Flower Dome vs Cloud Forest

If you’re visiting Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, you’ll almost certainly consider the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. These iconic cooled conservatories sit side by side and offer wildly different climates, collections, and vibes. If time or budget forces a choice, which one fits your trip best? The comparison below breaks it down.

Quick comparison – Flower Dome vs Cloud Forest

FeatureFlower DomeCloud Forest

Location

Bay South, Gardens by the Bay (next to Supertree Grove)

Bay South, Gardens by the Bay (beside Flower Dome)

Price

Typically sold as a combo with Cloud Forest. Non-resident: Adult S$46, Child S$32; Residents: Adult S$34, Child S$26. Single-dome resident tickets from S$12.

Same combo pricing as left; Cloud Forest resident single from S$26. All prices include GST; proof of residency required for resident rates.

What is it?

Cool-dry Mediterranean & semi-arid conservatory; largest glass greenhouse (Guinness).

Cool-moist montane conservatory featuring a 35-m indoor waterfall and a mist-shrouded “mountain.”

Built / Age

Opened 2012 (with Gardens by the Bay).

Opened 2012 (with Gardens by the Bay).

Size / Height

~1.28 ha under glass (Guinness). Temp 23–25°C.

~1.5 football fields; humidity 80–90%; temp 23–25°C; 35-m waterfall.

Timings

Daily 9:00–21:00 (last admission 20:30).

Daily 9:00–21:00 (last admission 20:00); misting at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00.

Duration needed

~1 hour inside.

~1 hour inside.

Queues / Wait time

Moderate; faster than Cloud Forest at peak times.

Often longer lines due to waterfall + mist shows; arrive early.

Best time to visit

Morning for cooler walk from MRT; late afternoon light for photos.

Early morning or around misting times for ambience and cooler air.

Accessibility

Step-free routes; wheelchair rental S$2/day; mobility scooters allowed.

Lifts to aerial walkways; wheelchair-friendly paths; nursing room inside CF.

Kid-friendly

Yes; stable temps, spacious paths, seasonal floral shows.

Yes; dramatic waterfall, fog effects, dinosaur overlay currently featured.

Highlights

Themed Mediterranean gardens, Baobabs, Flower Field, record-setting glasshouse.

Waterfall, Cloud Walk & Treetop Walk, Lost World, Orchid Haven.

Dining options

No food/drink inside; nearby: Jurassic Nest Food Hall, Satay by the Bay.

Same. (Food/drink prohibited inside conservatories.)

Nearby attractions

Supertree Grove, OCBC Skyway, Supertree Observatory, Marina Bay Sands.

Ditto; both domes sit beside Supertrees and Bayfront.

Rules

No food/drinks; conservatory maintenance closures on scheduled dates.

No food/drinks; check maintenance dates before visiting.

Verdict – Which Should You Visit?

Short on time or traveling with little ones? Choose Cloud Forest—the 35-m waterfall, misting shows, and elevated walks deliver instant wow with a compact route. Prefer calmer paths, seasonal floral displays, and milder air? Pick Flower Dome. Staying longer in Marina Bay? Do both—they sit side by side and take ~2 hours combined.

See both in one seamless visit

Book the Flower Dome + Cloud Forest combo to lock today’s price, skip on-site queues, and time your strolls around Cloud Forest misting hours for perfect photos. Ideal add-on to Supertrees at dusk.

Major differences between Flower Dome and Cloud Forest explained

Indoor waterfall and lush greenery at Floral Fantasy, Singapore.

History & architecture

Flower Dome: A vast column-free gridshell (1.28 ha) recognized by Guinness as the largest glass greenhouse, built for a cool-dry Mediterranean climate.

Cloud Forest: A cooler, humid biome built around a man-made mountain with aerial walkways and a signature 35-m waterfall. (

Hanging floral arrangements in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome.

Experience highlights

Flower Dome: Themed Mediterranean gardens, towering baobabs, and rotating Flower Field displays in stable 23–25°C comfort.

