Flower Dome - Singapore

Step into the Flower Dome and you'll be standing in awe of nature. Spectacular and innovative in design, it is one of the icons of Bay South Garden. The Flower Dome replicates the cool-dry climate of Mediterranean regions like South Africa, California and parts of Spain and Italy. Home to a collection of plants from deserts all over the world, it showcases the adaptations of plants to arid environments. Stop and smell the flowers in the colourful changing displays of the Flower Field, which reflects different seasons, festivals and themes.

Immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of plants and flowers from all around the globe under a single roof at Singapore's Flower Dome. The largest glass greenhouse in the world, Flower Dome is one of the two breathtakingly beautiful conservatories of Gardens by the Bay (the other being, "Cloud Forest"). The temperature and humidity levels inside have been regulated to replicate the cool-dry climatic conditions of the Mediterranean and different arid tropical climates such as those in Australia, South America and South Africa. With an area of around 1.2 hectares, the flower dome conservatory constitutes a total of eight gardens- Olive Grove, Californian Garden, Mediterranean Garden, South American Garden, South African Garden, Australian Garden, the Baobabs and the Succulent Garden. An awe-inspiring field of flowers is present right in the centre of the conservatory.

Despite the themes of the flower garden changing from time to time, it is always a riot of colours. The other gardens are also often themed as well, and provide for a one-in-a-million experience. A central changing display screen has been installed to enable flower shows and displays to be held within the conservatory. A perpetual spring indeed, a stroll through the Flower Dome takes one through South Africa's eerie Baobab trees, to the diverse succulents from around the globe, and from Amsterdam's vibrant tulip-fields to Japan's famous Sakura, or cherry blossom trees! With its exotic collection of plants and flowers, Flower Dome is one of Singapore's must-visits!

More on Flower Dome Conservatory

Olive Grove 

This garden exhibits various kinds of olive trees, fig trees, pomegranate trees and grape vines, which are characteristic of the Mediterranean region. The olive trees were brought in from Spain, and a few of them seem to be over a thousand years old with their twisted and knobby appearance. In fact, a thousand-year-old olive tree thriving in the tropics would be unimaginable, if not for the engineering and horticultural achievement brought about in the Flower Dome. These olive trees are a must-visit!

Californian Garden 

Belonging to the Californian Mediterranean climate, which is known for its wines and citrus plants, this garden is abundant in grapevines, and citrus plants, such as oranges and grapefruits. This area has a few aromatic shrubs and trees, which give off a delightful smell and fill one with joy.

Mediterranean Garden 

Representing the Mediterranean basin, which was one of the first places to practice agriculture, this garden serves the crops other than those featured in the Olive Grove, such as Date Pine and Stone Palm. Stone Pine or Pinus pinea is known worldwide for its edible pine-nuts used in the traditional pesto sauce! There are also Cork trees, which are harvested for corks in Wine Bottles, and Dragon trees, which have a characteristically red sap used as a colourant. This garden also boasts a beautiful waterfront lined with Italian Cypresses. Dining options are available in this garden; Pollen, the bistro, serves delicious, lip-smacking food.

Succulent Garden 

Replicating the desert environment, cactus, aloes and crassulas are abundant here. One would recognise them immediately, with their thin-needle like prickly leaves, waxy coating and succulent appearances. This section has woolly cacti, which look like cats' tails, barrel-shaped 'mother-in-law seat' cacti, and tree grapes, which are members of the grapevine family and have thickened trunks to store water, among the many other varieties of succulents.

South American Garden 

Characteristic of Central Chile, this garden showcases trees which grow in rocky soil and high latitudes. A few of the trees here are Trithrinax- which belongs to the palm family and the leaves of which are used to make shoes, hats, fans, etc, 200-year old Chilean Wine Palm- called the Incredible Hulk of the Palm Family due to their overpowering size, and the national tree of Chile- the Monkey Puzzle Tree- which is now deemed vulnerable by IUCN.

South African Garden 

Plants on display here include succulents, shrubs and bulbs that have adapted to grow in low moisture, sandy soil ants on show here include cacti, shrubs and bulbs that have adapted to grow in little humidity, sandy soil. Be on the lookout for the gorgeous Bird-of-Paradise, which is a trunkless flowering plant whose flowers have a distinctive appearance similar to a bird with a tuft of orange and blue feathers on its head. Find the national flower of South Africa- King Sugar Bush- which belongs to the King Protea family and is rare because of the fragile environment it lives in, in the wild. The South African Garden is a riot of colours and a must-visit with its beautiful flowers, and evergreen bushes.

