Beauty Steeped in Modernity: Changi Airport and Gardens by the Bay

In January, 2019, my maternal family of around 20 people had decided to plan a 10-day trip together. The condition was that the trip had to be abroad, due to the fact that my grandfather had never been to a foreign land before. After a discussion of about six long months with relation to the place to select, we finally settled on Singapore. The selection was quite obvious; it was due to the high level of development in the cosmopolitan South Asian island. 

Arrival at the Changi Airport

Crystal Garden

On 24 July, 2019, we landed at the popular Changi airport and were instantly mesmerised. There was so much to see even in there. Despite the little time we had on our hands, we still managed to sneak a peek at a few indoor gardens such as the vivid arrival garden as well as the bejewelled crystal garden.

Kinetic Rain

We were also lucky to be able to witness a few installations which were a combination of science and art. These included the 'Kinetic Rain' which features metal droplets falling like rain and 'A Million Times at Changi' featuring the beauty of synchronised clocks amongst a few other masterpieces. 

The Jewel (Source: Google)

The most riveting sight however was 'The Jewel'. This part of the airport features a forest valley having a gushing indoor waterfall flowing from the roof, called the Rain Vortex, as the centrepiece. This sophisticated yet natural element is situated between a canopy of emerald flora.

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Post this, the private bus we had hired came to pick us up and dropped us at our selected hotel, V Hotel Lavender. It is one of the few budgeted yet decent hotels in Singapore that is situated near Little India (where we would have most our meals). In addition, it has a unique feature which is an internet and calling enabled free smart phone in each room. This makes travelling in the island republic facile. 

The following morning, we were introduced to a very important individual who would triple the amount of special in our journey -- our Chinese tourist guide, Boon. He gave us a tour of the city and briefed us about how the island was founded by an Indian King who named it Singapore, referring to a lion like creature that he saw when he landed. The 'Sing' stands for lion in Sanskrit while 'Pore' stands for  city. 

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Gardens By the Bay

Super Trees

Super Trees

The first touristic place we decided to visit on the island was Gardens by the Bay. The scenic attraction is flanked by 50 metre tall, artificial tree like structures called 'super trees'. These majestic attractions give you a fair idea about the spellbinding marvels you are about to witness. 

Light and Sound Show

Moreover, while in the morning they look lush green, at night they are illuminated with lights that change colour and blink, all at the rhythmic pace of the music that plays. This music and light show is truly a must see for all visitors as it lets you experience something soul-touching and harmonious, despite the chatter surrounding you. 

We had chosen to visit the two most attractive domes at the Gardens by the Bay. These were the Flower dome and Cloud dome. Both of these are glass structures broken by steel grids, sort of like a large greenhouse.

Flower Dome

Flower Dome: (left to right) Gorilla installation made with flowers; roses growing within a stone hedge; spade card rock statue amongst cacti; Coloured flora

As the name suggests, the flower dome is blooming with the most vibrant petals. It is filled of levels connected via slanting pathways and houses extremely diverse flora as well as certain artistic installations which are also made using flowers and leaves. One can spot stone and wood statues here and there. The scent filled dome is truly a dream for anyone who wishes to breathe in the green meadows. The Flower dome makes it almost impossible to believe that something manmade can actually be as beautiful.

Cloud Dome

Cloud Dome: (left to right) Dome grid; the cloud forest waterfall; micro plants; cloud forest flora; my family by the cloud forest flora

The first thing that welcomes you to the cloud dome is a tall, foaming waterfall that covers the entire length of the dome. This element along with the misty air and the natural smell makes one feel like they are in an actual cloud forest. Other than this impeccable detail, this dome is a maze of bridges and green plants. Another unique feature nonetheless is a long glass bridge that connects one section to the other. Additionally, it also consists of a miniature garden with fitted microscopic glasses that let you observe plants up close and an AR auditorium with in which a documentary about the human impact on nature plays on loop.

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Overall, Gardens by the Bay and the Changi airport are the two place that do much justice to nature  and art even amongst all the capitalism that Singapore is known for. These are truly the ultimate definitions of artificially made heaven.