A floral display featuring colorful orchids in purple, yellow, and white, arranged around a traditional bamboo hut with a thatched roof and a "No Entry" sign

Cloud Forest Review: Stunning Views, But Is It Worth It?

Singapore is full of incredible attractions, but Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay stands out. Walking into this glass dome feels like stepping into another world. The cool mist, towering indoor waterfall, and lush greenery make it one of the most unique places I’ve visited.

I’d heard a lot about Cloud Forest before I went, but I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the hype. Was it just another tourist spot, or was it something special? After exploring it myself, I can say it’s worth a visit if you know what to expect.

In this review, I’ll share my experience, what you’ll see inside, the best times to go, and whether the ticket price is justified. I’ll also cover tips to make your visit better, including how to avoid crowds and get the best photos.

If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, this guide will help you decide if Cloud Forest should be on your list.

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.

A lush, green mountain covered in tropical plants inside the Cloud Forest conservatory, with a curved walkway winding around it under a massive glass dome.

What is Cloud Forest?

Cloud Forest is one of the key attractions at Gardens by the Bay. It’s a massive glass dome filled with mist, waterfalls, and tropical plants. The highlight is a towering indoor mountain covered in greenery, with walkways winding around it. As you walk through, you’ll see rare plants, dramatic landscapes, and feel the cool, refreshing air (something you’ll appreciate in Singapore’s heat).

Unlike the Flower Dome, which showcases colourful blooms from different climates, Cloud Forest is all about replicating the environment of a tropical highland forest. Think misty peaks, rare orchids, and ferns you’d usually have to hike to see. The atmosphere is almost otherworldly, especially when the mist machines turn on, making it feel like you’re wandering through the clouds.

It’s not just about looking at plants, though. There are interactive displays, sustainability exhibits, and a section showcasing fossils and geological formations.

See Ticket Prices & Availability Here

A panoramic view from the Cloud Forest conservatory, showcasing the massive glass dome, curved walkways, and a cityscape with trees and water in the background.

Highlights of Cloud Forest

The Indoor Waterfall

The first thing you’ll see when you walk in is the waterfall. At 35 metres high, it’s one of the tallest indoor waterfalls in the world. The cool mist hits you straight away, which feels amazing in Singapore’s humidity. It’s a popular photo spot, so expect a crowd near the entrance.

The Cloud Walk & Treetop Walk

These walkways wrap around the Cloud Mountain, giving you stunning views from different heights. Walking through the mist, surrounded by plants, feels like floating through the rainforest.

The Lost World

At the very top of the mountain, you’ll find plants that usually grow at 2,000 metres above sea level. It’s a mix of ferns, pitcher plants, and orchids, some of which are hard to find in the wild.

Crystal Mountain

This section showcases rare minerals, fossils, and rock formations. It’s a small area but interesting, especially if you like geology.

The Secret Garden

Tucked away in a quieter section, this garden has over 7,000 plants from around the world. It’s a nice place to take a break and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Special Exhibitions (Avatar Experience, etc.)

Cloud Forest sometimes hosts themed exhibitions. The Avatar Experience was a big hit, with glowing plants and interactive displays inspired by the film. If there’s an exhibition running during your visit, it’s worth checking out.

A high-angle view of a suspended walkway in the Cloud Forest dome, surrounded by towering palm trees and dense greenery, with visitors strolling along the path.

Cloud Forest vs. Flower Dome – Which One Should You Visit?

Both domes are impressive, but they offer very different experiences.

  • Cloud Forest is misty, cool, and filled with waterfalls and rainforest plants. It’s dramatic and has a strong ‘wow’ factor.
  • Flower Dome is bright, warm, and features plants from Mediterranean and desert climates. It’s great if you love flowers and themed floral displays.

If you only have time for one, I’d recommend Cloud Forest as it feels more immersive and unique. But if you love flowers and want to see a wider variety of plants, the Flower Dome is worth visiting too.

