I’m finally feeling settled in after our amazing tour of Southeast Asia and can’t wait to share all of the highlights with you. If you haven’t visited this area yet, I think you will soon feel compelled to book a trip. Or, you can just stay put and I will bring the best of Asia right to you!!
My first view of The Cloud Forest was from 57 stories above it on the sky park of the famed {see Crazy Rich Asians} Marina Bay Sands Hotel. From there we marveled at the views out to the Straits of Singapore, the dense offering of this city/state/island/country including The Gardens by the Bay lakes, groves of Super Trees, and those intriguing glass domes.
The next day we were walking beneath that grove
looking back up at the yacht-topped triple tower that is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel where we were the day before
heading to the Cloud Forest.
The fellows in this image are mountain climber/ window washers, using climbing equipment and skills their job is to wash the 2,577 glass panels of 690 different shapes and sizes that cover the 7.5 mile surface area of the dome.
Stepping into the dome we were engulfed with a refreshing wave of mist from the tallest indoor waterfalls in the world that spill down over 100 feet, keeping this massive pinnacle of greens and blooms fresh and hydrated and maintaining 80 ~ 90% humidity. The plants absorb the mist and abundant rainfall then release the water gradually to create a constant, long-lasting supply for the land and plants beneath them. The temperature of the solar heated conservatory is adjusted using sensor-operated window that release the heat.
Internal paths allow one to climb up to the top of this surreal garden, 2 exterior walk ways allow you to walk around the perimeter, in this shot we are looking down on the lower Tree Top Walk, where you can take a close bird’s eye view of the treetops, from the higher Cloud walk.
All of the plants on this lush massif are epiphytic, meaning that they live on top of other plants in nature but they are not parasitic.
Look at this is a hearty Tassel Fern (Huperzia squarrosa) which is a plant related to the ferns, it reproduces by minute spores carried by the wind.
Orchids of all shades and shapes are prominent throughout the climb
as well as a variety of begonias and other flowers
I wish I could remember what this fabulous plant is named, does anyone know?
In the highest section, the cloud walk level
carnivorous plants thrive with the extra sun and warmth.
The Pitcher Plant’s cup-shaped leaves may look perfectly harmless, but it actually attracts, kills and digests insects and small animals that venture within.
These Venus fly-traps are quite content in their mossy beds.
Can you believe all of that wonderous natural beauty is resting beneath that glass orb?
Happy Lunar New Year!!
Much more from Asia to come.
were you on a special tour, there seemed to be not many people enjoying this Nature wonder?