Step into a sprawling tropical paradise at Gardens by the Bay, an award-winning park which spans over 250 acres. The well-photographed park comprises three thematic gardens, picturesque lakes, tranquil bridges, fine-dining restaurants and the famed “Avatar-esque” towering Supertrees. 

There are three must-visit areas; one of them is the Flower Dome, recognised as the largest greenhouse in the world and listed in the 2015 Guinness Book of World Records. Replicating a cool and dry Mediterranean climate, the Flower Dome contains eight  mini-gardens, and a changing flower display themed to special events throughout the year. 

The second must-visit area is the otherworldly Cloud Forest. Greeting you at the entrance is a majestic man-made waterfall—the ideal spot for photo-taking. The “forest” imitates the cool, moist conditions of tropical mountains in South-East Asia, Central and South America.  There are different levels, each with a different theme, including The Lost World, The Secret Garden, and The Crystal Mountain. 

(Both the Cloud Forest and Forest Dome have an entrance fee of SGD12.)

Lastly, be awed by 18 giant tree-like structures dominating the Gardens landscape. You might have seen them in the movie Crazy Rich Asians—the Supertree Grove served as the backdrop to a lavish wedding in the film. These Supertrees are vertical gardens that are home to exotic ferns, vines and orchids. At night, they illuminate the night sky with a spectacular music and lights show that changes in theme each month. 

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Reconnect with your inner muse by enjoying an evening (or two) of Singapore’s premiere performing arts at the Esplanade Theatre. The architecture of the theatre itself is a feat worthy of artistic acclaim. More than 7,000 triangular aluminium sunshades cover its two circular glass shell structures, resembling spikes on two halves of the fruit—this earned the Esplanade the popular nickname “The Durian” (a pungent tropical fruit with spikes favoured by Singaporeans).

The Esplanade hosts more than 3,000 arts performances throughout the year. You can also participate in workshops and exhibitions. Its concert hall—which seats about 1,600—is a popular concert venue for international musical acts.   

There is always something going on at the Esplanade, so it is recommended to check their events calendar before you visit. 

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Experience the Marina Bay area on foot with a free walking tour that takes you through the key developments of the bay. You can also gain a deeper insight into the inspiration behind the sustainable designs used in its various buildings and structures. 

During the tour, an experienced local English-speaking guide will lead you to places such as Fullerton Pavilion—where you will be advised on the best vantage point for snapping gorgeous Singapore photos—as well as the popular DNA-shaped Helix Bridge. 

You will be given bottled water and some snacks on your three-hour walk. As Singapore is sunny all year round, do bring along your shades or umbrellas to shield yourself from the tropical sun. 

Drink in the sight of the setting sun as its golden rays illuminate the Singapore Skyline at dusk. Consider camping out at the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade—a 3.5-kilometre walkway linking Marina Centre, Collyer Quay and the Bayfront. 

Designed to be an environmentally-friendly recreational area, the walkway is scattered with mist sprays and breeze shelters with motion sensors to provide visitors with much-needed cool relief during warm days. 

Still afraid of the scorching tropical sun? The best time to enjoy your stroll here is at dusk. While you are here, train your camera lenses at the generous view of Singapore’s business district. Take a seat, have a rest and admire the cityscape as the sun sets behind the skyscrapers. 

Get directions to Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade

Enter the world of creativity and innovation at the lotus flower-shaped museum where the arts, science and technology come together. Look out for touring exhibitions featuring collections from major cultural institutions around the world such as the American Museum of Natural History or the Smithsonian Institute’s museums. Some of the large-scale exhibitions previously held here featured world-renowned artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci, M.C. Escher, Salvador Dali, Vincent Van Goh and Andy Warhol. 

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Famished after your Marina Bay excursion? Head to Satay by the Bay, the waterfront food centre at Gardens by the Bay. Try local favourites such as satay (skewers of caramelised meat marinated and barbecued), sambal stingray (barbecued stingray with a local chilli paste) and fried carrot cake.

Alternatively, you can check out the Makansutra Gluttons Bay located at Esplanade Theatres on the Bay. Opened by famed food critic Mr KF Seetoh, the popular al fresco dining outlet showcases some of Singapore’s most popular hawker dishes like oyster omelette, satay, chicken rice, mee goreng and many others.

Get Directions to Satay by the Bay

Get Directions to Makansutra Gluttons Bay

Walk to the nearby Suntec City Mall and come up close and personal with the Guinness Book of Records listed largest fountain in the world. Also known as the Fountain of Wealth, this auspicious gargantuan water-feature is turned off at certain times of the day, allowing visitors to walk three-times around the mini-fountain at its base for good luck.

One of Singapore’s largest malls with over 100 food and beverage outlets and close to 400 retail shops, Suntec City offers visitors a wide range of dining and shopping options. Bring home the latest fashion apparel, tuck into your favourite fast food, or catch the latest blockbuster movie here. 

Get Directions to Suntec City Mall