Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Many of us have pleasant childhood memories from visiting the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Night Safari. No surprise there, as these parks are filled with wildlife that come from all over the world. South America, Africa, Australia – you name it, they have it.
Take this as your sign to relive your days as a young’un and plan a trip over with the fam this weekend. Should your memories of the parks be rusty, we’ve compiled all there is to know about the Mandai Wildlife Reserve in this guide. Read on to find out more:
Table of Contents
- Mandai Wildlife Reserve
- – Singapore Zoo –
- Other experiences you can sign up for
- Food at Singapore Zoo
- – River Wonders –
- Other experiences you can sign up for
- Food at River Wonders
- – Night Safari –
- Other experiences you can sign up for
- Food at Night Safari
- – Bird Paradise –
- – Rainforest Wild Adventure –
- Food at Rainforest Wild Adventure
- – Curiosity Cove –
- – Exploria –
- – Mandai Boardwalk –
- Accommodation at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
– Singapore Zoo –
The Singapore Zoo needs no introduction. It’s a go-to spot for family outings, cutesie couple dates, and even school excursions. With over 50 enclosures and hundreds of animals to check out, there’s plenty to cover here.
Hop on a free tram tour before deciding which enclosures to visit
Feel free to ask the friendly tram conductors questions about the zoo.
Once you’ve entered the zoo, you’ll see the iconic tiger-inspired trams driving around. For the uninitiated, these tram rides are free for all to hop aboard, and there are 4 stations across 4 corners of the zoo. The last tram operates around 5.30pm-6.15pm, and each tram comes at 3-5 minute intervals – so you don’t have to run if you missed one.
Hop off at Tram Station 1 to glimpse the orangutans.
The tram covers the entire zoo and you can choose to alight at any of the stations if any enclosures caught your eye. The 1st stop starts at the entrance near the Primate Kingdom, and the 2nd will bring you to the pavilion by the lake. The 3rd puts you at the Wild Africa enclosures and the last stop is nearby the Fragile Forest and children’s petting zoo.
Watch 3 animal presentations & pet the animals
Set your alarm for 10.30am or 5pm as the Splash Safari show happens then. Watch a lively performance by the zoo’s California sea lion that charms audiences with an array of tricks and stunts.
Joseph Schooling in sea lion form?
Be warned – those sitting in the front row will witness firsthand the mighty splash of the sea lion. If you’d like to stay dry, avoid the blue benches.
Another show to catch would be Into The Wild at 12pm and 2.30pm. An array of performances await you, with “actors” that include ring-tailed lemurs, greater hog badgers, and macaws.
An adorable otter will teach you the importance of recycling, and the ending will feature an aerial extravaganza of various birds taking flight. There aren’t any splash zones here, so you can chope the front row seats for the best view.
A show that’s closer to home is the Animal Friends presentation that happens every 11am and 2pm. It features domesticated animals such as Golden Retrievers, Japanese Spitz, birds, mice, and cats. They carry out a string of show-stopping stunts guided by the zoo’s rangers. Of course, all animals are duly rewarded with yummy treats.
Most of the animals are rescued and adopted.
We know, your fingers are itchin’ to pet these furbabies. There’ll be a meet-and-greet session with the stars after the show, and you can gently pet them too.
These presentations are about 10 to 20 minutes long, and are free for all. But it’s recommended that you pre-book your tickets in case the zoo rangers ask for verification. The venues are all sheltered too, but note that the shows are subject to weather conditions. If you’re unsure of the show schedules, feel free to check with the staff.
Walk around the Fragile Forest & snap selfies with the animals
If you want to get up close and personal with some wildlife, the Fragile Forest is a pit stop you’ll enjoy. Stroll through the butterfly enclosure first, before entering a biodome that’s chock full of free-roaming animals. Welcoming you into their home are the crowned pigeons, mousedeers, eclectus parrots, and Malayan flying foxes.
Take your time here to spot these animals as they can be a little shy around humans. While photography with these critters are allowed, remember not to feed or touch them.
Pet rabbits, cats & miniature horses at KidzWorld
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Like its name suggests, the highlight for kids will definitely be KidzWorld, which, if you didn’t know, underwent a facelift and reopened after 10 days of closure in October 2025. Although the park’s iconic water playground is no more, there’s the new Splish Splash water play area to cool off at, which sports water spouts that create a maze of sorts to navigate through.
