Seriously, we did not know that the World Orchid Conference (WOC) was already into its 20th year but we were pleasantly surprised by the splendid showcase of orchids by various groups from all over the world…
20th World Orchid Conference (WOC)
Logo of the 20th World Orchid Conference WOC
At the entrance…
Wall to the entrance of 20th World Orchid Conference WOC
Tickets cost $15 for adults and $9 for senior citizens or students. There are also 10% discounts for ntuc, passion, safra (among the cards we can remember). The cost of this price also includes a preview of Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome (an air conditioned indoor display of plants and vegetation) scheduled to open in 6 months time in 2012.
Ticket to 20th World Orchid Conference WOC (includes preview of Gardens by the Bay)
There is also complimentary shuttle bus service from Marina Bay MRT to Gardens by the Bay to the Marina Bay Sands, Sands Expo and Convention Centre (looping in that order)
Complimentary shuttle service from Marina Bay MRT to Gardens by the Bay to Marina Bay Sands , Sands Expo and Convention Centre
Entrance to the 20th WOC World Orchid Conference at Marina Bay Sands
Map of the 20th WOC (World Orchid Conference) at Marina Bay Sands
Before we start, perhaps we should learn more about orchids and its origin…
Parts of the Orchid
Words in the gents…bet you didnt know about this!
Close to the entrance are the VIP orchids such as this named after Nelson Mandela
Orchid named after Nelson Mandela
and of course our national flower – The Vanda Miss Joaquim
Vanda Miss Joaquim at 20th WOC (World Orchid Conference)
The organisers have put in much effort to bring in different orchids and their hybrids from all over the world…
Orchids from all over the world at the 20th WOC (World Orchid Conference)
Unique orchids include…
5 petaled Orchid
Orchid that looks like a crib with a baby inside
Brown Orchids
Hybrid Pitcher Orchid Plants
2 Petaled Orchid
Triangular Shaped Orchid
Arty Farty Close Up Shot of really small Orchids
There are also displays from different societies and countries from all over the world such as
Display from the Orchid Society of South East Asia
Orchid displays from Indonesia
Orchid displays from Malaysia
Orchid Display from the UK
There were also real pitcher plants…
Real pitcher plants
a huge one at that…
Huge pitcher plant
as well as flower arrangements…
Orchid Bridal Hand Bouquets
the winner…
Winner of Orchid Bridal Hand Bouquet
Winning Flower Arrangement
Other winners of flower arrangement
An appeal for aid to Japan
There are also displays for competition at the schools and junior levels…
Displays after the competition
One of the winners
Cute Theme
Yet another winner
The standing categories…
Shaped like the flyer
The winner…
Some walkabout videos at the 20th WOC (World Orchid Conference) at the Marina Bay Sands, Sands Expo and Convention Centre…
Walk about Part 1
Walk about Part 2
Walk about Part 3
Revolving Petronas Tower
Gardens by the Bay
Next we headed to the Gardens by the Bay via the free shuttle service. The tickets to the WOC included a complimentary preview to the Gardens by the Bay! The shuttle bus came at a high frequency (i.e. short waiting time) at least during our wait. We waited for only about 5 minutes eventhough the expected waiting time was about 10-15 mins.
Map of the Gardens by the Bay
Iconic Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay with Marina Bay Sands as the backdrop
Iconic outer view of the Flower Dome
Entrance to the Flower Dome
As we entered, we were awed by the huge strange looking trees and cactus. The temperature was quite cold (around 23 degrees). The temperature and humidity is strictly controlled in here for these vegetation and plants to flourish…
The Flower Dome is about 45 metres high and spans 1.2 hectares. The most eye catching plant in the Flower Dome has got to be the Baobabs. The bulbous trunks (looking like a prenant tree) helps the tree to store water during dry seasons. They are also known as bottle trees.
Throughout the Flower Dome, there are other gardens such as the Succulent Garden (mostly cacti), the Australian Garden, the South American Garden, Mediterranean Garden as well as the Olive Grove so do take time to check them out as well!
As you enter the Flower Dome…
Another view from within
View from the highest point in the flower dome
View of the trees with bulbous trunks that store water
We were directed by the staff to make a loop to the highest point in the Flower Dome, before heading downstairs where the exit was. The overall feel was as if you had entered an enchanted garden. It was amazing to see Singapore having such an attraction!
Here are some videos from within for our readers…
Preview of Gardens by the Bay Part 1
Preview of Gardens by the Bay Part 2
Preview of Gardens by the Bay Part 3
Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and Helix Bridge
Before we left the Marina Bay area altogether, we took some shots at the Shoppes as well as the Helix Bridge overlooking the Marina Bay…Enjoy!
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
View of the Marina Bay from Helix Bridge Part 1
View of the Marina Bay from Helix Bridge Part 2 (The other end of the bridge)
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the 20th WOC as well as the Gardens by the Bay. The organisers have indeed put in alot of effort to make it all happen and here at 2bearbear.com we would like to congratulate them for a job well done!
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20th WOC World Orchid Conference
