Step into a world where rare and remarkable flora and fauna come to life at Gardens by the Bay's latest attraction, The Hidden Forest (秘境森林). This new immersive digital art experience, nestled within the Cloud Forest conservatory, is designed to both educate and entertain visitors, highlighting the delicate ecosystems of cloud forests.
In collaboration with Japanese creative company NAKED, INC., The Hidden Forest spans the third and fourth levels of the Cloud Forest. It showcases the interconnectedness of plant and animal life in these unique environments. The launch event was officiated by Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing.
Inspiration from Latin America
The concept for The Hidden Forest was inspired during a plant sourcing trip by Gardens by the Bay's horticulturists and Singapore media members to Latin America in 2023. A visit to Wilson Botanical Gardens in Costa Rica, known for its cloud forests, sparked discussions on how to share the biodiversity of these ecosystems with a wider audience.
Cloud forest in Maquepucuna, Ecuador
Discover the Mysteries of Cloud Forests
Cloud forests, found between 500m and 3,500m above sea level, make up only 1% of the world's forests. They are home to a rich biodiversity, characterized by high humidity and limited sunlight. The plants and animals in these forests live in symbiosis, relying on each other for survival. However, these fragile ecosystems are under threat from climate change and human activities.
As visitors enter The Hidden Forest, their movements stimulate the growth of various plant life found in cloud forests. These include the Cecropia tree, nicknamed the Tree of Laziness for being a food source for sloths, and Passiflora flowers that attract hummingbirds by day and bats by night. Other unique plants on display are the Monkey-faced Orchid (Dracula simia) and the extinct-in-the-wild Red Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia sanguinea).
Descending to the next level, visitors encounter the animals of cloud forests up close. Interactive displays reveal a sloth on a Tree of Laziness, an Andean Bear with its distinctive cream-colored fur circles around its eyes, and the vibrant Resplendent Quetzal, a threatened bird species renowned for its beauty.
Andean bear in a tree chewing on a piece of coconut
New 5G Digital Learning Trails
At the launch, Minister Chan, along with students from Nan Chiau Primary School, also experienced Gardens by the Bay's new 5G digital learning trails. These trails, developed in partnership with M1 and supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), aim to enhance nature and sustainability education for students.
The 5G digital learning trails make use of rich media, such as augmented reality and high-resolution videos, to engage students and help them better understand concepts like plant pollination and adaptations. For instance, students can visualize how pitcher plants attract and digest insects, enhancing their learning experience.
Gardens by the Bay's educational programs are now fully digital, offering facilitated programs for primary and secondary schools. These programs include interactive activities using iPads, covering both Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.
Visit The Hidden Forest
- Date: From 29 June 2024
- Time: 9am to 9pm
- Details: Admission charge to Cloud Forest applies
Experience the wonders of cloud forests and the captivating stories of their inhabitants at The Hidden Forest, where education meets enchantment.
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