Short answer: Gardens by the Bay is Singapore's national waterfront garden beside Marina Bay, famous for its giant Supertrees, two cooled glass conservatories and the free Garden Rhapsody light and sound show, which runs daily at 7.45pm and 8.45pm at the Supertree Grove. The outdoor gardens, the Supertree Grove and the Far East Organization Children's Garden need no ticket. The Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy, OCBC Skyway and Supertree Observatory are ticketed, and each closes for maintenance on set days every month.
This guide to Gardens by the Bay Singapore covers which parts are free, what is inside the domes, the Garden Rhapsody show times (including extra festive shows from 27 November 2026), the OCBC Skyway, the best time to go, MRT access, and advice for families and older visitors. We have left out ticket prices, because they change; the official site has current rates.
Every opening hour, show time and closure date below comes from the official Gardens by the Bay website and carries a "Checked" line, so you can see how fresh it is. If you are still shaping the bigger trip, our list of the best things to do in Singapore shows where the Gardens fit among the city's other highlights.
What is Gardens by the Bay?
Gardens by the Bay is a large public garden at Marina Bay, run as a national garden and horticultural attraction. It opened to the public on 29 June 2012 and is best known for three things: the 18 Supertrees, the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories, and the nightly light show. Most of it is a free park that stays open from 5am to 2am.
The official site describes the Gardens as "a world of gardens for all to own, enjoy and cherish", and the numbers back up how popular it is: Gardens by the Bay says it has welcomed more than 100 million visitors to date. It sits directly behind Marina Bay Sands, and the two are linked by a bridge and an underground walkway.
Three gardens, one name
When people say Gardens by the Bay, they nearly always mean Bay South Garden, the largest of the three.
| Garden | What it is | Why you would go |
|---|---|---|
| Bay South | The largest garden, opened in 2012, about 54 hectares | Supertree Grove, Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy, OCBC Skyway, Children's Garden |
| Bay East | The second largest garden, a quieter waterfront park | Skyline views back towards Marina Bay; open 24 hours |
| Bay Central | The link between Bay South and Bay East, still to be fully developed | A planned 3 km waterfront promenade |
Checked: 3 November 2026, sources: Gardens by the Bay, Our Story, Wikipedia (opening date and Bay South area).
Gardens by the Bay at a glance
| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor gardens | Daily, 5am to 2am | Official opening hours page |
| Supertrees | 18 in total, 12 of them in the Supertree Grove, rising up to 50 metres | Official Supertree Grove page |
| Plants on the Supertrees | Over 162,900 plants of more than 200 species | Official Supertree Grove page |
| Flower Dome | Holds the Guinness World Record for the largest glass greenhouse; 3,332 glass panels | Official Flower Dome page |
| Cloud Forest | 35 metre tall indoor waterfall; 23°C to 25°C inside | Official Cloud Forest page |
Checked: 3 November 2026, sources: Supertree Grove, Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, official Gardens by the Bay site.
Bay South was designed by the British firm Grant Associates after an international competition in 2006. The Supertrees are working structures: some carry solar photovoltaic cells, and Wikipedia notes that several act as air intakes and exhausts for the conservatories' cooling systems.
For the wider picture of where the Gardens sit in a Singapore trip, from neighbourhoods to food to transport, see our complete Singapore travel guide.
Which parts need a ticket and which do not?
Most of Gardens by the Bay is free to enter. You can walk the outdoor gardens, stand under the Supertrees, watch Garden Rhapsody and let children play at the Children's Garden without a ticket. You need a ticket for the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy, the OCBC Skyway and the Supertree Observatory. The one big exception is the festive season, when the Supertree Grove itself becomes part of a ticketed event in the evenings.
This table is the quickest way to plan. Hours are the official standard hours; check the closure dates further down before you pick a day.
| Area | Ticket needed? | Standard hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supertree Grove | No (except some festive evenings) | 5am to 2am; Supertree lights off at 11.30pm | Garden Rhapsody and Borealis take place here |
| Outdoor gardens (Heritage Gardens, World of Plants, Serene Garden, Sun Pavilion, Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes) | No | 5am to 2am | Shady paths, good for early morning walks |
| Far East Organization Children's Garden | No | Thursday to Sunday and public holidays, 9am to 7pm (Tuesday to Sunday in Singapore school holidays) | For children aged 12 and below and the adults with them |
| Flower Dome | Yes | 9am to 9pm, last admission 8.30pm | Changing flower displays; cool and dry |
| Cloud Forest | Yes | 9am to 9pm, last admission 8pm | Indoor waterfall; currently features Jurassic World: The Experience |
| Floral Fantasy | Yes | 10am to 9pm, last admission 8.30pm | Disney Garden of Wonder runs until 14 March 2027; no tripods |
| OCBC Skyway | Yes | 9am to 9pm, last admission 8.30pm | May be suspended in bad weather |
| Supertree Observatory | Yes | 9am to 9pm, last admission 8.30pm | After 5pm from 27 Nov 2026 to 3 Jan 2027 you need a Christmas Wonderland ticket |
| Bay East Garden | No | 24 hours | Quiet skyline views across the water |
| Garden Rhapsody light show | No (except festive season inside the Grove) | 7.45pm and 8.45pm daily | Extra shows from 27 Nov 2026 |
| Shuttle and Garden Cruiser audio tour | Yes (shuttle ticket or audio tour ticket) | Shuttle 9am to 9pm; audio tour 9am to 5pm | Audio tour stops during lightning risk and heavy rain |
Checked: 3 November 2026, sources: Gardens by the Bay opening hours and closures, Amenities and services, attraction pages on the official site.
