A Journey to The Garden of The Future World

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This descriptive essay was one of the assignments for critical writing course during my first semester in university. This essay was based on my experience touring in Marina Bay, Singapore, which I think is suitable to include in my travel blog.




As tourists are strolling and observing the exotic floral that cling on the Supertree, singing voices of a group of youths start to fill up the atmosphere at the park with a sense of harmony. A man wearing ‘I Love Myanmar’ T-shirt, is playing a guitar and leading his friends singing a song of their language. His friends are clapping their hands to the rhythm of music, singing together, looking into each other’s eyes with peace and happiness. In front of them lays a few containers of food on a blue picnic mat. There are people cycling, jogging and tourists busy taking self pictures with the beautiful scenery. It is almost impossible to imagine this serene garden is located in the bustling metropolis.

In the Garden by The Bay, there is a variety of flowers vying for attentions, Rain Trees standing straight along the sides of pavement saluting visitors like Queen’s guards. There are also artificial trees called Supertrees, which are 25-50 meter tall, seemingly more superior than the real trees around them. The structures of Supertrees mimic the form of real trees, embedded with environmental sustainable function like photovoltaic cells to harvest solar energy. Over 200 species of floral are planted vertically on the outer surfaces of Supertrees. Together with trees and other plants, they provide shades and chilling effect to the surrounding. When the night falls, Supertrees are illuminated with special lighting effect and immediately catch the attentions of the park strollers. Supertree is a product from integration of human innovation and creativity infused with the nature element which is scarce in this island country.

At the other side of Garden by The Bay, near the edge of Marina Reservoir, there is a magnificent glass building that resembles the shape of fish fins, Conservatories Complex. The complex comprises of two buildings, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. The Flower Dome is lower but larger of the two, whereas Cloud Forest is higher and slightly smaller than the former. Flower Dome is known as cool-dry conservatories because it is air-conditioned to replicate the climate of Mediterranean region. It is a perfect sanctuary for various species of flowers of deserts from all over the world to thrive and visitors to escape the humidity and heat outside. In Cloud Forest, the cool-moist conservatories, the most spectacular feature is the world-tallest indoor waterfall and man-made mountain that showcases plants of tropical highlands. Visitors can experience the cool air and admire plants that cannot be found anywhere else in Singapore.

From the edge of Garden by The Bay near Marina Barrage, all architectural marvels of modern Singapore can be seen in a stunning skyline. With ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands, Conservatories Complex, Singapore Flyer and Supertree Grove standing in line, it is as if a scene from some Utopia-themed science fiction movies. This whole experience of wandering in this garden definitely prompts visitors to appreciate the effective efforts in urban planning, conserving nature and advancing technological progress.

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Comments

[TeoYongSheng]

Nice!
Glad to see you enjoying yourself in Singapore!