Singapore is a city of contrasts, where modern skyscrapers coexist with lush greenery, and where tradition meets innovation. One of the best places to witness this contrast is at the OCBC Skyway, a 128m-long aerial walkway that offers panoramic views of the Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay skyline.
The OCBC Skyway is not just a walkway, but an engineering marvel and a horticultural wonder. It is suspended between 12 Supertrees, which are vertical gardens that support a variety of plants and flowers. At night, the Supertrees come alive with special effects and music, creating a spectacular light and sound show called the Garden Rhapsody.
If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience in Singapore, the OCBC Skyway is a must-visit attraction. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the OCBC Skyway, including its history, design, experience, highlights, and tips for visiting.
History and Design of the OCBC Skyway
The OCBC Skyway was officially opened on 29 June 2012, as part of the Gardens by the Bay, a 101-hectare horticultural destination that features a variety of attractions and exhibits. The Gardens by the Bay was conceived as a national project to transform Singapore into a “City in a Garden”, and to enhance the quality of life and the environment for its residents and visitors.
The OCBC Skyway was designed by Grant Associates, a UK-based landscape architecture firm, and Atelier One, a UK-based structural engineering firm. The OCBC Skyway was sponsored by OCBC Bank, one of the leading banks in Singapore and Southeast Asia, as part of its corporate social responsibility and commitment to environmental sustainability.
The OCBC Skyway is a remarkable feat of design and engineering, as it combines aesthetics, functionality, and technology. The OCBC Skyway is made of steel and glass, and has a curved and organic shape that mimics the natural forms of plants and trees. The OCBC Skyway is supported by 12 Supertrees, which are steel frames covered with concrete panels and planting cells. The Supertrees range from 25m to 50m in height, and have a total of 162,900 plants from 200 species. The Supertrees also have environmental functions, such as harvesting rainwater, generating solar power, and providing ventilation for the conservatories.
The OCBC Skyway is 128m long, 22m high, and 1.5m wide. It can accommodate up to 400 visitors at a time, and has a total weight of 41 tonnes. The OCBC Skyway is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 86 km/h, and has a safety factor of 2.5, which means it can support 2.5 times its own weight.
Experience and Highlights of the OCBC Skyway
The OCBC Skyway is an experience like no other, as it offers stunning views of the Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay skyline. As you walk along the OCBC Skyway, you will be surrounded by a variety of plants and flowers, such as orchids, ferns, bromeliads, and begonias. You will also feel the gentle breeze and the warm sun, as you enjoy the fresh air and the natural beauty.
The OCBC Skyway is especially impressive at night, when the Supertrees are illuminated with colourful lights and patterns. You will also be able to witness the Garden Rhapsody, a nightly show that features the Supertrees coming alive with special effects and music. The Garden Rhapsody has different themes and genres, such as classical, pop, rock, and jazz, and showcases the diversity and vibrancy of Singapore’s culture and heritage.
The OCBC Skyway is not only a visual feast, but also a sensory and emotional one. You will be amazed by the perspective, the diversity, the contrast, and the thrill of the OCBC Skyway. You will also feel a sense of awe, wonder, and joy, as you appreciate the beauty and the harmony of nature and man-made creations.
Garden Rhapsody: The Light and Sound Show at the Supertree Grove
The Garden Rhapsody is a nightly show that features the Supertrees coming alive with special effects and music. The show is free and open to the public, and takes place at the Supertree Grove, which is a cluster of 12 Supertrees that support the OCBC Skyway.
The Garden Rhapsody has two shows per night, at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm, and each show lasts for 15 minutes. The show has different themes and genres, such as classical, pop, rock, and jazz, and showcases the diversity and vibrancy of Singapore’s culture and heritage. Some of the popular themes include:
A World of Wonder: A show that celebrates the wonders of nature and the universe, with music from movies such as Avatar, Star Wars, and Jurassic Park.
Orchard Road: A show that pays tribute to Singapore’s iconic shopping street, with music from artists such as ABBA, Madonna, and Lady Gaga.
Christmas Wonderland: A show that spreads the festive cheer, with music from classics such as Jingle Bells, Silent Night, and White Christmas.
The Garden Rhapsody is a show that you don’t want to miss, as it creates a mesmerizing and enchanting atmosphere at the Gardens by the Bay. Here are some tips and recommendations for enjoying the Garden Rhapsody:
- The best spots to watch the show are at the OCBC Skyway, the Supertree Observatory, or the lawn area near the Supertree Grove. You can also watch the show from the Marina Barrage, which offers a panoramic view of the Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay skyline.
- The best time to watch the show is during the evening, when the sky is dark and the lights are more visible and vivid. You can also watch the show during the day, but the effect will be less dramatic and impressive.
- The best companions to watch the show with are your family, friends, or loved ones. The show is suitable and enjoyable for all ages and preferences, and can create a memorable and romantic experience.
Practical Information and Tips for Visiting the OCBC Skyway
If you are planning to visit the OCBC Skyway, here are some practical information and tips that you need to know:
The OCBC Skyway is located at the Gardens by the Bay, which is at 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953. You can reach the OCBC Skyway by various modes of transport, such as MRT, bus, taxi, or car. The nearest MRT station is Bayfront, which is on the Circle Line and the Downtown Line. The nearest bus stop is Gardens by the Bay, which is served by bus numbers 400 and 402. The nearest taxi stand is at the Arrival Plaza, which is near the main entrance of the Gardens by the Bay. The nearest carpark is at the Meadow Carpark, which is a short walk from the OCBC Skyway.
