The Singapore Zoo at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is actually divided into now FIVE different parks for which you need to purchase package deals or individual tickets; think of it like the Disney World of zoos and nature parks.
Although many people call it the Singapore Zoo, this actually refers to just one of five (soon to be six) parks that are on the Mandai Wildlife Reserve property. At Mandai Wild EAST lies the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Night Safari. At Mandai Wild WEST lies Bird Paradise, Rainforest Wild ASIA, and soon, Rainforest Wild AFRICA. The S.E.A. Aquarium is not affiliated with Mandai and is located on Sentosa Island.
Here is a table of contents for your ease of use!
- Singapore Zoo
- River Wonders
- Night Safari
- Bird Paradise
- Rainforest Wild ASIA
- Skip for now ~ Reserved for Rainforest Wild AFRICA
- Mandia Board Walk
- Dining at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
- Hotels at the Singapore Zoo
- Know Before You Go
- Getting There
1. Singapore Zoo
The first park on my list is the Singapore Zoo, located at Mandai Wildlife EAST (80 Mandai Lake Road).
The zoo is open daily 8:30am-6:00pm, last admission at 5:00pm.
There is a free wheelchair accessible shuttle that offers unlimited rides around the park.
Highlight of animals include elephants, apes, giraffes, zebras, tigers, kangaroos, sloths, hippos, rhinos, farm animals, and lions. The Singapore Zoo also features a butterfly sanctuary, a special reptile exhibit, and an elaborate kid’s playground & parkour area. There are over 300 species housed here (ps…the pandas are actually located at River Wonders). The photo above was taken at the butterfly sanctuary.
At the Singapore Zoo, you can partake in animal shows, interactions, demonstrations, feedings, keeper talks, and more! Some shows/activities require prior reservations and may/may not be included in your admission ticket. Find schedule for Singapore Zoo activities and shows here; this park offers the most activities out of all five.
🗺️ 🧭 View a map of the Singapore Zoo and animal exhibits here.
Singapore Zoo ticket prices for non-residents are S$49 for adults, S$34 for children (ages 3-12), and S$20 for seniors, which includes unlimited tram rides around the park and animal shows/keeper talks.
Park hoppers and bundles range from S$50-S$110 for adults and S$50-S$80 for children. Please note that additional events such Feeding the Animals, guided tours, and backstage experiences are not included in the admission, however Keeper Talks and some shows are free!
2. River Wonders
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River Wonders is located beside the Singapore Zoo and is therefor also located at Mandai Wildlife EAST (80 Mandai Lake Road).
River Wonders is open daily from 10am-7pm, last admission at 6pm (some enclosures close as early as 6pm). Though there is no tram, River Wonders features the Amazon River Quest, a boat ride that lets you see animals up close!
Amazon River Quest costs S$5 per rider, last ride at 6pm. Things to note about the ride; it is quite a fast ride (~7 mins) so you will pass each enclosure quite quickly as well. However, once you are in the river quest area, you can re-cue for unlimited rides given that you do not exit this part of the park. This attraction is not wheelchair friendly but it is a fully seated experience once onboard.
Some popular animals at this park include the panda, anteaters, capybaras, jaguars, manatees, river otters, piranhas, gharials, turtles, crocodiles, and the red panda. You will also see plenty of fish!
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The “Once Upon a River” demonstration is included in your ticket and must be reserved up to two hours prior to the start time. View schedule here and other showtimes here. Keeper-guided tours and backstage passes are quite popular!
🗺️ 🧭 View the map of the park and exhibits here.
River Wonders ticket prices for non-residents are S$43 for adults, S$31 for children (ages 3-12), and S$20 for seniors. Park hoppers and bundles range from S$50-S$110 for adults and S$50-S$80 for children.
Please note that additional events such Feeding the Animals, guided tours, and backstage experiences are not included in the admission, however Keeper Talks and some shows are free! The Amazon River Quest is S$5 per rider, with unlimited rides if you re-cue immediately.
3. Night Safari
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Night Safari is located past the River Wonders main entrance at Mandai Wildlife EAST (80 Mandai Lake Road).
This is a nighttime only park so the gift shop and restaurants open as early as 5:30pm, while the earliest reservation is not until 7:15pm. Yes, this park requires an evening date/time reservation. The park is open nightly until midnight!
Featured animals include aardvarks, tigers, hyaenas, asian elephants, leopards, owls, sloth bears and other nocturnal creatures can be found at the Night Safari (as well as many others).
While the park has many walking trails, it is most popular to let the wheelchair accessible tram guide you through the enclosures.
