More petal power comes to Gardens by the Bay in April, with the opening of the attraction’s new blooming wonder, Floral Fantasy. Welcoming visitors from April 14 to its sprawling space at Bayfront Plaza next to Bayfront MRT station, the blossoming landscape features four themed concepts: Dance, Float, Waltz, and Drift. And it’s air-conditioned. Because in sunny times like these, cool temperatures are a much sought-after relief.
More than 3,000 plants across over 150 species adorn the garden, which fluctuates between a crisp 23°C to 25°C. Highlights include the Begonia “Darth Vader,” a plant with black leaves and lime green edges named after the Star Wars villain; Chinese Juniper, in its semi-cascade bonsai form that’s been pruned through the years; and Fried Egg Tree, whose white flowers with yellow stamens bloom into a shape that resembles the dish.
Stepping onto the grounds, your first introduction to Floral Fantasy is Dance, a colorful zone featuring pendulous floral balls hanging from the ceiling.
Next, Float guides you by the water with trees that twist and turn in unusual shapes, while Waltz brings in the drama with driftwood structures, sheets of water, and a poison dart frog vivarium that will eventually house more than 30 of these amphibians. (Don’t worry though, they may be highly toxic but they’re said to lose this ability when reared by humans.)
From brightly lit spaces to a darkened cavern, Drift beckons you into a half-enclosed area bordered by terraced rock brushed green with hanging ferns and a number of South American orchids.
The garden corners may lull you into relaxation, but towards the end of the attraction, you’ll get your adrenaline spiked on a 4D ride called “Flight of the Dragonfly.” It’s essentially what its name suggests — snug in a 24-seater theatrette, with 3D glasses on, you’ll be thrown into a simulated journey of a dragonfly’s flight through Gardens by the Bay.
Oh, and before you head out into the hot sun, check out the Artist Corner, where the floral-themed works of local talents will be displayed on a rotating basis.
FIND IT:
Floral Fantasy opens on Apr 14 at Bayfront Plaza, next to Bayfront MRT station.
Daily 9am-9pm (last admission at 8pm).
Local residents: $12/adults, $8/seniors and children; foreigners: $20/adults and seniors, $12/children. Opening rates will be available from Apr 14-May 13.
MRT: Bayfront
