It’s hard to forget a trip to the Mandai – I fondly recall the days of visiting the Singapore Zoo in a stroller, powered with an unlimited pass to see monkeys until shiok. Well, looks like the kids of the future are going to forge even better memories with a new and improved Mandai coming our way. Upcoming attractions at Mandai Wildlife Reserve include permanent campsites, free boardwalks, and a brand new rainforest park complete with abseiling.
They’ve dropped some new announcements and here are some of the highlights we can look forward to starting end of the year:
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Sunset walks along the waterfront won’t just be limited to Changi Boardwalk and Bukit Chermin Boardwalk. There’s going to be a boardwalk along the perimeters of Singapore Zoo and River Wonders too. Good news for all those who love long walks, this is going to be 3.3km long, with unblocked views of the Upper Seletar Reservoir.
Image adapted from: Mandai Wildlife Group
It is opening in late 2024, with Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree following soon after, in the first half of 2025.
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
The first of its kind in Asia, the upcoming Rainforest Wild will integrate adventurous activities. The new park brings travel experiences we know and love into Singapore with forest treks over streams and fallen logs, climbing, and perhaps best of all, abseiling.
Paths snaking throughout the park are said to be expedition-like so you can experience wildlife spotting of animals like the Malayan tiger and François’ langur in a new perspective. Not to mention, there’s going to be a 220m-tall cavern filled with stalactites and stalagmites, inspired by the limestone Mulu Caves in Sarawak to complete that out-of-Singapore experience.
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Also look forward to an Africa-themed zone with Afro-Tropical and Madagascar-inspired landscapes featuring landforms like ravines, and rare animals like the okapi, also known as a zebra giraffe.
Curiosity Cove.
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
The ArtScience Museum won’t be the only place that comes to mind when it comes to immersive experiences. Exploria and Curiosity Cove are 2 new attractions opening outside the Singapore Zoo.
The former features digital simulations of nature, while Curiosity Cove is an indoor forest-themed play area where parents can let their kids run free and explore.
If you remember the good old days you spent in Mandai as well, the upcoming Mandai Gallery is bound to be a great throwback, featuring the history of Singapore’s zoological parks. Entry will be free.
There will also be a meeting and conference room added, plus 2 campsites open year-round just in case last year’s glamping with penguins wasn’t enough to appease your love for nature.
Apart from the suspects that we know and love like the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise, there’s also Mandai Wildlife West you should check out if you’re on a budget. The public area has no entry fees and has plenty for kids and adults alike to explore.
Pack your camera full of selfies at the 10m waterfall, or let the kids run free at the nature-themed outdoor playgrounds to soak up the sun. You can also find cafes and eateries like Burger & Lobster as well as a rustic Starbucks outlet to refuel on caffeine.
If you’re there in the evenings, there’s also a free show that happens at the entrance of Night Safari twice nightly called twiLIGHT performance.
It’s safe to say that Mandai is upping their game. Folks, if these 130 things to do in Singapore aren’t enough, there’s going to be loads of fresh things to do in Mandai, coming your way soon.
For more nature parks and reserves in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: Mandai Wildlife Group
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