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Night Safari tickets are S$56 for adults, S$39 for children (ages 3-12), and S$20 for seniors, tram service included; date/time reservation is required for this park. The earliest reservation is 7:15pm, latest is 9:45pm.
The Creatures of the Night Show requires a time slot reservation and comes with your admission ticket (booking opens two hours in advance of showtime). View schedule here and view other activities here. Don’t miss out on the free & vibrant Twilight Performance!
🗺️ 🧭 View the park map and exhibits here.
4. Bird Paradise
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As for Bird Paradise, it is located at 20 Mandai Lake Road inside Mandai Wildlife WEST and is Asia’s largest bird park!
It’s open daily 9am-6pm, last admission at 5:00pm. Bird Paradise no longer requires a time reservation as in the past and the park includes a shuttle service!
Be prepared for lots of hornbills, macaws, penguins, flamingos, parrots, flamingos, emus, and toucans (and more) that are scattered around different aviaries that are sectioned off by geographic region (ie Wings of Asia, Heart of Africa, Australian Outback…).
Please note: Once you enter the aviaries, they are arranged in more or less one path, meaning once you start, it is difficult to hop in and out of certain exhibits. You may want to opt for the wheelchair accessible shuttle if walking is not your vibe, but you may not get as close to the birds if you pass up on the boardwalk.
This park consists of a series of walk-through aviaries and a building dedicated to penguins. The entryway to the park features a beautiful waterfall and each aviary is separated by large fences and netting, and for humans, each demarcation point has an air-conditioned resting area that displays additional information on the birds. These demarcation points also include hanging chains to prevent the birds from entering these buildings; this may be challenging for those in wheelchairs.
Bird Paradise ticket prices for non-residents is S$49 for adults, S$34 for children (ages 3-12), and S$20 for seniors. Park hoppers and bundles range from S$50-S$110 for adults and S$50-S$80 for children.
Please note that additional events such Feeding the Animals, guided tours, and backstage experiences are not included in the admission, however Keeper Talks and some shows are free!
Eggsplash is a water kid’s playground inside Bird Paradise and inclusive of your ticket as well as Treetop Play! View the schedule for shows here.
🗺️ 🧭 View the map and exhibits here.
5. Rainforest Wild ASIA
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Rainforest Wild ASIA is the reserve’s newest park, opened on March 12th 2025, is an adventure park first and animal park second. Co-located with Birds of Paradise, this park also requires a date and time reservation to enter – walk-in availability is unlikely for same-day visitors, especially if you have a preferred time in mind; open daily 9am-6pm, last admission at 5:00pm. Located at 20 Mandai Lake Road at Mandai Wildlife WEST.
This park was constructed with nature at the forefront, meaning that over 300 trees were saved to be part of the rainforest landscape. Rainforest Wild ASIA is entirely accessible for wheelchair users via the elevated boardwalks, but please note that there are a plethora of non-paved forest floor walks. Expect moderate exercise trekking through the narrow trails; ensure you have suitable footwear, water, and bug repellent.
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This wild experience also offers zip-lining through a man-made cavern, rock climbing, and bouncing nets (for an additional charge). You may see deers walk across trails and paved paths as well. Since the animal exhibits are intended to resemble their natural habitat, it can be a bit of a scavenger hunt to find the bears, monkeys, hippos, tigers, deers, antelopes, and more! Check out all details on free & paid activities here.
Rainforest Wild AISA ticket prices for non-residents is S$43 for adults, S$31 for children (ages 3-13), and S$20 for seniors. Park hoppers and bundles range from S$50-S$110 for adults and S$50-S$80 for children.
Please note that additional events and excursions such as the Adventure+ and Black Adventure attractions are extra, and require a date/time booking; Ranger Talks, full access to the Cavern, and entire canopy walk and trails are included with admission. View the schedule for shows here.
🗺️ 🧭 View the map, trails, and exhibits here.
6. Rainforest Wild AFRICA
Come back in 2026 for Rainforest Wild AFRICA!
7. Mandai Board Walk
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The Mandai Boardwalk is a 3.3km/2 mile elevated trail along the Upper Seletar Resevoir (around the Singapore Zoo and River Wonders) that is free to access (no tickets needed)! This boardwalks is open daily from 7am-7pm (final entry at 6pm)
If you are looking to warm up your legs prior to park opening, then strolling along the Mandai Boardwalk may be a good way to start your day off. It is also a nice way to catch the sunset and get a peep of the giraffes from the back end of their Singapore Zoo enclosure.
