by Arrived in Singapore, took a taxi into town but we were very early. Marina Bay Sands is a massive hotel with an infinity edge swimming pool 191m above the ground. Unfortunately only the hotel guests can swim, and viewing for non hotels guests is through some palm trees so we opted for a $53 per head breakfast buffet so we could take in the view and relax a little.
We then went across the bridge the Gardens by the Bay which is a nature park spanning 250 acres of reclaimed land in central Singapore by the bay.
The Flower Dome is the lower but larger of the two, at 3.0 acres. It replicates a mild, dry climate and features plants found in the Mediterranean and other semi-arid tropical regions (e.g. parts of Australia, South America, South Africa).
The Cloud Forest is higher but slightly smaller at 2.0 acres. It replicates the cool moist conditions found in tropical mountain regions between 1,000 metres and 3,000 metres above sea level, found in South-East Asia, Middle- and South America. It features a 42-metre “Cloud Mountain”, accessible by an elevator, and visitors will be able to descend the mountain via a circular path where a 35-metre waterfall provides visitors with refreshing cool air.
Supertrees are tree-like structures that dominate the Gardens’ landscape with heights that range between 25 metres and 50 metres. They are vertical gardens that perform a multitude of functions, which include planting, shading and working as environmental engines for the gardens.
The Supertrees are home to enclaves of unique and exotic ferns, vines, orchids and also a vast collection or bromeliads amongst other plants. They are fitted with environmental technologies that mimic the ecological function of trees – photovoltaic cells that harness solar energy which can be used for some of the functions of the Supertrees, such as lighting, just like how trees photosynthesize; and collection of rainwater for use in irrigation and fountain displays, exactly like how trees absorb rainwater for growth. The Supertrees also serve air intake and exhaust functions as part of the conservatories’ cooling systems.
There is an elevated walkway, between two of the larger Supertrees for visitors to enjoy a panoramic aerial view of the Gardens.
Then back to the airport for our 2.30 flight to Siem Reap
We arrived is our hotel, which smelt like lemon and lime throat lonzengers, had a wander around and found a place for dinner.
