A Unique and Majestic Sight: The Supertree Grove Experience
When you’re exploring Singapore’s Central Area, one attraction that’s incredibly hard to miss is the Supertree Grove. Arguably the main highlight of Gardens by the Bay, the Supertree Grove is made up of vertical gardens that tower over the landscape.
I think the Supertree Grove is a quintessential experience in Singapore, so be sure to add this landmark to your itinerary. Here’s a guide to help you prepare for the journey.
What’s so special about Supertree Grove?
The Uniquely Futuristic Supertrees
What makes the Supertree Grove special is the fact that it’s quite a unique attraction. There’s nowhere else in the world where you can find a collection of Supertrees like the one in Singapore, after all.
These Supertrees are massive, futuristic trees that stand between 25 and 50 meters tall. A total of 18 Supertrees can be found in Gardens by the Bay: 12 are in the Supertree Grove while the rest are in other areas of the Gardens.
Created with the Environment in Mind
Another interesting thing about the Supertree Grove is that it’s created with the environment in mind. Grant Associates, with the imaginative engineering of Atelier One and Atelier Ten, wanted the Grove to be eco-friendly, so it’s powered by green energy.
To be more specific, 11 of the Supertrees are currently embedded with photovoltaic cells that harness solar energy. Solar energy is then used to light the Supertrees and collect rainwater for irrigation and fountain displays.
The Impressive Array of Plants
The Supertrees aren’t just architectural marvels; they also serve as vertical gardens. In other words, they house a diverse array of plants; currently, they have 162,900 plants of more than 200 species!
I’ve noticed that exotic ferns, vines, and orchids are the most prominent plants in the Supertrees. I’ve also seen an impressive collection of bromeliads; I’m sure there’s more to discover, which is why I love coming back here whenever I can.
How to Get Here
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
MRT: In terms of public transportation, riding the MRT is the most efficient way to get to the Supertree Grove. You only have to ride the train and get off at Bayfront station; from there, take Exit B and walk to the Grove, which takes about 10 minutes or less.
Bus: If you prefer riding the bus, take the bus service 400 and alight at the bus stop on Marina Gardens Drive (03371). The Grove is only about four minutes away on foot from there.
Car: If you choose to drive, Gardens by the Bay has several car parks: one at Bayfront Plaza and several near the main entrance, the Meadow, or Satay by the Bay. Parking rates start at S$0.035 per minute (for cars) or S$1.20 per entry (for motorcycles).
Best Time to Go
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 am to 2 am
The Supertree Grove is open every day, so you can visit anytime you want. That said, I recommend coming here in the evening since that’s when the light and sound show happens.
Additionally, try not to come to the Grove during holidays or the weekends, especially if you’re not fond of crowds. Holidays and weekends are the peak days of the Grove, so there will be a lot of people milling around here.
How much time do I spend in the Supertree Grove?
It’s completely up to you how long you want to spend in the Supertree Grove, but about an hour is the most ideal. One hour lets you roam around the Grove, giving you the opportunity to see and appreciate as many details as possible.
If you’re short on time, you can try to explore the Grove in about 30 minutes. That’s more than enough time to do some sightseeing.
What to Do in the Supertree Grove
Catch a Garden Rhapsody Show
Garden Rhapsody is the name of the light and sound show that occurs in the Supertree Grove every night.
During this event, the Supertrees are lit up in vibrant colors, and a grand soundtrack is blasted from the 68 independent audio speakers scattered throughout the Grove. All these features create an immersive experience that lasts for 10 minutes.
The best part is that the theme of the show changes every month or so, so you’ll always have something to look forward to.
In the past, I saw shows with the themes of Journey Through Asia (playing classic Asian songs), Garden Waltz (the Grove becomes an enchanted mythical forest and plays waltz music), and World of Fantasy (inspired by classic fantasy lands).
If you want to be updated on what the Garden Rhapsody’s theme is going to be for the month, I recommend checking the events page on the Gardens by the Bay website.
Watch out for other events held in the Supertree Grove
Sometimes, in addition to the themed Garden Rhapsody shows, Supertree Grove hosts other special events.
