An integral part of Singapore’s “City in a Garden” vision, Gardens by the Bay spans a total of 101 hectares of prime land at the heart of Singapore. Comprising three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central – Gardens by the Bay will be a showcase of horticulture and garden artistry that will bring the world of plants to Singapore and present Singapore to the world.
Bay South, the largest at 54 hectares, officially opened on 29 June 2012 and this is the garden that has captured the attention of Singaporeans.
Bay Central Garden will act as a link between Bay South and Bay East Gardens. It stands at 15 hectares (37 acres) with a 3-kilometre (1.9 mi) waterfront promenade that allows for scenic walks stretching from the city centre to the east of Singapore. More future developments of Bay Central Garden are coming in the next few years.
Bay East Garden is 32 hectares in size and it has a 2-kilometre promenade frontage that embroiders the Marina Reservoir. The first phase of the garden was opened to the public in October 2011, allowing alternate access to the Marina Barrage. Bay East Garden will provide visitors with an unobstructed view of the city skyline.
The conservatory complex comprises two cooled conservatories – ‘Cloud Forest’ (0.8 hectare) and ‘Flower Dome’ (1.2 hectares) – the conservatories replicate the cool-moist climate of the Tropical Montane region and the cool dry climate of the Mediterranean and semi-arid sub-tropical regions. These regions are among the most threatened habitats in the world, with many plant species facing the threat of climate change and habitat loss brought about by human activities.
The Cloud Forest replicates the cool moist conditions found in tropical mountain regions between 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) and 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) above sea level. It features a "Cloud Mountain", accessible by an elevator, and visitors will be able to descend the mountain via a circular path where a 35-metre (115 ft) waterfall provides visitors with refreshing cool air.