But if the animals are what you’re here for, make a beeline for the Little Paws and Animal Land petting zoos. The former houses cuddly rabbits, cats, and dogs to shower with affection, while the latter has pygmy goats to get up close with during the Goat Interaction experience which lasts from 10am to 4pm daily.
For an extra dose of serotonin, opt in for the Hello from the Wild: Horse (from $34.40/pax) experience at Animal Land. You’ll get to pet and groom Falabellas, which are essentially adorably pint-sized miniature horses.
There’s also the Play Trees Playground to scratch the little ones’ need to climb and clamber over everything. This impressive outdoor playground comes equipped with a long metal tube slide to zoom down, along with wooden bridges to cross, and a mini rock-climbing wall to scale. Nearby, parents can take a breather at the air-conditioned KidzWorld Cafe with a cooling drink in hand.
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Inquisitive kids can also try their hand at the Ranger Buddies Quest ($16). You’ll first have to purchase a mission booklet online and collect it at the Ranger Buddies Base Camp. Afterwards, complete activities at various Ranger Buddies Quest booths located all around the zoo to fill up your mission booklet; a shiny reward pin awaits those who successfully do so.
Finally, other KidzWorld attractions children are bound to have a blast at include the Wild Animal Carousel ($4/ride), as well as the Houbii Rope Course. This high-element course is next to the Ah Meng memorial, and it’s where Tarzan wannabes can try out the full course at $30/pax, while kids below 1.2m can go for the mini rope course ($20/pax) instead.
Other experiences you can sign up for
Breakfast in the Wild (from $37)
Image credit: @little_kosaji.sg via Instagram
Start your weekend mornings with excitement at the Ah Meng Restaurant during the Breakfast in the Wild experience. Happening daily from 9am-10.30am, this riveting affair will let you interact with animals while indulging in tasty grub.
There’ll be photo opportunities with anteaters, macaws, coatimundis, and orangutans, and you’ll even get to pet the iguanas – they’re chill reptiles, so you don’t have to worry about them snatching your pancakes. Do remember to book a slot at least 3 days in advance, and Admission tickets to the Singapore Zoo cost $47/adult and $37/child.
Be a zookeeper for a day ($380)
There’s also a Junior edition that’s available for folks 13 and up.
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Reserve via Facebook
Those with aspiring vets or animal lovers at home can sign up for the Zookeeper for a Day activity, available every Saturday from 9am-1.45pm. Kids aged 6-12 years old will get to learn first-hand the BTS of caring for the animals, including the proper way to feed and clean them. You can book a session via email at tours@mandai.com.
Food at Singapore Zoo
Your tummy is probably growling from all that sightseeing. Dining options are aplenty here, and there are 8 restaurants to suit any craving. Go for a quick bite at KFC or get a sandwich at Ah Meng Bistro to chomp on the go.
There are restaurants located outside the entrance of the zoo so members of the public can access them as well.
Seating places at the zoo, including an alfresco area near the entrance.
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– River Wonders –
Formerly known as River Safari, this park is where you can learn all about the creatures of all the major rivers of the world. There are over 260 land and aquatic species spread across River Wonders, and you can follow the recommended route of exploring the trail in a clockwise direction as you’ll reach the eateries quicker.
See massive creatures at the world’s largest freshwater aquarium
The entire enclosure is sheltered with air-conditioning.
You might’ve seen this money shot on your friend’s Instagram – it’s actually located at the Amazon Flooded Forest. This massive tank is home to a tonne of marine animals, such as the arapaimas, red-tailed catfish, and discus fish.
Is that a … mermaid? Sorry to burst your bubble, it’s actually a manatee floating around the tank.
There’s also a smaller pool in the enclosure where you can peer in and catch sight of smaller aquatic animals such as the stingrays, gracefully gliding around at the bottom. You’ll have to resist the temptation to reach in and touch them, as interaction with the animals is not allowed.
Our writer “water-bending” with the otter.
Another highlight here is the tank that houses the giant river otters. You’ll be able to see them swimming through the water or frolicking around their enclosure outdoors.
Get up-close with the animals at the Once Upon A River show
Shows are a huge part of these parks, and you can catch the Once Upon A River show here. Show timings are 11.30am, 2.30pm, and 4.30pm daily, and the presentation will run for 25 minutes.
Enjoy engaging performances that feature pelicans, ball pythons, hornbills, iguanas, and everyone’s favourite: the capybaras. Park rangers will carry the animals around the entire audience seating area so everyone can observe the animals up close.
