Welcome to Singapore! If you’re flying in for the first time, our Gardens by the Bay is an unmissable attraction that’s probably on everyone’s bucket list. You also probably want to stay on for our famous light show at the main Supertree Grove that happens in the night. Some tips on the best spots to watch this Garden Rhapsody light show are included below.
Having shot for many photography clients from all over the world at Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay every week for consecutive years, these are the top 7 Gardens by the Bay photo spots I bring my clients to make their most of their photoshoot session.
Save it for your upcoming visit!
*This article is entirely human-written, with 100% real photos taken by Dreamwithj Photography
1. Lily Pond
If you get a chance to take the smaller paths – do! There’s a big fish aquarium on the inner path that have unbelievably sized fish that are over 1 metre (3 feet) long! The lily pond’s most famous spot is the one where the pathway leads to a rock, that can fit two people comfortably, and three with the chance of someone ending in the water. It’s slippery after the rain, so do be careful then.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7198RvYU4YG2Au7J8
2. Main SuperTree Grove
The main SuperTree grove sees a lot less people in the early hours of the morning, and it’s super crowded in the evenings as people start gathering for the light show so if you like a shot with less people behind you, head there in the morning to enjoy the cooler part of the day as well. There might be renovation or gardening works sometimes in this off-peak timing but almost never a closure unless they are setting up for one of the big festive days like Christmas or Lunar New Year.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y4thXt35e1EbaYs79
3. OCBC Skyway
Get above the crowds and catch a breeze up at the OCBC Skyway while you’re at the main Supertree grove. Is it worth the 14 SGD (10 USD) admission fee? I think so, especially if you are timing it to watch the light show in the evening. Yes this is one of the underrated spots to catch the light show without having anyone blocking your view, though for the full experience, it’s nice to be on the ground floor looking up at the towering trees because the lights on the trees may not be as visible from up here.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9XxY28JsESHktRqJ9
4. “Secret” Instagram Spot
I don’t think this is so “secret” anymore due to the amount of TikTok and Instagram videos and amount of people with tripods in the evenings waiting for the light show (so yes this is also a good spot for the Garden Rhapsody light show), but it’s still a beautiful alternative angle to the SuperTree grove.
To get here from the Supertree grove, just take the lift or stairs up to the second floor, turn left and walk down the main path for about 100 metres before veering left again when you see the tops of the Supertrees.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/y42NGGqyZJTtS4Ku8
5. Waterfall in Cloud Forest
On a hot afternoon, the blast of refreshing cool air when you enter the Cloud Forest to be greeted by one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfall is super welcome. It also makes for a great photo spot, but you just might have to wait your turn as quite a few groups will be also enjoying this cool waterfall.
Entry is ticketed and for foreigners, needs to be combined with the flower dome, which you can visit in the same day. A good, leisurely amount of time to spend here is 1-2 hours as there are 7 floors of lush greenery to explore!
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aUNnN4JKRcFkVAtz6
6. Treetop Walk in Cloud Forest
While making your way down (yes 2 sets of lifts to top floor and then taking the winding path down is the way to save your knees), be sure to take the treetop walks whenever you have the chance to for some of the best landscape views of the Cloud Forest.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aUNnN4JKRcFkVAtz6
7. Silver Gardens
Trying to find a spot at the main Supertree grove at night is an impossible feat. But if you’ve already watched the lightshow and want some photos with the lit-up Supertrees at night, Silver Gardens is the place to be.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/j5PsW3sumGuP8nm88
That’s it – save this list or share it with your friends and family travelling here. The best viewpoints at Gardens by the Bay from a local photographer’s perspective. Have fun and be prepared for quite some walking!