Take a walk in the clouds

Gardens by the Bay is a living and breathing organism right in the center of Singapore. It offers every visitor a glimpse into a plant world. And among the highlights is the Cloud Forest. Walk in through the entrance and the first sight that greets you is a massive waterfall right at the entrance. At 35m, it is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

Welcome to Garden of Wonder

Spread over 101 hectares of reclaimed land right in the heart of Singapore, right next to the equally famous Marina Bay Waterfront, Gardens by the Bay is a stunning nature park.

From spectacular architecture and innovative horticulture practices to environmentally sustainable design, Gardens by the Bay offers plenty for those who are willing to explore this lush green park. Small wonder that it has been consistently earning accolades and winning awards.

With themed gardens from different regions of the world, several climates and habitats are showcased in its cooled conservatories. No wonder it has been drawing tourists and locals alike since opening its doors to the public in 2012.

Your complete guide to Gardens by the Bay

This blog focuses on the Cloud Forest, one of many attractions at Gardens by the Bay. However, if you want a more comprehensive guide to all the attractions, you can read the full blog here.

You can also read individual blog posts on each of the attractions, including the mesmeric Floral Fantasy, the gigantic Flower Dome, the suspended OCBC Skyway and iconic Supertree Grove and Observatory, and the Garden Rhapsody Light and Sound Show.

You can also check out the timing and ticket prices for each of the conservatories and shows, at the Gardens by the Bay website which has all the information to help you plan your trip.

Heaven above, below, and all around

The Cloud Forest is, by far, the most stunning of them all. Immediately after walking in, you are transported into another mist-filled world, complete with spectacular views and lush vegetation. By this time, your body will have also realized that there is going to be a temperature change. So it won’t be as shocking to the system as the first time.

Once you have had your initial fill of visual sensory overdose, soak in the atmosphere and that is when you notice the 35m tall structure, aptly named Cloud Mountain that, well, towers over everything around it. Making it even more dramatic is the lush vegetation that covers the mountain, and a mighty 30m waterfall cascading down.

However, your journey of discovering the Cloud Forest doesn’t begin here. On the contrary, a short scenic elevator ride takes you right up to the top of the mountain. Once there, you need to slowly make your way down to the base of the mountain. So, immediately after you have finished viewing the Lost World – a garden oasis with a small pond to complement the setting, make your way along the suspended walkway downwards.

Go on a fascinating journey of discovery

Cloud Walk offers picture-perfect views of the Marina Bay Sands dome on one side and the Singapore Flyer on the other, don’t lose focus of the mountain inside the conservatory. Up so close is when you begin to marvel at the impressive amount of flora that has been used to clad this structure.

As you steadily descend one level, you walk into a cave-like structure, complete with stalagmites, stalactites, fossils, and other interesting rock formations. This is the Crystal Mountain and Treetop walk. If geology isn’t your forte, perhaps now is a good time to brush up on what little you know. As you walk on the walkway, there will be a moment when you are right next to the structure. With its amazing backdrop, this is the ideal spot for those Instagram likes.

Once you are finished here, walk down one more level and you will come into an interactive biodiverse exhibition called the Cloud Forest Gallery. It gives you a crash course on the adverse impact of civilization on the planet, and how we can better manage the little resources we have. From there, one more floor below and you are into the Cloud Forest Theatre, with a short film on conservation.

Your stairway to heaven starts here

Gardens by the Bay is located at 18 Marine Garden Drive, Singapore 018953. Thanks to its central location, in the heart of the city, and its proximity to the Marina Bay Sands resort and the Central Business District area, it can be easily reached by various modes of public transportation.

However, I found it most convenient to hop onto Singapore’s super-efficient MRT system. It is one of the best forms of public transport I have used in this city. Once you get off at Bayfront Station, look for signs directing you to Gardens by the Bay. Brace yourself, it is quite a long walk, and depending on how you pace yourself, should take about 10 minutes. As for those of you keeping track of your daily count of steps, smile at yourself and march on. Once you reach the end, walk down a flight of stairs, and you will have reached Gardens by the Bay.

While it is open on all days of the week, check for specific timing, depending on which day you plan on visiting. You can visit the Cloud Forest website page to know more about opening hours, ticket prices, things to do, and lots more.