How are the tickets sold?
The official FAQ says tickets are sold on the Gardens by the Bay website, at the ticketing counters at The Canopy (opposite the Flower Dome main entrance) and in the Gardens by the Bay mobile app. Time slot booking is no longer required; you show your ticket at the entrance.
One detail catches overseas visitors out. On the official rate tables, non residents are offered the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest only as one combined ticket (or a larger bundle adding Floral Fantasy and the shuttle); single dome tickets are listed only at Singapore resident rates. So if you are visiting from Nepal, plan to see both domes.
Checked: 3 November 2026, sources: Gardens by the Bay general FAQ, Flower Dome admission section.
Which days are the ticketed attractions closed?
Each ticketed attraction closes for a full day roughly once a month for maintenance, and the dates are different for each one. The Gardens says only one cooled conservatory closes at a time, and on those dates it sells a ticket for the conservatory that stays open. These are the next published closures.
| Attraction | Next closure dates (whole day) |
|---|---|
| Floral Fantasy | 3 Nov 2026, 1 Dec 2026, 20 Jan 2027, 24 Feb 2027, 24 Mar 2027 |
| OCBC Skyway | 4 Nov 2026, 9 Dec 2026, 6 Jan 2027, 3 Feb 2027, 3 Mar 2027 |
| Supertree Observatory | 5 Nov 2026, 10 Dec 2026, 26 Jan 2027, 16 Feb 2027, 30 Mar 2027 |
| Flower Dome | 16 Nov 2026, 12 Jan 2027, 2 Feb 2027, 2 Mar 2027, 13 Apr 2027 |
| Cloud Forest | 17 Nov 2026, 19 Jan 2027, 23 Feb 2027, 23 Mar 2027, 27 Apr 2027 |
Checked: 3 November 2026, source: Gardens by the Bay closure dates. The official list runs to the end of 2027; dates can change, so recheck in the week you travel.
If your Singapore days are fixed, compare them with this table first.
What is inside the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest?
The Flower Dome is a cool, dry glasshouse full of plants from Mediterranean and semi arid regions, with a central flower field that changes theme every few weeks. The Cloud Forest is a cool, misty dome built around a planted "mountain" and a 35 metre indoor waterfall, with walkways that take you around and down the mountain. Both are kept at 23°C to 25°C, which feels wonderful after Singapore's afternoon heat.
Flower Dome: what will you see?
The Flower Dome holds the Guinness World Record for the largest glass greenhouse. The official site says its volume equals 75 Olympic sized swimming pools, it is covered by 3,332 glass panels, and its specially selected roof glass lets light in while limiting solar heat. It feels less like a greenhouse and more like a bright indoor valley.
Around the edge are permanent themed gardens: the Baobabs (the official site calls the African Baobab the largest tree in the Gardens), a Succulent Garden, Australian, South African, South American, Californian and Mediterranean gardens, and an Olive Grove with an olive tree the Gardens says is 1,000 years old. In the middle, the Flower Field display changes with seasons and festivals.
| Flower Dome display or event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Sunflower Surprise: Garden by the Ocean (Portugal themed) | 9 Oct to 9 Nov 2026 |
| Gardens by the Bay Christmas Train Show | 20 Nov 2026 to 3 Jan 2027, 9am to 9pm |
| Spring Blossoms (Year of the Goat) | 15 Jan to 28 Feb 2027, 9am to 9pm |
Checked: 3 November 2026, source: Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome.
Cloud Forest: what will you see?
The Cloud Forest recreates cool, wet mountain forests that the official site says are typically found at around 2,000 metres above sea level, roughly the height of Nepal's middle hills. The ferns, mosses and orchids may feel familiar to visitors from home; the 35 metre waterfall at the entrance will not.
| Cloud Forest fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | As large as 1.5 regular football fields (official site) |
| Waterfall | 35 metres tall, one of the world's tallest indoor waterfalls (official site) |
| Temperature | 23°C to 25°C |
| Humidity | 80% to 90% |
| Misting times | 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm daily |
| Current feature | Jurassic World: The Experience, with life sized animatronic dinosaurs |
Checked: 3 November 2026, sources: Gardens by the Bay, Cloud Forest, Cloud Forest featuring Jurassic World: The Experience.
