When I was studying in Canada in the Summer, I was literally surrounded by beautiful and vibrant-looking flowers everywhere. So I envy the Canadians for being about to enjoy looking at beautiful blooms wherever they go. And that was 10 years ago, when Singapore was just starting to incorporate more greenery in the city.
A few years fast forward, we welcomed Gardens by the Bay and we get to be surrounded by a variety blooms throughout the year. We are definitely limited by the seasons. And this season, they are bringing you a new floral display, Rhododendron Radiance, at the Flower Dome.
Besides changing out the seasonal floral display, you should also check out their latest attraction, Floral Fantasy where you get to watch an immersive 4D show and experience Gardens by the Bay like never before.
Floral Fantasy
Since its opening, it has gathered some attention, especially from the media (and Instagrammers). Other than the beautiful backdrops for your Instagram, there’s more to this garden enclave which features four whimsical-themed garden landscapes.
Interactive Floral Exhibits
I like the movable floral exhibits that bob up and down in the midst of the cool air. It’s as if the flowers are dancing right
Exotic-looking Flower Hybrid
I don’t think I’ve seen a brilliant blue-purple orchid hybrid. The colours look so strikingly beautiful! There are more than 3,000 plants of 150 species showcased right here at Floral Fantasy.
Looking at flowers do really spark joy. These sprays of orchids are truly looking amazing.
Diverse Garden Landscapes
It is a true delight to be walking through the perfectly manicured gardens with the soft music in the background and cool mist that energises your skin.
Fantasy Theatre: Flight of the Dragonfly (4D ride)
But what truly will make your tickets worth is this 4D ride. Look through the eyes of the dragonfly as it explore Gardens by the Bay. From this ride, you will get a better overview of what you can expect at Gardens by the Bay. And be prepared to get your senses awakened as you take this magical ‘sky cruise’.
The ride last for approximately 15 minutes or shorter. And be prepared to wait and queue for a while for the next show as the theatre is pretty small. We both waited for about 10 minutes before we entered the theatre.
Right after the ride, it will lead you towards the souvenir shop as well as a cafe. There is also a flower shop where you can pick up fresh flowers from the cold storage and pay at the counter.
Floral Fantasy
Bayfront Plaza (right outside Bayfront MRT)
Opening Hours: 9 am to 9 pm
Admission charges to Floral Fantasy applies.
Rhododendron Radiance @ Flower Dome (till 28 October)
You may have heard of common flower varieties like rose, sakura and lily but Rhododendrons? These are flowering bushes well-loved by gardeners for their showy flowers that bloom in clusters. They are found mainly in Asia. And it is one of those flowers which you can’t really find in Singapore as rhododendrons strive in cooler climates.
This floral display also features more than 10 varieties of azaleas which is a close cousin of the rhododendron. These flowers were brought in from New Zealand.
The Rhododendron is a National Flower of Nepal.
These flowers are edible and they are made as pickled flowers or juice in Nepal. It has a sourish taste.
These Rhododendrons can look as pretty as sakuras.
Interestingly, these flowers look strangely similar to hibiscus. Don’t you think? But Rhododendrons look more dainty and they come in shades of red, pink, white and yellow.
Take a selfie with Wise Wee
Amidst the large display of rhododendrons, you can also spot one of Gardens by the Bay’s bear mascots – Wise Wee, a genius botanist, who investigates the natural phenomena. If only I could dive right into the flower field to take a picture with Wise Wee…
There are seven other Gardens by the Bay’s bear mascots spotted enjoying outdoor activities amidst the masses of rhododendrons. These bears are engaged in various outdoor activities
Soak up the radiance!
Enjoy a dose of the Rhododendron radiance as you enter flower dome this month and find out more about this species of flower that can’t be found on our home grounds!
Rhododendron Radiance
Bayfront Plaza (right outside Bayfront MRT)
Opening Hours: 9 am to 9 pm
Admission charges to Floral Fantasy applies.
