How to make the most of your visit to Gardens by the Bay?

Sprawled across a whopping 250 acres, the Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore's newest and best-loved tourist attractions. The award-winning enclosure located next door to the Marina Reservoir is not only one of the most popular highlights in the Lion City but also one that demonstrates Singapore's commitment to remaining green despite the many strides the island nation has made towards urbanization. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your visit to the enclave.

Do Your Homework

Those who are planning to visit the Gardens by the Bay during their holiday in Singapore should first and foremost learn all they can about the attraction. This will not only help visitors make sense of the vast expanse devoted to the garden but also enjoy their tour more as they will not be wandering in a 250-acre hub made up of reclaimed land. Ideally situated near the Marina Reservoir, the Gardens by the Bay is an award-winning point of interest divided into several zones. Serving as a conservatory as well as a recreational space, the venue aims to entertain and educate tourists and locals on the relevance of conservation.

Time the Visit

Travellers who are heading to the Gardens by the Bay for the first time should ideally visit during the morning hours as it is when all the elements of this manmade wonderland are visible to the naked eye. While the Gardens by the Bay is just as spectacular by the veil of night, an evening visit is more suitable for those who are already familiar with the lay of the land and what's in store. Avoid visiting the venue during the weekend and on public holidays as domestic visitors are known to congregate in this recreational hub with their kids in tow. Weekdays and other working days are perfect for those who wish to have the garden to themselves, even for a little while.

Familiarize Yourself with the Layout

Divided into three easily identifiable waterfront enclosures, the Gardens by the Bay is split up into Bay East, Bay South and Bay Central. Bay South is by far the largest of the three and where the iconic Supertrees are found while the Bay East Garden is the least impressive as it is chiefly concerned with providing lush, green spaces for families to picnic and enjoy their time. Bay Central links Bay East with Bay South and contains a scenic promenade while also offering panoramic views of the city.

Start with the Supertrees

Towering above the surrounding landscape at a height of 20 to50 meters, the Supertrees are the venue's most popular element. The 18 Supertrees are vertical gardens where a whopping 162,900 plants grow and thrive. These plants include orchids, bromeliads, ferns and over 200 other plant species that can be observed up-close by walking along the OCBC Skyway, which suspends visitors 22m above the ground.

Head to the Flower Dome

Taking the concept of a traditional conservatory and turning it on its head, the Flower Dome is a Guinness World Record-breaking greenhouse of mammoth proportions. Containing floral species from around the globe, the various plants in this part of the Gardens by the Bay are divided into thematic zones such as the South African garden and the South American garden.

Lesser-Known Highlights

Other highlights visitors should not miss at the Gardens by the Bay include the Cloud Forest and the Far East Organization Children's Garden while the Heritage Gardens is another fascinating horticultural tribute to the country's rich historic legacy. Over forty sculptures are also found across the Gardens by the Bay while those who are dropping by the venue from Orchard Road hotels the likes of Grand Park Orchard can also grab a bite at the many restaurants in the locale.