Gardens by the Bay: An engineering marvel

Yesterday, while on a day at sea, we had the pleasure of watching the movie "Crazy Rich Asians," which we thoroughly enjoyed. And today we stopped in Singapore, where the film is set. Perhaps you've seen it. Our taxi driver, a local resident, mentioned that the movie portrays around 80% of the reality of Singapore's ultra-wealthy society. It was captivating to explore the locations featured in the movie and witness modernity that characterizes this cosmopolitan city-state.

Just a stone's throw from the bustling marina, Gardens by the Bay stands as an oasis in the heart of Singapore. This iconic nature park seamlessly blends cutting-edge sustainable architecture with breathtaking plant displays, creating a harmonious celebration of nature's wonders. Our visit took us through three distinct locations within the park, each unveiling a captivating spectacle that left us awestruck. From mesmerizing floral exhibitions to towering man-made marvels that seemed to defy gravity, Gardens by the Bay etched itself into our memories as a testament to humanity's ability to coexist with nature in a symphony of innovation and beauty.

• Supertree Grove - This is a futuristic vertical garden featuring 18 striking supertrees that are 80 to 160 feet tall. These tree-like structures are embedded with thousands of plants and have elevated walkways that gave us a chance to wander around the canopies.

• Cloud Forest - A massive cooled conservatory replicating the cool moist conditions of tropical mountain regions at 6600+ feet above sea level. It features a 115 foot tall mountain covered in lush vegetation, a Cloud Walk suspended walkway, and the world's tallest indoor waterfall. The vibrant burst of colors from the meticulously curated plant collection, including captivating carnivorous species, provided a breathtaking botanical scene. Beyond its sheer beauty, the conservatory offered a much-needed respite from the scorching heat and stifling humidity.

• Flower Dome - Another large cooled conservatory, the Flower Dome replicates a cool-dry Mediterranean climate and houses thousands of plants from deserts all over the world and sculptures made from driftwood. Oh, and of course, Jeff was able to find horses in the mix!

We couldn't leave Singapore without having a Singapore Sling, which was absolutely delicious!!

This is one port we are likely to return to some day - and perhaps stay at that amazing hotel with the boat on its roof!