When it’s hot, rainy, or both, a family-friendly indoor escape awaits
When planning your trip to Singapore, you’ll naturally wonder: Is Cloud Forest worth it, especially when visiting with kids?
Short answer: Yes.
Not only is Singapore’s Cloud Forest unique. Located amid the other attractions of Gardens by the Bay, Cloud Forest is a cool-air getaway from the city-nation’s tropical heat. When heavy rain hits, Cloud Forest’s enclosed glass dome also keeps you out of the weather, but gives you and the family a fun activity that you’ll be talking about long after you come home.
Get tickets online for all Gardens by the Bay attractions including Cloud Forest
Plan your trip to Singapore
What is Cloud Forest, and who should visit?
Cloud Forest is a glass-enclosed, 2-acre (0.8 hectare) biome near the southern end of Singapore, in the Gardens by the Bay area. It’s an indoor attraction. Your entry ticket also includes the neighboring Flower Dome.
Gardens by the Bay with children is an excellent place to visit. Keep in mind that you’ll likely return to the area in the evening for the free light and sound show at Singapore’s iconic Supertrees.
Of the two, we’d suggest prioritizing Cloud Forest. While Flower Dome’s regional zones of flora from around the world are a wonderful serene wander, Cloud Forest stands out. The dome adds a science-fiction feel. And since you know how hot it is outside, the cooler 23-25ºC (73-77ºF) temperature of Cloud Forest, designed to mimic a high-altitude, lush forest ecosystem, makes you feel like you’re in a different world.
Cloud Forest is a must-visit attraction for anyone coming to Singapore. Kids, especially those old enough to get around on their own, can find this world within a world so exciting. The foliage, unique attractions throughout, and guided path make this a wonderful place to visit as a family.
What makes Cloud Forest unique?
When you enter Cloud Forest itself, you’ll realize that not far away is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. The cascade tumbles 35 meters, or 115 feet. While not always in view, that waterfall is the center of a spiraling path you’ll take from the bottom of the forest enclosure to the top of the tropical highland habitat.
Home to over 60,000 plants, Cloud Forest’s general climate changes slightly as you go up an artificial mountain. What to see in Cloud Forest includes cooling mist, a cantilevered walkway, carnivorous plants, water features, informative displays, and more.
Also check out Cloud Forest’s various themed levels:
- Crystal Mountain: Check out cave and rock formations in an interactive exhibit
- Secret Garden: Near the base of the Cloud Forest mountain, this ravine walk lets you wander among over 7,000 plants from over 135 species
- Also: The Lost World, The Cavern, The Waterfall View, The Cloud Forest Gallery, and The Cloud Forest Theatre
The Cloud Forest family experience is a walk in the woods, an educational delight, and a highlight of your trip to Singapore. In a place that feels like you’re in a futuristic enclosure in another world, that alone is why you’ll find Cloud Forest worth it in Singapore, especially when visiting with kids.
Appeal for kids and teens
Cloud Forest with kids? Oh yes. Cloud Forest appeals to kids of all ages:
Toddlers
Paths can be great for them to romp, with supervision of course. Point out different plants, intriguing leaf shapes, colors, and textures. You can bring a baby carrier or compact stroller for when their wee legs get tired, and elevators are available.
Kids and teens
Kids and teens can enjoy independence and guidance throughout Cloud Forest. Exhibits help them dive deeper into aspects of the plant life and the mouth. The guided path layout keeps kids from getting lost, so they can also have more independent time as well.
Things to consider for families
- There is a lot of ground to cover. It helps to start fresh in your day or after a brief rest when you arrive.
- The spiral paths gently wind up and around the central Cloud Mountain, but there is still some elevation gain. Elevators make mobility easier, such as for visitors using a stroller.
- You can take an elevator to the top and make your way down, instead of starting at the base and going up.
- From the sound of falling water to the sometimes crowded path, this is a sensory-rich environment.
- Attention span will vary kid to kid. When attention flags, a kid may just need a brief rest, or perhaps you can point out something distinctive along the way. (We found the carnivorous plants near the top a motivational goal to look forward to.)
Time commitment and planning
Cloud Forest is a centerpiece of your day, especially if paired with Flower Dome and a general wander around Gardens by the Bay.
Plan for at least 2 hours in Cloud Forest itself. Think of it like going for an indoor hike: You’re wandering a smooth path, with lots of opportunities to pause and check things out. There’s no need to rush.
Cloud Forest can get crowded during school holidays, Lunar New Year, or when rainy weather sends people indoors.
We’d suggest planning a day to visit, but if bad weather messes up your plans, go here instead.
Practical accessibility considerations
You can find Cloud Forest worth it because of its accessibility consideration too.
We visited Cloud Forest with 2 kids, plus Jodie is an above-knee amputee who uses a prosthetic leg to walk. Along with elevators and wheelchair rentals, Cloud Forest is accessible for people with mobility impairments or disabilities. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Paths have a gentle slope in areas
- Temperature will vary. It’s often colder toward the top, especially when the area is being misted
- There are restrooms and rest areas throughout Cloud Forest
- It’s easy for families to stick together, but the path is fairly straightforward and keeps people in good proximity to each other
When to skip Cloud Forest
We rarely consider any attraction a truly “must-visit,” but Cloud Forest is pretty up there. During our own visit, Cloud Forest helped us make the most of a brutally rainy day that we’d planned to spend outdoors.
However, Singapore doesn’t exactly have a reputation for being easy on the wallet, and the attraction can be a splurge. If skipping Cloud Forest makes your trip more affordable and less stressful, then fair enough. Since this is one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions though, consider if it’s a worthy splurge, and if another part of your Singapore trip is better to skip.
A worthy splurge when visiting Singapore
Otherwise, you’ll find Cloud Forest worth it for prioritizing your time and money. It’s fun; the dome makes you feel like you’re in another world, and it’s an easy space for families to enjoy. Our family found Cloud Forest one of our favorite parts of visiting Singapore, and we still talk about it long after our trip there.
