MORE THAN 5,000 SUNFLOWERS SET THE SCENE FOR THE FIRST PORTUGUESE SUMMER AT GARDENS BY THE BAY
Sunflower Surprise: Garden by the Ocean marks 45 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Portugal, and showcases the country’s heritage and traditions
In a first for Gardens by the Bay, Portugal takes centrestage in Sunflower Surprise: Garden by the Ocean (恋恋向日葵), anchored by a dramatic 12m-long recreation of Lisbon’s colourful Alfama hillside. Surrounded by more than 5,000 sunflowers of 20 varieties, the landscape brings visitors through the multifaceted story of the nation, connecting historic streetscapes, maritime exploration, and rich agricultural traditions.
Sunflower Surprise: Garden by the Ocean also commemorates 45 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Portugal, and is presented in partnership with the Embassy of Portugal in Singapore, with support from Turismo de Portugal and AICEP (Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency). It was launched today by Singapore’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and National Development Mr Alvin Tan, alongside Portugal’s Minister of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services Mr Pedro Machado.
Gardens by the Bay CEO Mr Felix Loh said: “Sunflowers are a familiar sight across Portugal during the warmer months with their bright, cheerful blooms that evoke happiness, and a fitting symbol of 45 years of warm diplomatic ties between Singapore and Portugal. Working closely with the Embassy of Portugal in Singapore, we have brought some of the most iconic and authentic elements of the country’s rich culture to Flower Dome, including a Portuguese fair with cuisine and performances that visitors will not be able to experience anywhere else.”
From historic streets to coastal and countryside traditions
The floral display unfolds across three distinct settings that reflect different sides of Portugal – the historic streets of Lisbon, its coastal and maritime heritage, and the agricultural landscapes of the countryside. Highlights for each area include:
- A 12m-long, multi-tiered recreation of the colourful hillside homes of Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods, that anchors the floral display. Visitors can walk through the structure to discover Portuguese textiles, crafts and azulejo-inspired details, while taking in views of the sunflower field through its windows.
- Traditional Lisbon kiosks and historic shopfronts that evoke everyday city life, including a recreation of a late-19th-century-style refreshment kiosk and a Porto shop dating back to 1917, with its Art Nouveau façade and colourful tilework.
- A 6m-tall recreation of the Belém Lighthouse and the almost 4m-long bow of a traditional caravela, the sailing vessel closely associated with the country’s age of maritime exploration, reflect Portugal’s centuries-old relationship with the sea.
- The colourful striped wooden houses of Costa Nova, originally used by fishermen to store nets and equipment, recall the seaside town’s fishing roots.
- Wine barrels, a traditional olive oil press, cork oak trees, and examples of harvested and finished cork product that represent Portugal’s agricultural heritage and some of its best-known exports.
To mark this inaugural partnership with Gardens by the Bay, the Embassy of Portugal in Singapore has gifted two young sobreiro, or cork oak trees, to Flower Dome. The trees symbolise the friendship between Singapore and Portugal taking root at Gardens by the Bay, while also commemorating 45 years of friendship between the two countries.
Sunflowers grown in-house and unusual varieties
Of the 5,000 sunflowers, about 1,500 across eight varieties were grown in-house from seed by Gardens by the Bay’s research horticulturists. One example is Helianthus ‘Gold Lite’, a tall-growing variety with golden-yellow petals and a light green-gold centre, which can reach up to 1.8m in height.
Other highlights are varieties that break away from the conventional appearance of sunflowers. These include Helianthus ‘White Nite’, with very pale yellow to creamy petals; Helianthus ‘Sunfinity Red’, with golden-yellow blooms marked by a reddish-burgundy ring around a dark centre; and the Helianthus ‘Smiley’ series, with bright yellow petals and dark centres.
Complementary blooms including chrysanthemums, blanket flowers, hydrangeas, mandevillas, dianthus, marigolds and petunias add further colour and texture throughout the floral display.
More Portuguese culture at a fair and photo exhibition
Visitors can also look forward to Experience Portugal on Saturday, October 10 at the Flower Field Hall adjoining Flower Dome, offering a fuller taste of the country through Portuguese products such as pastéis de nata (custard tarts), canned goods, cheeses, cured ham and a selection of Portuguese wines. The free programme will also feature folk dance performances, poetry sessions, Portuguese film screenings, family-friendly workshops and a marine conservation workshop in partnership with WWF Singapore.
A photo exhibition titled Portugal–Singapore: 45 Years of Diplomatic Relations, Five Centuries of Shared History, previously displayed at the National Library Board, will be held at the Mediterranean Garden throughout the duration of the floral display. The exhibition traces five centuries of encounters and exchange between Portugal and Singapore, from early maritime connections to the cultural and community ties that continue today. Visitors to Flower Dome can also stand a chance to win a pair of tickets to Portugal, courtesy of official airline partner Turkish Airlines, by taking part in a contest held in conjunction with the event.
Sunflower Surprise: Garden by the Ocean
📅 9 Oct to 9 Nov 2026
🕙 9am – 9pm
📍 Flower Dome (Admission charges apply)
You can get tickets via Klook, Fever, Pelago and KKday.
For more information, visit here.
Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Portugal in Singapore and supported by Turismo de Portugal and AICEP – Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency, Sunflower Surprise: Garden by the Ocean also commemorates 45 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Portugal.
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