The Baobabs 

The bulbous water-storing trunks of these trees give them their unusual form. Forming one of the most exciting gardens, the Baobabs section houses the tallest trees of the Flower Dome. The African Baobab tree weighs more than 32 tonnes and is the biggest tree of the exhibit. The Drunken Tree or Palo Borracho has a circular trunk and bears beautiful ivory-coloured flowers. Another kind of tree in this exhibit is called Ghost Tree, which is named so because of their frequent occurrence in graveyards. These trees can grow to be 15m tall.

Australian Garden 

Belonging to the deserts of Australia, most of the plants here are fire-proof. Fires are frequent in Australia, and these plants have adapted to survive them. The plants to look out for include the Grass Tree- don't let appearances fool you, this tree isn't a tree at all, but a special type of grass instead. If the leaves of the Grass Tree catch fire, they release ethylene gas and help ripen its fruit. Kangaroo's Paw is one of the spring wildflowers which grow during the Summer drought months. These flowers can be of several colours- from yellow to orange to pink and red and have thick roots to store water. Native to Queensland, the Queensland Bottle Tree is also one of the interesting trees in this garden, with its thickened trunk to large quantities of water. The Aborigines cut holes in their soft trunks to extract drinking water from them.

Flower Dome Entry Fees 

Entry Fee varies, depending on whether one wants to purchase a single conservatory ticket or a double entry so that one can also enter the Cloud Forest which is located next door.

Singapore Resident Rate - One Conservatory

Adult: SGD 12

Senior Citizen ('60 years old): SGD 8

Child (3-12 years old): SGD 8

Singapore Resident Rate - Two Conservatories

Adult: SGD 20

Senior Citizen ('60 years old): SGD 15

Child (3-12 years old): SGD 12

Standard Rate - Two Conservatories

Adult/Senior: SGD 28

Child (3-12 years old): SGD 15

List of best places to eat at Gardens by the Bay:

1. Pollen: 

Pollen is a sophisticated and classy restaurant offering elegant fine dining experiences. Spread across two floors, this stunning restaurant by the very talented Chef Michael Wilson serves interactive contemporary cuisine.

On the first floor, guests can relish fine multi-course menus, while soaking in the breathtaking views of the Marina Bay waterfront and skyline. The restaurant has the capacity to accommodate a total of 60 gourmands at a single time.

2. Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant: 

Lying below the beautiful Flower Dome, Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant serves some of the classic recipes of Singapore. The prime highlights of this elegant restaurant include Black Pepper Crab, Chili Crab, and other experimental modern Chinese delicacies by the experienced and reputed Chef Yong Bing Ngen.

The Baked Rice with Seafood in Chef's Recipe Sauce and the signature "Kopi" Crab are perfect options to try for all occasions. Offering a seating capacity of 190 pax, Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant is suitable for gatherings with friends and family.

3. McDonald's: 

The iconic McDonald's is the place where you can enjoy your all-time favourite tastes, while soaking in the mesmerizing views of the stunning golden supertrees. You can bond over the iconic Big Mac® or just unwind and sip your Mocha Frappe.

Whether you come here for breakfast or dinner, you will find amazing readily available options. You can take a delicious Egg McMuffin® for breakfast, savour a McSpicy® meal for lunch, and pick your favorite McWrap® for dinner.

4. Satay by the Bay: 

If you want to taste Singapore just like a local, head to Satay by the Bay, where you can savour some of the authentic delicious delicacies of the country. Satay by the Bay is the most ideal place to bond with your loved ones over flavourful local cuisine, while basking in the spellbinding views of the gorgeous waterfront.

The restaurant has the capacity to accommodate 200 pax for outdoor seating and 650 pax for indoor seating.

5. Fennel Cafe Active Garden: 

The Fennel Café Active Garden happens to be the perfect pitstop for the diet conscious and fitness freaks. Set along the stunning Waterfront Promenade, this place serves energy boosters and healthy and tasty snacks. With a seating capacity of 90 pax, this cozy, relaxed cafe is pet-friendly and lets you dine with your furry buddies. 

6. Cafe Crema: 

Cafe Crema is a cozy Italian cafe that serves amazing espresso-based drinks handcrafted skillfully and passionately as per the orders of the guests. Their coffee is made of 100 percent freshly roasted Arabica beans. The cafe also serves artisanal sandwiches, bread platter, salads, soups, pancakes, and excellent Japanese delights.

