SG Day 4: Gardens by the Bay

Day 4, August 28, 2014

It took me quite some time to construct this post.  It's so difficult to put all the amazing engineering works inside this gigantic garden in one article alone.  I'm so lost for words and thoughts on how to describe how marvelous it is.  I'm afraid that I may not be able to give it justice.  So pardon me if this is a long article with lots and lots of photos.  Thus, I sought help from Wikipedia for the technical part.

the magnificent super tree groves

At last, on our last "gala" day, Bes J was able to join us.  The cast is now complete.  It's a riot this time!

We rode bus 80A and embarked in Bugis station for some souvenir shopping. So, being Filipinos, it's natural for us to buy "pasalubongs" for friends and families back home.  Bloggers are right in saying that it's the place for "souvenir shopping" as the prices are really inexpensive; i.e., 5 ref. magnets for S$10.00; 10 key chains for S$10.00. There are lot of items to choose from. You can even haggle for a bargain price.

From Bugis Station, we embarked at Bay Front station. The MRT system here is so efficient and organized.  If we could only have this kind of transportation "sigh".

the very systematic MRT route

a very clean and organized subway

very spacious and clean train



a seat intended only for the elderly, PWD and pregnant women

From there, we walked for a few steps with Marina Bay Sands as our background.  I realized that this is the best spot to have a closer look of this hotel.  We would have wanted to check its interiors but we don't have enough time for our scheduled activities on this day. Actually, anywhere inside, you will always have a view of this gigantic hotel plus the Sky Flyer and super tree groves.

After the photo ops, instead of walking around, we boarded the shuttle going to the main office. You will just have to pay $2 for this shuttle in going to the information center where you can avail of the audio tour for $8. Mga tamad kaming maglakad kaya dapat magbayad ng nakasakay.

A little trivia: constructing this garden is a part of the effort of the SG government in making SG "a City in a Garden' project.  Also in an effort to raise the quality of life of Singaporeans, they are enhancing the greenery and flora in the city.  Its overall concept was derived from the orchid flower.

a sculpture depicting the earth

the vehicle for the audio tour

This guided tour will take you to all the different gardens from different countries in the Bay South area featuring the plants endemic to these countries.  It will take about 30 mins. for the whole tour.

The Supertree Groves

Whoever designed this garden has a brilliant mind in making this garden energy efficient and ecologically sustainable while blending the engines into the design concept of the whole garden.  One of these engines is the Supertree Grove.  They are not there just for mainly aesthetic purpose.

These trees are 25-30 meters in height.  They are vertical gardens that perform a multitude of functions, which include planting, shading and working as environmental engines for the gardens. They mimic the ecological functions of tree - collection of water.

ferns, orchids and some tropical plants

There is an elevated walkway, the OCBC Skyway, between two of larger Supertrees for visitors to enjoy a panoramic aerial view of the gardens.  We were not able to try this walkway as it's hot during that time. 

The Conservatory Complex

This consists of the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest situated along the edge of Marina Reservoir.  It showcases sustainable building technologies which make the gardens energy efficient.

The conservatories provide all weather edutainment space.  They are the largest columnless glass houses.  There's an entrance fee for these conservatories.

How does it becomes ecologically sustainable?  Rain water is being collected from the surface or glass roof and circulated in the cooling system which is connected to the Supertrees.  These trees are used both to vent hot air and to cool circulated water.  Cool, isn't it?

The Cloud Forest

It replicates the cool moist conditions found in tropical mountains.  It features a 35 meters waterfalls.  It consists of a number of levels, each with a different theme.  It is home for orchids, ferns, bromeliads and anthuriums.

the 35 m artificial falls

We spent a few hours in this conservatory since it features a lot of exotic and rare flora and plants.

I was quite hooked with the flora and plants being featured here.

There are also some stalagmites, stalactites and mineral rocks formation.

Before leaving, there is a film showing about the adverse effect of climate change to our environment.  After watching this film, I had promised myself to take extra care of our environment.

and of course, the souvenir shop...

The Flower Dome

It replicates a mild, dry climate and features plants found in the Mediteranean and other tropical regions.

blending with nature

It features different variety of cactus.  It's was a very educational visit to see all these varieties that I'm not aware of.



a cactus flower



hmm.. looks familiar?

hubby with a naughty smile upon seeing it

Then, SG's national flower - the orchid with lots of varieties as well.

It was really impressive.  I marveled at the engineering - on how they build this replica, the energy efficient design, etc.  It's amazing on how they were able to transfer and grow some rare forest and mountain plants in this place.  We have spent a lot of time here, trying to get pictures of every angle and every living thing planted.

I really can't help being envious of the Singaporeans.  They have an efficient and reliable government and disciplined citizens.