The Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, is a marvel of modern engineering and botanical beauty. This cavernous glass greenhouse is the largest of its kind globally, boasting state-of-the-art temperature controls to replicate various climates from around the world.
Within this expansive conservatory, visitors can explore a diverse array of flora native to Mediterranean regions, African savannas, Australian deserts, and more. Let’s take a detailed look at the captivating attractions within the Flower Dome.
Baobabs
The Baobab section showcases the tallest trees in the Flower Dome. These remarkable trees, known for their bulbous, water-storing trunks, are often referred to as the “bottle tree” or the “Tree of Life.”
Baobabs provide essential resources such as food, shelter, and clothing to people in the African savannah. Their unique appearance and vital ecological role make them a fascinating highlight of the conservatory.
Olive Grove
Home to centuries-old olive trees imported from Spain, the Olive Grove is a must-see. These ancient trees, one of which recently began bearing flowers and fruits, offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the Mediterranean. A photo opportunity with the 1000-year-old olive tree is a quintessential part of the Flower Dome experience.
Californian Garden
The Californian Garden is a fragrant haven filled with shrubs, vines, trees, and fruits native to the Mediterranean climate. This section highlights the resilience of plants that have adapted to natural fires over time.
The aromatic foliage, including various citrus fruits and grapes, not only delights the senses but also serves as a defense mechanism against herbivores.
Mediterranean Garden
This garden features plants from the Mediterranean basin, such as date palms, cork trees, and dragon blood trees. As the birthplace of agriculture, the Mediterranean Garden also includes crops like olives, grapes, lentils, and figs.
Visitors can enjoy a picturesque waterfront lined with Italian Cypress trees and relax at Pollen the Bistro, which offers refreshing food and beverages.
Succulent Garden
Replicating a desert environment, the Succulent Garden is home to water-storing plants like cacti, aloes, and crassulas. These plants have adapted to survive harsh conditions with features like sharp spines and waxy coats.
Highlights include the wooly cacti, barrel-shaped “mother-in-law” seat cacti, and various other succulent varieties.
Flower Field
The Flower Field is a dynamic display area that changes with the seasons, festivals, and themed exhibitions.
Each visit to the Flower Dome offers a new visual treat as the Flower Field showcases different vibrant floral arrangements. This ever-changing exhibit ensures a unique experience every time.
South American Garden
Showcasing plants and exotic trees from Central Chile, the South American Garden includes the resilient Trithrinax palm, used for making hats, shoes, and fans. Other notable attractions are the 200-year-old Chilean Wine Palm and the national tree of Chile, the Monkey Puzzle tree.
South African Garden
This section is a vibrant display of flowers, shrubs, and succulents endemic to South Africa. The garden features the striking Bird-of-paradise, the national flower King Sugar Bush, and the hardy Fynbos plants, which thrive in sandy, low-moisture soils characteristic of the South African landscape.
Australian Garden
Visitors can explore the diverse plant life of Australian deserts in this section.
The Australian Garden features species adapted to cool, dry climates and natural fires, including the Grass Tree, Kangaroo’s Paw, and Queensland Bottle Tree. These plants’ unique adaptations make them a fascinating study in survival and resilience.
Nearby Attractions of Flower Dome
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| OCBC Skyway | A 128-meter-long aerial walkway suspended between two Supertrees, offering breathtaking views of Singapore and the Gardens by the Bay. The skyway permits up to 70 people at a time, with each group getting 15 minutes to enjoy the experience. |
| Cloud Forest | This extraordinary attraction houses one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls and a diverse collection of exotic plants. Aerial walkways provide excellent views of the unique displays, which include over 7000 plant species and hybrids. |
| Floral Fantasy | A whimsical land of suspended bouquets and creative flower displays, blending various garden landscapes. The temperature-controlled environment preserves the beauty of 15,000 freshly cut blooms and dried flowers, alongside a vivarium with colorful poison dart frogs. |
| Supertree Grove | Featuring 12 iconic vertical gardens up to 50 meters tall, these Supertrees are home to a diverse array of flora, including ferns, orchids, and bromeliads. The nightly Garden Rhapsody shows, with 68 independent audio speakers, create a mesmerizing experience. |
| Supertree Observatory | Offering unparalleled views of Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Waterfront, the Supertree Observatory is a photographer’s dream. The observatory deck includes a digital experience focused on climate change and a dining area at the Social Kitchen. |
Tips For Planning Your Visit:
Best Time to Visit: Evenings are considered the best time to visit the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. During the evening, you can fully appreciate the illuminated beauty of the gardens and enjoy cooler temperatures.
The Garden Rhapsody light show, a highlight of the Gardens by the Bay experience, is performed twice nightly at 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm. This mesmerizing light and sound show features the Supertrees and other elements of the garden in a dazzling display, providing a magical conclusion to your visit.
Opening Hours: The Flower Dome is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm, allowing ample time for visitors to explore its vast array of attractions. The last admission is at 8:30 pm, so plan to arrive at least an hour before closing to ensure you have enough time to enjoy the exhibits. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider for your visit:
- Morning Visits: Mornings tend to be quieter, offering a more serene experience as you wander through the various sections without the larger crowds. The morning light also provides excellent conditions for photography, especially in the Flower Field and Mediterranean Garden.
- Afternoon Visits: The afternoon can be a bit warmer, but the Flower Dome’s climate-controlled environment ensures comfort. This time is ideal if you plan to explore other attractions at Gardens by the Bay earlier in the day and finish your visit at the Flower Dome.
- Evening Visits: As mentioned, evenings are particularly special. The transition from day to night adds a unique charm, and you can witness the gardens light up, enhancing the already picturesque landscapes. Plan your visit to coincide with the Garden Rhapsody show for an unforgettable experience.
FAQs
Are there any guided tours available at the Flower Dome?
Yes, guided tours are available, offering detailed insights into the diverse plant species and the unique design of the Flower Dome. Check the official Gardens by the Bay website for tour schedules and booking details.
Can I purchase plants or souvenirs at the Flower Dome?
Yes, there are gift shops within Gardens by the Bay where you can purchase a variety of plants, seeds, and souvenirs to remember your visit.
Is photography allowed inside the Flower Dome?
Yes, photography is allowed and encouraged to capture the beauty of the Flower Dome. However, the use of tripods and flash photography may be restricted in certain areas.
Can I host private events or weddings at the Flower Dome?
Yes, the Flower Dome and other parts of Gardens by the Bay can be booked for private events, including weddings. Contact the Gardens by the Bay event team for more information on availability and pricing.
Is there Wi-Fi available at the Flower Dome and its nearby attractions?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout Gardens by the Bay, including the Flower Dome, so visitors can stay connected and share their experiences in real-time.
Are pets allowed in the Flower Dome?
Pets are not allowed in the Flower Dome, but service animals are permitted to assist visitors with disabilities.
Can I access the Flower Dome with a standard Gardens by the Bay ticket?
Yes, entry to the Flower Dome is included with the standard Gardens by the Bay ticket, which also covers access to other attractions like the Cloud Forest.
Are there any seasonal events or festivals celebrated at Gardens by the Bay?
Yes, Gardens by the Bay hosts various seasonal events and festivals throughout the year, such as Christmas Wonderland and Mid-Autumn Festival, featuring special displays and activities.