The visit works from the top down. Wikipedia describes how visitors ride a lift to the top of the mountain and walk down a circular route that passes the waterfall several times. On the way, the official site lists the Lost World summit with pitcher plants and Venus flytraps, Crystal Mountain with The Hidden Forest digital art experience, the Cloud Walk around the outside of the mountain, The Cavern, the Tree Top Walk and the Secret Garden, with about 7,000 plants of more than 135 species and hybrids.
The official page lists the Cloud Forest Gallery, Cloud Forest Theatre and Orchid Haven as closed since April and May 2025. Jurassic World: The Experience adds animatronic dinosaurs along the route, including an 8.5 metre tall Brachiosaurus, and the Gardens warns of loud sound effects and flashing lights.
Which is better, the Flower Dome or the Cloud Forest?
The Cloud Forest is the more dramatic, with its waterfall, mist and high walkways; the Flower Dome is calmer and easier for slow walkers. Since non resident tickets cover both, the real question is which to see first.
| Question | Flower Dome | Cloud Forest |
|---|---|---|
| Climate inside | Cool and dry, 23°C to 25°C | Cool and humid, 23°C to 25°C, 80% to 90% humidity |
| Main draw | Changing flower field, baobabs, olive grove | 35 metre waterfall, mountain walkways, dinosaurs |
| Walking style | Mostly gentle paths | Lift up, then walkways down the mountain |
| Noise level | Quiet | Loud dinosaur sound effects in places |
| Last admission | 8.30pm | 8pm |
| Best for | Elderly visitors, flower lovers, photographers | Children, couples, anyone who likes heights and mist |
Our suggestion: do the Cloud Forest first, timed so you catch one of the misting sessions, then cool down in the Flower Dome. Food and drinks are not allowed in either conservatory, so eat before you go in.
What about Floral Fantasy?
Floral Fantasy is a smaller indoor attraction near Bayfront MRT, with suspended bouquets and a vivarium of poison dart frogs. Until 14 March 2027 it hosts Disney Garden of Wonder, with floral displays from "Toy Story 5", "Frozen" and other Disney stories. It opens at 10am, and tripods are not allowed inside.
Checked: 3 November 2026, sources: Floral Fantasy, Disney Garden of Wonder at Floral Fantasy.
When is the Garden Rhapsody light show?
Garden Rhapsody, the light and sound show at the Supertree Grove, runs daily at 7.45pm and 8.45pm, and admission is free. During the festive season there are extra shows: an additional 9.35pm show from 27 November to 11 December 2026 and from 31 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, and extra 7.10pm and 9.35pm shows from 23 to 27 December 2026. The soundtrack changes theme roughly every month.
Garden Rhapsody show times box
| Dates | Show times (Singapore time) | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 26 Nov 2026 | 7.45pm and 8.45pm | Garden Waltz |
| 27 Nov to 11 Dec 2026 | 7.45pm, 8.45pm and 9.35pm | The Christmas Special |
| 12 to 22 Dec 2026 | 7.45pm and 8.45pm | The Christmas Special |
| 23 to 27 Dec 2026 | 7.10pm, 7.45pm, 8.45pm and 9.35pm | The Christmas Special |
| 28 to 30 Dec 2026 | 7.45pm and 8.45pm | The Christmas Special |
| 31 Dec 2026 to 3 Jan 2027 | 7.45pm, 8.45pm and 9.35pm | The Christmas Special |
| Rest of the year | 7.45pm and 8.45pm daily | Changes about monthly |
Checked: 3 November 2026, source: Gardens by the Bay, Garden Rhapsody. The official page does not publish a running time for the standard show, so we have not given one.
For families in Nepal following along on a video call: Singapore is 2 hours 15 minutes ahead of Nepal Standard Time, so the 7.45pm show starts at 5.30pm in Kathmandu and the 8.45pm show at 6.30pm.
Where are the best spots to watch?
The show happens above your head, so the best spot is anywhere inside the Supertree Grove with a clear view of the canopies. The official site says each show uses 68 independent audio speakers placed around the Grove, so it sounds far better from inside than from a distance.
- Lie back on the ground: many visitors sit or lie on the paved areas and look straight up; bring a scarf to sit on, as the ground can be damp after rain.
- Stand near the tallest Supertree: the one that holds the Observatory, with Supertrees on every side.
- From a distance: during ticketed festive events, the official site says non ticket holders can watch from vantage points at World of Plants.
Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the show if you want a good patch of ground on a weekend or public holiday (our own advice, not an official rule).
What is Borealis?
