Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay opened to the public

Gardens by the Bay officially opens to the public on Friday, marking the latest milestone of Singapore’s vision in becoming a “City in a Garden”. The Gardens was officially launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday evening, who together with 700 invited guests, enjoyed a special preview tour of Bay South Garden. The Prime Minister called Gardens by the Bay “an icon” of the redeveloped Marina Bay, adding that it is the latest manifestation of Singapore’s Garden City vision.

The first part of the government-funded development that is ready is Bay South Garden, which alone costs $1 billion. Other sections of the park will open in phases. At 54 ha, the highlights of the newly opened Bay South Garden which is located near the Marina Bay Sands include the Supertrees, the Flower Dome and Cloud forest conservatories, the Heritage Gardens and World of Plants; the Dragonfly Lake. Revealing that gardens are one of his favourite places, PM Lee said that Gardens by the Bay is “a place that Singaporeans can be proud of, identify with, and think of when we talk about Singapore”.

PM Lee encouraged all Singaporeans to visit the Gardens, adding that it is the “people’s garden” for everyone – residents or visitors – to enjoy. He said it is a great place for Singaporeans to relax after work or bring the family there on weekends to enjoy a concert or a meal. Gardens by the Bay is open daily from 5am to 2am. Entry to the park is free, but entry into the cooled conservatories and 128m-long aerial walkway are ticketed. For more information, visit http://www.gardensbythebay.org.sg.

Previously, Singapore has been known worldwide as the City of Garden already. This project further strengthened the country’s image not only as a successful developed nation but also as a country driven towards green and comfortable living environment. This kind of project run by the government might cost a lot, but in the end, it benefits the Singaporeans as they could enjoy the amazing Gardens by the Bay for free, something not everyone from other part of the world could have. Previously, it is seen as a highly visionary project, and now it turns into reality.

The Gardens by the Bay is expecting over 30 000 visitors on its opening day on Friday. The project gains more and more attention globally from the time of its proposal to its construction, and now finally to its completion and opening. This is going to attract a lot of people, targeting also foreigners. It is definitely interesting to have a walk in this Gardens by the Bay, specially planned and designed with unique structures and vast landscaping. It is no ordinary garden. It’s the first-of-its-kind, state-of-the-art futuristic garden of wonder and luxury aims to open the eyes of the world. I’m looking forward to visit, but I will wait till all the other phases open too. I’m definitely going for it on my next visit to Singapore, a lovely country.