Singapore Garden By the Bay – Flower Dome vs Cloud Forest Dome

During the March school holiday, we went to Garden By the Bay to check out the two domes, the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. It was before the circuit breaker so we don’t have to wear a mask yet. It was not the first time to visit the flower dome for us but the Cloud Forest was the first time.

First, we explore the Flower dome and found out that there is Hanami or Cherry Blossom Festival. Hanami in Japanese literally translates to “flower watching”. It usually happens during the Cherry Blossom period in early spring, Mar to April. Japanese usually gather around the cherry blossom trees with friends, colleagues, or family members. They would sit on a mat and bring some picnic snacks with sake or beer, drinking and singing under the cherry blossom trees. Sometimes, they would take the sakura petal and eat it together with their snacks.  When they get drunk, they would start singing and dancing under the cherry blossom trees. Lol.

The Sakura Maturi was during Mar 2020 but don’t worry, Flower dome always has different themes throughout the year.

The first thing when you enter the Flower dome is the red Torii Gates, a few of them right at the entrance before you step into the Cherry blossom garden. The Torii Gate is the symbol of Japan and it is a great spot to shoot pictures but during my visit in the evening, it was just too many people.

Couples having their photoshoot here at the torii gates.

The Sakura Matsuri also include some cultural experience for the visitors. Such as renting a yukata (not kimono). Yukata is for summer and Kimono is for winter or formal occasion.

Umbrellas and fans are the two important accessories when you wear yukata or kimono.  These are for sales but not cheap at all.

The Flower Dome is 1.28 hectares, quite a large area that is home to plants and flowers from all over the world. You get to see all the different plants and interesting flowers here.

Different types of cactus in different sizes and shapes.

These bottle trees are very eye-catching and they are actually called Baobab tree which is native to Madagascar, mainland Africa, and Australia.  It cute to see that they have a pregnant trunk.

After coming out from the Flower Dome, we went to check out other attractions such as the Canyon, Heritage Gardens and Sun Pavilion. There are places you could explore free without needing to purchase a ticket.

Cloud Forest Dome

The Forest dome offers a different experience, in which you see more lush vegetation of the tropical highlands. You feel the cold breeze once you step into the Forest dome. Next, you will come across the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, beware of the water coming from the waterfall. You may get slightly wet and feeling very chill due to the low temperature in this dome.

Over here you get to see some rare plants such as the pitcher plants. If you look closer, you will find some insects get trapped inside the cup-shaped leaves. The world’s biggest flower, Rafflesia is also found here.

I have to say this is just like a man-made paradise with cool temperatures and showcasing different types of plants. The walkways are quite interesting as you realize that you are passing through layers of the garden, each with a unique perspective of a forest. Once you reach the top, you will then going down each level to check out some educational information on the forests.  From the glass window, you will be able to find the Marina Bay Sand buildings and Singapore flyers.

Cyrstal Mountain Cave displaying different types of rocks from the cave.

Supertree Grove

Supertree Grove is another great experience, we were supposed to go up but due to bad weather, we could not go up. It is amazing to see each Supertree consists of a trunk core made of reinforced concrete wrapped with a steel frame. In total, there are 18 of these Supertrees, designed vertical garden ranging from 25 to 50 meter high. That’s about 9-16 storey. At nights, you will see the light-up version of these Supertrees.

Satay by the Bay

Satay by the Bay is the food court to find the local food. Yes, you will find satay here and how could you not order some satay when you are at the Satay by the Bay. There are few dining areas to choose to sit, if you choose to sit an alfresco dining area facing the waterfront, then it should be a unique atmosphere as the beautiful landscape of lush greenery is really a bonus point.

Satay by the Bay offers mostly local such as few iconic dishes that one must have are satay, fried chicken wings, bbq fishes. For people who like other cuisines, go try out the Thai or Turkish and many more.

How to go?

The nearest MRT station is the Bayfront MRT station and bus 400 which stops at Marina Barrage.

If you are driving, just park at the Garden by the Bay carpark.