Singapore’s new concrete jungle

Like many other Singaporeans, I lament the lack of interesting places to go on my days off work. But with the opening of the Bay South Gardens last month, there is a new place to check out.

As with any new national attraction, the park was flooded with visitors in the first days after its opening. Naturally, I avoided the place the first couple of weeks. But earlier this week, a couple of university friends wanted to meet there for dinner. As I finished work early, I went down two hours ahead of time for a little walk (in spite of the heat and humidity).

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR: A jogger at the Gardens, with the Supertree Grove in the background. Seen in the distant background are the Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer.

 

GARDENS IN A GARDEN: Besides the iconic Supertrees, the park hosts two conservatories – the Flower Dome which has plants from the Mediterranean and subtropical region, and the Cloud Forest which has plants from the mountains.

MOTHER TREES: The 18 Supertrees measure between 25 to 50 metres high. There will be over 162,900 plants from 200 species and varieties of bromeliads, orchids, ferns and tropical flowering climbers on them.

UP IN THE TREES: I think the $5 entrance free to the OCBC Skywalk is probably more worth your money than the $32 for the Singapore Flyer.

SUNSET BAY: The sun disappears behind the Marina Bay Sands in the evening.

SKYWALKERS: The 128-metre long OCBC Skywalk lets you get a little closer to the treetops.

MOON SHINE: Not a bad place for a date, I’d say!

GIANT LANTERNS: The trees lighting up the Gardens at night. Visitors can watch a short light and music display called the OCBC Rhapsody at 7.45pm and 8.45pm every night. Curious point: The voice-over is American-accented and the music was the new-age type, without any Singaporean flavour.

I think the park is a great addition to Singapore’s downtown landscape; and unlike the Marina Barrage it is easily accessible by the MRT Circle Line – it is just minutes from the Bay Sands station.

Just an observation though – some of the plants in the park seem to be withering. I’m not sure if it’s a lack of care or just bad weather, but it leaves a bad impression.