What You Really Need to Know about Singapore’s Gardens By the Bay
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
One of the proudest attraction Singapore has to offer – Gardens by the Bay is a nature park spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land in the Central Region of Singapore
Did you know? Garden’s by the Bay’s cool and misty Cloud Forest Dome contains the world’s largest indoor waterfall.
Traveling to Singapore for the first time? This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to navigate your way inside, save money, and maximize your time.
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How to get to Singapore —
Touchdown at Singapore Changi Airport, which serves flights from Cebu (4 hours), Hongkong, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, New York, London & more. From the Philippines, you can also fly direct from Manila, Clark, & Iloilo. Flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia,
Scoot, Jetstar and Singapore Airlines. Click below to see online prices on airport and city transfers.
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Always book your hotel early — Avail low rates and avoid fully-booked rooms by booking online as soon 2-3 months before your travel departure. Click below to compare discounts and read reviews by other travelers.
Check discounts and prices online — Save money by checking discounts on tours & airport/hotel transfers. Booking before you leave also saves you time & avoids the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash during your actual trip.
Visa-free travel for Philippine citizens — 75% of all nationalities, including Filipino tourists, do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in Singapore for short period of visits. Scroll down to the extra tips for the list of things you might need to prepare.
Singapore 3G/4G internet data sim card & pocket WiFi rental
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Pre- Travel Tips
✓How to get to Singapore
✓ How to get around Singapore?
✓ What to prepare for a trip to Singapore?
✓ Where to best exchange currency (SGD DOLLARS) ?
✓ How to find cheap flights to Singapore?
✓ When is the best time to visit Gardens by the Bay?
✓ Travel Must Haves
✓ Money-saving tips
✓ Where to book tours & attraction tickets?
How to get to Singapore
From the Philippines, you can also fly direct from Manila, Clark, & Iloilo. Flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, Scoot, Jetstar and Singapore Airlines.
From Malaysia, you can also fly direct from Kuala Lumpur or ride by bus. I have tried the bus and the experience is so overwhelming. I am a border crosser.
How to get around Singapore
Buy an EZ-Link Card sold at Changi Airport station & many ticket offices around Singapore. This prepaid card can be used to pay for MRT, LRT and bus rides. Enjoy discount fares if you use this card. The cost is SGD 12 per card. Includes SGD 7 stored value and SGD 5 non-refundable card cost. You can top-up at any 7-Eleven store. Only 1 person is allowed per card.
Buy a NETS FLASHPAY. (same as ez-link)
What to prepare for a trip to Singapore?
Singapore Tourist Visa — Go to the Singapore Immigration website to check if you need to apply for a visa before going on your trip. Foreign visitors from countries not listed in the “Assesment Level Countries” can visit Singapore visa-free.
Visa for Filipino citizens — Philippines nationals can enjoy visa-free travel in Singapore, for up to 30 days.
Also, be sure that you are able to provide the following:
-Have confirmed flight tickets back to your home country or an onward destination that you are allowed to enter.
-Company ID or School ID.
-Passport not expiring within 6 months.
-Evidence that you are visiting for travel or holiday purposes only.
-Evidence that you are able to fund your stay for the entire duration of your visit.
Where to best exchange currency (SGD DOLLARS) ?
It is best to exchange currency in your country’s local bank way before your trip. Try to plan this too when booking plane tickets. Currency rates are so unpredictable.
If you’re from CEBU, exchange here:
✓ ALCO CREDIT AND MONEY EXCHANGE at Raintree Mall
✓ Drop-By Foreign Exchange at Rustan’s Dept. Store or Fuente Osmeña circle
If you have not think this over and have read this now and your flight is in a week, try this.
✓ Bring Philippine Peso for your trip since Singapore Exchange Currency Stores accept it. Exchange a small amount at the airport and then the rest at the city center for better rates.
How to find cheap flights to Singapore?
Start your search on Wego, Momondo, and Skyscanner.
Also, check Singapore promo alerts several weeks or months ahead of your trip if you are planning your trip early. The cheapest promos are sold up to a year in advance of the travel/flight departure date & are often only available if you book directly with the airline.
When is the Best Time to Visit Gardens by the Bay?
In the morning before noon, if you wish to visit the domes and walk around the gardens when there’s not too many people around. In the evenings, if you wish to catch the musical lights show at the supertrees. The shows are at 7:30pm and 8:30pm.