Cloud Forest: Enter to the thundering waterfall, then loop Cloud Walk and Treetop Walk through mist, orchids, and carnivorous plants.

Carnivorous plants in Jurassic World exhibit, Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore.

Atmosphere & audience

Flower Dome: Bright, open, and calmer; great for leisurely plant spotting and photography.

Cloud Forest: Dramatic, cinematic, and busier at peaks; misting times add crowds—and magic—around the Falls.

Supertree Observatory at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, with towering vertical gardens.

Location & surroundings

Both sit in Bay South beside Supertree Grove, moments from OCBC Skyway, Supertree Observatory, and Marina Bay Sands—easy to pair with the evening Garden Rhapsody show.

Flower Dome interior with diverse plants and trees at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore.

When to visit

Flower Dome: Daily 9:00–21:00 (last entry 20:30); aim for mornings or late afternoons.

Cloud Forest: Daily 9:00–21:00 (last entry 20:00); plan around misting at 10:00–20:00 every two hours.

Wheelchairs available for rent at Gatorland.

Other practicalities

Food/drink are not permitted inside either conservatory. Wheelchair rental (S$2/day) and accessible routes/lifts available; check maintenance closure dates before you go.

What you’ll see at Flower Dome

Baobab tree inside Flower Dome, Singapore, surrounded by lush greenery.

Baobab Garden

Iconic African baobabs rising under glass, illustrating adaptations to arid climates.

Colorful flowers and fountain in Gardens by the Bay's Floral Fantasy, Singapore.
Olive trees in a sunlit grove.
Succulents growing on a rocky surface inside the Flower Dome.
Wooden elephant sculptures surrounded by vibrant flowers at a garden attraction.

What you’ll see at Cloud Forest

Cloud forest waterfall inside Gardens by the Bay, Singapore.

The Falls (35 m)

The signature indoor waterfall greets you at entry with cool spray and thunderous sound.

Treetop Walk at Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, with lush greenery and illuminated walkway.
Tourist exploring lush greenery in Singapore's Cloud Forest.
Carnivorous plants in Jurassic World exhibit, Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore.
Purple orchids in Singapore's Cloud Forest conservatory.

Visiting Flower Dome and Cloud Forest

Lush greenery and mist in Singapore's Cloud Forest conservatory.

Flower Dome: Entry is usually bundled with Cloud Forest. Non-resident combo: Adult S$46, Child S$32; Residents: Adult S$34, Child S$26. A resident-only single-dome ticket is S$12 adult. Prices include GST; bring residency proof if applicable.

Cloud Forest: Same combo applies; resident single-dome tickets from S$26. Expect stronger demand around misting times and during special overlays.

Doing both together: Most visitors do both in one go (~2 hours total). Start with Cloud Forest for cooler air and lighter crowds, then Flower Dome. Time your Cloud Forest entry to catch a misting cycle.

Guided/third-party options: Official and reseller tickets offer e-vouchers and flexible dates; look for packages that also include Supertree Observatory or OCBC Skyway for sunset.

Elevated walkway in Singapore's Cloud Forest with lush greenery and mist.

Morning – Cloud Forest (9:00 am – 10:30 am)

Walk in right at opening; ride the lift up, then descend via Cloud Walk and Treetop Walk. Try to intersect the 10:00 am misting for atmospheric photos.

Chicken satay skewers garnished with peanuts and cilantro, served with dipping sauce.

Lunch (12:00 pm – 1:00 pm)

Eat nearby at Jurassic Nest Food Hall (indoor, air-conditioned) or stroll to Satay by the Bay for hawker classics by the water.

Tulip Garden at Gardens by the Bay with Trojan horse and ship display.

Afternoon – Flower Dome (1:15 pm – 2:15 pm)

Enjoy the steady 23–25°C climate. Explore the Baobab Garden, Succulent Garden, and the seasonal Flower Field at a relaxed pace.

Supertree Grove illuminated at night in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay.

Evening (Optional)

Return to Supertree Grove for Garden Rhapsody light shows (7:45 pm & 8:45 pm), then consider the OCBC Skyway for skyline views.