Usually, these events are in honor of public celebrations like the Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Other times, these events are in celebration of movies and other pieces of art.
So far, I’ve experienced the following special events in the Supertree Grove:
- Spring Blossoms. This is a five-minute light and sound show highlighting the colors and sounds of spring. It’s usually played during the Chinese New Year.
- Garden Rhapsody: Star Wars Edition. Held on May 4–7, this show’s lights and music are inspired by the epic world of Star Wars.
- Garden of Blooms. This is an event specially planned for the Mid-Autumn Festival. During this event, you can find picturesque paths and colorful lanterns inspired by Chinese mythology and legends.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Grove and Marina Bay
I’m not kidding when I say that the views in the Supertree Grove give postcards a run for their money. It’s awe-inspiring to see all the plants creeping along the sides of the Supertrees, and other little details about the design are also going to catch your eye.
And don’t even get me started with the view you’ll get if you’re standing on a higher vantage point. The Grove is set against the backdrop of the Marina Bay skyline, so you can also enjoy a panoramic scenery of said skyline from the Grove.
In my opinion, viewing the Grove and the skyline from different angles is the best thing to do. Here are some methods of exploring and viewing the Supertree Grove.
Ground Exploration
Exploring on foot is the most popular way to check out the Supertree Grove. After all, this method is free, so how can you say no to that?
Aside from being budget-friendly, seeing the Supertrees from the ground offers an interesting angle. You’ll get a much closer look at the plants creeping up on the Supertrees, and you’ll feel more immersed in your surroundings.
Plus, when you visit at night and the Garden Rhapsody begins, you can see all the lights dancing above you. The sight is sure to take your breath away!
OCBC Skyway
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 9 pm
Admission Fee:
- Non-resident—S$12 (adult), S$8 (child ages 3–12 years old)
- Resident—S$8 (adult), S$5 (child/senior citizen ages 60 and above)
If you can spare a couple of dollars, then you might be interested in checking out the Supertree Grove via the OCBC Skyway.
This skyway is suspended between two Supertrees at 22 meters above the ground, so you can get a pretty good view of the Supertrees, especially their canopies. You’ll also be able to enjoy a bit of the Marina Bay landscape, which is quite a sight to behold.
The skyway is 128 meters long, so walking here is definitely a form of exercise. In fact, I know some friends who include the skyway in their hiking trails because they like seeing all the beautiful scenery while exercising.
Supertree Observatory
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 9 pm
Admission Fee:
- Non-resident—S$14 (adult), S$10 (child)
- Resident—S$10 (adult), S$6 (child/senior citizen)
In my opinion, the Supertree Observatory is the best way to enjoy the Supertree Grove. This observatory is located at the tallest Supertree’s canopy, so the views you’ll get here are unparalleled!
Not only will you be able to drink in the sight of the Supertrees, but you’ll also see the other areas in the Gardens as well as the iconic landmarks nearby (especially Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer).
Your ticket also includes free refreshments and an immersive digital learning experience if you want to know more about the Grove and its biodiversity. If you’re hungry, you can head to The Social Kitchen, which hosts several brands like Boufe Cakes.
Also, don’t forget about all the photo opportunities the observation deck offers—this is one of the most Instagram-worthy places on the island! So, don’t be shy and take all the selfies or groupies that you want.
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +6566888826
Price:
- Non-resident—$32 (adult), $28 (child ages 2–12 years old, senior citizens above 65 years old, person with a disability), S$98 (family package—two adults and two children)
- Resident—$23.60 (adult), $20.80 (child, senior citizen, person with a disability)
The Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck isn’t located within the Gardens’ premises, but it is pretty near, so it’s still a good place to view the Supertree Grove from.
What’s great about this observation deck is that it’s located on the topmost floor of Marina Bay Sands, so you’ll really get an unobstructed view of Singapore’s Central Area, including the Supertree Grove.
I’ve actually tried watching the Garden Rhapsody from this deck, and it’s still beautiful—even though there’s a considerable distance between me and the Grove. You won’t be able to hear the music much, but the light show is still visible.