Singapore’s premier horticultural destination is set for its most ambitious growth spurt yet. Gardens by the Bay has officially announced “Wetlands by the Bay,” a massive five-hectare expansion scheduled to begin a progressive opening in 2028. This new precinct will bridge the gap between nature and technology, featuring a world-first immersive experience by the renowned art collective teamLab, a significant expansion of the Kingfisher Wetlands, and enhanced connectivity to the upcoming Bay East Garden.
A Paddle Through Digital Art: teamLab’s New Frontier
While visitors are likely familiar with teamLab’s shimmering digital tapestries at the ArtScience Museum, the collective is breaking new ground with a 12,000-square-metre flagship museum within the expansion. This first-of-its-kind indoor-outdoor voyage invites guests to board custom pedal kayaks.
Navigating through a series of controlled waterways, explorers will move through galleries that blend digital art with living, semi-aquatic ecosystems. This multisensory journey allows for an intimate look at the organisms and biodiversity that thrive in Singapore’s wetland environments, all while being surrounded by the signature high-tech projections that have made teamLab a global phenomenon.
Ecological Growth and Improved Accessibility
The development isn’t just about high-tech art; it is a major win for local biodiversity. The existing Kingfisher Wetlands will triple in size, becoming a lush sanctuary home to over 600 mangroves and 50,000 coastal plants. Highlights of the horticultural expansion include:
- Cantilevered Canopy Boardwalk: A new elevated walkway will extend directly over the water, offering a bird’s-eye view of the revitalized ecosystem.
- Direct Connectivity: The boardwalk doubles as a strategic link, streamlining the commute between the Gardens by the Bay MRT station and the main entrance.
- Community Hubs: The new Glade Lawn will provide a dedicated green space for outdoor events, festivals, and community gatherings.
Elevated Dining and Skyline Views
Recognizing the demand for more diverse culinary options, the project includes a multi-level dining destination. A casual food court will occupy the ground floor, while the upper level will house full-service restaurants. Designed with an alfresco layout, the dining precinct offers panoramic views of the Marina Reservoir and the Founders’ Memorial, which is also slated for a 2028 debut.
Bridging the Gap to Bay East
A major structural highlight of the 2028 master plan is the construction of a 175-metre-long bridge connecting Bay South to the new Bay East Garden (opening in 2027). The bridge is designed to skim the water’s surface as it reaches Bay East, creating a “walking on water” sensation for pedestrians and cyclists while providing an unobstructed vantage point of the iconic Singapore skyline.
The expansion marks a significant step in Singapore’s “City in Nature” vision, transforming the waterfront into an integrated hub of recreation, education, and ecological conservation. As construction progresses, Wetlands by the Bay promises to redefine the outdoor experience for locals and international tourists alike._
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