Borealis at Gardens by the Bay

Northern Lights have arrived in Singapore, taking the mesmerising form of BOREALIS, an immersive light and sound experience at Gardens by the Bay’s Supertree Grove.

BOREALIS at Gardens by the Bay

Borealis is a new night installation at Gardens by the Bay’s Supertree Grove. Created by Dan Acher, the work has toured several cities. The debut of Borealis in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay is also unique – as the first permanent Borealis installation in the world.

Over the last decade, the towering Supertrees have become an iconic sight of Singapore. Many visitors to the Gardens would stay on for Garden Rhapsody, a night show with lighting effects synced to a thematic soundtrack. On select nights*, Borealis will begin after Garden Rhapsody concludes, extending the night experience at the Gardens.

*- Currently Mondays (8PM), Saturdays and Sundays (9PM)

VIDEO: BOREALIS at Gardens by the Bay

Filmed during Borealis Preview and launch event on 4 May 2024.

For 30 minutes, the Supertree Grove transforms into a surreal environment, like a boundless floating sea.

Variations in wind, temperature and humidity affects the appearance of the auroras, making each viewing a unique experience (in some ways).

I’ve seen this work twice – the first night had clear sky and minimal wind, causing the environment to feel very foggy – with light bouncing around the area. The second night was rather cloudy and windy, causing the sky to appear brighter, while the waves would fade in and out quickly due to the wind.

The unusual lighting is of course, a very popular photo opportunity for visitors.

Where to view and when to arrive at Supertree Grove to watch Borealis and Garden Rhapsody

Borealis starts right after a Garden Rhapsody show, so it is likely that the Supertree Grove would already be crowded with some visitors sitting on the floor.

I would suggest arrive at least 20 minutes before a Borealis showtime to avoid having to weave through the crowds when the space is already dimly-lit when the Garden Rhapsody show is happening. If you are planning to take photos or videos of either show, you may wish to be there even earlier – maybe 45 mins to an hour in advance – to get a good spot.

Borealis can be viewed from all around Supertree Grove, but my favourite area to roam around is the plaza in front of the Supertree Conservatory. In this area, you will be near four ‘aurora points’ and the Marina Bay Sands is right behind the Supertrees. It is also a popular spot for photographers.

Northern Lights from the air: Viewing from OCBC Skyway

You can also avoid the crowds on land and view Borealis high above, from the OCBC Skyway attraction. An admission fee applies to enter the Skyway.

As the Skyway has limited capacity and a suggested time limit of 15 minutes, it can be difficult to linger at certain spots to view Borealis. Staff will be guiding visitors to keep moving forward.

Waiting time to enter the Skyway would vary, but expect longer wait time right before Garden Rhapsody starts, as the visitor flow on the bridge will slow down drastically.

BOREALIS at Gardens by the Bay

Available from 5 May 2024
Mondays at 8PM. Saturdays and Sundays at 9PM.
Free Admission

BOREALIS may be cancelled in inclement weather.

Happenings at Flower Dome

At time of writing, Tulipmania 2024 floral display is showing at the Flower Dome. It is marking its 10th Edition of the display, with elements from the original 2013 tulip show.

The upcoming displays this year are Rose Romance (from June), Impressions of Monet: The Garden (from July), Carnival of Flowers (from September), and Christmas Train Show (from November).

Use my Klook link to buy tickets for Flower Dome and other attractions at Gardens by the Bay.

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