Travel Must-Haves
✓ Google Map App – A life-saver for me because without it, I might get lost.
✓ Google Translate – Super powerful app. Translate anything.
✓ Grab app – Hassle-free ride and it takes you to your destination fast.
✓ Sunscreen – Protect yourself from sunburn or much worse – Cancer.
✓ Pocket Wifi or Sim Card – The convenient of searching anything is a go-to. Please don’t forget this baby. It is a life-saver for me though.
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Money Saving Tips
Get a good map and explore the city on your own tour — You can tour the city at your own pace plus you can choose from a variety of options. There are a lot of awesome things to do in Singapore that doesn’t cost a dime.
Visit Chinatown — Food and things that will be bought here are cheap.
Eat at hawker centers & taste Singapore’s multi-cultural food — Meals are cheap and the food is prepared in relatively high quality and sanitation. A long line of people queuing at a stall is usually a sign that it serves good food that is safe to eat.
Ride MRTs and buses — This is the cheapest way to get around.
Stay at hostels or airbnb — If you are travelling alone or by group of 3, hostels are best for you. But, if you are travelling in group of 4 or more, then airbnb is best for you. I have calculated the difference and airbnb ones are best for group of travellers.
Pre-book your Gardens By the Bay attraction tickets online
Booking online to enjoy discounts and cashless convenience during the actual trip is what I always do. Always check prices of tours and attraction tickets on this booking site:
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✓ Prices are often cheaper than booking on-site. Huge discounts on many activities.
✓ Maximize your trip! Avoid wasting time queuing at ticket booths & shopping for tours.
✓ Get a good idea what to expect. Knowing all the inclusions/non-inclusions & reading user reviews is very helpful to make an informed decision.
✓ Earn rewards points for every booking.
✓ Pay in your home currency. Worry less about bringing cash/exchanging currencies.
If you’re booking tours and you’ve already finalized your travel dates, book early, especially if you are traveling with family/friends to lock-in those open slots for everyone in your group.
Getting to Gardens by the Bay
It’s easy to get to Gardens by the Bay with both car/taxi and public transport. Unless you stay close to Marina Bay Sands, I wouldn’t recommend walking. Uber or Grab is cheap to use in Singapore, but there is also a convenient metro stop at one of the entrances.
There is also a shuttle from the entrance when you walk here from the Helix Bridge.
1. By bus/train
Via the Circle Line or Downtown Line
a. Alight at Bayfront MRT Station (CE1/DT16)
b. Take Exit B and follow the underground linkway
c.Exit and cross the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge into Gardens by the Bay
Via the East-West Line
a.Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (EW15)
b. Take Exit C and head towards bus stop no. 03223 located at International Plaza, Anson Road
c. Hop onto bus no. 400 and alight at bus stop no. 03371 along Marina Gardens Drive
2. By walking
From the Helix Bridge Towards the Art Science Museum
Follow the footpath which leads under the East Coast Parkway (ECP), which will bring you directly into Bay South Garden along the waterfront.
From Marina Bay Sands
Walk across the overhead bridge (Lions Bridge) located at Marina Bay Sands Hotel (open daily from 8.00am to 11.00pm), or take the underground linkway via Bayfront MRT Station (Exit B).
3. By taxi
If you decide to take a taxi to gardens by the bay, you just jump into the taxi and say that you’re going there. Every taxi driver in Singapore knows where Gardens by the Bay is located since it’s one of the city’s most famous and popular attractions.
Do not worry if you are a bit hesitant in asking people question on where the place is located because the direction sign found inside the station is pretty much super direct to the point and will totally lead you (This is based on my personal experience).
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO CONSIDER BEFORE GOING TO GARDENS BY THE BAY
So, you really are a first timer like me and you have decided to really dig in what’s in the Garden? Well, you are in the right place my friends. Just keep scrolling.
You can actually go to enter Gardens by the Bay for FREE. The paid premises are for cloud forest, flower dome and OCBC skyway.
