Most of us head to Mandai Wildlife Reserve expecting to see lions, pandas, birds, and the like, associating the place with its zoo and wildlife. That isn’t wrong – but there’s another, considerably more docile, animal encounter you can have there, for a walk that’s not on the wild side.
Housed along the walkway leading from the car park towards Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife WEST, NekoTown Singapore is a cat cafe that’s home to 28 resident cats.
Image credit: NekoTown Singapore
Stepping into the cafe, you’ll find the 28 stars of its show lounging everywhere, from cat trees and shelves to cosy corners around the cafe. While some may be more than happy to come over for pats, others might need a little time to warm up to you.
These cats include British Shorthairs, British Longhairs, Ragdolls, Munchkins and mixed-breed cats of different colours, so you can take your pick of the cutest feline friends to spend your visit with.
Cat toys are provided, and you can try your hand at winning its residents over with a game or two as well. Of course, each kitty has a personality of its own, so let them come to you at their own pace. If any one isn’t feeling particularly sociable, there are still 27 of its pals in the house.
At NekoTown, you can choose from entry packages of 30 minutes,1 hour, or 2 hours if any less time with the kitties doesn’t cut it.
What’s more, there’s currently an opening promotion where you can enjoy 10% off on entry. It’s unclear when this deal will end, so head down soon to enjoy these prices.
At the time of writing, these are the regular and discounted entry rates:
| Session | Usual price | Discounted price |
| Weekday – 30 mins | $12 | $10.80/pax |
| Weekday – 1 hour | $16 | $14.40/pax |
| Weekday – 2 hours | $26 | $23.40/pax |
| Weekend/PH – 30 mins | $16 | $13.80/pax |
| Weekend/PH – 1 hour | $22 | $19.80/pax |
| Weekend/PH – 2 hours | $36 | $32.40/pax |
Children under the age of 2 enjoy free admission. You can also get a 5 x 1-hour package for $72/pax, offering 5 hour-long sessions of unlimited cuddles with the cats. This works out to $14.40 per hour, which is especially worth it for weekends and public holidays.
Those dropping by spontaneously can try their luck with a walk-in session, although booking ahead may save you from making the journey to Mandai only to find your preferred slot unavailable.
Cats might be the main event here, but your admission also comes with a complimentary drink or ice cream to redeem after frolicking among the cats.
And if you’re wondering why a place called a “cat cafe” hasn’t had us talking about coffee and cakes, that’s because the felines are very much the focus here. NekoTown isn’t one of those pet cafes that’s primarily an F&B venue.
Think of NekoTown as somewhere to actually hang out with cats, with a little post-cuddle refreshment thrown in.
Image credit: NekoTown
With no minimum age for entry and free admission for kids under 2, NekoTown is a good place to enjoy some family fun time with cats, without actually owning one. Parents and kids can bond over feeding and playing with the kitties, or learning about the different cat breeds.
Families can also take away knowledge on cat care and animal welfare by talking to the staff members, who care for the NekoTown cats.
As adorable as the residents may be, remember that they aren’t plushies. Keep an eye on younger children and teach them to approach the cats gently, especially when a feline has decided that it’s time for some personal space.
Do take note that kids under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult to enter.
Image credit: NekoTown AVS Licensed Cattery
If you were wondering whether you’ll have to buy a Mandai Wildlife Reserve ticket just to meet these kitties, the answer is nope.
NekoTown is located at Mandai Wildlife WEST, outside the gated attractions – meaning you can visit it without getting any of the park entrance tickets. The location also allows you to conveniently visit Bird Paradise or other Mandai Wildlife WEST offerings, such as Rainforest Wild Adventure WEST, in combination with a stop at the cat cafe.
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
There are a few ways to get to NekoTown at Mandai Rainforest WEST.
From Khatib MRT Station Exit A, hop aboard the M2 Khatib Bus, which will get you to Mandai Wildlife WEST in about 20 minutes. The ride costs $2.50/pax for those aged 7 and above, and is free for those under 7.
Alternatively, take bus 138 from bus stops at Ang Mo Kio MRT Station Exit B or Springleaf MRT Station Exit 3. You can also take bus 927 from Choa Chu Kang MRT Station Exit A, and each bus route will lead you to bus stop Bird Paradise (48119) where you can alight.
Image credit: NekoTown Cat Cafe via Google Maps
Mandai Wildlife Reserve might have more famous residents, but NekoTown gives cat lovers a much cuddlier reason to head north.
With 28 cats to meet and sessions starting from just 30 minutes, it’s an easy addition to an existing Mandai itinerary. And since the cafe is located within the public area of Mandai Wildlife WEST, you can just as easily make the trip for the kitties alone.
For more things to do in Mandai:
Cover image adapted from: Mandai Wildlife Reserve, @duwayne08 via Instagram
New Revolut users get $50 Don’t look away, because we’ve got a new lobang for…
Dialect films deserve a place on the big screen too.
Save more than a couple of bucks!
7-Eleven The House of Eden at Raffles Place In this fast-paced day and age, a…
Time to let your wallet meow in pain.
Guiyang is known for its mountainous landscapes and waterfalls.