Borealis is a separate, free light and sound installation at the Supertree Grove by Switzerland based artist Dan Acher that recreates the Northern Lights with light and cloud particles. It does not run every night.
| Borealis period | Show times |
|---|---|
| Standard schedule | Every Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 8pm to 8.30pm |
| 27 Nov to 27 Dec 2026, and 2 to 3 Jan 2027 | Every Monday, Saturday and Sunday, 9.05pm to 9.20pm |
| 31 Dec 2026 and 1 Jan 2027 | Additional show at 9.05pm to 9.30pm |
Checked: 3 November 2026, source: Gardens by the Bay, Borealis. The official page says Borealis is cancelled if it rains during show times.
On a Saturday, Sunday or Monday outside the festive period, you can stack the 7.45pm Garden Rhapsody, Borealis at 8pm and then the 8.45pm Rhapsody without leaving the Grove. That is one of the best free evenings in Singapore.
Is the OCBC Skyway worth it?
Yes, if you want a close look at the Supertrees and a different angle for photos, and you have no fear of heights. The OCBC Skyway is a 128 metre long aerial walkway suspended 22 metres above the ground between two Supertrees, and the official visit time is just 15 minutes. It is short, so treat it as an add on, not the main event.
From the Skyway, the official site says you can see Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer, and you are right among the vertical gardens that cover the Supertree trunks. It is especially good in the hour before sunset, when the light is soft and the Supertrees start to glow.
OCBC Skyway or Supertree Observatory?
Both are ticketed viewpoints in the Supertree Grove, and the Gardens treats them as alternatives in bad weather. This comparison should help you choose.
| Question | OCBC Skyway | Supertree Observatory |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22 metres above ground | At the canopy of the tallest Supertree, about the height of a 16 storey building |
| What it is | Open air walkway, 128 metres long, between two Supertrees | Indoor observatory deck plus an open air rooftop deck one level above |
| Weather | May be suspended in rain or lightning risk | Has an air conditioned indoor viewing space |
| Official visit time | 15 minutes | Not stated |
| Best for | Feeling close to the Supertrees, photos of the Grove | Wide views over the Gardens, the city skyline and Marina Reservoir |
| Festive season note | Normal hours unless a notice says otherwise | After 5pm from 27 Nov 2026 to 3 Jan 2027, a Christmas Wonderland ticket is required |
Checked: 3 November 2026, sources: OCBC Skyway, Supertree Observatory, general FAQ.
Does the OCBC Skyway close in rain?
It can. The official Skyway page says admission may be suspended during periods of bad weather, and the official FAQ says Skyway admission depends on conditions such as rain or lightning risk. For affected visits, the FAQ says visitors will be directed to the Supertree Observatory instead. In Singapore, afternoon and early evening thunderstorms are common, so if the Skyway matters to you, try for a morning slot.
Skip the Skyway if you dislike heights, or on a Skyway maintenance day (next: 4 November and 9 December 2026). We found no official note on wheelchair access to the Skyway itself, so ask at the ticketing counter.
What is the best time of day to visit?
The best plan for most visitors is late afternoon into evening: walk the outdoor gardens around 4pm or 5pm, do the cooled domes while the heat peaks, step out for sunset, then watch Garden Rhapsody at 7.45pm. If you prefer quiet paths and cooler air, go early in the morning instead, as the outdoor gardens open at 5am and the domes at 9am.
A simple half day plan
| Time | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Around 4pm | Arrive via Bayfront or Gardens by the Bay MRT, walk the outdoor gardens | Shade under the trees; no ticket needed |
| Around 5pm | Cloud Forest, then Flower Dome | Cool indoor air in the late afternoon heat; Cloud Forest has a 6pm misting session |
| Around 7pm | Snack or dinner near the Supertree Grove | Food is not allowed in the domes |
| 7.45pm | Garden Rhapsody | The first show of the night |
| 8pm (Sat, Sun, Mon only) | Borealis | Free, outside the festive period |
| 8.45pm | Second Garden Rhapsody, or walk to Marina Bay Sands | A second chance if rain stopped the first show |
This is a suggested flow, not a tour itinerary. Cloud Forest's last admission is 8pm and the Flower Dome's 8.30pm, so see the domes before dinner rather than after it.
How does Singapore's weather affect the timing?
Singapore is hot, humid and rainy all year, and the rain mostly falls in the afternoon. According to the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS), it rains on an average of 171 days a year, and rainfall happens more often in the daytime, particularly in the afternoons when solar heating is strongest. That is why the cooled domes make such a good afternoon shelter.
| Period | What MSS says to expect | What it means at the Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Monsoon, December to early March | Heavy, widespread rain surges, usually December to early January; windy and drier from late January | December can bring long wet spells; February is the driest month |
| Inter-monsoon, late March to May | Afternoon and early evening thunderstorms; hot afternoons above 32°C are common | Skyway and audio tour may pause; plan domes for the afternoon |
| Southwest Monsoon, June to September | Occasional Sumatra squalls between predawn hours and midday; short afternoon showers | Morning visits can be squally; carry an umbrella |
| Inter-monsoon, October and November | Afternoon and early evening thunderstorms, generally wetter than the late March to May period | Expect storms around show time; keep a flexible second evening |
Checked: 3 November 2026, source: Meteorological Service Singapore, Climate of Singapore (1991 to 2020 climate averages).
