Singapore is renowned for its modern architecture and its vibrant culinary scene, but this concrete jungle also offers hidden gems where visitors can experience nature and wildlife.
You may have heard of the famous Singapore Zoo, located in the northern part of Singapore. But you might not know that the zoo is part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, home to four world-renowned parks — each offering its own distinct adventure for all to enjoy!
Known as the world's best rainforest zoo, the Singapore Zoo houses over 4,200 animals in a beautiful open-concert wildlife park. There's also the brand new Bird Paradise (opened in 2023!), featuring 8 walk-through aviaries where birds fly freely, creating an immersive bird-watching experience like no other.
Experience the wild nightlife at Night Safari. Credits: Mandai Wildlife Group
The Night Safari — the first nocturnal zoo in the world — shouldn't be overlooked. As the sun sets, the park transforms into a realm of mystery, offering unique encounters with nocturnal creatures basking under the moonlight like the Asian Bull Elephant, Clouded Leopard and Tasmanian Devil. The Night Safari turns 30 this year, so guests can expect an exciting lineup of activities and celebrations.
Lastly, there’s River Wonders, where visitors can embark on an aquatic adventure that takes you through the world’s most iconic rivers and the wildlife that thrives along their banks. Fancy a date with adorable pandas and capybaras, anyone?
This guide covers the top attractions and new events at each of the four parks, plus combo deals to save on park tickets — read till the end for more details.
1) Singapore Zoo
Watch gentle sloths having their favourite fruits at Fragile Forest. Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
The Singapore Zoo is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Nestled in a lush tropical rainforest, this zoo is home to over 4,200 animals from over 300 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
The zoo is famed for its ‘open concept’ enclosures, offering visitors a more immersive and organic viewing experience. As you wander through the expansive park, you’ll encounter a diverse array of creatures, from playful orangutans to majestic Malayan Tigers, all residing in habitats designed to mirror their natural environments.
Beyond providing a fantastic visitor experience, the zoo is dedicated to fostering a sustainable environment and creating a better future for wildlife and the planet.
Top Attractions at Singapore Zoo
Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
The Singapore Zoo features a dozen distinct animal zones, each replicating diverse habitats from around the world, such as Australasia and Wild Africa.
One must-visit attraction is the Fragile Forest, a 20,000 cubic meter biodome that mimics a tropical rainforest habitat, complete with birds, butterflies, and lemurs. Walking through this biodome feels like being transported to the heart of the jungle, surrounded by the vibrant sights and sounds of a thriving rainforest.
Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Over in Wild Africa, visitors will be wowed by diverse range of habitats from tropical to harsh desserts. Here you will find the species of the tallest, the fastest and largest creatures on land.
For reptile enthusiasts, RepTopia is a must-see. This state-of-the-art reptile house showcases a variety of reptiles from around the world, offering an up-close look at these often misunderstood creatures.
Don't miss the exciting two Animal Presentations – Into the Wild and Splash Safari, where you can learn more about the zoo’s residents from their trainers.
Families with young kids will love KidzWorld, a haven for little adventurers to see farm and domestic animals. Enjoy the action at the Animal Buddies Theatre, feed friendly goats in the free-ranging area, or cool off at Splish Splash, KidzWorld’s wet play zone.
New Events and Experiences at Singapore Zoo
Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters
Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
From 9 August 2024, visitors can enjoy a brand-new Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters. This unique experience allows visitors to get up close and personal with the zoo's majestic Asian elephants. Learn about elephant care from a keeper and even feed these gentle giants!
Psst. The zoo also has other BackStage Pass experiences, such as RepTopia and Incredible Invertebrates.
Zoolympix Challenge at Singapore Zoo
Get ready for theZoolympix Challenge, where sports meets nature! From 25 May – 25 Aug 2024, visitors of all ages can participate in fun and educational challenges throughout the zoo, from navigating obstacle courses to solving wildlife-themed puzzles.
Complete the activities on the Zoolympix Challenge Booklet (collect at Treetops Trail) or the Mandai App to redeem a limited-edition Singapore Zoo medal pin!
Singapore Zoo
Cost: S$49 for adults, S$34 for children
Opening hours: 8:30AM to 6PM daily, with the last entry at 5PM
2) Night Safari
A twilight adventure unfolds at Night Safari — the world's first nocturnal wildlife park. This park offers a unique after-dark experience where visitors can encounter majestic nocturnal creatures.
Top Attractions at Night Safari
The park features four distinct walking trails: Leopard Trail, Fishing Cat Trail, East Lodge Trail, and Tasmanian Devil Trail. Each trail offers a unique perspective on nocturnal wildlife, allowing visitors to spot animals such as the Malayan tiger, the elusive clouded leopard, and the adorable slow loris.
After that, explore the Night Safari is by taking a free Safari Tram ride, which brings you on free-ranging animal trails. The tram includes English audio commentary on the different zones and animals.
Be sure to catch the Creatures of the Night show, showcasing animals like the Porcupine, Asian small-clawed otter and fennec fox. This show not only provides fascinating insights into these nocturnal creatures but also highlights the importance of conservation.
The show takes place three times daily at 7:30PM, 8:30PM, and 9:30PM. Guests must book a seat online in advance, with bookings opening two hours before each show.
Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
The Twilight Performance is a another must-see — a dazzling display that features a hybrid fire performance. There are two shows daily, at 8PM and 9PM at the Night Safari Entrance Courtyard
Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Spot the Night Safari's iconic Asian bull elephant, Chawang, from the new Bull Elephant Lookout. Located near Tram Station 5, this vantage point offers a perfect view of Chawang in his new exhibit. To find the lookout, simply follow the signs from the Entrance Courtyard.
New Events and Experiences at Night Safari
Night Safari's 30th Anniversary
Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Celebrate the world’s first night zoo as it turns 30 this year! Happening from 24 May to 8 Sep 2024, there are loads of exciting activities and deals for everyone.
Learn about the history of the Night Safari through a specially-curated display From Past to Present, which features stories and photographs contributed by guests and staff.
Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
For the explorers, embark on the Night Safari Shhh-ecret Trail and complete a series of challenges on the safari trails to redeem one of four commemorative pins featuring creatures of the night. Check out the full lineup of activities here.
Night Safari
Cost: S$56/pax (Children aged 0-2 can enter the park free of charge) — guests have to reserve a timeslot after purchasing tickets
Opening hours: 7:15PM – 12AM daily, with the last entry at 11:15PM (Retail shop & Restaurant opens from 6:30PM)
Here's an exciting tourist 2-to-go bundle! From 24 May to 31 Aug 2024, non-residents can enjoy admission to the Night Safari for 2 adults at S$100.80 (U.P. S$110), with a free NS30 commemorative photo sleeve.
3) Bird Paradise
Bird Paradise is Asia's largest bird park, which opened in May 2023. It's home to over 3,500 birds from 400 species spread across eight beautifully designed walk-through aviaries and two immersive zones.
From the vibrant parrots of South America to the graceful cranes of Asia, Bird Paradise showcases an incredible diversity of avian life.
Top Attractions at Bird Paradise
Photo: Mandai Wildlife Group
One of my favorite zones is the Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands. It replicates the coastal wetland habitats of Latin America, home to birds like macaws, scarlet ibises, roseate spoonbills and American flamingos.
Kuok Group Wings of Asia is another impressive zone at Bird Paradise. It's designed after Bali's serene bamboo groves and rice terraces and features birds such as the Papuan hornbill. There are even feeding sessions where guests can get up close with pelicans, storks and more.
Don't forget to catch the two avian presentations — Wings of the World and Predators on Wings — which play twice daily! Download the Mandai app or check onsite for show timings.
New Events and Experiences at Bird Paradise
Meet The Flock
Bird Paradise is always buzzing with exciting events and one such event is Meet The Flock, where visitors can snap a photo of the "Star Bird of the Month" to redeem an exclusive bird pin.
The Star Bird of July is the Mandarin duck at Kuok Group Wings of Asia, while the Star Bird of August is the Straw-headed Bulbul. Pins can be redeemed at the Membership and Experiences Centre, while stocks last.
Bird Paradise
Cost: S$49/pax (Children aged 0-2 enter free of charge)
Opening hours: 9AM to 6PM daily, with the last entry at 5PM
4) River Wonders
River Wonders invites you on an unforgettable aquatic adventure through the world's most iconic rivers. Dive into an immersive experience and explore the diverse wildlife that thrives in these unique river habitats.
From the Amazon's lush rainforest to the Nile's historic waters, River Wonders offers a captivating journey that brings the magic of the world's rivers to life.
Top Attractions at River Wonders
Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
The Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest, Southeast Asia's largest panda exhibit at 1,500m², is home to the park's stars, Kai Kai and Jia Jia, as well as adorable red pandas. This modern biodome replicates the pandas' natural habitat, complete with cool temperatures and lush bamboo.
Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Another unique attraction at River Wonders is the Amazon River Quest boat ride. This ride takes you through habitats that mimic the Amazon rainforest, offering glimpses of animals like the Brazilian tapir, jaguar, and giant anteater. The ride costs S$5 per person, with a minimum height requirement of 1.06 meters.
Be sure to also visit the Amazon Flooded Forest, to see charismatic and gentle Manatees swim gracefully.
New Events and Experiences at River Wonders
Zoolympix Challenge at River Wonders
From 25 May – 25 August 2024, take on a fun outdoor trail and complete activity stations to earn a River Wonders Completion pin. Complete the challenge at both the Singapore Zoo and River Wonders to redeem a special Zoolympix medal pin!
River Wonders
Cost: S$43/pax (Children aged 0-2 can enter the park free of charge)
Opening hours: 10AM to 7PM daily, with the last entry at 6PM
Plan Your Visit to Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Planning a trip to Mandai Wildlife Reserve is a breeze, with all the information you need easily accessible. Here are some tips to make the most of your trip to Mandai!
Save on tickets with Multi-park Combos
Planning to explore multiple parks on your trip to Singapore? Enjoy up to 15% off tickets for 2-in-1 combos, or visit 4 parks for the price of 2 with our 4-in-1 deal!
- 2-in-1 Park-Hopper: Singapore Zoo + Bird Paradise (S$80, U.P. S$98)
- 2-in-1 Park-Hopper: Singapore Zoo + River Wonders (S$80, U.P. S$92)
- 2-in-1 Park-Hopper: Singapore Zoo + Night Safari (S$90, U.P. S$104)
- 4-in-1: Bird Paradise + Night Safari + Singapore Zoo + River Wonders (S$110, U.P. S$191)
Guests can explore multiple parks on the same day or within 7 days of visiting the first park. Check out the package details for more information!
Getting to Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
The four parks at Mandai Wildlife Reserve are all conveniently located within the same precinct. There are many ways to get here:
- Via Public Transport: Take bus 927 from Choa Chu Kang Station or bus 138 from Ang Mo Kio Station (both on the North-South Line). Alternatively, take bus 138 from Springleaf Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line.
- Via Mandai Shuttle Khatib Shuttle: From Khatib MRT station, board the Mandai Khatib Shuttle (S$3/pax) which will take you directly to the zoo in about 15 minutes. Buses arrive every 15 minutes during operating hours. The Mandai Shuttle is free from Mandai to Khatib MRT.
- Via Mandai City Express: Get to Mandai Wildlife Reserve via the Mandai City Express (S$8/pax one-way) with multiple pickup points available around the city such as Orchard Hotel and Raffles Hotel. Bus service operates from Thursdays to Sundays, with 3 pickup timings each day.
- Via Taxi: 20-30 minute journey from the city centre. Note that a S$5 surcharge applies to hired taxis departing from Mandai Wildlife Reserve (Bird Paradise, Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and River Wonders). This surcharge is applicable daily from 1:00PM to 11:59PM.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve is a treasure trove of natural wonders, offering a unique blend of educational and thrilling experiences. Each park, from the diverse wildlife at Singapore Zoo and the vibrant Bird Paradise to the aquatic adventures at River Wonders and the magical Night Safari, provides memorable moments for visitors of all ages.
Plus with ongoing events and new attractions constantly being introduced, Mandai Wildlife Reserve ensures there’s always something new to discover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Singapore Zoo worth visiting?
Absolutely! The Singapore Zoo is renowned for its 'open concept' enclosures, which provide an immersive and naturalistic experience for visitors. With over 4,200 animals representing more than 300 species, the zoo is known to be one of the best zoos in the world.
Is there a multi-park ticket available?
Yes, a Multi-Park ticket covering all four parks is available. It costs S$110 for adults and S$80 for children and is valid for seven days. Alternatively, enjoy up to 15% off tickets for 2-in-1 combos!
What are some of the top attractions at Bird Paradise?
Some of the top attractions at Bird Paradise include the 'Meet The Flock' experience, dining with a view at Crimson Restaurant, and exploring the Penguin Cove Restaurant and Bird Bakery. Enjoy your visit!
Are there any special events at Night Safari?
Yes, Night Safari is celebrating its 30th Anniversary with exciting activities and attractions, including the 'Night Safari Shhh-ecret Trail and New Bull Elephant Lookout.
🇸🇬 Singapore Travel Essentials 🇸🇬
Top things to do in Singapore
- Attractions: Gardens by the Bay | ArtScience Museum | Marina Bay Sands Skypark | Universal Studios Singapore | Singapore Zoo | Night Safari | Bird Paradise
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Getting around
- Airport transfer: Car transfer
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