Andy Yong

@andyyongfilms

You’ve been visiting Gardens by the Bay for a while now — what keeps bringing you back? Is there a time of day, season, or spot in the Gardens that feels especially yours? Tell us about it.

Gardens by the Bay is hands down one of the most photogenic spots in Singapore so obviously it’s great for content. Jokes aside I’ve been coming here for as long I’ve been taking photos and with each return there’s something new to be discovered, whether it’s a new exhibition, a pocket of light I hadn’t noticed before or simply just peace for a creative reset. You’ll find me roaming around between 5-7pm shooting content and unwinding to the garden rhapsody after sundown.

There this particular area that overlooks Supertree grove that was somewhat a “hidden spot” in the 2010s. I’ve done countless photoshoots there and eventually shared how to get there in a reel. It went mega viral and was never quite as secluded after that (sorry fellow photographers 🤣) but I believe Singapore’s beauty shouldn’t be gatekept. A few instances I’ve seen people watching my exact reel trying to figure out how to get there so yes that spot does feel especially ‘mine’ in a sense!

Gardens by the Bay was just voted No. 3 Top Attraction in the World on Tripadvisor. When you saw that, what went through your mind — did it surprise you, or did it feel entirely right? In your own words, what makes the Gardens extraordinary?

My first thought was: “Only now?”

It feels fitting that the ‘capital’ of our garden city is getting its flowers. But what makes Gardens by the Bay extraordinary isn’t just that it’s beautiful. Singapore has many beautiful places.

What makes it special is how many different worlds somehow exist in one place. You have seasonal floral displays, housed inside these incredible architectural spaces, adjacent to giant Supertrees that tower over the skyline, alongside exhibitions on everything from Monet to Avatar to Jurassic Park. On paper, that sounds like a ridiculous mix - blending nature, design, art, tourism, and photography but it really comes together in perfect harmony.

Have you ever brought a friend or visitor from overseas to the Gardens? What was that like — what did you show them first? If someone who had never been to Singapore asked you “should I go to Gardens by the Bay?”, what would you tell them?

Gardens by the Bay is almost always on the itinerary when I’m showing someone around Singapore.

Whether it’s a friend, a fellow creator, a photographer, someone here on a half-day layover, or visiting for a full week — there’s something here for everyone.

I usually bring people around closer to golden hour. Supertree Grove and the OCBC Skyway are perfect for catching the sunset over the skyline, and that transition from day to night is just a beautiful sight. You get the soft light as the city starts to glow, then after sunset the whole place feels completely different as the supertrees light up

And if we time it right, I’d bring them over to Cloud Forest for the 8pm mist afterwards. It has this completely different, almost fairytale-like atmosphere.

So if someone asked me, “Should I go to Gardens by the Bay?” I’d say yes — but don’t rush through it for the famous photo. Give it a bit of time. Walk around, stay for the light, and watch the place change.

We'd love for you to share 3 of your favourite photos of the Gardens. For each one, tell us: when was it taken, what drew you to that moment, and why does it still mean something to you?