OPENING HOURS, LOCATION & CLOSING DATES
1. Daily 09:00am-09:00pm
2. For up-to-date operating hours, please refer to the official website of Gardens by the Bay.
3. Location: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
4. As of 2019 Closing Dates for Flower Dome: 15 Jan, 12 Feb, 5 Mar, 9 Apr, 28 May, 25 Jun, 23 Jul, 27 Aug, 24 Sep, 15 Oct, 4 Nov, 10 Dec
5. As of 2019 Closing Dates for Cloud Forest: 14 Jan, 11 Feb, 4 Mar, 8 Apr, 27 May, 24 Jun, 22 Jul, 26 Aug, 23 Sep, 14 Oct, 5 Nov, 9 Dec
5. As of 2019 Closing Dates for OCBC Skyway: 11 Mar, 15 Apr, 13 May, 10 Jun, 8 Jul, 5 Aug, 9 Sep, 7 Oct, 2 Dec
6. Make sure to provide your full name as written on your travel document/passport.
7. Audio guide and headset rental is available at the Visitor’s Information Centre in English, Mandarin and Japanese (SGD4 each, 9:00am-9:00pm daily)
8. Get a re-entry stamp on your way out to re-enter within the same day
9. Admission to the Supertree Grove (excluding OCBC Skyway bridge, which connects the Supertrees) is free, as is admission to the regular garden areas.
APPROPRIATE TIME TO BE IN THE GARDENS BY THE BAY
In the morning before noon, if you wish to visit the domes and walk around the gardens when there’s not too many people around. In the evenings, if you wish to catch the musical lights show at the supertrees. The shows are at 7:30pm and 8:30pm.
HOW MUCH DOES THE GARDENS BY THE BAY TICKETS COST?
The ticket itself include entrance to the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome. As mentioned before, the Supertree Grove is always open to the public for FREE, and the extra ticket for OCBC Skyway is 8 Singaporean dollars, or 5 SGD for children 3-12 years.
Here’s the list of prices as of September 2019:
For Gardens by the Bay (Direct Entry) = PHP 864 (SGD$22, US$18)
For Gardens by the Bay + OCBC Skyway = PHP 1128 (SGD$29, US$23)
Please take note that the ticket prices may change due to currency rates.
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CLOUD FOREST
This 35-metre tall mountain showcases plant life from tropical highlands up to 2,000 metres above sea level.
Once I stepped into this area, I already like it because it is air-conditioned. There is also a water fountain so you don’t need to buy again.
There are also a big screen inside showing something. I totally forgot what it showed (lol!). It is for you wanderers to find out. *wink*
FLOWER DOME
The Flower Dome replicates the cool-dry climate of Mediterranean regions and houses a collection of plants from deserts all over the world. Its an another popular spot in the Gardens by the Bay and as you can guess from the name, this place is all about flowers of different sorts.
If you’re into flower photography this place will probably be somewhat of a haven, and the same goes if you just like to see beautiful flowers.
How many minutes to Spend here? – Depends solely unto you but for me since I am not a flower power kind of gal, probably half an hour.
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OCBC SKYWAY + SUPERTREE GROVE
You’ll recognise the distinctive Supertrees—25 to 50-metre-tall vertical gardens that collect rainwater, generate solar power and act as venting ducts for the park’s conservatories.
Actually, strolling in these areas are so energy draining yet awesomely eye-candy. It’s actually hot in the morning haha! Just bring some lotion and water to keep you hydrated. Mahal ang water bes! Mahal. Tipid din ha.
If you dare, take the OCBC Skyway, a 128-metre-long walkway suspended between two Supertrees, for a bird’s eye view of the park. It’s a wee bit scary if you’re afraid of heights, but it’s safe and you won’t fall down as long as you follow the safety guidelines.
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GARDENS BY THE BAY LIGHT SHOW
Locals and tourists gather every night around 7 pm to see the light show. It’s a free attraction, and you just go down to the ground floor at the Supertree Grove. There’s a large grass field where people bring picnic baskets and blankets to sit on while watching the light show!
The first light show starts at 7:45 PM and the second one starts at 8:45 PM. So if you miss the first one you get a second chance an hour later. But make sure to arrive 10-15 minutes earlier at least to get a good spot.
Duration of the show – The light show itself is about 15 minutes long but if you want to get a good spot, I would recommend setting aside 30 minutes to the Gardens by the Bay light show.
MAP TO HELP YOU GET AROUND GARDENS BY THE BAY
Did you visit any Gardens lately? How was it? Try Gardens by the Bay too!
