Hello, I'm Carmen Roberts, travel presenter and journalist. I'll be taking you on a tour of some of the most beautiful gardens around the world in a new series, Travel Tales, Gardens of the World.

Join me as we travel around the globe and delve into the delights of spectacular and inspirational green spaces.

Gardens by the Bay is more than just a garden.

It's a futuristic, innovative space where technology and nature seamlessly blend together,

creating an awe-inspiring experience for visitors.

When I was growing up, Singapore was often labelled as the most boring place in the world,

a tag that didn't reflect its true potential.

But with the opening of the Marina Bay Sands complex and the adjoining gardens by the bay,

everything changed.

These iconic landmarks transform Singapore's image, showcasing its innovation and beauty.

As someone from Singapore, this evolution makes me immensely proud. It helped us shed that dull

reputation and propelled our island onto the world stage as a premier tourist destination.

Suddenly, we weren't just that small, somewhat overlooked country in Southeast Asia.

And if you've never been to the Gardens by the Bay, let me take you on a little tour.

First, we have to talk about the iconic super trees. These towering structures are probably what

most people think of when they hear about Gardens by the Bay. Standing between 25 and 50 metres tall, the super

trees are vertical gardens that mimic the functions of trees. They collect rainwater,

generate solar power and act as an exhaust system for the conservatories. But beyond their

functionality, they're simply stunning. Covered in a variety of ferns, orchids and

other plants, the supertrees come alive at night with a dazzling light show called the Garden

Rhapsody. I remember standing there watching the lights dance in time with the music, feeling a

sense of pride and wonder at what had been achieved. One of the best ways to experience the super trees is by taking a stroll along the skyway.

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