The OCBC Skyway is open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, with the last admission at 8:00 pm. The OCBC Skyway may be closed for maintenance or due to bad weather, such as heavy rain, lightning, or strong wind. You can check the latest updates and announcements on the official website of the Gardens by the Bay.
The admission rates for the OCBC Skyway are as follows:
Ticket Type Standard Rate Resident Rate
Adult $8 $5
Child $5 $3
Senior $5 $3
The ticket options for the OCBC Skyway are as follows:
Ticket Option Description
Single Ticket A ticket that allows one-time entry to the OCBC Skyway
Combo Ticket A ticket that allows one-time entry to the OCBC Skyway and the two conservatories, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest
Annual Pass A pass that allows unlimited entry to the OCBC Skyway and the two conservatories, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest, for one year
You can buy the tickets for the OCBC Skyway online or on-site. The online tickets are cheaper and more convenient, as you can skip the queue and enjoy a faster entry. You can buy the online tickets on the official website of the Gardens by the Bay, or on other platforms such as Tripoto, Klook, or Viator. The on-site tickets are available at the ticketing counters at the Arrival Plaza, the Flower Dome, the Cloud Forest, or the Supertree Observatory. The on-site tickets are subject to availability and may sell out during peak periods.
Here are some safety and accessibility measures for the OCBC Skyway:
The OCBC Skyway is subject to weather conditions, such as heavy rain, lightning, or strong wind. The OCBC Skyway may be closed for safety reasons, and visitors will be advised to leave the walkway immediately. Visitors who have bought the tickets but are unable to enter the OCBC Skyway due to weather conditions will be refunded or rescheduled.
The OCBC Skyway has a height restriction of 1.1m for children, and children below the height restriction must be accompanied by an adult. The OCBC Skyway also has a weight restriction of 80kg per person, and visitors who exceed the weight restriction will not be allowed to enter the walkway.
The OCBC Skyway is wheelchair accessible, and visitors who use wheelchairs can enter the walkway via the lift at the Supertree Grove. The OCBC Skyway also has emergency call buttons and fire extinguishers along the walkway, and staff members who are trained in first aid and emergency procedures.
Here are some additional tips and advice for visiting the OCBC Skyway:
The best season to visit the OCBC Skyway is during the dry season, which is from June to September, when the weather is sunny and clear, and the chances of rain are low. The worst season to visit the OCBC Skyway is during the monsoon season, which is from November to January, when the weather is wet and cloudy, and the chances of rain are high.
The best time of day to visit the OCBC Skyway is during the evening, when the sky is dark and the lights are more visible and vivid. You can also watch the Garden Rhapsody show, which takes place at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm. The worst time of day to visit the OCBC Skyway is during the afternoon, when the sky is bright and the lights are less visible and impressive. You may also feel hot and sweaty, as the temperature and humidity are high.
The recommended visit duration for the OCBC Skyway is 30 minutes, which is enough time to walk along the walkway and enjoy the views and the plants. You can also extend your visit duration by watching the Garden Rhapsody show, which lasts for 15 minutes. You can also explore the other attractions at the Gardens by the Bay, such as the Flower Dome, the Cloud Forest, the Canyon, the Serene Garden, and the Sun Pavilion.
The dress code for the OCBC Skyway is casual and comfortable, as you will be walking and sweating. You should wear light and breathable clothing, such as shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. You should also wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, to protect yourself from the sun. You should also bring a jacket, umbrella, or poncho, in case of rain or wind.
The photography rules for the OCBC Skyway are simple and flexible, as you can take photos and videos of the walkway and the views, as long as you do not disturb or obstruct other visitors. You can also use a tripod, selfie stick, or drone, as long as you follow the safety and courtesy guidelines. You should also respect the privacy and dignity of other visitors, and avoid taking photos or videos of them without their consent.
The nearby attractions for the OCBC Skyway are many and varied, as the Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay area are full of sights and activities. You can visit the Marina Barrage, which is a dam and a park that offers a panoramic view of the Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay skyline. You can also visit the ArtScience Museum, which is a museum and a cultural centre that showcases the intersection of art, science, and technology. You can also visit the Merlion Park, which is a park and a landmark that features the iconic Merlion statue, which is a mythical creature with a lion’s head and a fish’s body.
The OCBC Skyway is a guide to Singapore’s stunning aerial walkway, that offers panoramic views of the Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay skyline. In this article, we have guided you through everything you need to know about the OCBC Skyway, including its history, design, experience, highlights, and tips for visiting.
The OCBC Skyway is a must-visit attraction in Singapore, as it is a unique and memorable experience that combines aesthetics, functionality, and technology. The OCBC Skyway is also a remarkable feat of design and engineering, as it is suspended between 12 Supertrees, which are vertical gardens that support a variety of plants and flowers. The OCBC Skyway is also a sensory and emotional feast, as it offers stunning views, gentle breeze, warm sun, and natural beauty.
If you are interested in visiting the OCBC Skyway, you can book your tickets online or on-site, and enjoy a faster and cheaper entry. You can also watch the Garden Rhapsody show, which is a nightly show that features the Supertrees coming alive with special effects and music. You can also explore the other attractions at the Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay area, which are full of sights and activities.
We hope you have enjoyed this article, and we hope you will enjoy the OCBC Skyway as well. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us. Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful day.
