An Explorer’s Guide to Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Spring and summer call for outdoor adventures, and what better way to do that than to go on a wildlife exploration?
Nestled in the heart of the city’s lush greenery, Mandai Wildlife Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This nature hotspot features five zoological and adventure parks, namely the Singapore Zoo, River of Wonders, Night Safari, Bird Paradise, and Rainforest Wild ASIA — all of which offer an immersive experience where visitors can encounter exotic animals, explore and learn more about diverse ecosystems, and connect with nature like never before.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly weekend out, a thrilling nighttime adventure, or a tranquil escape into wildlife conservation, Mandai Wildlife Reserve has much to offer, and we’re here to tell you all about what you can expect on your visit.
From the must-see attractions to dining options and ticket details, here’s everything you need to know for an unforgettable visit to Singapore’s premier wildlife destination.
Best Time to Go
Singapore is a great destination to visit all year round due to its tropical climate, but if we were to recommend the best season to go, it would be around March to May when the city-state enjoys good weather with an average temperature of 27 °C. Although it’s still warm, the rain is less, thus the humidity is lower, making it the ideal weather for galivanting through Mandai’s parks.
Springtime is also considered a low tourism season, so you can enjoy the attractions with fewer crowds. This is ideal for those looking to enjoy the scenic views without throngs of visitors getting in the way or to enjoy a peaceful stroll through the reserve.
Getting There
Mandai Wildlife Reserve can easily be reached via public and private transport. Several MRT and Bus lines can take you straight there.
There’s a shuttle service (S$2.50) available at Khatib MRT Station (NS14), arriving daily every 15 minutes during operating hours and 20 minutes between 11 PM and 12 AM.
Alternatively, you can hop on the Mandai City Express bus, which has pick-up points all over the city. One-way trips are at S$8 while round-trip tickets can be purchased for S$16. You can learn more about the stations, bus schedules, and pick-up points here.
If you plan on driving to Mandai, there are designated car parks in the area. Those visiting Birds Paradise and Rainforest Wild ASIA should head over to Carpark 1 on the west side of the reserve, while Carpark 2 is best suited for the East attractions such as Singapore Zoo, River of Wonders, Night Safari, Mandai Boardwalk, and Mandai Rainforest Resort. Here’s a map for your reference:
Ticket Information & Prices
Whether you’re planning a family trip, a solo adventure, or a fun day out with friends, Mandai Wildlife Reserve has the perfect ticket for you.
The park currently offers Single and Multi-Park Admission passes with prices for both regular (Monday to Friday except public holidays) and peak (weekends and public holidays) seasons for residents. They also have a Wildlife Pass you can join for free, which grants you access to additional savings of up to 20% on Night Safari admission tickets, and 10% for the other parks. For more information on concession rates and unit prices, click here.
Single Park Admission (For residents)
- Bird Paradise
Regular: S$44.10 (Adult), S$32.30 (Child)
Peak: S$46.55 (Adult), S$32.30 (Child)
- River of Wonders
Regular: S$38.70 (Adult), S$27.90 (Child)
Peak: S$40.85 (Adult), S$29.45(Child)
- Singapore Zoo
Regular: S$44.10 (Adult), S$30.60 (Child)
Peak: S$46.55 (Adult), S$32.30 (Child)
- Night Safari
Regular: S$44.80 (Adult), S$31.20 (Child)
Peak: S$47.60 (Adult), S$33.15 (Child)
- Rainforest Wild ASIA
Opening special: S$33 (Adult), S$21(Child)
Single Park Admission (For non-residents)
- Bird Paradise: S$49 (Adult), S$34 (Child)
- River of Wonders: S$43 (Adult), S$31 (Child)
- Singapore Zoo: S$49 (Adult), S$34 (Child)
- Night Safari: S$56 (Adult), S$39 (Child)
- Rainforest Wild ASIA: S$43 (Adult), S$31 (Child)
Multi-Park Admission
Explore more and enjoy more savings by getting a multi-park bundle! All tickets are valid for seven days from the first visit and for one-time entry to each park.
- Park Hopper Plus: S$110 (Adult), S$80 (Child) - This deal allows you to visit four parks for the price of two! The price is inclusive of a tram service and the Amazon River Quest boat ride. Additionally, the child ticket includes a carousel ride at Singapore Zoo.
- 2 Park Admission: S$90 (Adult), S$60 (Child) - Provides access to any two of the four parks, not including Rainforest Wild ASIA.
- 2 Park Admission: S$80 (Adult), S$50 (Child) - Provides access to any two day parks, not including Night Safari and Rainforest Wild ASIA.
Where to Buy Tickets?
To make your visit more seamless and stress-free, we encourage you to buy your tickets in advance online. You can book them through their official website.
Alternatively, tickets are also available in ticketing outlets such as Singapore Tickets and Klook.
Before You Go
For any trip, it’s important to plan ahead. Knowing which attractions you want to experience allows you to make the most out of your visit. Here are some of our pro-tips to make your upcoming nature adventure a success!
- Build an itinerary – It helps to be fully detailed, but you also don’t have to plan everything by the minute. Just knowing the activities you want to pursue first, as well as which time during the day would be best for a snack break, can help you maximize your time inside the park. We highly recommend downloading the Mandai App, which can help curate your personalized itinerary. You can set up reminders for shows and attractions, do mobile food ordering, as well as access any information you might need while inside the parks. Mandai also has suggested itineraries and experience checklists for each of the parks, which you can view and use here.
