There’s a place in Singapore that I keep going back to, trip after trip, no matter how many times I’ve already been (well… aside from my dear friend Shiela’s home HAHA :D) and that’s Gardens by the Bay. I genuinely can’t explain it, but the moment I see the Supertrees from the taxi window, something in me JUST… settles. My husband jokes that we have a “GBTB tax” like, no matter how packed our itinerary is, we HAVE to carve out time for it. So today I’m finally putting into words why this place has such a hold on my heart, plus some ideas for what else to do if you’re only passing through Singapore on a layover.
A Little History (and a Full-Circle Moment for Me)
Here’s something I only realized recently: my very first trip to Singapore was back in 2012 which, funny enough, is also the same year Gardens by the Bay first opened to the public! I didn’t actually get to visit it on that first trip, but looking back now, it feels kind of full-circle that this place and my love for Singapore both started around the same time.
For those who don’t know the backstory, Gardens by the Bay was born from Singapore’s vision to transform itself from a “Garden City” into a “City in a Garden” and more recently, into what they now call a “City in Nature.” The whole 101-hectare site sits on land that was reclaimed from the sea, which honestly blows my mind every time I think about it. Just a few decades ago, this entire area was nothing but sand and soggy soil, and now it’s home to over a million plants from almost every continent on earth…
What I find most inspiring, though, is how the whole place was designed around sustainability from the very start.
The Supertrees aren’t just there to look pretty. They’re fitted with solar panels that help power the nighttime light shows, and they double as vertical gardens housing hundreds of plant species.
The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest were engineered to stay cool using as little energy as possible, which is no small feat in a tropical country like Singapore. Even the masterplan itself was inspired by the shape of the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid (Singapore’s national flower), with the conservatories forming the “roots” and the Supertrees forming the “blooms.”
Gardens by the Bay has since become this global symbol of what’s possible when a city decides that nature isn’t optional but a part of the plan. And perhaps that’s part of why this place means so much to me. I come from a country that’s growing fast too, with more buildings going up every year, and every time I visit Gardens by the Bay, it gives me this little spark of hope. It’s become a proof that even surrounded by skyscrapers, traffic, and concrete, a city can still choose to be lush. It can still choose green. I really hope more cities — including the ones I call home — take a page from this book someday.
First Stop: The Supertree Grove (and yes, it’s FREE to walk around!)
The best part about Gardens by the Bay is that you don’t even need to spend a single dollar to fall in love with it.
The outdoor gardens, the Supertree Grove, the walkways by the water — all free and open to everyone. I love just strolling around in the late afternoon when the heat starts to ease up a bit, taking photos of the Supertrees against the Marina Bay skyline. It honestly doesn’t even look real, like someone designed a movie set and just… left it there for us to enjoy.
If you time it right and stay until evening, you can catch Garden Rhapsody, the light and sound show where the Supertrees light up in different colors set to music. It’s one of those “wow” moments that gets me every single time, even though I’ve seen it more times than I can count. There are usually two showtimes in the evening, so check the schedule when you arrive so you don’t miss it.
Then, the Conservatories: Flower Dome & Cloud Forest
This is the part that actually costs money, but for me it’s non-negotiable. The Flower Dome is the world’s largest glass greenhouse, and what I love about it is that the displays change with the seasons so even though I’ve been there multiple times, it never feels repetitive.
One visit it was all about Mediterranean flowers, another time there was a whole floral showcase themed around a different country’s culture. It’s basically a rotating exhibit, which gives me a real reason to keep coming back…
Then there’s the Cloud Forest, home to one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls.
Walking into that cool, misty air after the Singapore heat outside is SUCH a relief. You take a lift up to the top of the mountain and then walk your way down through the cloud walk, past all these unusual plants from cooler climates you wouldn’t expect to see in Singapore. On my last visit, there was even a dinosaur-themed experience inside with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs tucked into the greenery, which my husband found way more exciting than I expected him to be, haha.
