Green in Singapore

From my trip to Singapore, two things stand out: the futuristic Gardens by the Bay and the World Aquatics Swimming World Championships. On one side, you have a massive garden that feels like it’s from another planet. On the other, you have some of the best swimmers in the world battling it out in the pool. Experiencing both in the same trip showed me how people can come together through nature and sport, and how both can teach us about caring for o

ur environment.

Walking Through a Future Garden

Gardens by the Bay is one of the most famous attractions in Singapore, and it’s easy to see why. The Supertrees are the first thing you notice. Giant metal “trees” that are covered in plants and vines. Some of them are as tall as 16 stories! They aren’t just for looks either. They collect solar energy to power lights, store rainwater, and even help cool down the greenhouses nearby. It’s like a mix of art, science, and nature all in one.

Then there are the two giant domes: the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. The Flower Dome holds plants from all over the world, from desert succulents to Mediterranean gardens. The Cloud Forest feels like stepping into a rainforest on top of a mountain. It even has a 42-meter waterfall inside, which is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Both domes are cooled using smart, energy-saving systems that recycle water and air, so they’re not just beautiful but also eco-friendly.

A Lesson in Sustainability

What I loved most is that Gardens by the Bay isn’t just about pretty plants. It’s about showing how cities can be green and sustainable. Singapore built the whole park on reclaimed land as part of its “City in a Garden” plan. That vision really comes through when you see how everything works together from the Supertrees, the wetlands, and the greenhouses. Even the water features and lighting are powered by recycled rainwater and solar panels.

The Kingfisher Wetlands were another highlight. This area has native plants, small streams, and even spots where you can watch birds and other wildlife. It feels like a reminder that nature isn’t just something we visit, but it’s something we need to protect. The Gardens even run weekend tours that explain how they manage water, energy, and carbon. It’s a pretty cool way to learn how big cities can still live in harmony with nature.

From Gardens to the Pool

Of course, the other big reason I was in Singapore was to photograph the World Aquatics Swimming World Championships. This is one of the biggest international swim meets, bringing together the fastest swimmers from all over the world. The atmosphere was electric, packed stands, national flags waving, and some of the most intense races you can imagine.

Swimming is such a raw and physical sport, but at the same time, it has this connection to water that made me think about the Gardens again. Just like the Supertrees and wetlands show how important it is to work with nature, the Championships show how people push the limits of what’s possible in the water. Both are about respect, in that you respect the environment, and you respect human talent and dedication. The World Aquatics motto for the event was, “Water shapes us.”

Closing Thoughts

Looking back, it was special to experience both sides of Singapore on this trip. Gardens by the Bay reminded me that even in a huge, modern city, you can design spaces that care for the planet. And photographing the World Aquatics Championships reminded me how sport brings people together in amazing ways.

At the end of this post, I’ll be adding some of my favorite photos I took at the Gardens. Hopefully, they capture both the wonder of the place and the bigger message in that we all have a role to play in keeping our planet healthy, just like we all cheer for athletes chasing their dreams.

Sources

Novak, Metka. "Singapore's Gardens by the Bay: Sustainable Building Meets Greenery." City Changers, 29 Oct. 2021, citychangers.org/singapore-gardens-by-the-bay/?utm_.

"Our Story." Gardens by the Bay, www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/about-us/our-gardens-story/our-story.html?utm_.

"Sustainability in the Gardens." Gardens by the Bay, www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/about-us/our-gardens-story/sustainability-efforts.html?utm_.

Woods, Amanda. "Singapore is the world's first sustainable tourism destination, here's how to embrace it." The Advertiser, 30 Aug. 2024, www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/singapore-is-the-worlds-first-sustainable-tourism-destination-heres-how-to-embrace-it/news-story/41ef28b5a9289e0b62387f32e2a274f5?utm_.