Standing 25 to 50 metres tall, Singapore’s Supertrees are an awe-inspiring sight. There are 18 Supertrees altogether, 12 of which make up Supertree Grove in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.
The Supertrees are not real trees per se, but they are alive in a sense. Their massive trunks are made of concrete supported by steel frames. All along the trunks, steel planting panels have been installed to hold a large variety of plants, creating flourishing vertical gardens. The Gardens by the Bay official website says, “Over 169,000 plants comprising more than 200 species and varieties of bromeliads, orchids, ferns, and tropical flowering climbers have been planted on the 18 Supertrees.”
Hydraulic jack systems hold together large, open canopies at the tops of the trees. Of the 12 Supertrees in the grove, 11 have canopies with built-in environmentally sustainable functions, such as photovoltaic cells that harvest solar power. The ground level of Supertree Grove is free and open to the public, while an aerial walkway (the OCBC Skyway) allows visitors to promenade the canopies of Supertree Grove and enjoy a different perspective. The skyway is 22 metres above ground and open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Admission costs $8 SGD for an adult. IndoChine, a restaurant located in the canopy of the tallest Supertree, offers diners spectacular views of the Gardens by the Bay and a panorama of Marina Bay.
At night, the Supertree Grove transforms into a world of melody and incandescence. In the evening there are two light and sound shows called Garden Rhapsody, powered by solar energy collected during the day. The shows take place every day at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm, and are free to the public. It is not uncommon for a tropical lightning storm to pass through the area, adding a level of drama to the light show. It may rain but temperatures stay warm, making the experience an enjoyable one.
