The Gardens by the Bay light show in Singapore is one of the most popular attractions for those visiting the Southeast Asian nation. Known as Garden Rhapsody, it draws plenty of crowds in the evening and if you are planning to be in Singapore, it is something that you should place on your itinerary on one of the evenings.
Gardens by the Bay is a huge, major attraction in Singapore and should not be missed. Comprising of outdoor gardens and, most famously, two indoor cooled conservatories, Gardens by the Bay has plenty of sights and wonders to take in.
One of the biggest draws in the Gardens by the Bay light show. Many flock to the popular light show in Singapore in the evening to watch lights dance about to the music in a splendidly choreographed visual spectacular.
Here are 15 interesting things to know about the Gardens by the Bay light show, Garden Rhapsody.
15 Interesting Things to Know About Gardens by the Bay Light Show
1. Located at the Futuristic Supertree Grove
The Gardens by the Bay light show takes place at the Supertree Grove. You must have seen the otherworldly looking Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay? There are three clusters of Supertrees at the attraction but the largest cluster is known as Supertree Grove. There are 12 supertrees at the Supertree Grove. This is where the light show takes place, transforming the greenery of the Supertree structures into a canvas for a show of light and colour.
2. Takes Place Twice Every Evening
Garden Rhapsody, the Gardens by the Bay light show takes place twice every evening. Once at 7.45 pm and again at 8.45 pm. This occurs daily, 365 days a year, which is good news because you can catch it whenever you are in Singapore.
3. It is Free
One of the reason why many flock to watch the Gardens by the Bay light show is because it is free! Singapore can feel like an expensive destination to visit but this is one experience that you don’t need to pay to enjoy. Instead, you can simply find a space and settle down to enjoy the view of dancing lights at the Supertree Grove.
4. Sometimes it isn’t Free
While it is usually free to enjoy, occasionally, you may find that there are ticketed events taking place at the Supertree Grove. On those occasions, you may not be able to get to the Supertree Grove to enjoy the light show from under the supertrees without paying. Such events include the annual Christmas Wonderland festivities that are held in December. You will need to purchase a ticket to gain admission into the Supertree Grove during these events.
There are also other events such as River Hongbao held at the Supertree Grove. While not a ticketed event, you may have queue up to enter into the Supertree Grove during the event period.
The good news is that even if you don’t wish to enter into the Supertree Grove during those event dates, there are still other locations where you can enjoy the view of the Gardens by the Bay light show. We will cover those later.
5. Changing Programs Throughout the Year
The light and sound show at the Supertree Grove changes throughout the year. You may visit and find that you can enjoy songs from broadway musical theatre on one occasion, and visit again and be serenaded by music from local artists the next time around.
During the Chinese New Year period, you can expect a musical program specially curated for the festival. In August, you can expect a National Day edition of Garden Rhapsody, which features well-loved Singaporean songs. Christmas also brings with it a special holiday edition of the light and sound show.
You can view the program at Garden Rhapsody here on the Gardens by the Bay website.
6. Audio Speakers
Once the program starts, you will find yourself enveloped in an audio soundscape that rings throughout the Supertree Grove. This is courtesy of 68 independent audio speakers that have been positioned around the supertrees to provide a wonderful listening experience to all.
7. Watch from Under the Supertrees
One favorite location for visitors to take in the sights and sounds of the light show is from directly underneath.
8. OCBC Skyway Vantage Point
A unique spot to take in the view of the Gardens by the Bay light show is up in the air. you can purchase a ticket to the OCBC Skyway, a suspension bridge that is is 22 metres above ground. The 128 meter long walkway allows you to get an expansive view of the Supertree Grove.
The OCBC Skyway is open till 9 pm in the evening (with last admission at 8.30 pm). This presents an opportunity to head up there to catch a view of the light show from a unique perspective.
Take note that the OCBC Skyway is a ticketed attraction.
9. Supertree Observatory Viewing Point
For another unique view of the light show, you can pay a visit to the Supertree Observatory. Housed within the tallest supertree at Supertree Grove, the Supertree Observatory will allow you to look down on the twinkling lights of Garden Rhapsody. However, we personally don’t think it is quite as magical because we find the wonder of the light show to be when you are able to get a view across all the different supertrees rather than just looking down on them.
Take note that the Supertree Observatory is a ticketed attraction.
10. Viewing Point from World of Plants
One less well known viewing point for the light show is from the Secret World of Plants outdoor gardens. This is a raised vantage point on the rooftop above the restaurants close to the World of Plants. From there, you will get an overview of the light and music show from a distance. While it may not be as immersive as being under the Supertrees, it is still a nice spot to watch the lights around the structures.
This is also a good vantage point to watch the light show when the Supertree Grove has a ticketed event like Christmas Wonderland.
11. Secret Life of the Supertrees
We will let you in on one more secret. You may think that the Supertrees are simply a backdrop for the light show. However, they actually serve a much deeper purpose than that. In addition to being the stars of the light show, they are also vertical gardens.
In additional, seven of the supertrees are designed to harvest solar energy, much like real trees. This generates green energy that is used around Gardens by the Bay.
12. Getting to the Gardens by the Bay Light Show
If you are planning on taking public transport, the closest MRT station to the Supertree Grove is Bayfront MRT. It is around a 10 to 12 minute walk from Bayfront MRT Station to Supertree Grove.
13. Arrive Early
Many people arrive early to reserve a spot under the Supertrees to watch the light and music show. If you have your heart set on finding a spot under the Supertrees, arrive early.
14. Restaurants and Food Outlets Nearby
There is a food court with multiple food stalls nearby to the Supertree Grove. Or you could have dinner at the Satay by the Bay food centre near Kingfisher Wetlands and make your way back to watch the show.
15. Pair it with the Spectra Show at Marina Bay Sands
The Gardens by the Bay light show isn’t too far away from Marina Bay Sands. It is about 15 minutes walk away. This means that you can watch the Marina Bay Sands light show and then take a walk over to the Supertree Grove and catch the Gardens by the Bay light show after that.
However, if you only intend to see one light show, between the Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay light shows, we would recommend the Gardens by the Bay light show because of its sheer immersiveness.
If you enjoyed this story, we would recommend reading this on whether or not to choose between visiting the Flower Dome or Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay. You may be interested in this one on the Sentosa Sensoryscape or the Borealis Northern Lights installation at the Supertree Grove.