Expect to spend about an hour to 90 minutes enjoying the scenery. This attraction is wheelchair accessible and includes several resting points and covered areas, but no restrooms!
There are two entrances/exits, one near River Wonders and the other at Mandai Wildlife East in the direction of the Singapore Zoo; follow the boardwalk signage marked “boardwalk”. For more information and a map, click here.
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8. Dining at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Here is a breakdown of dining options at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve by park: *reusable containers and cups are encouraged when ordering take away at any Mandai restaurant.
There are a variety of options for dining in and around the parks, but at the entrance of the Singapore Zoo, you will find an outdoor food court featuring KFC, Inure Cafe, Chomel Bistro, Chawang Bistro, Häagen-Dazs, and the Wild Mart. There are also a variety of options by the entrance of Bird Paradise that offer local and Western cuisine.
At the Singapore Zoo you are able to dine at Ah Meng Restaurant or Ah Ming Bistro, KFC, or Kidz World Cafe.
At River Wonders, your options include a Starbucks at the entrance and Mama Panda Kitchen inside the park.
At Night Safari, you are able to enjoy dinner at the Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant, which offers a variety of cuisines. There is also a Häagen-Dazs stand.
Scroll for more! ⬇️
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Just outside the Bird Paradise entrance/across Rainforest Wild ASIA (also referred to as Mandai Wildlife West), there are a number of options to include A&W, Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique & Sandwich Bar, Collin’s, Han’s Union, Old Chang Lee Coffee House, Luke’s Lobster, Leckerbaer, and Mr. Holmes Bakehouse.
Inside the Bird Paradise park, you will find Bird Bakery, Penguin Cove Cafe and Shop, Penguin Cove Restaurant, Food Central, Tram Kiosk, Egg Splash Cafe and Shop, and Crimson Restaurant.
Inside the Rainforest Wild ASIA you will find Rangers Cafe, Cavern Restaurant, Sentinell Foodhall, and Watering Hole Cafe. Cavern Restaurant is open to the public!
For the most up to date information on dining at Mandai, including hours of operation, click here.
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9. Hotels at the Singapore Zoo
One of the newest Singapore hotels set to open on April 2nd, 2025 – the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree will be the first, and or now, the only Singapore hotel on the Maindai Wildlife Reserve.
Rooms range from basic twin bed hotel rooms, to suites, to tree houses which range between S$307-S$983 before fees/taxes. There are even rooms that feature bunk beds for kids! You can also book hotel & park ticket bundles through their website!
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There are two restaurants at this new Singapore hotel! Planter’s Shed offers buffet and grill stations for breakfast and dinner, with a la carte options for lunch. It features local and international cuisine; complimentary breakfast is included for hotels guests. Forage is the specialty restaurant that features ingredients grown on the rooftop garden and served omakase style.
I think the photos do speak for themselves as this new Singapore hotel offers a spa, a kid’s club & playground, a rooftop pool, a garden, rooms with stunning views, family hotel rooms, unique interior/exterior design, meeting & wedding venues, and yoga classes. You can check out my in-depth article below. ⬇️
Since the Singapore Zoo is located in a remote part of northern Singapore, this will be your only nearby hotel option, to include VRBO & Airbnb.
10. Know Before You Go
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Gear Rentals: You can rent strollers and wagons at each park; they can also be reserved online. Wheelchairs are provided for free! Rental storage lockers can be found at the River Wonders entrance.
Services: Prayer rooms, nursing rooms, diaper changing stations, first aid areas, and water fountains are located in each park, as well as free wifi, ATMs, and lost & found services. You will likely have decent cell service while inside the parks despite being in the wilderness!
Duration: This depends on you and your planned itinerary, but without booking extra excursions or staying for shows/keeper talks, exploring each park can take at least 3-4 hours. If you wish to visit each park, expect three full days to enjoy what Mandai has to offer. Due to the pricing, the many attractions offered, and time slot reservations, I do not recommend visiting all five parks in one day.
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What to bring: Although available for purchase, rain gear is highly recommended. Please also bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, bug repellent, water, a bag for your rain poncho/umbrella, and a handheld fan, if you’re fancy. An extra pair of socks, or better yet, waterproof shoes/socks are best. Wear breathable material as a majority of the parks are outdoors and air con areas are more sparse. Athletic gear & sneakers are required for partaking in activities at Rainforest Wild ASIA. PS…there is a splash pad at both the Singapore Zoo (inside Kidz World) & Bird Paradise, so bring towels & swim wear for the kiddos.
