Gardens by the Bay

Step into the ancient world of the Khmer Empire at Orchids of Angkor Wat, the latest floral display at Gardens by the Bay. From now to September 8, visit the Cloud Forest to view 50 fascinating orchid species and hybrids of Cambodia alongside installations that recreate the iconic city of Angkor.  This is Gardens by the Bay's first collaboration with the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Singapore. The country is home to at least 500 species of orchids, of which only slightly more than half have been documented. Nevertheless, orchids hold special meaning in Cambodian culture – standing as symbols of nobility and hallmarks of sacred beliefs in carvings throughout Angkor.  Some unusual orchid species to look out for include the slipper orchid, a slipper-like flower that lures practices "pollination by deceit" – insects that are lured by its bright colours fall into its pouch, pick up pollen, and escape without getting any nectar in return. Also keep your eyes peeled for Vandachostylis and Dendrobium Adastra, the latter of which will delight with its "waterfall of flowers".  Peppering the display are installations inspired by Angkor Wat, the highlight being a 3.5-metre recreation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Hindu-Buddhist temple complex itself. Glimpse the gateway to Angkor Thom (the city that includes Angkor Wat) and view five stone replicas on loan from the Cambodia-based Artisans Angkor, a workshop that works to preserve the craftsmanship of Cambodian artisans. The

Known as the father of Impressionism, Claude Monet's loose and fleeting painting style continues to resonate today. Gardens by the Bay brings his work and inspirations to vivid life at a new Impressions of Monet two-part exhibition, consisting of a floral display and multi-sensory experience Impressions of Monet: The Garden First, visit Impressions of Monet: The Garden in the Flower Dome. Step into a recreation of Clos Normand and the Water Garden, where Monet resided in his iconic pink house for 43 years. The Flower Dome is populated with over 18,000 plants of over 40 species, such as violas, chamomiles, geraniums, and verbenas. Read the informational plaques and you'll find that Monet nurtured many of these flowers in his garden too.  Also, look out for the tranquil, flower-filled ponds dotting the floral display – a first for Gardens by the Bay. It pays homage to Monet's love for water lilies, which appear in more than 250 of his works. Eight varieties out of the 10 on display were sourced from the Latour-Marliac nursery in France – the very same nursery where Monet first acquired his water lilies.  Besides admiring the flower displays, you can also step into a slice of Monet's life at several replicas. In the pink house, there's a recreation of Monet's kitchen and dining room, where he spent time with family and fellow artists. His salon and reading room are particularly lovely, featuring pink and blue walls, plush couches, and Japanese woodblock prints.  Impressions of

  Sing your heart out to this year's National Day theme song, officially performed live for the first time by Benjamin Kheng, at the sixth edition of the Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert. Stars like Taufik Batisah and Sezairi are performing past NDP songs as well, with veterans like Liu Ling Ling and Rahimah Rahim adding to the medley of nostalgic tunes with performances of Singapore Town, Geylang Sipaku, and more. Look out for vibrant performances by community groups like Diverse Abilities Dance Collective – the first time they are performing at this concert. Best to arrive early to catch all the carnival games happening at The Meadow too.  This event is free – find out more at mediacorp.sg/ndc.