Gardens by the Bay is a large waterfront garden on reclaimed land beside Marina Bay in Singapore, best known for its giant Supertree structures and two cooled glass conservatories. A good part of Gardens by the Bay is free to explore, including the evening light and sound show in the Supertree Grove, which makes it one of the best-value sights in the city. This guide covers the MRT, tickets, and how to plan your time.
What Gardens by the Bay is
The gardens opened in 2012 as part of Singapore's plan to bring more greenery into the city centre. The main area, Bay South, holds the Supertree Grove, the conservatories and a series of themed outdoor gardens. Bay East, across the water, is a quieter stretch of lawns and waterfront paths with views back toward the city skyline.
The Supertrees are vertical gardens built on steel frames and planted with ferns, orchids, bromeliads and climbers. Some of them are fitted with solar panels and are linked to the environmental systems of the conservatories nearby.
Getting to Gardens by the Bay by MRT
The closest station is Gardens by the Bay on the Thomson–East Coast Line (brown line). From the station, follow the signs to the gardens; it is a short walk to the Bay South grounds, and the site maps at the exits help you head for the conservatories or the Supertree Grove.
Another popular route is from Bayfront station on the Circle and Downtown lines. Follow the signs through the underground link toward Marina Bay Sands and the gardens, then cross one of the bridges into Bay South. This takes around 10 to 15 minutes on foot, and it is convenient if you are combining the gardens with a visit to Marina Bay Sands. You can pay MRT fares with a contactless bank card or an EZ-Link card.
Gardens by the Bay tickets
The outdoor gardens and the Supertree Grove are free to enter. Paid attractions include:
- Flower Dome: a huge column-free glasshouse with plants from Mediterranean and semi-arid regions, plus a central display that changes with the season.
- Cloud Forest: a cool, misty conservatory built around a tall indoor mountain covered in plants, with a waterfall and walkways that climb to the top.
- OCBC Skyway: an aerial walkway strung between several Supertrees.
- Supertree Observatory: a viewing deck at the top of the tallest Supertree.
- Floral Fantasy: a smaller indoor attraction with hanging floral displays.
The conservatories are usually sold together or separately, and there are different rates for Singapore residents and international visitors. Some attractions close on certain days for maintenance. Check the official website, gardensbythebay.com.sg, for current prices, opening hours and closures, and buy tickets there or at the on-site counters.
Best time to visit Gardens by the Bay
Singapore is hot and humid all year, with regular afternoon showers. A good plan is to arrive in the late afternoon, spend the hottest part of your visit inside the cooled conservatories, then walk out to the Supertree Grove as it gets dark. The Garden Rhapsody light and sound show takes place in the Supertree Grove each evening, usually twice. It is free, and the best way to watch is lying or sitting on the ground under the trees. Check the official site for show times on the day you visit.
Weekday afternoons are less crowded than weekends and public holidays. Seasonal floral displays in the Flower Dome, especially around Chinese New Year and spring, draw bigger crowds. Allow three to four hours to see both conservatories, walk through the outdoor gardens and stay for the evening show.
Highlights at Gardens by the Bay
Inside the Cloud Forest
Take the lift to the top of the mountain and walk down the spiral paths. The route passes orchids, pitcher plants and mossy cliffs, and the waterfall is one of the tallest indoor waterfalls you can see in Singapore. Bring a light layer, as it is noticeably cooler inside.
The Flower Dome
Ancient olive trees, baobabs and succulents fill the terraces, while the central field changes with the seasonal display. The dome is a comfortable place to spend an hour out of the heat.
The outdoor gardens
Free areas include the Heritage Gardens, which reflect the main cultural groups in Singapore, and the Far East Organization Children's Garden, which has water play areas for younger visitors. Check opening days before you bring children dressed for the water.
Nearby on the same MRT stop
- Marina Bay Sands: the hotel, shopping mall and SkyPark observation deck, linked to the gardens by footbridges.
- Satay by the Bay: a hawker centre within the gardens, good for an inexpensive dinner before or after the light show.
- Marina Barrage: a dam with a grassy rooftop popular for picnics and kite flying, reachable on foot along the waterfront.
- Bay East Garden: quieter paths with some of the best views of the city skyline and the Supertrees across the water.
To find more around this station, open Gardens by the Bay on Around the Metro, or browse the full Singapore MRT map.