MSS also says daytime highs usually stay between 31°C and 33°C, and relative humidity averages around 82%, rising above 90% before sunrise.
Singapore sits just north of the equator, so sunset times barely move through the year. In February 2026, for example, timeanddate.com lists sunset at about 7.20pm, which is why the first Garden Rhapsody at 7.45pm starts just after dark. Check the sunrise and sunset table for your exact dates.
Can you see Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands in one evening?
Yes. The two sit side by side, linked by a bridge from the hotel and an underground linkway through Bayfront MRT. A good order is sunset from the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, Garden Rhapsody at 7.45pm, then Spectra, the free light and water show on the hotel's waterfront.
| Show | Where | Times | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Rhapsody | Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay | 7.45pm and 8.45pm daily | Free (except inside the Grove during ticketed festive events) |
| Spectra | Event Plaza, Marina Bay Sands waterfront | Sunday to Thursday 8pm and 9pm; Friday and Saturday 8pm, 9pm and 10pm; about 15 minutes | Free |
Checked: 3 November 2026, sources: Marina Bay Sands, Spectra, Gardens by the Bay, Garden Rhapsody.
After the 7.45pm Rhapsody, the 8pm Spectra is too tight for most families, so aim for 9pm. Our Marina Bay Sands guide estimates the walk between the Supertree Grove and the hotel at roughly 20 to 25 minutes via the bridges, and it covers SkyPark sessions and the full Marina Bay loop.
If it rains, the underground linkway via Bayfront Exit B keeps you mostly dry.
Travelling in Dashain, Tihar or the winter break?
Many Nepali families plan Singapore around Dashain and Tihar, which usually fall between September and November, overlapping the October and November inter-monsoon with its afternoon and early evening thunderstorms. Do the domes in the afternoon and keep a spare evening for the show. Our guide to the best time to visit Singapore compares every month in more detail.
If you are travelling in late November or over Christmas and New Year, for example on a diaspora family holiday, read the festive section below carefully, because the Supertree Grove changes in the evenings.
Heat and rain tips that actually help
- Carry a refillable bottle. The Gardens lists bottle filling stations at Golden Garden, Supertree Grove, Active Garden, the Bayfront shuttle service point and the Malay Garden.
- Watch for lightning alerts. The Garden Cruiser audio tour stops during lightning risk and heavy rain, and the Skyway may be suspended. The MSS weather portal at weather.gov.sg shows current rain and lightning.
- Use free WiFi. GBTB-FreeWifi covers the domes, Supertree Grove and Children's Garden.
Checked: 3 November 2026, source: Gardens by the Bay, Amenities and services.
How do you get to Gardens by the Bay?
The easiest way is by MRT. Gardens by the Bay station (TE22) on the Thomson East Coast Line drops you right at the Gardens via Exit 1. Bayfront station (CE1/DT16) on the Circle and Downtown Lines connects through an underground linkway from Exit B, then over the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge into the Gardens. You can also walk across from Marina Bay Sands.
| Option | How it works (official directions) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Thomson East Coast Line | Alight at Gardens by the Bay (TE22), take Exit 1 into the Gardens | Coming from Orchard, Outram Park or the east coast |
| Circle Line or Downtown Line | Alight at Bayfront (CE1/DT16), take Exit B and follow the underground linkway, then cross the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge | Coming from Chinatown, Bugis, Little India or Marina Bay Sands |
| East West Line plus bus | Alight at Tanjong Pagar (EW15), take Exit C to bus stop 03223 at International Plaza, Anson Road; take bus 400 to stop 03371 on Marina Gardens Drive | Staying near Tanjong Pagar |
| On foot from Marina Bay Sands | Cross the overhead Garden Bay Bridge at the Marina Bay Sands hotel (open daily 8am to 11pm), or use the underground linkway via Bayfront MRT Exit B | Combining with the SkyPark or Spectra |
| On foot from the Helix Bridge | Walk towards the ArtScience Museum, follow the footpath under the East Coast Parkway and enter Bay South Garden along the waterfront | A long evening walk around the bay |
| Taxi or ride hailing | The taxi stand is at the Main Gate entrance | Elderly visitors and late nights |
Checked: 3 November 2026, sources: Gardens by the Bay, Getting here, Amenities and services.
Which MRT station is closest, and which should you use?