7. The Social Kitchen: 

The Social Kitchen works with its various partners to let guests enjoy tasteful food, while soaking in the spectacular views of the Supertree Observatory. You can enjoy delicious no-meat options from The Vegetarian Butcher like NOMEATBALL Tomato Pasta and Curry NOCHICKEN.

You can also relish some flavourful sweet delicacies from Boufe Café. Do not forget to order specialty drinks from The Chambers by Cask and The Ginger Pantry.

Places to Visit near Gardens by the Bay 

Not just the Gardens by the Bay, but also places near it are a wonderful attraction for the visitors. Let us know some of the exquisite ones:

1. Marina Bay Sands: 

With tickets, you may enter this place and enjoy the massive architecture that is bound to dazzle you. So now you can click the same pictures that urged you to be here. The pictures at this place come out so beautiful that the visit is absolutely worthwhile.

There are a host of activities to do which you may not want to miss: the Marina Bay Sands Skypark, the Art Science Museum, Singapore Flyer, Spectra light show, and the Casino if you enjoy the nightlife in Singapore. Amuse yourself to the fullest and go home enthusiastic to be back again.

2. Merlion: 

A classic statue of half lion and half fish is a place where perhaps everyone who has visited Singapore has a picture with. The statue is a fountain too depicting how Singapore rose from being a fishing village to current urban Singapore.

The name Singapore is taken from the original name ‘Singapura’, meaning Lion City. Around this place is a Merlion park where you can click some flawless pictures.

3. Kent Ridge Park: 

See nature in its native form at this amazing place that is nestled between Singapore Science Park and the National University of Singapore. This park is a popular place for bird watchers, ecological tourists and for the ones who seek peace. The ambiance is so quaint that it becomes one the best retreat from urban life.

4. Sands Theatre: 

Nostalgia would set in when you hear a sublime tribute to none other than ABBA. There is much more in store for you than this. You can enjoy music and entertainment extravaganza at this amazing theatre that is about 10 minutes away from the Gardens by the Bay. Various shows for kids and elders continue taking place one after the other. 

5. SpringLeaf Nature Park: 

If you ever wondered where the place that has roads amidst tall trees exists, it is here in Singapore. Begin your walking expedition here as this is a tailor-made path with ideal romantic settings. When with kids, you can freely walk with them and enjoy the trees around. This place was earlier a village which is now nature’s walk amidst various species of plants.

Best Hotels to stay near Gardens by the Bay

Ritz Carlton, Millennia – 

It is one of the best options for visitors who love a lavish sophisticated stay. Apart from the Merlion Park, the hotel is close to several other wonderful sightseeing options. The decor of the rooms spells luxury with ultra-stylish interiors and amenities that will make you comfortable. 

Fullerton Hotel Singapore – 

The neo grand classical landmark of Singapore, the hotel offers diverse accommodation options, Rolls Royce Privilege, a lifestyle package and the assurance of an opulence stay. There are a lot of local attractions close by and its tour will be arranged by the efficient staff in the Hotel. 

Marina Bay Sands – 

One of the most popular and iconic hotels of Singapore, the sprawling hotel features 2561 rooms with a host of entertainment options like gambling, sampan rides and ice-skating. The prime attraction of this location is its rooftop infinity pool which is considered as the world’s largest infinity pool.

Pan Pacific -

Located in the Central district of Singapore, explore this towering luxury with world class amenities and signature dishes served exclusively at the comforts of the hotel. This 5 star property offers dynamic views of Singapore and is located close to the best sites in Singapore especially the Marina Bay.

The Westin – 

Located in the vicinity of Marina Bay, plan your stay at the Westin to experience bliss and peace. Great location with great food at the in-house restaurant is some of the added attractions of this wonderful hotel.

Fairmont – 

Located in the heart of Singapore, this upscale accommodation has 769 ultra-luxurious rooms and suites featuring comfortable style and international designs adorning the room. The spa at the Hotel has several treatment options available and also is Asia's largest Spa.

Tips For Visiting Flower Dome Conservatory 

• The temperature is maintained at 23-25 degrees Celsius, so even though it provides respite from the heat, it is advisable to take a jumper, or something of that sort, because it often gets cold at the lower level.

• Buying tickets from the official website of Gardens by the Bay seems advantageous as the queues may be long sometimes.

• Recommended time of duration of the visit is around 4 to 5 hours. There are also dining options in the Flower Dome, called Pollen.

• There is an official app for those who would like detailed information on the flowers and plants inside the conservatory. It goes by the name of "Plant Explorer" and is available to download on both the AppStore and Google PlayStore for free.