Location: The Singapoe Zoo is NOT located near the city centre. In fact, it is on a nature reserve towards the island’s northern end and can take around 30mins-1hr to get there from the city centre depending on your mode of transport.
The property is divided into Mandai Wildlife EAST (80 Mandai Lake Road), which hosts the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Night Safari. At Mandai Wildlife WEST (20 Mandai Lake Road), you will find Bird Paradise and Rainforest Wild ASIA and upcoming Rainforest Wild AFRICA. You can’t transit between east and west by foot, you will have to take the Khatib Shuttle (free of charge once on property), the public buses, or private modes of transport such as Grabs, taxis, and privately owned vehicles.
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Accessibility/Mobility: All parks are wheelchair and stroller accessible as well as the in-park shuttles/trams with the exception of the Amazon River Quest at River Wonders; Rainforest Wild ASIA and River Wonders do not have tram/shuttle services. Please also know that there many slopes, tight walkways, and some shortcuts/lookout points that are only accessible by staircase. Though most of the trails/walkways are paved or are boardwalks, some parts of the park have added cosmetic ridges and grooves on the sidewalk to make the experience more immersive but perhaps a bit challenging for wheelchair users and parents who push strollers.
Ticket FYI: It is worth noting that you can reenter the park(s) same day with the same ticket (exception being Night Safari & Rainforest Wild ASIA, as they require time slot reservations). Tickets can only be purchased online, to include stroller rental and time slot reservations. Consider purchasing your tickets at least a few days if not a week ahead of time via the Mandai website, Klook, or using credit card points through your provider. Other tourist bundles can also be offered through local agencies such as Pelago.
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Payment: Foreign bank cards/credit cards may only work on certain vending machines if any, so bring some change. Even foreign Apple Pay or Google Pay when used via a smart device is hit or miss when using a non-Asian device/card at vending machines. Otherwise, I had no issues paying for tickets, food, and gifts inside the park with foreign cards.
Excursions & Additional Activities: This varies by park, but you can book close-up animal encounters, feedings, and tours while purchasing your tickets. Other activities offered are playgrounds, parkours, splash pads, bouncing nets, climbing, zip lining, children’s quests, ranger/keeper talks, animal shows and demonstrations, farm animal walks/interactions, special hiking paths, guided tours, zoo keeper for a day activities, veterinarian one-on-ones, and backstage passes can enhance your experience at Mandai.
Some activities require reservation/additional purchase, but many animal shows and keeper talks are included with admission, you will just have to look online for time and place of each event. Some keeper talk events may let you feed an animal if you are good at their trivia. Please note that many admission-included animal shows require a free reservation as seating is limited. Learn more here.
11. Getting There
MRT/Zoo Shuttle:
Take the Northsouth Line to Khatib Station (NS14).
You will see signs for the Mandai Reserve Khatib Shuttle outside the station; they run about every 20 minutes and make stops at Bird Paradise/Rainforest Wild Asia (Maindai West) and the Singapore Zoo/River Wonders/Night Safari (Mandai East).
First shuttle to Mandai is at 8:30 am, last shuttle to the zoo is 11:40pm; first shuttle back to Khatib MRT is at 8:50am, while the last ride to the MRT station is at midnight. The bus ride takes about 20-30 minutes.
***The official Mandai website states that the Khatib Shuttle costs S$2.50 per person ages 7 and up (card only), but I was never charged for this service when I went in Decembr 2023. The shuttle is free of charge for guests transiting between parks. This shuttle is sadly not wheelchair accessible.
Additional MRT/Bus Routes:
Take the Northsouth Line to Ang Mo Kim (NS16) and take bus line 138.
Take the Northsouth Line to Choa Chu Kang (NS4) and take bus line 927.
Take the Thomson East Coast Line to Springleaf (TE4) and take bus line 138.
Mandai City Express: Runs during certain times on Thursdays-Sundays. It costs S$8 for one way and S$16 for a roundtrip for anyone above the age of 3. The bonus about this shuttle is that it picks up guests from hotels in the city centre. More info can be found here.
Taxis/Grabs: Please note that taking a ride-share/taxi to, from, and around the parks will require a S$5 surcharge during the hours of 1pm-11:59pm daily.
Parking is free at Mandai West nightly starting at 6 pm until midnight (no purchase required), so if you are simply looking to dine or take your personal vehicle/rental to attend Night Safari, then this option is free!
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for reading! I hope this blog post about all things Singapore Zoo has not only informed you, but inspired you to take a trip up to Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming 6th park, Rainforest Wild AFRICA!