- Wear comfortable clothing – The park is best explored at a leisurely walking pace, so make sure you have your most comfortable footwear on. It can also get pretty warm as you’ll be spending most of your time under the sun, so we suggest wearing light, breathable clothing.
- Stay hydrated – There are water refill stations around the park, so don’t forget to bring your water bottles.
- Weatherproof – The occasional showers do come down, so be prepared for any kind of weather. Foldable umbrellas and raincoats can be a good idea to bring, and it’s also helpful to check the weather forecast on the day of your visit to be prepared.
- Wear insect repellent and sun protection – Although the park takes preventive measures for its guests, you can avoid insect bites by making sure to put on insect repellents and protect yourself from harmful rays by applying sunscreen.
Park Attractions and Highlights
Bird Paradise
Take flight and immerse yourselves in Asia’s largest bird park! Bird Paradise definitely lives up to its name as it showcases some of the most beautiful and colorful bird species to have ever soared through the skies. Discover these magnificent, winged creatures and learn more about their talents, and even experience close encounters with them!
Must try: Catch the birds when they are most active, which is during the Feeding Sessions, or visit Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove for a unique immersive exhibit mimicking the Macquarie Island — a place these adorable flightless birds call home.
Operating Hours: Open daily 9 AM to 6 PM (Last Entry: 5 PM)
Singapore Zoo
One of the most impressive parts about Singapore Zoo is its zones, which are designed to replicate natural habitats of the animal kingdom. The zoo has over 4,200 animals inhabiting the lush rainforest and hosts a variety of activities and wildlife experiences where you’re able to encounter these magnificent creatures like never before.
Must try: You shouldn’t miss out on the animal feeding sessions, which allow you to come face to face with either a herd of elephants or the massive Arapaima as they erupt from the water for a treat! There’s also the Backstage Pass Tours, which give guests a behind-the-scenes look into the keepers’ work and a chance to learn more about specific species.
You can view more activities here.
Operating Hours: Open daily 8:30 AM to 6 PM (Last Entry: 5 PM)
River of Wonders
Prepare to be amazed as you uncover over 11,000 land and aquatic animals through various zones and activities, all set around a meandering river. The activities range from animal presentations to backstage encounters — all of which give guests a better understanding of the Amazonian Wildlife.
Must try: Embark on a thrilling cruise at Amazon River Quest, where you get to spot well-camouflaged and elusive wildlife among lush vegetation, making you feel as if you’re actually cruising down the Amazon! Tickets are available to purchase onsite and online and are priced S$5 per rider.
Operating Hours: Open daily 10 AM to 7 PM (Last Entry: 6 PM)
Night Safari
Probably the most unique thing you can do in the reserve is the Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. Here you’ll discover a range of activities and presentations featuring mysterious and fascinating nocturnal animals.
The Creatures of Night show is one of its highlights, where you’ll get to witness Asian small-clawed otters and fennec foxes display their natural talents, as well as bearded pigs and the raccoon dog. The show can be booked via their booking portal two hours before each presentation. Show schedules happen nightly at 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, and 9:30 PM.
Must try: Embark on a thrilling adventure aboard the Night Safari Tram as you venture into the dark jungle! Spot a variety of animals from Asian elephants and striped hyenas to sloth bears and Asian small-clawed otters under the moonlight. The best part about it is it’s complimentary and you can go on it as many times as you like!
Operating Hours: Open daily 6:30 PM to 12 AM (Last Entry: 11:15 PM)
Rainforest Wild ASIA
The newest addition to the Mandai parks is Rainforest Wild ASIA, which is a multi-layered wildlife adventure-based park where guests can explore, play, and immerse themselves in the wonders of nature and the animal kingdom.
You can go on exciting forest treks, stroll through elevated walkways with stunning views, and learn more about wildlife straight from their rangers in one of their fascinating talks. The park also has activities for adrenaline junkies such as harnessed experiences and caving adventures.
Must-try: Feel the rush at the Canopy Jump, where you can free fall from 20 meters high — the highest point in the park, while taking in views of the stunning rainforest vistas below. If you want the views without the daring jumps, the Mandai Boardwalk offers breathtaking views of the Upper Seletar Reservoir, perfect for a stroll.
Operating Hours: Open daily 9 AM to 6 PM (Last Entry: 5 PM)
Where to Eat
There are several dining outlets across the parks from family-friendly restaurants offering a range of local and international favorites to bakeries and dessert bars. You can view the complete list of dining options on the app or click here to start planning your food adventure.
However, there are some food spots that we highly recommend trying:
- Ah Meng Restaurant – Start your day by dining in the wild! Here you can enjoy a planet-friendly breakfast in their charming rainforest zoo while meeting with wildlife ambassadors who will tell you fascinating stories and tidbits about the animal kingdom.
- Cavern Restaurant – This restaurant by TungLok group is Singapore’s first and only restaurant in a cave setting. It’s open through lunch and dinner, serving a blend of international western dishes such as burgers, skewers, and salads.
- Penguin Cove Restaurant – Savor a selection of local and western dishes while watching penguins dive into a pool!
Accommodations
If you’re planning on staying a bit longer to fully experience all the parks and explore them at your leisure, you can book a night or two at the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree and extend your adventure with a luxurious escape to nature! You can book your rooms here or contact them via email at [email protected].
Location: 60 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729979
For more information and all the latest park updates follow Mandai Wildlife Reserve on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
