January 22, 2016

Cloud Forest and Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore


So, as you already know, we went to Gardens by the Bay last December (if you haven't read our post about it, click here). The place is actually much bigger than what we showed on that post, and it has a lot of attractions too! Like Children's Garden, Lakes, Skyway, etc. But, today's post is not about ALL of the them, because we didn't have enough time to explore the whole place. We only visited their two conservatories, Cloud Forest and Flower Dome!


CLOUD FOREST

Once you enter Cloud Forest, you will see this breath-taking waterfall right in front of you. It's the world's largest indoor waterfall! Spend some time here to enjoy the refreshing mist. 
Of course we had to take pictures next to it. Don't do this, unless you're okay getting slightly wet.
Cloud Forest is actually a 35-metre tall mountain surrounded by diverse vegetation from tropical highlands up to 2,000 metres above sea level.

There was a quite long queue pole before the lift, but luckily it was empty when we reached there!

And next to the queue pole, we saw this cool plants and spider made out of LEGO! 

There are 9 parts inside the Cloud Forest that you can explore, and one of them is the Lost World. It's the highest point of the mountain (you need to take the lift to get here) 
↑ Beautiful reflection.
↑ You can also find Carnivorous Plants at the Lost World, such as pitcher plants and the Venus Fly-catcher.
↑ View from the top.
↑ The Lost World showcases vegetation typically found at around 2,000 above sea level. Such as these pretty flowers. 
↑ If we are not mistaken, this one is Primrose. Yes, as in Primrose Everdeen. :D

Making our way down through the Cloud Walk. 
Stopped for a wefie, lol.

During your way down, you can see a close-up view of various epiphytes plant species (a plant that grows on another plant) on the side of the mountain. 
↑ Love the misty effect! xD
↑ Every time we want to capture our brother, we will distract him by telling him to look at this side, or that side, or just tell him to laugh. We think his candid pose is way better than his planned pose hahahah
↑ One of the unique plants here.
↑ More about Elle's outfit on the previous post: bit.ly/latutto

↑ The last part of Cloud Forest: Secret Garden. Jess was wearing GOWIGASA Feline Bow Midi Skirt in cream and ZARA Top.

We ended up spending 1-2 hours here, loved it!! This place reminded us so much of the movie 'Avatar'! 


FLOWER DOME


Unlike the cool-moist Cloud Forest, Flower Dome is more of a cool-dry conservatory. Here you can find interesting plants from the Mediterranean and semi-arid (dry) subtropical regions. But, the best part of our visit was, it was surrounded by Christmas decorations because it was near the Christmas!! :D


If you turn to the right after you step in Flower Dome, you will find Succulent Garden which displays desert plants (one of the 8 parts inside the Dome). 
↑ Elle's outfit: Forever21 Denim Shirt | H&M Denim Shorts | 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Medium Satchel | ASOS Hat | Peter Keiza Slip-Ons | Topshop Necklace
↑ Cute miniature!!
↑ The lilac colour tho. 
↑ Found a not-so-hiding lion! :D
↑ So many beautiful flowers here.
↑ View from the top.
↑ Mediterranean Garden
↑ Met these cute girls wearing bean sprouts hair clips! Thanks for posing for us :D
↑ Hey, there's a wooden dragon!
 Daisy 
↑ No idea what this is, but it's pretty cool.

 Probably the coolest among all, Helichrysum splendidum! Look at that silver foliage!

↑ So tiny, so pretty.
✿ A wallflower. 
 Remember to touch the plants to know their textures! It's interesting! Like this one above, it felt like gummy bear :3
↑ And this has got to be our favourite! Sooo soft and pillowy! Don't worry, no harm done to the plants ^^
↑ We wish we could shrink ourselves and lay down on it. Or find a big garden fully covered by it. ∩(︶▽︶)∩

↓ Anyway, it was pretty crowded at the Flower Dome, maybe people wanted to see the Christmas decorations or the fact that it was Sunday. Either way, if you want to avoid that, we suggest you to come earlier! ^^
↑ Don't forget to stop by Conservatory Cafe (located between Flower Dome and Cloud Forest) to buy some ice cream! Jess tried the Durian flavour, and the taste was very rich and not too sweet. It felt like eating a durian in a form of ice cream!! Besides ice cream, they also offer light snacks and hot/cold drinks. :D
Mao Shan Wang Durian

CLOUD FOREST & FLOWER DOME
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Opening Hours: Daily 9am - 9pm
Last ticket sale: 8pm
Last admission: 8.30pm

Local Resident Rate - One Conservatory:
Adult: $12
Senior (>60 years old): $8
Child (3-12 years old): $8

Local Resident Rate - Two Conservatories:
Adult: $20
Senior (>60 years old): $15
Child (3-12 years old): $12

Standard Rate - Two Conservatories:
Adult: $28 >> This was our rate/person
Senior (>60 years old): $28
Child (3-12 years old): $15

p.s. If you can only go to one conservatory, we suggest you go for Cloud Forest.

By the way, we went there on Sunday and reached the ticket booth at around 11am and the queue was very short! Then, when we were going back at around 3pm, it was already this crowded!!  Better be early, guys! Especially on weekends.

Ending this post with Gardens by the Bay's iconic Supertree Grove and awesome Christmas tree:


XOXO