The animals will come out again after the show ends, and everyone can head to the stage area to say hi!
Brave volunteers called up on stage to perform with the cheeky hornbill.
Say hi to Kai Kai & Jia Jia, SG’s resident giant pandas
Oh, to live the life of a panda.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that Singapore is home to 2 giant pandas – Kai Kai, Jia Jia. Although their adorable offspring, Le Le, was officially returned to China in January 2024, these cuddly giants can still be found at the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest, an air-conditioned enclosure that’s been built to mimic their natural habitat.
Visit the free-roaming animals at Amazonia Encounters
Head over to Amazonia Encounters to spend time with free-roaming animals. You’ll see land animals such as the yellow-footed tortoise and the Azara’s agouti – don’t mistake the latter for a baby capybara, even though they look very similar.
Other experiences you can sign up for
Take a boat ride at Amazon River Quest ($5)
Think Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure at USS, but a calmer version and you’ll get the Amazon River Quest boat ride ($5/pax). For those worried about getting wet, avoid the front row and you’ll be a-okay.
You’ll come across an array of land and sea creatures, including the black howler monkey, bearded saki, emperor tamarin, and the capybaras. If you didn’t manage to glimpse all of ‘em, take the ride again – re-rides are free and unlimited.
Food at River Wonders
Refuel at the Mama Panda Kitchen near the Giant Panda Forest. The place is open from 10am-6pm everyday, and you can indulge in Chinese cuisine such as wok rice, fried noodles, and even paus shaped like pandas.
Those who need a caffeine fix can drop by Starbucks – it’s located outside River Wonders so the public can enter too. Its giant glass windows allow you to gaze out to nature as you sip your cup of joe.
– Night Safari –
Night Safari is where the animal kingdom comes alive after dark. Human night owls will feel right at home amidst the nocturnal creatures that include the white African lion, Javan slow loris, and well, owls.
Catch the Creatures of the Night performance
Catch sight of the owls and turkey vultures flying across the amphitheatre.
The Creatures of the Night show is highly-rated by tourists and locals alike, so it’s a must-visit when you’re here. The performance happens at 7.30pm, 8.30pm, and 9.30pm daily, at the Night Safari Amphitheatre, and features animals including the fennec fox, raccoon dog, and bearded pigs.
Pro tip: Do book a seat for the show beforehand via the Mandai Wildlife Reserve website. Arrive at the venue at least 10 minutes before the show starts as the doors close punctually. Once closed, no entry into the amphitheatre is allowed.
Get lit at the LED lights show
Replacing the flame-throwing presentation is the LED lights show TwiLIGHT Performance. Talented troupers will dance in perfect synchrony to the catchy tunes, and you can catch this at the Entrance Courtyard every 8pm and 9pm from Sundays to Thursdays and 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and public holidays. Since it’s near the entrance of Night Safari, non-ticket holders might be able to catch a glimpse of the show from the gantry too.
Ride the free tram to see all the animals
Since the place only opens at night, young kids might be too tired to cover the whole park on foot, as the Night Safari is pretty large. Board the free tram and rest your legs – the ride will cover the entire park so you won’t miss out on any gems.
Some of the animals you’ll come across – the tram will slow down so you can snap photos.
The entire journey will take 40 minutes, and there are no stops in between. You’ll pass by all 4 of the park’s trails – the Leopard Trail, Tiger Trail, Pangolin Trail, and Tasmanian Devil Trail – and also the free-roaming animal sections.
Detailed maps are displayed around the park.
There are a couple of animals you can only view via the walking trail, like the owls and Tasmanian Devils.
Of course, those who want to explore on foot and hit the walking trails can do so too. Just take note that some areas get pretty dark, so remember to watch your step and be aware of your surroundings. There are park rangers posted around different fork roads so you can ask them for directions if needed.
Pro tip: Download the Night Safari map on your phone because it gets very dark at night, making it difficult to see the hardcopy map.
Other experiences you can sign up for
Feed the Indian Rhinos ($10)
No fingers were chomped off during the feeding.
It’s not every day you come face-to-face with an Indian rhino. Solidify this friendship at the East Lodge, where feeding sessions ($10/food portion) are available from 7.30pm to 9pm – you can even give the rhino a friendly pet on the head. Since the tram doesn’t make any stops, you’ll need to walk over here and it’ll take ~15 minutes from the park entrance.
