Monday 2 September 2013

Singapore: Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands

Many cities are now campaigning to be more green, but Singapore's Gardens by the Bay is built on a concept that really takes everything to the next level. 

It's not about building more parks in the city, its about creating a City in a Garden.

Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

The Supertree Grove is an iconic element of Gardens by the Bay, towering above the rest of the park.These manmade structures have solar panels to collect energy, and are covered with ferns, vines and other climbing plants.

Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

 OCBC is the biggest sponsor of the park, and they don't let you forget it! You can make your way up to the OCBC Skyway (for a small fee) and at night, these trees light up for the OCBC Garden Rhapsody.


OCBC Skyway at Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

At the top of the tallest one is SuperTree by IndoChine. At 50 metres high, it seems like a unique dining experience, so I'm definitely adding to my list for next time!

Beautiful greenery in the Outdoor Gardens, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

The outdoor parts of Gardens by the Bay are free, and the paths guide you through the different themed areas of the park. 

There is the World of Plants...

Green and red leaves in Gardens by the Bay in Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

...and there are the Heritage Gardens: Indian, Chinese, Malay and Colonial....

Goat sculptures at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

and then there is....

Floating baby sculpture? in Gardens by the Bay in Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

... a floating baby?

Singapore: A city in a garden | Svelte Salivations - Travel

You can just see the skyscrapers of Singapore's central business district peeping out in the background.

Fish pond, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

There are two cooled conservatories at Gardens by the Bay, you can't miss them as they are two massive glass domes. To get inside, the park charges an admission fee. Unfortunately, the Flower Dome was closed on the day we visited, so we were only able to visit the Cloud Forest.

The Falls, World's tallest indoor waterfall, inside Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

As soon as you enter, you are greeted by a wave of refreshingly cool misty air. It comes the splash at the bottom of the Falls, the world's tallest indoor waterfall.

Monkey statues surrounded by colourful flowers on mountain wall in Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

The mountain is planted with bright and colourful flowers, and you can walk all the way around it, and go up to the top too!

Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

A pond at the top of mountain.

Insect-eating plants in pond in Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

Ah! So that's why, despite all the nature here, there's no insects to be found!

top of the falls, Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

With the water coming down from such a height, it's inevitable that you'll get splashed.

Stalagmites inside cloud forest mountain top of the falls, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

Stalactites or stalagmites? I still remember a neat little trick from primary school to always get it right: Stalactites hang on tite (tight, geddit? =D) to the ceiling!

Dragonfly Lake at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

Over the dragonfly and kingfisher lake is a bridge which allows you to walk to the side of the park which is linked to Marina Bay Sands.

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

This striking new hotel is the only tall building in the area, and the views from the top are said to be phenomenal. However, access is only for hotel guests or restaurant/bar patrons, otherwise, you'll have to pay for an admission ticket. Here's some gorgeous photos to prove it!

In front of the hotel is The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, selling only the biggest designer brands.

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

Including a flagship LV store that inhabits its own island!

Louis Vuitton LV flagship stores at The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

But fear not! Even if you are broke don't plan on spending, you don't have to stand and watch the more fortunate buy all the items you wish you had, instead, check out this mesmerising whirlpool display.

Whirlpool at The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore | Svelte Salivations - Travel

All the water empties through a hole in this bowl into a pool inside the shopping mall!

Singapore's central business district opposite Marina Bay Sands | Svelte Salivations - Travel

Across from the Marina Bay Sands complex is the CBD of Singapore.

Singapore skyline from Marina Bay Sands | Svelte Salivations - Travel

Perfect spot for a touristy photo...

Singapore skyline from Marina Bay Sands | Svelte Salivations - Travel

...before saying goodbye to the fantastic view of Singapore's skyline, and heading through Marina Bay Sands back to Gardens by the Bay.

Singapore Flyer and view over Gardens by the Bay | Svelte Salivations - Travel

What a breathtaking sight to see!

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