Gardens by the Bay gets spruced up for big day

SINGAPORE: It’s all systems go as final touches are put on Singapore’s latest attraction — Gardens by the Bay — ahead of its Friday opening.

And getting there should be a cinch with free daily shuttles from the Marina Bay train station.

The shuttles operate from 9am to 9pm at 10—minute intervals.

These shuttles might operate on a permanent basis if there is a demand.

Visitors can also alight at the Bayfront train station and walk 300 metres to the Gardens.

For those who drive, there will be 720 parking lots.

Cyclists will have bicycle stands to park their bikes as cycling is not allowed in the Gardens.

The supertrees might resemble a science—fiction movie set.

But getting around Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay won’t be an alien concept.

Visitors can enter the 54—hectare park from seven places.

Most of the attractions will be free. Ticketed areas include the aerial walkway and two cooled conservatories.

Developers said the design of the billion—dollar—park has taken into account everybody’s needs.

Ng Boon Gee, assistant director (Development) Gardens by the Bay, said: "All the ramps here are actually constructed in such a way that they are gentle — the wheelchair can be easily pushed up the ramps. So these are the things that we are trying to do to make the space as user—friendly as possible."

On a leisurely stroll, you will encounter birds, and bears — in the form of plant sculptures.

And there are mini heritage gardens to reflect on Singapore’s multi—racial composition with hints of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian influences.

If you are tired of walking, you can always hop on a garden cruiser to get around, which will cost between S$3 to S$5.

Managing director of Cafe Crema and Verandah at the Gardens by the Bay, Lim Li—Wei, said: "You can come here (to the cafe) and enjoy handcrafted coffee, or sandwich, as well as local favourites such as hokkien mee, bak kut teh and laksa."

Four more spots for eateries will be up for tender in 2013 which means there’ll eventually be more than 10 dining establishments to satisfy the hungry after a walk—in—the—park.

— CNA/ck