Food at Night Safari
You can find the F&B stalls at the Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant near the tram station, where dishes include local delights like satay, char kuay teow, chicken tandoori, and chicken rice. For a sweet treat, go for a bowl of chendol or an ice cream cone.
Pro tip: Night Safari opens at 6pm, and queues to enter get very long at this time. If you wish to siam these queues, come a little after 6.30pm after the initial crowd has died down.
– Bird Paradise –
We can’t forget about Bird Paradise either. Previously known as Jurong Bird Park, this park has been welcoming visitors since 8th May 2023. Visitors can expect over 400 species of bird and 8 walk-through enclosures at the revamped place.
These feathered friends have travelled from all over the world to join us in Singapore, with origins that include Africa’s rainforests, South America’s wetlands, and Australia’s dry eucalypt forests. You no longer have to camp at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve hoping for a glimpse of these rare birds.
Get the best view of birds at 8 walk-in aviaries
Bird-watching enthusiasts are in for a treat at Bird Paradise; a majority of their feathered friends aren’t kept cooped up in cages, but are instead left to roam freely in 8 walk-in aviaries. Each one is themed after a specific region in the world, and they all come wonderfully decorated with geographically accurate features, vegetation, and natural landmarks for maximum immersion.
For instance, the stunning Crimson Wetlands replicates the coastal wetland habitats of Latin America with shallow pools for American Flamingoes to wade in, while rushing water crashes from a 20m tall waterfall nearby. This particular zone is the home of the macaws too, you’ll be able to spot species that flaunt their vivid colours as they flit about.
You’ll be able to get really close to the birds in these walk-in aviaries, as they aren’t particularly shy when it comes to being in the vicinity of humans. But, be sure to keep your distance as some of the birds in Bird Paradise have sharp beaks and claws.
Hand-feed cute lories & lorikeets at the Lory Loft
Of course, you’ll get to hand-feed the birds too. You’ve got a couple of options if you wish to do so – birds like the imposing cassowary, fleeting starlings, and curious shorebirds are just some of your options, but we recommend going for the lories and lorikeets feeding ($10) over at the Lory Loft.
Visitors of the defunct Jurong Bird Park are sure to remember this fan-favourite animal interaction, and you can relive those memories of feeding the colourful lories and lorikeets at the Bird Paradise. The bird keepers will give you some homemade nectar to draw these birds in; be sure to get your camera out to capture the moment as they perch to feed.
The feeding sessions at the Lory Loft happen daily, from 11am to 3pm.
Chill with penguins as you grab a bite at the Penguin Cove
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
When the sun’s starting to get unbearable, duck into the Penguin Cove. It’s where the park’s resident penguins chill out, and you’ll be able to catch species like the Gentoo, Humboldt, King, and Northern rockhopper penguins swim about deftly in their habitat. Undoubtedly, the cove is AC-ed, so feel free to lounge here as you catch your breath.
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Should you be feeling peckish, you can grab a bite at the Penguin Cove Restaurant, which whips up nosh such as Fish & Chips, Spaghetti Ratatouille, and Breaded Chicken Cutlet & Fries. The penguin’s habitat is built right against the restaurant, so you won’t miss out on any penguin-fueled action as you chow down.
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Also, consider signing up for the Backstage Pass: Penguin Encounters (from $133.20/pax) experience. You’ll be privy to what goes on behind the scenes and learn how the keepers provide world-class care for these flightless birds. Explore areas like the food preparation and incubation rooms, and if you’re lucky, sit in for a private feeding session.
Tune in for the Predators on Wings & Wings of the World animal presentations
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Last but not least, it won’t be a complete visit to Bird Paradise if you didn’t tune in for the park’s 2 animal presentations. The Predators on Wings presentation shines the spotlight on bird of prey such as the white-bellied sea eagle, turkey vultures, and Harris’s Hawk, as they swoop down from the skies with deadly precision.
On the other hand, the Wings of the World presentation features an impressive cast of birds that are as intelligent as they are beautiful. Witness a parrot duel as they try to outdo each other in a contest of showmanship, and be amazed by the mimicking ability of Amigo, the park’s yellow-naped Amazon parrot.
The Predator on Wing presentation happens at 10.30am and 2.30pm daily, and the Wings of the World presentation, 12.30pm and 5pm. As with all animal presentations within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, it’s recommended to secure a seat by booking them in advance via their website.
