor artworks including the Sky Mirror installation.

Getting There by Bus: Route 400 is Your Best Friend

While many visitors default to the MRT, taking the bus offers a more scenic journey with views of Singapore's waterfront and skyline.

Route 400 - THE Premier Option

This is the ONLY public bus that stops directly at the main entrance of Gardens by the Bay. The route operates as a loop service: CBD → Gardens by the Bay → Marina Bay Cruise Centre → CBD.

Key Stops:

• Marina Gardens Drive (main entrance to Gardens by the Bay)
• Marina Bay Sands (integrated resort)
• Marina Centre (near Suntec City)

Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes during peak hours
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM daily
Fare: /bin/bash.99 - .62 depending on distance (tap your SimplyGo card/credit card)

Alternative Bus Routes

• Route 97 / 97E: From Queen Street terminal and various city locations
• Route 106: Connects from Changi and eastern Singapore
• Route 133: From Bukit Merah and Tiong Bahru areas
• Routes 502 / 502A: Premium bus service with more comfortable seating
• Routes 518 / 518A: Express services from various heartlands
• Route 655: Additional connection option

Gardens by the Bay MRT (TE22) - The Newest Option

Opened in 2024, this Thomson-East Coast Line station is located just 26 meters from the Gardens entrance—literally a 1-minute walk. It's the most convenient MRT option for direct access.

Photography Guide: Best Photo Spots

• Sunrise at Supertree Grove (6:30-7:30 AM): Golden light with fewer crowds
• Marina Bay Sands Reflection Pool (Evening): Classic postcard shot of the hotel's three towers
• Helix Bridge at Blue Hour (7:00-7:30 PM): The bridge's LED lighting creates stunning reflections
• OCBC Skyway During Garden Rhapsody: Elevated view of the light show (requires 4 ticket to Skyway)
• Dragonfly Lake Platform: Lesser-known viewpoint with Supertrees and Marina Bay Sands in one frame

Money-Saving Strategies

• Free Attractions: Outdoor gardens, Supertree Grove, Heritage Gardens, and Garden Rhapsody show are all completely free
• Travel Off-Peak: Arrive before 7:45 AM for up to /bin/bash.50 off your bus fare
• BYO Food: Picnicking is allowed in outdoor areas—grab affordable hawker food from Maxwell Food Centre before visiting
• Book Online: Conservatory tickets are sometimes cheaper when purchased in advance on the official website
• Skip the Skyway: The ground-level view of Supertrees is just as impressive and free

Perfect One-Day Itinerary

9:00 AM: Arrive via Route 400, enter Gardens by the Bay when gates open
9:30 AM: Explore Cloud Forest before crowds arrive (most peaceful time)
11:00 AM: Visit Flower Dome while still cool and comfortable
12:30 PM: Lunch at Satay by the Bay hawker center (-10 per person)
2:00 PM: Rest in outdoor gardens, explore Heritage Gardens and themed areas
4:00 PM: Walk to Marina Bay Sands, browse shops or visit ArtScience Museum
6:00 PM: Dinner at Marina Bay Sands food court or nearby restaurants
7:30 PM: Return to Supertree Grove for Garden Rhapsody light show (7:45 PM)
8:30 PM: Evening stroll along Marina Bay waterfront
9:30 PM: Catch Route 400 home

Practical Visitor Information

• Opening Hours: Outdoor gardens open 5:00 AM - 2:00 AM daily; Conservatories 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Time Needed: 3-4 hours for outdoor areas only; 5-6 hours to include conservatories
• Best for Families: Far East Organization Children's Garden has water play areas (bring swimwear and change of clothes)
• Wheelchair Accessible: Entire Gardens is wheelchair-friendly with accessible toilets and elevators
• Free WiFi: Available throughout Gardens by the Bay
• Stroller Friendly: Wide pathways make stroller navigation easy

Insider Tips from Locals

• Tuesday mornings see the smallest crowds—perfect for photography
• The air-conditioned conservatories are perfect refuge during Singapore's afternoon rain showers
• Bring a light sweater—conservatories are kept at 23-25°C which can feel cold after 30+ minutes
• Download the Gardens by the Bay app for self-guided audio tours (free)
• The Bayfront area gets incredibly crowded during National Day (August 9) and New Year's Eve—plan accordingly

Why Visit Marina Bay & Gardens by the Bay?

This district encapsulates everything that makes Singapore special: world-class architecture, innovative urban planning, commitment to sustainability, and the seamless blend of nature with cutting-edge technology. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, the Marina Bay area offers something new with each visit—from seasonal floral displays to new exhibitions and events.

Best of all? With smart planning and the right bus routes, you can experience one of the world's most impressive urban destinations for just a few dollars in transportation costs.