See Ticket Prices & Availability Here

A close-up of a delicate yellow orchid with pink accents in the Cloud Forest, surrounded by green leaves and a partially opened bud.

Best Time to Visit Cloud Forest

The best time to go is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It gets crowded between 11 am and 4 pm, especially on weekends and public holidays.

If you want fewer people in your photos, go right when it opens. The mist show runs at scheduled times throughout the day, so check the timings when you arrive. Visiting in the late afternoon is also a good idea because you can then explore Gardens by the Bay’s outdoor attractions and watch the Supertree Grove light show in the evening.

Cloud Forest Tickets & How to Book

Tickets for Cloud Forest are sold individually or as part of a bundle with other Gardens by the Bay attractions.

Ticket Prices

Prices change occasionally, but expect to pay around S$28–S$53 for a standard ticket, depending on whether you include the Flower Dome.

Where to Buy Tickets

  • Official website
  • Online travel sites (Klook, GetYourGuide, etc.) – Sometimes offer discounts and free cancellation – see more here
  • On-site ticket counters – More expensive and often have queues

Money-Saving Tips

  • Buy tickets online in advance for better prices. We booked through Get Your Guide as it was the same price but offered free cancellation in case our plans changed
  • Consider a combo ticket if you plan to visit other attractions like the Flower Dome or Supertree Observatory.

See Ticket Prices & Availability Here

A towering indoor waterfall cascading down a lush, plant-covered wall inside the Cloud Forest dome, with mist and wet ground reflecting the greenery

How to Get to Cloud Forest

Cloud Forest is inside Gardens by the Bay, which is easy to reach from central Singapore.

By MRT

  • Take the Downtown Line or Circle Line to Bayfront MRT Station (CE1/DT16).
  • Use Exit B, then follow the signs to Gardens by the Bay.

By Bus

Several buses stop near Gardens by the Bay. Check your location on Google Maps for the best route.

By Car or Taxi

  • Taxis and ride-hailing services (Grab, Gojek) are convenient.
  • Parking is available at Gardens by the Bay, but it can fill up quickly on weekends.
A vibrant collection of orchids in shades of white, pink, and red, hanging from moss-covered branches with delicate tendrils

Personal Experience & Review

I wasn’t sure what to expect before visiting Cloud Forest, but it turned out to be one of my favourite experiences in Singapore. The moment I stepped inside, the cool air was a relief from the heat outside. The waterfall was impressive, and walking through the misty paths felt like an adventure.

The best part for me was the Cloud Walk as it gave an amazing view of the whole dome, and it felt like walking through a floating rainforest. It was busy when I went, but I still managed to get some great photos.

Would I go again? Yes!

Tips for Visiting Cloud Forest

  • Wear comfortable shoes – There’s a lot of walking, including ramps and stairs.
  • Bring a light jacket – It’s cool inside, especially if you’re coming from the humid outdoors.
  • Go early or late – Crowds build up fast, and it’s harder to enjoy when it’s packed.
  • Check the mist show times – The mist makes the place feel even more magical.
  • Take your time – There’s more to see than just the waterfall, so don’t rush through it.
A secluded garden scene with a waterfall trickling over moss-covered rocks, surrounded by dense ferns and broad-leafed plants, creating a peaceful, tropical atmosphere.

Final Verdict – Is Cloud Forest Worth Visiting?

Yes, if you enjoy nature, photography, or unique experiences. The combination of mist, waterfalls, and rainforest plants makes it unlike anything else in Singapore. It’s one of the city’s most photogenic attractions.

The only downside is the crowds, so plan your visit wisely. The ticket price is reasonable for what you get, especially if you book a combo deal.

If you’re visiting Gardens by the Bay, Cloud Forest should definitely be on your list.

See Ticket Prices & Availability Here

Looking for other ideas on things to do in Singapore? Check out my other posts below: