It's one of Singapore's most well-known and internationally sought-after sites; how could I not pay it a visit? Singapore has banked upon its assets and brilliant minds to construct a beautiful, innovative landmark that visitors throng by the thousand.
It was a sunny day when I visited GBTB with my family. We got tickets for the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome. The OCBC Sky Park, shown in the banner of the page, was not part of my package but I think it would be a great idea to visit it!
So you might have seen these interesting-looking dome-like structures in a photo of GBTB:
It was a sunny day when I visited GBTB with my family. We got tickets for the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome. The OCBC Sky Park, shown in the banner of the page, was not part of my package but I think it would be a great idea to visit it!
So you might have seen these interesting-looking dome-like structures in a photo of GBTB:
Photo credits: http://www.marriedtoplants.com/tours/tour-of-gardens-by-the-bay-in-singapore/
They house the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome.
So, the Cloud Forest is all about a cool man-made mountain. This mountain has multiple "storeys" which can be accessed either by a lift, or by walkways. Now, if you are visiting the Cloud Forest, do yourself a favour and use the walkways, NOT THE LIFT unless your physically not fit for walking and climbing. The views from the walkway are sensational, and in my opinion, the highlight of the Cloud Forest. Before you attempt the climb up the mountain, you can walk along the gardens at the base. There are beautiful orchid gardens among many others - the orchid garden is the most memorable for me, because I never knew there were so many different varieties of orchids producing so many lovely scents! Here are some shots of the orchid garden:
So, the Cloud Forest is all about a cool man-made mountain. This mountain has multiple "storeys" which can be accessed either by a lift, or by walkways. Now, if you are visiting the Cloud Forest, do yourself a favour and use the walkways, NOT THE LIFT unless your physically not fit for walking and climbing. The views from the walkway are sensational, and in my opinion, the highlight of the Cloud Forest. Before you attempt the climb up the mountain, you can walk along the gardens at the base. There are beautiful orchid gardens among many others - the orchid garden is the most memorable for me, because I never knew there were so many different varieties of orchids producing so many lovely scents! Here are some shots of the orchid garden:
Aren't they splendid? Now, the dome is quite chilly or else we'd all roast in this massive greenhouse of sorts. The mountain itself looks like this. I forgot to mention that they've constructed a waterfall that descends from the top, which you can access, by the way:
There are all sorts of cool stuff within the mountain. I remember that there is an entire story dedicated to these rare crystals and gems:
And finally, these are the walkways that curl around the mountain! Not to be missed at all!
There are many interesting things about the Cloud Forest - from being able to admire different varieties of orchids, to getting an amazing view of the Marina Bay Area, to closely examining carnivorous plants at the top of the mountain and to overall having a fascinating experience in a greenhouse, the Cloud Forest is an extremely enjoyable experience. Once you are done, you will leave through an exit that leads you to the GBTB gift shop. I got a bookmark made with pressed orchids from the shop.
Now, on to the Flower Dome. The Flower Dome is a unique concept - it simulates different environments from all over the world and hence has flora from all over the world. From a Mediterranean garden with olives to shrubs from the Australian outback, the concept behind the Flower Dome is pretty creative. My favourite are the baobabs and the olive trees (see below). I also really liked the Californian garden with herbs and other edible plants. These are various shots of plants and flowers from the different gardens around the world:
Now, on to the Flower Dome. The Flower Dome is a unique concept - it simulates different environments from all over the world and hence has flora from all over the world. From a Mediterranean garden with olives to shrubs from the Australian outback, the concept behind the Flower Dome is pretty creative. My favourite are the baobabs and the olive trees (see below). I also really liked the Californian garden with herbs and other edible plants. These are various shots of plants and flowers from the different gardens around the world:
Personally, the best part about the Flower Dome is the local floral display, comprising of local attractions, sights and even food! The dragon-like structure seen here is of a beloved playground in Toa Payoh, one of Singapore's oldest estates, that has been around for decades. Then we have a floral structure making orang-utans, and I think this one is of Ah Meng, a beloved granny orang-utan who delighted young and old alike at Singapore Zoo for years before her passing in 2008. In fact, she even has her own Wikipedia page! Now, tell me how many animals have a Wikipedia page dedicated to them?
There are many kampung- (local village) and shophouse-style (both fundamental to the yesteryear architecture of Singapore) wooden structures which have been installed here, brimming with local flowers. And one of the most fascinating displays is that of this peacock, who has his entire plumage made of different shades of orchid! And I think the orchid is of the Vanda Miss Joaquim variety, which is the national flower of Singapore. Simply stunning! And saving the best for the last - there is also a structure of ice kacang, a famous local dessert made of shaved ice, rose syrup, gula melaka (coconut sugar) syrup, condensed milk, cendol (tapioca jelly shreds) in the Flower Dome, also studded with flowers!
There are many kampung- (local village) and shophouse-style (both fundamental to the yesteryear architecture of Singapore) wooden structures which have been installed here, brimming with local flowers. And one of the most fascinating displays is that of this peacock, who has his entire plumage made of different shades of orchid! And I think the orchid is of the Vanda Miss Joaquim variety, which is the national flower of Singapore. Simply stunning! And saving the best for the last - there is also a structure of ice kacang, a famous local dessert made of shaved ice, rose syrup, gula melaka (coconut sugar) syrup, condensed milk, cendol (tapioca jelly shreds) in the Flower Dome, also studded with flowers!
I'm gonna finish off talking about the night show at GBTB. This happens every night and is free for all visitors. You know the large characteristic floral trees that make up the GBTB skyline? Yep, they do a spectacular show of flashing lights and music each evening for around 15 - 20 min. I visited this one a separate occasion and though it was absolutely brilliant. Also, GBTB is another level of gorgeousness at night!
My overall verdict is that GBTB just cannot be missed if you visit Singapore. It's an absolute marvel, super creative and a great place to visit whether you're travelling with family, with a partner or by yourself! There's something for everyone.
- August 2019 and January 2020