A Stroll at the Gardens by the Bay

I finally had a chance to  explore (more intensively) the new attraction in town, Gardens by the Bay.   It opened June of last year.   My kids, with my sister-in-law,  visited the place earlier than I did.  My hub and I attempted to go with the kids, but we got tired walking from the huge Marina Bay Sands Shoppes.  We just manage a few sections pass the entrance.  Nakakapagod! Next time na lang, kaya? 🙂  Ok. Let’s go home!

Behind the massive ship-on-stilts Marina Bay Sands lies the seemingly dragon-like conservatories of Gardens by the Bay

Massive structures called Super Trees gives the gardens an out-of-this world feel.

If you live here, you tend to be complacent on seeing the new sights.   You always wait for the time, when the tourists and local crowd are done with.  But each time I have a visitor, I am compelled or shall I say,  the visiting friends give me an excuse to see these places,  now na!  Otherwise, I procrastinate 🙂

My lovely companion for this afternoon stroll was my former boss and friend Carmela.  She’s been to Singapore several times but hasn’t seen the gardens yet.  So, the experience was new for both us!  Chilling out in the outdoor gardens is Free, but if you want to visit the conservatories, the fee is 28 SGD; and if you want to try the canopy walk from one super tree to another, it’s an additional 5 SGD.

Let me share some of our photos in the outdoor garden last time we attempted to go.

Unlike Melbourne or Sydney with their cool weather and gorgeous outdoor gardens,  Singapore has an extremely hot weather.  Most flowers do not grow well.   Thus, the outdoor attractions here are mostly rare trees and man-made installations.  It’s hot to go around!  Load up on sunblock and bring  a hat!  Better to go in the late afternoons like 4PM.  Anyway, sunset comes late, around 730PM.

On our visit, Carmela and I focused on the two conservatories.  The beautiful structures are actually climate-controlled glasshouses containing various plant species all over the world.  It also showcases the best in sustainable building technologies.

Bottom line for us ladies, the cool environment is a welcome respite from the hot weather outside.

The taller dome on the left is called The Cloud Forest; while the lower dome on the right is called the Flower Dome.

The Flower Dome claims to be  the World’s Largest Column-less Glasshouse.

The temperature inside replicates a mild, dry climate and features plants found in the Mediterranean and other semi-arid tropical regions.

We are not floral-enthusiasts so I will not even attempt to name drop different species. 🙂  They have flowers from Australia, South Africa, South America, California and Mediterranean regions.

If you’ve been to countries like The Netherlands, Switzerland or Australia; these flowers and trees might not be outstanding to your standards.  But I guess, the biggest feat here, is Growing them here on this equatorial country whose daily temperate runs from 34-37 degrees Celsius.  Plus, it’s sustainable and they use solar power and renewable sources of energy!

The other dome is called the Cloud Forest.  The ambience replicates the cool moist conditions found in tropical mountain regions. Being in the Cloud Forest, feels like being in the mountains of South-East Asia, Middle- and South America.  It’s cold, and moist.

They even have a man-made waterfall !!

Climbing the elevated pathway,  you feel like you are literally climbing a rainforest, with slight cold mist,  and the view outside is quite spectacular, as well..  like you’re in the clouds!

 

The plant varieties gets weirder and weirder.  Pity, I didn’t bring my DSLR, thus,  my photos aren’t that high resolution.  😦   In any case, just visit!  It’s better to see them for yourselves!

No visit to the Gardens by the Bay would be complete without marveling at the enormous Supertrees. They are ginormous and dominates the skyline.  There are 12 of them with heights from 82- 160 feet.  They are actually Vertical Gardens.

Unique and exotic ferns, vines, orchids, including a vast collection of exotic bromeliads, grow on the sides of the SuperTrees.   These structures are fitted with environmental technologies that mimic the ecological function of trees.  They use solar power  and collects water to irrigate the plants.  How cool is that?!

For the brave souls, there is a Canopy Walk, to experience walking among the clouds, and darting in-between the huge trees with.  Needless to say, the view is simply amazing.  Definitely not for the acrophobics!

Personally,  I prefer to bring my guest,   at the top of the Tallest SuperTree and toasts to a great visit, with a chilled glass of  white Wine !!   Or if it’s too early for alcohol,  Bubbly Juices will do!

 

xoxo,

Ripemango