A Guide to the Cloud Forest in Singapore, an Indoor Green Paradise
Stepping into the Cloud Forest is like a dream, with misty air, towering greenery, and cascading waterfalls—all the beauty of a tropical forest without the sweat. And it’s in the heart of the city, too!
Whether you’re after the perfect misty shot or a cool nature escape, this guide will help you make the most of every corner of this lush indoor paradise.
Background and History
The Cloud Forest, opened in 2012, is one of two cooled conservatories at Gardens by the Bay, designed to mimic the cool, misty environments of tropical highlands. Over the years, the Cloud Forest has also hosted immersive exhibits.
It was created not just as a botanical wonder but as an educational space to promote awareness about biodiversity and climate change.
Its iconic indoor waterfall was the tallest in the world at the time of opening, and the dome’s sustainable cooling system showcases eco-friendly innovation.
Things to Know
Location: 18 Marina Gardens Drive
Contact: +6564206848
Hours: Daily, 9 AM–9 PM
Fees:
Adults: S$53 (includes both Cloud Forest and Flower Dome)
Children (3-12 years): S$40
Accessibility: PWD and stroller-friendly ramps, elevators, restrooms, and walkways
Pet-friendly? No
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, lockers and luggage storage, wheelchair and stroller rental, cafes and restaurants, gift shop, restrooms, nursing rooms
Rules and restrictions:
✔ Personal photography without flash
✔ Respect plants and exhibits
✖ No pets
✖ No outside food or drinks
✖ No smoking
✖ No drones
How to Get There
Closest MRT: To get to the Cloud Forest by train, take the MRT to Bayfront Station (CE1/DT16) on the Circle and Downtown Lines. From there, use Exit B and follow the underground linkway, which leads directly to Gardens by the Bay. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the station to the Cloud Forest dome.
Closest bus stop: Alight at the Gardens by the Bay bus stop (No. 03371) along Marina Gardens Drive. Buses 400 and 97 serve this stop. From there, it’s a short walk into the Gardens, and you can follow signs leading to the Cloud Forest dome.
By car: Gardens by the Bay has the Main Entrance Basement Car Park near the Visitor Centre for easy dome access.
Singapore’s efficient public transportation means you’ll never get lost. Alternatively, you can walk from Marina Bay Sands via the Helix Bridge for a scenic route.
Things to Do
Stroll through Cloud and Treetop Walks
– Media from cher_ry.berry
Walking along the Cloud and Treetop Walks feels like floating through a rainforest without the sweaty struggle (I like to think of it as nature’s VIP pass). The mist wraps around you while you take in panoramic views of lush greenery and Marina Bay.
Here’s the fun part: those slightly wobbly moments on the elevated paths? That’s just your cue to embrace the thrill (and maybe hold on to the railing).
Discover the Lost World
– Media from cindyciara
Up at the Lost World, it’s cooler, quieter, and packed with exotic plants. Think orchids, ferns, and even some carnivorous ones that look ready to snack on a fly or two. This is the kind of hidden gem that makes you forget you’re still in the heart of Singapore.
It’s like nature’s penthouse, offering lush greenery, a totem pole garden, and a sense of calm above the bustling city. When I’m there, I like to take a deep breath and soak it all in before going back to the urban jungle.
Visit Crystal Mountain
– Media from seethalekshmysj
At Crystal Mountain, you’ll find dazzling crystals, ancient fossils, and rock formations that make you wonder if geology might’ve been cooler than you thought back in school. I’ve come to think of it as Mother Nature’s jewellery box on display.
The stalactites and stalagmites look like props straight out of a fantasy film, and they even throw in some fun facts about Earth’s history to impress your inner nerd!
Immerse yourself in Avatar: The Experience
– Media from avatartheexperience
There’s no need to use 3D glasses at Avatar: The Experience. Giant glowing flora, floating creatures, and life-sized Na’vi make it hard not to feel like you’re part of James Cameron’s cinematic universe.
Here, it’s all about embracing that otherworldly vibe, whether you’re snapping pics with the bioluminescent forest or testing your aim with a virtual banshee ride.
Uncover the Secret Garden
– Media from ka.tsu.oh
The Secret Garden is hidden away at the bottom of the dome, full of rare plants that seem too pretty to be real. It’s quiet, cool, and the perfect spot to catch your breath after all that exploring.
This garden isn’t really a secret, but it feels like your own little escape from the buzz of the city (so take your time). Expect to see delicate begonias, pitcher plants, and orchids showing off their vibrant colours, like nature’s version of a fashion runway.
View changing exhibits and seasonal themes
– Media from jewel_stary
One of the best things about the Cloud Forest is that it keeps things fresh with rotating exhibits. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, boom, there’s Monet’s dreamy water lilies projected all over the place!
It feels like stepping right into an impressionist painting, only with mist and lush greenery adding that extra flair.
These seasonal themes make every visit feel like a brand-new adventure, whether it’s holiday decorations or a surprise art collaboration.
Catch a documentary at Cloud Forest Theatre
– Media from inkkusundqvist
The Cloud Forest Theatre is where you sit back, relax, and let nature and science do the talking—literally.
It screens fascinating documentaries like Changing Planet and Green Pulse, diving into topics like climate change and conservation with enough visuals to make David Attenborough proud.
I make sure to snag a seat early to get the best view—because trust me, these films make saving the planet look pretty epic!