I decided to check out the Cloud Forest first.
The unique looking Cloud Forest building from the outside
After being impressed with the outdoor gardens particularly the Supertree Grove, I was waiting to be impressed again with this indoor attraction.
Read More > My Visit To Gardens by the Bay (Part 1)
Upon entering the Cloud Forest, the first thing I saw was this huge waterfall. Wow!
There was a sudden change in the atmosphere here compared to outside. The air was definitely cooler. The mist from the waterfall immediately made me feel refreshed and relaxed. It's almost like I was in another world.
I stood there in awe of this giant man-made waterfall that must be at least 30 metres in height. I later found out it's 35 metres high, making it the world's tallest indoor waterfall!
Notice the lush greeneries enveloping this 'mountain'? I guess that's what gave this place the name Cloud Forest. It's like a forest growing on the mountain from the foot hills all the way up into the clouds!
Ooh! See that suspended platform with people standing there? I wanted to go up there!
The grounds were all wet due to the splashing of water falling from such a height. It was refreshing and cooling. I later found out that the temperature in here was about 23 to 25 degree Celcius.
The 'Cloud Mountain' as they call it, is made up of several levels. You can ascend it all the way to the top by lift and then descend via circular walkways in the clouds for an aerial view of the canopy and mountainside below.
The glass walls of this building allowed in some natural light, creating a unique ambience that's both comfortable and pleasant.
There were many different kind of plants in the Cloud Forest, ranging from orchids, ferns and bromeliads to begonias and pitcher plants.
It seems that all these plants are epiphytic and they live on top of other plants, requiring little substrate and are perfectly adapted for growing on vertical walls.
From here, I could see the suspended walkways above. I could hardly wait to set my foot up there!
Look at the circular walkways high above the Cloud Mountain! Awesome.
Then I came upon a few interesting looking totem poles. This is one of them.
I was definitely not alone in taking shots of those totem poles.
Another totem pole.
Below is the same one but at a slightly different angle. I guess I am never satisfied taking a picture from just one angle. LOL.
The signboard showing directions to the lift to go to the Lost World, which is the highest point of the mountain.
How do you like these totem poles?
I have walked almost a big circle round the mountain foot. Can you see the waterfall from here?
Let me magnify for you. Now can you see? Yes, that's where the water came from.
Although I visited this Cloud Forest on Christmas Day, I was glad that it was not overly crowded with visitors. In fact, the Cloud Forest could accommodate up to 1,200 people at any one time if I am not mistaken.
I did not use the lift but instead walked the stairs up the Mountain. I soon found myself standing right behind the waterfall on a higher ground!
Peering out, I could see the very spot below where I stood admiring the waterfall just half an hour ago.
As I ascended another level, I peered out again from behind the waterfall. The humans below were getting tiny.
One more level up. Here I managed to capture some of the plants that were growing on the side of the mountain. It is amazing that some of these plants do not live on soil, but instead live on top of other plants although they are not parasitic.
Can you spot the ferns?
I was high enough to see Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer through the glass walls.
Soon, I reached the Lost World, the highest part of the mountain.
I love the small pond here. Oh these animals on the boats are cute!
If my house have water features like a small pond, I would love to have these as decorations haha!
There were many different types of orchids and carnivorous pitcher plants here.
We are at the top of the waterfall! This is the place where the water flows along the 'drains' and down below creating the tall waterfall you saw in the earlier photos!
Can you see the water flowing out of the drains and down? It's pretty amazing.
To descend the mountain, you can either make your way back where you ascended from, or you can take the Cloud Walk.
I was eager to walk the suspension walkway, but I was wondering if the height would bother me. If you don't already know, I have a fear of heights!
Besides, the safety and health advisory notice placed at the entrance of the walkway did not help much.
Well, I decided to throw caution to the wind and take my first step.
Oh oh! What is this?! I could see right below!
I felt a wave of dizziness swept over me.
To be continued ....
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