An Eden amongst the concrete and glass

We only have two days of doing stuff in Singapore so even though we woke up today to pouring rain and thunder storms it wasn't going to stop us getting out there and exploring. We headed over to the Marina Bay area where they have a site called Gardens by the Bay. Here they have two large green house domes as well outside themed gardens and artifical trees. We got off the tube a station later than we needed to so we had quite a long walk in the rain to reach the two domes which were situated on the far side of the park. We went in the Cloud Dome first which has walking platforms all around a central tall column that is completely covered in beautiful plants. As you enter you see the world's tallest indoor waterfall which gave off an amazing sound and spray. As you work your way round the bottom layer there are hundreds of different species of plants that live in a climate where the pressure and temperature forms clouds around and through the jungle. They even had a few plants made of Lego near the end of the bottom section. You then head up in a lift to the top and work your way back down walking on many platform walkways as you do so. While we were at the top they turned on there machines which then produced a cloud inside the dome for you to see. It was very cool to be inside a cloud while admiring the many species of plants. One part we didn't like was a section inside the column where they had taken from several caves around the world about 50 stalactites and stalagmites to display. It felt so wrong to remove something so beautiful from where it was naturally formed and the centre didn't need it because it isn't relevant to the theme of the dome anyway. After we finished up here we had some lunch and then went into the Flower Dome. This dome was mainly one storey but had some sections raised up and others dropped to provide some separation. They had a great section of cacti and desert plants although again it felt like they were taking things away for their rightful habit because they had about 5 huge trees which swell at the bottom to conserve water which they stated were originally from Africa and provide the local tribes with a source of water, food and wood. It did feel wrong that they've therefore been dug up and brought here. One section we found amusing was a Mediterranean part that contained many species of plants and flowers we have in the UK. It was weird being in a place like this that is displaying things from back home because they don't have these species of plants here themselves. After taking too many close up photos of plants we left the dome and by this point it was early evening. Our ticket included going up the top of one of the metal trees to see the view around but we planned to do this in the evening when it was dark and the trees were lit up. However a huge thunderstorm rolled in so after having some food, sheltering from the rain and waiting for darkness we went over and found out the tree was shut due to lightning and the light show wouldn't start until an hour later. It was a shame but we've been reassured we can come back tomorrow and still use our ticket. The trees themselves were very impressive and the trunks are covered in hundreds of plants which provide a habitat for many insects and even hummingbirds. We plan to revisit tomorrow to see them in their full glory and to visit the top of the main one. Fingers crossed it's not torrential rain tomorrow!Read more