Quick tip: Both conservatories are usually sold as a combined ticket, and visits to both need to be completed on the same day (no re-entry), so plan to do them back to back. Ticket prices and promos shift throughout the year, so I always check the official Gardens by the Bay website or Klook for the latest rates before I go… sometimes there are bundle deals if you’re also planning to visit other attractions…
And If You Want the View From Above: OCBC Skyway
If you’re up for it, the OCBC Skyway is a separate ticket that lets you walk along an aerial walkway connecting some of the Supertrees, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the whole Gardens. It’s not a must for me every single time, but if it’s your first visit, I’d say it’s worth doing at least once for the photos alone.
So… Why Do I Keep Falling in Love With This Place?
It’s the combination of nature, design, and that feeling of calm in the middle of such a busy city.
Singapore moves FAST. The MRT, the malls, the food courts, everything is efficient and a little overwhelming in the best way. But Gardens by the Bay slows everything down. I can walk around for an hour, sit by the water, watch the Supertrees light up, and just… breathe.
Maybe that’s why it’s my happy place. It’s not just pretty, it FEELS good to be there. And really, isn’t that what we’re all chasing when we travel?
Getting there: It’s super easy via MRT. Take the Circle or Downtown Line to Bayfront Station (Exit B) and just follow the signage across the bridge, or the Thomson-East Coast Line straight to Gardens by the Bay Station. Either way, you’ll see the Supertrees before you even fully exit the station, haha… 😀
Best Layover Spots If You’re Just Transiting in Singapore
I get asked this a lot, especially by friends with long layovers at Changi. Singapore is one of the BEST cities to have a long transit in, because everything is so close together and the transport system makes it easy to maximize your time. Here’s what I’d recommend if you only have a day (or two):
1. Jewel Changi Airport
If your layover is long enough and your visa situation allows you to step out, don’t skip Jewel Changi. The Rain Vortex (the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, right inside the airport mall) is stunning, and the Canopy Park around it has walking trails, mazes, and even a foggy bowl area. It’s perfect if you don’t want to commit to a full city trip but still want that “wow, Singapore” moment. Just double-check your transit visa requirements before heading out of the airport, since this depends on your nationality and layover length.
2. Marina Bay Sands & Merlion Park
This is basically the postcard view of Singapore, and it’s right next to Gardens by the Bay, so you can easily combine both in one outing. Walk along the waterfront promenade, snap a photo with the Merlion, and if you have time (and the budget), the SkyPark observation deck at Marina Bay Sands gives you an incredible view of the whole bay including the Gardens lit up at night.
3. Hawker Centres for the FOOD
You cannot leave Singapore without eating at a hawker centre. It’s basically a rule, lol. Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell Food Centre are both popular and easy to get to, with everything from chicken rice to chili crab to satay. It’s affordable, fast, and honestly some of the best food I’ve had in Singapore, hands down. If you only have time for ONE proper meal during your layover, make it this.
4. Chinatown or Little India
Both neighborhoods are worth a quick walk-through if you have a few extra hours — colorful shophouses, temples, street food, and little shops for souvenirs. It’s a nice contrast to the ultra-modern feel of Marina Bay and gives you a totally different side of Singapore in just a short visit.
5. Sentosa (if you have 2 days)
If your layover stretches into an overnight, Sentosa is worth the trip — beaches, Universal Studios Singapore, and the cable car ride over to the island are all great ways to spend a few extra hours. It feels like a mini-getaway even though you’re still technically “in transit.”
Parting Words
At the end of the day, Singapore is one of those cities where even a short stopover can feel like a full mini-vacation if you plan it right. But for me, Gardens by the Bay will always be my happy place, the one spot I make sure to revisit, no matter how many times I’ve already been, because somehow, I fall in love with it all over again, every single time. 🌿
Have you been to Gardens by the Bay? Or do you have your own “happy place” you fall in love with again and again whenever you’re in a city? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear about it!
Happy travels! 🤎
– Erica Jahn
#TheGirlWithTheMujiHat #ExploreSweatShine #GardensByTheBay #SingaporeTravel