Food at Bird Paradise
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Just like the other wildlife parks, you’ve got plenty of food options at your fingertips at Bird Paradise. Head on over to the Food Central food court where you can fill your belly with both local delicacies like chicken rice and curry noodles and Western grub. Meanwhile, the Bird Bakery is where you wanna drop by for a quick bite as they’ve got petite pastries and sandwiches to munch on as you go about your day.
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
For meals with a view, the aforementioned Penguin Cove Restaurant’s a good option which proves to be mighty attractive with its air-conditioned premises. Otherwise, the Crimson Restaurant’s not a bad choice either, as you get to dine with a spectacular view of the Crimson Wetlands habitat.
– Rainforest Wild Adventure –
The latest addition to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s family of parks is Rainforest Wild Adventure. Previously known as Rainforest Wild Asia, this particular park is a little more hands-on when it comes to its experiences, and some of them are definitely not for the faint of heart.
Go off the beaten path when exploring the park
Take a gander at Rainforest Wild Adventure’s map, and you’ll notice that its layout is a tad different from its predecessors. You don’t have to stick to a given route when making your way around the park; you can literally go off the beaten path as it’s divided into elevated walkways and forest treks.
For instance, one of the more intrepid paths you can embark on is the Log Crossing Trek, which will have you traversing small bodies of water with the help of conveniently-placed logs and rocks. These “natural” bridges are safe for children to cross too as the water isn’t too deep, but make sure to still keep an eye out for little ones, just in case.
Mountaintop views await over at the Karst Loop Trek. You’ll be able to cross bridges suspended high up in the air, as you try to catch a glimpse of the adorable François’ Langurs prancing about their habitat. The trail will lead you down to a scenic pit stop surrounded by a forest of man-made karsts; take the chance to catch your breath and rev up those portable fans.
Try your hand at add-on experiences like the 20m-tall Canopy Jump
While the other wildlife parks have feeding experiences as add-ons you can opt in for during your visit, these are relatively tame compared to Rainforest Wild Adventure’s. They’ve got 2 kinds you can choose from to supplement your visit with: the Adventure+ and the Black Adventures add-ons.
The former are shorter experiences that cost $10/pax each, but boy do they still pack a punch if you’re a thrill seeker looking for your next dose of adrenaline. These include activities like the Canopy Jump, where courageous visitors can jump off a 20m-high platform tethered to a rope.
Just recently this month, the park has opened come up with a couple of new Adventure+ additions as part of expansion to their premises. The Canopy Glider will take you up and away for aerial views of the animals from the treetops, while the Primate Climb tasks you with scaling an 11m-tall strangler fig tree to chill with Diana monkeys.
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
On the other hand, Black Adventure add-ons are guided experiences lasting 2 hours that cost $45/pax each, and come with 1 photo souvenir. Those who choose to take on the via ferrata-like Wild Apex Adventure will get to go hiking and scale rock faces, while spelunkers opting for the Wild Cavern Adventure will traverse a cable line to abseil down the walls of a cavern in complete darkness.
Explore a man-made cave filled with creepy crawlies
Although it’s not as rugged as some of the trails you’d find at Rainforest Wild Adventure, The Cavern is pretty neat nonetheless. For starters, this cave-themed zone is air-conditioned, so head on in to seek refuge from the sweltering heat.
Fun fact: even though it’s artificial, the interior of The Cavern is ultra-realistic, as it’s modelled after 3D scans of real caves, more specifically, of the Mulu Caves in Sarawak. As such, do snap pics of the impressive formations found here, like stalagmites and stalactites, and a famous jellyfish-like structure inspired by the one found in the Lang Cave in Mulu National Park.
As with any authentic cave, The Cavern also comes with its fair share of creepy crawlies. A colony of hissing cockroaches can be found underneath a glass panel near the entrance, while and Malayan cave racers and Asian forest scorpions lay in wait on the cave’s walls. If you’re squeamish, don’t worry; their enclosures are built in a way where they won’t be able to come anywhere near you.
After you’ve darted pass the cave’s inhabitants, be sure to get your cameras out for the breathtaking Oculus formation. Strike a pose on an elevated stone platform that’s illuminated by sunlight pouring in from a circular opening in the ceiling; there’ll be park photographers taking your pics for you too, which you can purchase at the gift shop later.