Both are close, but they bring you to different ends of the Gardens. Gardens by the Bay station (TE22) opened on 13 November 2022 as part of Stage 3 of the Thomson East Coast Line, according to the Land Transport Authority, and it is the more direct option for the conservatories and the main entrance side. Bayfront (CE1/DT16) is the better choice if you are also visiting Marina Bay Sands or Floral Fantasy, which the official site describes as a stone's throw from Bayfront.
- From Orchard Road: the Thomson East Coast Line runs from Orchard to Gardens by the Bay station without a change.
- From Chinatown, Bugis or Little India: the Downtown Line runs straight to Bayfront.
- From Changi Airport: Changi Airport's own directions list a train from Changi Airport station (CG2) to Expo (CG1/DT35), then the Downtown Line towards Bukit Panjang, which stops at Bayfront. Most visitors drop their bags at the hotel first.
Checked: 3 November 2026, sources: Land Transport Authority, Thomson East Coast Line, Changi Airport, Leaving the airport. Always check the live route in your map app on the day.
How do you get around once you are inside?
Bay South Garden is big, and the walk from Bayfront to the domes takes longer than people expect in the heat. The Gardens runs a shuttle that loops between Bayfront Plaza (by Bayfront MRT Exit B), Active Garden and the Flower Dome from 9am to 9pm, with the last ride at 8.45pm. The official pages do not agree on how often it runs: the opening hours page says every 10 minutes, while the amenities page, which carries the full shuttle details, says approximately every 20 minutes. Plan for a wait of up to 20 minutes, especially with elderly relatives. Shuttle tickets are sold online or in the Gardens app.
The Garden Cruiser audio tour is a 20 minute ride with commentary around Bay South Garden, from 9am to 5pm, starting outside the Arrival Gift Shop.
Is there any construction to know about in 2026?
Yes. A bridge linking Bay South Garden and Bay East Garden is being built, so since 4 May 2026 cyclists cannot use the Waterfront Promenade and pedestrians face a slight diversion. The Children's Garden has also used a new entrance near the Sun Pavilion since 26 March 2026.
Satay by the Bay, the open air food centre at the edge of the Gardens, closed from 1 October 2026 to make way for a new attraction called Wetlands by the Bay, as reported by Mothership. Many older guides still recommend it, so do not plan dinner there.
Checked: 3 November 2026, sources: Gardens by the Bay, Visiting guidelines, Children's Garden notice.
Where can you eat?
The official opening hours page lists outlets from Jurassic Nest Food Hall, McDonald's, Shake Shack and Starbucks to sit down restaurants such as Hortus and TungLok Seafood. It does not list dietary details, so check menus if you need vegetarian, Jain, halal or no beef options.
Vegetarian travellers from Nepal may find it easier to eat in Little India first, a direct ride on the Downtown Line, then come to the Gardens for the evening.
Is it good for kids and elderly visitors?
Yes. Gardens by the Bay is one of the easiest big attractions in Singapore for mixed age groups: the outdoor areas are free to wander, the domes are cool, wheelchairs can be rented on site, and young children get their own free water play garden. The main things to plan around are the heat, the long distances on foot, the Children's Garden's closed days and the loud dinosaurs in the Cloud Forest.
Far East Organization Children's Garden: when is it open?
The Children's Garden is free and designed for children aged 12 and below. The official page says adults can enter only if they are accompanying a child aged 12 or under. Check its opening days carefully.
| Period | Open | Closed | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal weeks | Thursday to Sunday and public holidays | Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (unless a public holiday) | 9am to 7pm, last admission 6pm, water play closes 6.30pm |
| Singapore school holidays | Tuesday to Sunday | Monday; also Tuesday if the Monday before was a public or school holiday | 9am to 7pm, last admission 6pm, water play closes 6.30pm |
Checked: 3 November 2026, source: Far East Organization Children's Garden. The official page defines school holidays as Youth Day, Teachers' Day, Children's Day, the day after National Day and the term breaks in March, June, September and December.
Inside, there are three main zones: a Toddler Play Zone for ages 1 to 5 with a swaying bridge, stepping springs and a fish fountain; the Rainforest Tree Houses for ages 6 to 12, with ropes, ladders and slides along a 130 metre trail; and a Water Play area for ages 6 to 12 with motion sensor fountains. Pack swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes. A sheltered amphitheatre gives parents somewhere dry to sit.
Tips for families with young children
- Use lifts with prams. The visiting guidelines ask visitors with strollers or prams to use lifts rather than escalators.
- Find a nursing room. The Gardens lists six, including at Golden Garden, The Canopy, inside the Cloud Forest and at the Children's Garden.
- Prepare children for the dinosaurs. Jurassic World: The Experience in the Cloud Forest has loud sound effects and flashing lights.
- Use the light show as a reward. Garden Rhapsody at 7.45pm is a good finale before tired children go back to the hotel.
