Tulips, the world’s third most popular variety of flowers, require a prolonged period of cold before they flower. You would normally never find them in tropical climates such as Singapore; instead, together with windmills, they are most closely associated with The Netherlands.
But as the saying goes “April showers bring May flowers”. This May, flower-lovers in rainy Singapore get to enjoy the Dutch spring at Gardens by the Bay.
Lovely tulips bulbs are in bloom at Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome where Tulipmania is running from 29 April to 20 May. Over these three weeks, 20,000 tulips, specially flown in from The Netherlands by KLM, bring splashes of colour to the Flower Dome.
Red, yellow, white pink and purple flowers greet you the moment you set foot into the Flower Dome. Tulip-shaped signboards also pop up among the flowers with little snippets of information about tulips.
Year-end Holiday Camps: Discover Fun and Exciting Camps for Kids; Book Early
Dec Fun: Get the Best Ideas for the School Holidays
But the real stars of the show are the flowers themselves. You will find people snapping away at them, capturing memories of these blossoming bulbs.
At the heart of Tulipmania is a field of flowers, complete with a miniature windmill. Paths let you walk among the vibrant flowers and photo opportunities abound.
We love visiting the Flower Dome. Every time we step under the Flower Dome, its climate and size transports us temporarily out of Singapore. This time, with Tulipmania, it was a magical journey to The Netherlands.
The simplicity of an outing to view tulips and other flowers makes it perfect for a three-generational day out.
Tulipmania does get pretty crowded on the weekends so be warned; a little consideration by all goes a long way toward helping everyone enjoy this vibrant floral display.
Little Day Out’s 5 Tips for a Visit to Tulipmania at Gardens by the Bay
Tip #1: Book your tickets online
The ticket queue at Gardens by the Bay gets very long. Better to book an e-ticket to the Cooled Conservatories online. You can then print the tickets out from the comfort of home and head straight past the queues to the entrance of the Flower Dome. If you are a local, remember to bring your ID for the Gardens by the Bay staff to verify that you are entitled to the discounted locals admission prices.
Tip #2: Bring a sweater
The conservatory is kept at 14 degrees Celsius in the day. This can be a bit chilly for young kids. Bring a woolly sweater along makes sure they stay snug while enjoying the flowers.
Tip #3: Tulipmania Activity Sheet for kids
Free activity sheets for children are available either from the ticketing counter. Alternatively, if you followed our Tip #1 and intend to skip the queues, approach the information counter in front of the ticketing counter instead. Don’t forget to bring a pencil too!
Tip #4 – Pack a camera
Photo opportunities are aplenty. Cameras also come in handy with the kids. Ask them to journal their visit in photos or to take pictures of five Tulip facts around the Flower Dome that they can share with their friends.
Tip #5 – Don’t miss the Keukenhof Contest
Keukenhof in The Netherlands is the world’s largest flower show. Between 29 April to 20 May 2013, if you can snap a photo (see our Tip #4) and submit it via Twitter, Instagram or email, you to stand a chance to win tickets to the 2014 edition of Keukenhof in The Netherlands. The prize includes 2 adult flight tickets so be prepared to top it up if you win and want to fly your family there too!
Bonus Tip: Mother’s Day Weekend Specials at Gardens by the Bay’s Tulipmania
From 10 to 12 May, get to enjoy a 15% discount when you purchase tickets to both Cooled Conservatories (Flower Dome and Cloud Forest).
On 11 and 12 May, programmes have also been planned for the Mother’s Day weekend including photo-taking with costumes, music and cheese-tastings. Go early to avoid the crowds.
Tulipmania is on from 20 April to 20 May 2013, 9.00am to 9.00pm at Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome. Last ticket sale at 8.00pm daily and last admission at 8.30pm daily.
Admission prices range from $8 to $28.