Food at Rainforest Wild Adventure
All that climbing and clambering is sure to work up an appetite, and thankfully, Rainforest Wild Adventure has quite the array of options available throughout the park. Firstly, we just have to highlight the Cavern Restaurant. Like its name implies, it’s located within The Cavern, and is a cave-inspired eatery that’s equal parts unique and interesting.
You don’t even need to have an admission ticket to the park to access it, as it’s open to the public. Expect to feast on meaty mains such as the Caveman’s Meat Skewer ($38) and Cave Smoked Rib ($32), or indulge in sweet treats like Brulee Oolong Cheesecake ($12) and various ice creams (from $10) to replenish your sugar levels.
When you’re going about your day hopping from one log to another, you can drop by either the Rangers Cafe, Ranger Pitstop or the Watering Hole Cafe for a quick bite. Otherwise, the Sentinel Foodhall has familiar Southeast Asian flavours, while the new Rangers Retreat specialises in African cuisine that’s hard to find elsewhere.
– Curiosity Cove –
In more recent times, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve has come up with new kid-friendly attractions too, so families looking for something to keep little ones entertained can swing by too. Enter Curiosity Cove (from $14.40/child) – dubbed Singapore’s largest indoor nature-inspired playground, just one look at it and your active little one is sure to burst into fits of excitement.
Image adapted from: Mandai Wildlife Group
It’s split into 4 interactive play zones, each themed after different biomes; for instance, the Wetlands zone has a mesmerising wall display where kids can gaze at various marine life swimming by. At the Forestlands, there are treetop-mimicking platforms connected by cargo nets for children to scale, while the Drylands section has craggy slopes to clamber over, as well as a giant snake belly to climb to explore.
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Before you go, don’t forget to catch the adorable Curiosity Cove Dance happening daily at the Grasslands zone, where you can groove along to upbeat tunes with the Ranger Buddies mascots Sally the Hornbill and Tucker the Otter.
– Exploria –
Meanwhile, Exploria (from $28/pax) is the Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s newest family-friendly haunt, having opened in March 2026. Again, this attraction is indoors, so parents won’t have to worry about sweating buckets as their kids have fun.
Undoubtedly, Exploria is a more subdued experience as compared to Curiosity Cove. Rather than running amok, kids, or even teens and adults for that matter, will be amazed by the immersive, cinematic visuals of the attraction’s various multi-media environments.
Don’t miss out on the daily shows that take place here, such as The Planet Awakens, where projections, lighting effects, and surround sound audio conveys a story of the different ecosystems and interconnectedness of life on Earth. Afterwards, venture forth to explore 5 different themed zones.
In the Realm of the Giants, you’ll get to see life-sized sculptures of beasts from the past, such as dinosaurs and prehistoric mammals. Over at Micro Worlds, you’ll get to learn more about the tiniest of insects as well as microorganisms. Finally, the Infinite Wonderland area will subject you to a monsoon storm simulation, but a fun game awaits where you get to spot camouflaged animals with your RFID wristbands.
– Mandai Boardwalk –
Opened in January 2025, the Mandai Boardwalk is a free walking trail that absolutely anyone can embark on at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. It’s not terribly long, stretching about 3.3km long and is completely flat, so you won’t have to worry about trekking through undulating terrain that may pose a challenge to children or older folks.
There are 2 entrances to the Mandai Boardwalk, one near Mandai Wildlife EAST and the other at the entrance of River Wonders. Throughout your peaceful stroll, you’ll come across rest stops that double as excellent vantage points along the way, which are themed after the animals you might spot in the area.
Some spots of interest include the Iora’s Nest, Eagles’s Perch, and Kingfisher’s Cave. The trail takes about 70 to 85 minutes when sauntering at a leisurely pace, and we recommend
Accommodation at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
If you haven’t been to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve in a hot minute, you’d be surprised at how many new accommodation options there are within. After all, with so many new attractions, you definitely need an extra day or 2 to visit them all thoroughly, so spending the night could be a good idea to make getting to each one mighty convenient.
Here are the options you’ve got at your fingertips: the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, Glamping in the Wild – Reservoir Retreat, and Crocodile Lodge.
– Mandai Rainforest Resort –
For a more elevated stay comparable to 5-starred hotels you’d find down Orchard Road but with a little twist, book a room at the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. It’s a full-fledged resort just a stone’s throw away from most of the attractions, but it’s nothing like your average skyscraping hotel in the middle of the concrete jungle that is the CBD.