- Leave scooters at home. Bicycles, tricycles, skates and scooters are not allowed in the Gardens.
For more ideas across the city, from the zoo to Sentosa, see our guide to visiting Singapore with kids.
Is Gardens by the Bay wheelchair accessible?
Largely yes, with some planning. The official visiting guidelines say wheelchairs, including motorised ones, and seated mobility scooters are allowed in the Gardens. Wheelchairs can be rented from 9am to 8.30pm at the Arrival Gift Shop, The Canopy ticketing counter and the Floral Fantasy ticketing counter, and must be returned by 8.30pm.
The shuttle is free for wheelchair users (caregivers need a ticket), but only foldable wheelchairs up to 1.2 m long, 0.7 m wide and 1.5 m high, with a maximum laden weight of 200 kg, can board, with staff assistance.
For visitors who are autistic or easily overwhelmed, the Gardens publishes Social Stories, illustrated guides showing what a visit looks like, how to enter and where to go if you feel overwhelmed. There is one for the whole Gardens and one for the Flower Dome, on the official information guides page.
Tips for elderly parents and grandparents
- Start with the Flower Dome. It is quieter, with gentler paths than the Cloud Forest.
- Use the shuttle between Bayfront and the domes to save a long, hot walk.
- Take a taxi home after the show from the stand at the Main Gate entrance.
- Plan short blocks of about an hour, with rests in between, and carry water and any medicines.
Checked: 3 November 2026, sources: Visiting guidelines, Amenities and services.
What changes at Christmas and over the festive season?
From 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, Christmas Wonderland takes over the Supertree Grove and The Meadow from 6.30pm to 11pm, and it is a ticketed event. Christmas Wonderland ticket holders watch Garden Rhapsody and Borealis inside the Grove, while everyone else can watch from vantage points at World of Plants. The Supertree Observatory also needs a Christmas Wonderland ticket after 5pm in this period.
| What | Festive arrangement |
|---|---|
| Christmas Wonderland | 27 Nov 2026 to 3 Jan 2027, 6.30pm to 11pm, Supertree Grove and The Meadow; its 13th edition |
| Garden Rhapsody | Extra shows on festive dates (see the show times box); free viewing from World of Plants for non ticket holders |
| Borealis | Moved to 9.05pm to 9.20pm on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays; extra shows on 31 Dec and 1 Jan |
| Supertree Observatory | After 5pm, Christmas Wonderland ticket required |
| Flower Dome | Christmas Train Show, 20 Nov 2026 to 3 Jan 2027 |
Checked: 3 November 2026, sources: Supertree Grove events, Garden Rhapsody notice, Supertree Observatory notice. The Observatory page says festive ticketing details will be announced soon.
What this means in practice: if you want the classic experience of lying under the Supertrees during the show without buying an event ticket, visit before 27 November or after 3 January. If you are coming for the festive lights, check the official Christmas Wonderland listing for tickets close to your date.
How should you plan your Gardens by the Bay visit?
Pick your date against the closure table first, then decide whether you want the classic free evening or the full ticketed day. Most first time visitors are happy with half a day: the outdoor gardens, both conservatories and at least one Garden Rhapsody show. Families with children under 12 should add the Children's Garden on a Thursday to Sunday, and photographers should save a clear evening for the Skyway or the Observatory.
How long do you need?
| Visit style | What it covers | Time to allow |
|---|---|---|
| Free evening only | Outdoor gardens, Supertree Grove, one or two Garden Rhapsody shows | About 2 hours |
| Classic half day | Outdoor gardens, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest (official guide: 2 hours for both), Garden Rhapsody | 4 to 5 hours |
| Full experience | All of the above plus Floral Fantasy, OCBC Skyway or Supertree Observatory | 5 to 7 hours |
| Family day | Children's Garden in the morning or afternoon, domes, early show | Most of a day, with a hotel break |
The official guide times are 1 hour per dome or Floral Fantasy, 2 hours for both domes and 15 minutes for the Skyway; the longer totals above are our own estimates, allowing for walking, meals and the evening show.
House rules worth knowing
- Tripods are not allowed in the Gardens on weekends and public holidays, and never inside Floral Fantasy.
- Drones and other remote controlled aerial devices are not allowed in Bay South, Bay Central or Bay East.
- Dogs are allowed in the outdoor gardens on a leash, but not in the conservatories, the Skyway, the Observatory, gift shops or the Children's Garden (guide dogs excepted).
Checked: 3 November 2026, source: Gardens by the Bay, Visiting guidelines.
How did we check the facts in this guide?
Hours, closures, show times and rules come from the official Gardens by the Bay website on the date shown, weather from the Meteorological Service Singapore and MRT details from the Land Transport Authority. Where official pages disagree, we say so, and our own estimates are labelled.
