Nestled in the heart of lush corner of Singapore in Mandai, the Singapore Zoo is renowned globally for its award-winning open-concept exhibits and dedication to wildlife conservation. This world-class zoo offers visitors a unique experience, where animals roam freely in habitats that mirror their natural environments. Whether you're a local or a tourist, a visit to the Singapore Zoo promises an unforgettable adventure with its wide variety of species, educational programs, and immersive exhibits.
Why Visit the Singapore Zoo?
1. Incredible Wildlife Diversity
The Singapore Zoo is home to over 2,800 animals from more than 300 species, including critically endangered animals like the white rhinoceros, Malayan tapir, and Sumatran orangutan. From majestic big cats like the African lion to fascinating reptiles like the Komodo dragon, the zoo offers an up-close look at the animal kingdom’s diverse inhabitants.
I was particularly amazed by the variety of animals and how close you can get to them. Watching the orangutans swing freely through trees was a personal highlight! Seeing such an iconic species in a naturalistic setting made me feel like I was in the middle of the rainforest. It did take a bit of looking high up in the trees, but I did manage to catch them. The peacocks are also free roaming so it was also a delight encountering them while walking and exploring the zoo.
2. Award-Winning Open Concept
What sets the Singapore Zoo apart is its open-concept design. Instead of traditional cages, the zoo uses natural barriers such as moats and vegetation to separate animals from visitors, providing a more authentic and engaging viewing experience. This innovative design has won the zoo multiple accolades, including the prestigious "Best Leisure Attraction Experience" from the Singapore Tourism Awards.
The open design allows you to feel truly immersed in the experience. I remember standing by the emu enclosure, it was breathtaking to see them up close without bars in the way hidden in the foliage.
3. Engaging Shows and Feeding Sessions
Animal lovers can catch daily live shows like the "Splash Safari," where sea lions steal the spotlight with their playful tricks. For a more interactive experience, the zoo offers animal feeding sessions, giving visitors the chance to hand-feed giraffes, elephants, and other animals while learning from zookeepers about their behaviors and habitats.
The feeding sessions were definitely a highlight of my visit. Feeding the elephants was not only fun but also a meaningful way to learn about their diet and behaviors from the keepers. It’s these little interactive moments that make the Singapore Zoo special.
Unfortunately for us, we started our day a little later and did not check the timings for the shows and feedings, we were only in time to see the elephants ending their day's work and heading back after the last show of the day.
Must-Visit Exhibits at the Singapore Zoo
1. Rainforest Kidzworld
A perfect spot for families, Rainforest Kidzworld offers a variety of animal encounters and fun activities for children, including pony rides and a water play area. Kids can learn about farm animals, including rabbits and goats, while having a blast!
2. Fragile Forest
The Fragile Forest is an immersive experience that mimics a rainforest ecosystem. Walk among free-roaming lemurs, sloths, and butterflies as you explore this vibrant habitat. It’s an ideal place for photography and nature lovers who want to experience life in the treetops.
3. Reptile Garden
For those fascinated by cold-blooded creatures, the Reptile Garden houses everything from enormous tortoises to venomous snakes. Don’t miss the Komodo dragons—the largest lizards in the world—and learn about their role in their native ecosystems.
If you’re into reptiles, this area is an absolute must. Since the group I was with were not too enthusiastic about reptiles, we skipped this section of the zoo. But overall it was an enriching experience.
Insider Tips for a Great Visit
- Beat the Heat: Singapore can be hot and humid, so visit early in the morning when the zoo opens at 8:30 AM to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds. We made the mistake of arriving later in the day: it was not only scorching but we almost missed many of the shows and feeding times as it was after lunchtime! Learning from that experience, I’d highly recommend going early to fully enjoy the cooler morning weather. You would also be in time to plan and catch the shows and feeding times.
- Get Around Easily: The zoo is large, so consider hopping on the tram for an easy way to see more of the park. The tram particularly useful after several hours of walking. It’s a great way to rest while still exploring the zoo’s many sections.
- Bring Water and Sunscreen: Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, especially if you're spending the whole day exploring. There's a Starbucks at the entrance and areas which sell drinks, but it's always best to bring your own so you can conveniently hydrate yourself.
- Discounts: Locals can get the admission fees at discounted prices so do check out the website. For tourists, checking out websites like Klook. There are also packages for visiting Bird Paradise and other bundles / access (e.g. Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise or Night Safari). Discounts are from 30%-50% if you get the packages and intend to spend more time at the Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise. Of course one thing to note is that prices in the zoo are inflated, but it is worth the education and enriching trip.
If you are not yet a member at Klook, sign up here and get S$4.30 off your first transaction! 😊
For Singapore users, do note if you book via Shopback, you can earn cashback or rebates!
[Review for Shopback’s Cashback]
Getting There
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Transport:
It’s easily accessible by public transport or car. From the city center, you can take the MRT to Khatib or Ang Mo Kio, followed by a bus or taxi to the zoo.
If you are planning to take a taxi, do note that there is a S$5 surcharge for all hired taxis departing the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. This surcharge will be applicable daily, from 1:00pm to 11:59pm.
For public transport, you can check out the website for more details:
- Ang Mo Kio MRT or Springleaf MRT stations / Bus 138
- Choa Chu Kang MRT station / Bus 927
- Khatib MRT station Mandai Khatib Shuttle -> the best option and easiest
- Reach Mandai Wildlife Reserve in 20 minutes! This shuttle service from Khatib MRT Station (NS14) available daily and costs S$2.50
Plan Your Visit
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Admission:
- Adult tickets start at S$48, while child tickets (ages 3-12) are about S$33
- Discounted tickets are available for Singapore residents.
- Website: https://www.mandai.com/en/singapore-zoo.html
Klook.com
Whether you're an animal enthusiast, a family looking for an educational outing, or a nature lover seeking an escape from the urban jungle, the Singapore Zoo offers an enriching experience for all ages. With its commitment to conservation, immersive exhibits, and beautiful park setting, it’s worth a visit if you are in Singapore.
What I loved most about the zoo is its strong
focus on conservation. It’s clear that the staff are passionate about
wildlife preservation, and the zoo’s efforts to protect endangered
species resonate throughout the exhibits and educational programs.
I managed to spend almost a full day at the zoo, visiting the Night Safari at night and visting the pandas in between. We wanted to visit the River Safari but it was close to closing time and missed the ride. We did manage to see the Pandas though.
From my personal experience, the Singapore Zoo is more than just a place to see animals—it’s an inspiring journey into the world of wildlife and conservation. Each visit brings new memories and a deeper appreciation for the animal kingdom. The zoo participates in international breeding programs for endangered species and works closely with global organizations to protect threatened wildlife. Through its Wildlife Healthcare & Research Centre, the zoo also plays a pivotal role in rescuing and rehabilitating injured animals in Southeast Asia.
Have you visited the Singapore Zoo or are planning to visit? Do let me know in the comments below!
Related Posts:
- Exploring Singapore Zoo’s Night Safari: A Nocturnal Adventure
- Exploring Singapore's River Wonders: My Personal Experience
- Exploring the Wonders of Singapore’s Wildlife: Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and River Wonders
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