Complete Travel Guide to Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Singapore

A trip to Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Singapore is much more than just visiting a zoo — it’s a chance to explore four different incredible parks, each with unique animals, distinct atmosphere, landscape, activities, and wildlife encounters that transport you to different parts of the world. I had an amazing time there and can’t wait to share all the highlights, along with some handy tips and experience to help you plan your own adventure.

Welcome to Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Nestled away from Singapore’s busy city streets, Mandai Wildlife Reserve is spread out over a huge area with four main parks: Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, River Wonders, and Night Safari. Altogether, the reserve is home to more than 15,000 animals across around 1,000 species, making it one of Asia’s biggest and most diverse wildlife experiences.

1. Singapore Zoo – A Walk Among 4,200 Animals!

Starting off at Singapore Zoo was the perfect choice. This zoo is world-famous for its “open concept” design, letting you get close to animals in naturalistic enclosures without bars or walls. With over 4,200 animals from 300 species, there’s so much to see!

Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss:

• Breakfast in the Wild: Having breakfast with orangutans just a few feet away is an unforgettable experience. These animals are just as curious about us as we are about them!

• Fragile Forest: This biodome houses over 30 species, including butterflies, lemurs, and other free-roaming creatures in a lush, rainforest environment.

• RepTopia: If you’re into reptiles, you’ll love seeing more than 60 species here, like poison dart frogs, chameleons, and snakes.

• Keeper Talks and Feeding Sessions: These sessions let you see the animals up close and learn more from the keepers who care for them. Note the time and location of each session on Mandai official website in advance so that you don’t miss a chance to interact with your favourite animals, such as: Elephants, African Lion, Primate Kingdom Monkeys, Proboscis Monkeys, Meerkat, Cheetah, Indian Gharial Crocodile, Pygmy Hippo, Malayan Tiger or Otters, etc.

2. Bird Paradise – Meet 3,500 Birds from 400 Species

Bird Paradise is also a perfect place for bird lovers, which truly lived up to its name. Home to 3,500 birds from 400 species, this park has massive aviaries that recreate environments from around the world, so the birds can fly around and interact with visitors.

Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss:

• Wings of Asia: This aviary features over 100 Southeast Asian bird species flying freely in a tropical setting. There’s also a Balinese-inspired terraced rice field for you to enjoy.

• Penguin Cove: Watch a few species of penguins (over 200 penguins total!) in an Antarctic-inspired setting where they dive and swim in chilled waters.

• Crimson Wetlands: You can take pretty photos with gorgeous South American birds like flamingos, macaw parrots and scarlet ibises.

• Bird Feeding: Remember to book these special sessions online in advance to feed the birds — it’s one of the best ways to get close to these beautiful creatures and snap some cool photos.

With so many colorful birds around, Bird Paradise is a place that can surprise you at every turn.

3. River Wonders – Asia’s Only River-Themed Wildlife Park

My visit to River Wonders was really a chill and relaxing experience. This park focuses on river habitats and has over 7,500 animals from 240 species. The park replicates famous rivers from all over the world, with exhibits that let you see everything from massive fish to giant pandas.

Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss:

• Amazon Flooded Forest: A huge freshwater tank that’s one of the world’s largest, with manatees, arapaimas, and other Amazonian creatures.

• Giant Panda Forest: This is home to Singapore’s resident giant pandas, Kai Kai and Jia Jia, along with red pandas. The Giant Panda Forest is 1,500 square meters—plenty of space for these adorable animals!

• Amazon River Quest: This boat ride covers 483 meters and lets you spot animals like capybaras, jaguars, and tapirs along the way.

River Wonders is a peaceful yet fascinating experience, especially for anyone who loves aquatic animals.

4. Night Safari – See 2,500 Nocturnal Animals

The last stop, Night Safari, was an incredible way to end the day. This was the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park and houses over 2,500 animals across 130 species. Watching these creatures in their nighttime environments is truly something special.

Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss:

• Safari Tram Adventure: The open tram ride takes you on a 40-minute journey through different regions, where you can spot animals like lions, tigers, and elephants.

• Walking Trails: There are four main trails (Leopard, Fishing Cat, East Lodge, and Wallaby) covering about 1.8 kilometers total, giving you a close-up look at the animals.

• Creatures of the Night Show: This show lets you see the nocturnal habits of some of the park’s residents. It’s very popular, so try to catch a seat early!

Being at Night Safari felt like a mix of excitement and mystery, watching how animals act when the sun goes down.

Getting Around Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Each park offers dedicated walking paths, and trams are available at Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, and River Wonders for easier exploration. The Night Safari is partially walkable, with most visitors opting for the tram ride for a full view of the nocturnal habitats.

Tips for Your Mandai Visit

• ParkHopper Pass: This pass allows you to visit all four parks and is valid for seven days. It’s a great deal if you want to see everything!
• Bring an Umbrella & Comfortable Shoes: Singapore’s tropical climate means sudden rain showers, so it’s best to be prepared.
• Mandai App: Download the Mandai app for maps, showtimes, and updates on events happening throughout the day.
• Time to Visit: Go early in the morning for Bird Paradise or Singapore Zoo as the birds and animals are usually more active at that time.
• Food & Souvenirs: Each park has several dining options and souvenir shops, so you can take a break, grab a snack, and pick up a memento from your visit.

Getting to Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Mandai Wildlife Reserve is located at 80 Mandai Lake Road. You can easily reach it by taking the Mandai Khatib Shuttle from Khatib MRT station, or grab a taxi or rideshare. The shuttle service runs frequently, so it’s a convenient option.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a family with kids, or just someone looking for a fun day out, Mandai Wildlife Reserve has something special for everyone. Each park offers a different experience with animals from every corner of the planet. Take your time, bring a sense of wonder, and let each park surprise you with its incredible creatures and landscapes. This is one adventure you won’t forget!