  • Address (both domes): 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953 | Find on Maps
  • By MRT: Bayfront (CE1/DT16) on Circle & Downtown Lines; signed walkway to Supertree Grove and Conservatories. Gardens by the Bay (TE22) on Thomson-East Coast Line also serves the park.
  • By bus: City routes to Bayfront/Marina Bay area, then short walk through the Gardens.
  • By car/taxi: Follow Sheares Ave/Marina Coastal Dr to Main Entrance Basement Carpark near the domes.  

Plan your visit to Gardens >

Gardens by the Bay view from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, showcasing Supertree Grove and conservatories.
  • Flower Dome: Daily 9:00 am – 9:00 pm (last admission 8:30 pm). Check scheduled maintenance closures before visiting. Recommended duration ~1 hour.
  • Cloud Forest: Daily 9:00 am – 9:00 pm (last admission 8:00 pm); misting at 10:00, 12:00, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8:00. Recommended duration ~1 hour.
  • Best time & crowd tip: Arrive at opening or after 6:00 pm for thinner crowds; if choosing one, Cloud Forest first to beat lines and enjoy cooler air. 
Gardens by the Bay's Floral Fantasy with vibrant hanging plants and water features in Singapore.
  • Pick by climate: Prefer cool-dry comfort and slower strolling? Do Flower Dome. Want immersive fog, waterfalls, and elevated paths? Choose Cloud Forest—but expect more people around misting times.  
  • Time your photos: Cloud Forest’s misting cycles (every two hours) add atmosphere; arrive five minutes early at The Falls for the best shots.  
  • Know the rules: No food or drink inside either dome; enjoy meals at Jurassic Nest or Satay by the Bay nearby.  
  • Accessibility: Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are allowed; rentals are available on site for a small fee. Lifts connect Cloud Forest’s levels.  
  • Beat the rush: If doing both, start Cloud Forest at 9:00 am, then Flower Dome. Save the Supertrees for sunset and the Garden Rhapsody shows. 
  • Check closures: Each conservatory has maintenance days; confirm dates to avoid disappointment, especially on tight itineraries.

Frequently Asked Questions about Flower Dome vs Cloud Forest

Can you visit both in one day?

Absolutely. The domes are adjacent; most visitors cover both in ~2 hours total, especially if they start at opening or late evening to avoid crowds.

Which is more budget-friendly?

Pricing is typically a combo ticket for both domes (from S$46 non-residents; S$34 residents). Resident single-dome options exist; bring proof for resident rates.

Which is better for first-time visitors to Singapore?

Cloud Forest delivers a bigger “wow” with its 35-m waterfall and mist, while Flower Dome offers calmer paths and themed gardens—great if you love botany or slower browsing.

Which is better for kids?

Kids usually prefer Cloud Forest for the waterfall, bridges, and fog effects. Flower Dome is gentler and spacious—good for strollers and sensitive to cooler but drier air.

How far is the Flower Dome from Cloud Forest?

They’re side by side in Bay South Garden, a short, level walk between entrances by Supertree Grove.

What if I only have time for one?

Choose Cloud Forest for drama and unique elevated walks. Pick Flower Dome if you prefer Mediterranean plants, seasonal floral shows, and fewer peak-time crowds.

Which has the better signature experience?

Cloud Forest’s 35-m Falls and misting cycles are the standout; Flower Dome shines with its Guinness-record greenhouse and rotating Flower Field displays.

Are they included in a city pass?

City passes often bundle guided entries or extras rather than pure admission (since tickets are sold directly/with partners). Check inclusions closely before purchase.

How long do you need at Flower Dome vs Cloud Forest?

Plan ~1 hour per dome. Factor a few minutes to walk between them and time to see a misting cycle in Cloud Forest.

Which is bigger?

Flower Dome is the world’s largest glass greenhouse (1.28 ha under glass). Cloud Forest is slightly smaller in footprint but vertically dramatic with its mountain and falls.