Review: Gardens By the Bay

Let’s start big picture here.
It's an iconic sight in Singapore thanks to the oft-photographed Supertree Grove and impressive indoor waterfall. In the largest part of the compound, Bay South, you'll find a massive glass greenhouse called the Flower Dome and popular exhibitions like "Tulipmania" and "Orchid Extravaganza." In another part of the conservatory, the Cloud Forest mimics the cool-moist ecology of the tropical highlands. It has a treetop walk and the aforementioned 114-foot waterfall. The green space at Bay East, meanwhile, offers visitors fantastic views of the Singapore skyline.

Any standout features or must-sees?
Besides the waterfall, must-sees include the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, and the Supertrees, a grove of a dozen tree-like vertical gardens that harvest solar energy and feature nearly 163,000 plants. You can get a unique view of that last one from OCBC Skyway, a 72-foot-high aerial walkway that links two of the SuperTrees.

Was it easy to get around?
The Gardens are relatively easy to navigate, but huge and sprawling. You'll need a half-day to do it right, and a few hours even if you rush. Complimentary maps are available at the visitor info center. Self-guided trail maps are sold for SGD$1 (about US$0.75) in the gift shop. Wheelchair and stroller rental costs SGD$2 (US$1) per day. Unlimited shuttle service is free for wheelchair users and SGD$3 (US$2.30) for the able-bodied.

All said and done, what—and who—is this best for?
This is a hugely popular tourist attraction in Singapore, and rightly so. The breadth of plants on display and the creative ways in which they're displayed is awe-inspiring. The Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest are both musts for photographers. Gardens By the Bay is also visitable in the evenings, with twice nightly—and free!—Garden Rhapsody light and sound shows. Otherwise though, admission is not cheap, so you'll want to stay awhile to really get your money's worth.