A stay at the resort starts from around $415/night, and a majority of their rooms come with astounding views of the reserve. The resort is also built around the nature surrounding it, so expect to catch glimpses of the native wildlife such as exotic birds and curious monkeys.
But if you’ve got money to splurge, their Mandai Treehouse suites (from $1,218/night) promises unparalleled jungle-living vibes, with its reservoir-facing patios and access to a unique nest-shaped sky pool that looks straight out of Bali. Of course, you’ll also have amenities such as a gym, a spa, a kids’ playground, and 2 specialty restaurants all at your disposal.
– Glamping in the wild – Reservoir Retreat –
If you’re looking to imbue your stay with the ruggedness of a safari but without the grime, then look to the Glamping in the Wild – Reservoir Retreat (from $287.50/pax) experience. Formerly known as Colugo Camp, it’s a 2D1N glamping stay which comes bundled with not only admission to the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, but also guided tours of the parks.
But first, the tents. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, makeshift shelters you’d pitch at East Coast Park, but instead fully-equipped glamping tents with a queen and bunk beds, and most importantly, AC. However, when you’d like to freshen up, you’ll have to do so at a communal washroom that’s a short walk from your tents, but from our experience, there were more than enough shower stalls for guests and the cleanliness of the toilet was acceptable.
Food-wise, they’ve got you covered with a buffet-style dinner on Day 1, and even supper when you return home from your visit to the Night Safari. But it is breakfast you’ll want to look forward to on the next day, as you’ll be dining with animal companions as part of their Breakfast in the Wild experience.
Book a stay at Glamping in the Wild – Reservoir Retreat.
– Glamping in the Wild – Crocodile Lodge –
The Glamping in the Wild – Crocodile Lodge experience opened for booking in June 2026, and it’s already becoming a hot favourite amongst wildlife enthusiasts and thrill seekers looking to stay the night at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. That’s because it’s located within Rainforest Wild Adventure, and comes bundled with all of the park’s Adventure+ activities; you even get 4 Fast Passes to skip the queues to get your shot of adrenaline ASAP.
As for your accommodation for the night, you’ll be kicking back in glamping tents similar to those you’d find at the Reservoir Retreat experience, which means your tents will be stocked with all the essentials you’d need, including ample bedspace, for up to 4.
But, because the tents are perched above the parks’ crocodile habitat, you’ll get to wake up to views of the enormous reptiles wallowing in the waters down below. During the day, there’s also an early morning guided forest trekking tour lined up for guests, so they can explore the park’s trails before the crowds start pouring in.
Book a stay at Glamping in the Wild – Crocodile Lodge.
Tips for visiting the Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Image credit: Joycelyn Yeow
- Lockers are available for rent. Rates for a medium locker go from $12 for the first 3 hours, and $4/hour for subsequent hours.
- Bring your own umbrella to shade from the sun as most walking paths are unsheltered, or a poncho for when it rains. The gift shops do sell these, but they come at a higher price. However, you won’t need these for River Wonders as it’s mostly sheltered.
- Pack some snacks especially if you get peckish easily as you are allowed to bring outside food in. Just don’t feed any of the animals!
- There are free water cooler stations near the toilets so you can bring your own water bottle and refill it there.
- Those with toddlers can rent strollers and wagons at $15 and $18 respectively.
Getting there
Parking is available for those who are driving over. If you intend to take a taxi from Mandai Wildlife Reserve, keep in mind that there’s a $5 surcharge from 1pm-11.59pm, daily.
Alight at the S’pore Zoo bus stop.
Image credit: Joycelyn Yeow
Bus-wise, you can take bus no. 138 from Ang Mo Kio bus interchange or bus no. 927 from Choa Chu Kang MRT – both journeys take around 45 minutes.
Image credit: Buses In Lion City via Facebook
Alternatively, you can also take the Mandai Khatib Shuttle bus from Exit A at Khatib MRT Station. The ride will take 20 minutes with buses coming at 15-minute intervals. It only costs $2.50/pax, and children under 7 years of age don’t have to pay.
Plan a trip to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Feeling the nostalgia from reading this article? Same. Ditch your usual weekend plans and head down to one of these parks – or better yet, all 5. You’ll be guaranteed a zooper fun time with the animals.
Get tickets to attractions at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
More encounters with animals:
Photography by Afiqah Amir.
Cover image adapted from: Mandai Wildlife Group
Originally published on 19th March 2023. Last updated by Khoo Yong Hao on 16th June 2026.