Singapore Botanic Gardens or Gardens by the Bay

Singapore Botanic Gardens or Gardens by the Bay?

Singapore Gardens or Gardens by the Bay? Good question.

Well, in the first place I hope you have time and opportunity to visit them both, since they each deserve a visit.

But let’s say your time is limited and it’s one or the other. What would be my advice?

Let’s have a look at the similarities and the differences, shall we?

Same, same, but different, lah!

What you will find in each of the two gardens

• they are both vast
  

  Singapore Botanic Gardens covers 74 hectacres.

  

  Gardens by the Bay covers 101 hectacres.

• both are great for walking and jogging
• they are lush and green
  

  There are green meadows, but it’s also ‘a jungle out there’, at Singapore Botanic Gardens.

  

  Picture taken from high above. Do you see all the different kind of palm tree tops? Lots of variation in shapes and colors.

• they both have ponds and waters
  

  Pond at Singapore Botanic Gardens.

  

  Wide waters at Gardens by the Bay.

• they are free
• each of the gardens has events from time to time, most of them are free for the public
• abundant flora and fauna
• lots of space for holding a picnic
• various F&B options
• they provide information about the flora and fauna
• each has areas that you have to pay an entrance fee for

Singapore Botanic Gardens

• they have an Orchid Garden (with a small entrance fee)
• free concerts
  

  With friends at one of Singapore Botanic Gardens free concerts.

• this garden is a lot older and feels very natural with huge trees and all
• lots of shade

Wanna read more or see more pictures? Then check out the following article about this green oasis:

• visiting Singapore Botanic Gardens

Gardens by the Bay

• it’s a brand new garden and it looks a lot more landscaped and man-made
• it has two magnificent glasshouses (with a steep entrance fee)
  

  The two glasshouses and some of the SuperTrees at Gardens by the Bay.

• there’s a lot of spectacular architecture in and around the garden
  

  The SuperTrees are such impressive architecture. The highest, biggest SuperTree (not this one) has a restaurant and rooftop bar op top.

• there are some high points from where the views are just fabulous
  

  The views from the SkyBridge are beautiful, especially at sunset.

• free events
• the lighting at night and the light shows create a poetic, pretty atmosphere
  

  Call it kitsch or whatever…I think is’t pretty and poetic.

• although the flora is growing quickly, this park still feels a bit hotter and less shady than the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Got enthusiastic about these designer gardens? Then be sure to check out the following articles:

• Gardens by the Bay, part 1 and
• part 2
• part 3
• part 4
• part 5 and
• part 6
• Gardens by the Bay in 2013
• Gardens by the Bay Revisited
• Tulipmania
• Mid Autumn Festival 2014
• Christmas Wonderland 2014
• Autumn Festival 2015

Even though the last 4 links refer to events that are in the past, you may still really enjoy the pictures!

Conclusion

I would say:

if you are more interested in a quiet, no-frills big park and/or in orchids, choose the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

If you are an architecture lover, into glasshouses, sunset views and a bit more entertainment, then choose Gardens by the Bay. Because you then will also love the glitzy, glam Marina Bay area next to it.

My personal favorite:

I like and visit them both, but I have a preference for Gardens by the Bay. They are so photogenic!

For chilling with friends, I probably would go to Singapore Botanic Gardens. But for walking around on my own, I prefer Gardens by the Bay.

How about you? Are you familiar with both of Singapore Gardens? Which one do you prefer?