Planning the rest of your Singapore trip from Nepal
Singapore Airlines flies nonstop from Kathmandu to Singapore overnight, landing at Changi early in the morning, so Gardens by the Bay works well on the first evening, after a hotel rest. Our guide to Kathmandu to Singapore flights covers the nonstop timetable and the one stop routes. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the current requirements in our Singapore visa guide before you book anything.
To decide what else to fit around the Gardens, our pick of the best places to visit in Singapore groups the city's highlights by area. Our Singapore tour packages page shows how a visit to the Gardens usually fits into a wider Singapore holiday.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gardens by the Bay open every day?
Yes. The outdoor gardens at Gardens by the Bay, including the Supertree Grove, are open daily from 5am to 2am, and Bay East Garden is open 24 hours. The ticketed attractions open daily from 9am (Floral Fantasy from 10am) to 9pm, but each closes for a whole day about once a month for maintenance.
What time is the Supertree light show?
Garden Rhapsody, the Supertree light and sound show at Gardens by the Bay, runs daily at 7.45pm and 8.45pm. From 27 November to 11 December 2026 and from 31 December 2026 to 3 January 2027 there is an extra 9.35pm show, and from 23 to 27 December 2026 there are extra shows at 7.10pm and 9.35pm.
How long do you need at Gardens by the Bay?
Most visitors need about 4 to 5 hours at Gardens by the Bay to see the outdoor gardens, both conservatories and one Garden Rhapsody show. The official site suggests 2 hours for the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest together. If you only want the free outdoor gardens and the light show, about 2 hours is enough.
Which is better, the Flower Dome or the Cloud Forest?
The Cloud Forest is usually the more dramatic of the two Gardens by the Bay conservatories, with its 35 metre indoor waterfall and mountain walkways. The Flower Dome is calmer and flatter, which suits elderly visitors and flower lovers. Non resident tickets cover both domes together, so most visitors see the Cloud Forest first and then cool down in the Flower Dome.
When is the Children's Garden closed?
The Far East Organization Children's Garden at Gardens by the Bay is normally closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, unless it is a public holiday. It opens Thursday to Sunday and on public holidays from 9am to 7pm, with last admission at 6pm. During Singapore school holidays it opens Tuesday to Sunday, but closes on a Tuesday if the Monday before was a public or school holiday.
Does the OCBC Skyway close in rain?
It can. Gardens by the Bay says admission to the OCBC Skyway may be suspended during bad weather, such as rain or lightning risk. According to the official FAQ, visitors whose Skyway visit is affected are directed to the Supertree Observatory instead. A morning visit avoids most afternoon thunderstorms.
Do you need a ticket to watch Garden Rhapsody?
No. Garden Rhapsody at the Gardens by the Bay Supertree Grove is free on normal days. The exception is ticketed festive events: from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, Christmas Wonderland runs in the Supertree Grove from 6.30pm, and only its ticket holders watch from inside the Grove. Everyone else can still see the show for free from vantage points at World of Plants.
Is Gardens by the Bay wheelchair accessible?
Mostly, yes. Gardens by the Bay allows wheelchairs, including motorised ones, and seated mobility scooters, and you can rent a wheelchair from 9am to 8.30pm at the Arrival Gift Shop, The Canopy or Floral Fantasy ticketing counters. The internal shuttle is free for wheelchair users, but only foldable wheelchairs within set size and weight limits fit. Ask staff about specific walkways such as the OCBC Skyway.
Which MRT station is closest to Gardens by the Bay?
Gardens by the Bay station (TE22) on the Thomson East Coast Line is the closest, with Exit 1 leading straight into the Gardens. Bayfront station (CE1/DT16) on the Circle and Downtown Lines is the other main option: take Exit B, follow the underground linkway, then cross the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge.
Can I see Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands in one evening?
Yes. Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands are next door to each other, linked by an overhead bridge from the hotel and an underground linkway through Bayfront MRT. A popular plan is sunset at the SkyPark, Garden Rhapsody at 7.45pm, then the free Spectra show at 9pm on the Marina Bay Sands waterfront. The 8pm Spectra is usually too tight after the first Rhapsody.
Can you eat inside the Flower Dome or Cloud Forest?
No. The Gardens by the Bay visiting guidelines say food and drinks are not allowed in the Flower Dome or Cloud Forest. You can eat at the cafés and restaurants around the Gardens or picnic in most outdoor areas. Satay by the Bay closed from 1 October 2026, so do not rely on older guides that suggest eating there.
Is Gardens by the Bay worth visiting in the rain?
Yes. The Flower Dome, Cloud Forest and Floral Fantasy at Gardens by the Bay are all indoors and kept cool, so a rainy afternoon is a good time to see them. Outdoor features are more affected: the OCBC Skyway may be suspended, the audio tour stops during lightning risk and heavy rain, and Borealis is cancelled if it rains at show time.
