The Mandai Wildlife Reserve, home to four world-renowned wildlife parks – Bird Paradise, Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari, offers a unique experience for nature and wilflife lovers. With more than 500 land animal species lost since the Industrial Revolution, places like this reserve, run by the Mandai Wildlife Group, are beacons of hope. Operated by the Mandai Wildlife Group, the reserve is a hub of conservation and education, aiming to inspire positive actions for the environment. Their vision revolves around fostering sustainable wildlife populations and thriving human communities within healthy ecosystems.
The Mandai Wildlife Reserve: In a nutshell
Handy information
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 2 days |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | June to December |
| 🎟️ Mandai Wildlife Reserve tickets | Starting from S$49 |
| 🚇 Closest Metro | Khatib MRT Station (NS14) |
Things to know
Founded: 2000
Number of parks: 4 (Bird Paradise, Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari)
Size: 126 hectares
Must-see
Bird Paradise - 8 large walk-through aviaries & 2 zones, 2 breathtaking avian presentations.
Singapore Zoo – Breakfast in the Wild, Keeper talks, Into The Wild presentation, KidzWorld – Home of Ranger Buddies.
River Wonders - Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest, Amazon River Quest, Once Upon a River presentation.
Night Safari - Indian Rhino Feeding, 4 walking trails, Creatures of the Night presentation.
Address
Address : 80 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729826
Get Directions
Why you must visit the Mandai Wildlife Reserve?
- Tropical paradise: Singapore's year-round tropical climate nurtures the lush verdure of the Singapore Zoo within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Unlike conventional zoos, this wildlife park is a thriving tropical rainforest, renowned for its ‘open-concept’ zoo, providing a natural habitat to over 4,200 animals.
- Nocturnal adventures await: Explore the enigmatic world of animals after dusk at the Night Safari, world's first nocturnal wildlife park. This unique experience invites you to uncover the intriguing nocturnal behaviors of wildlife in their naturalistic night-time settings.
- Home to river-dwelling animals: At the heart of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve flows River Wonders, Asia's first and only river-themed wildlife park. Featuring the most expansive freshwater aquarium, River Wonders is home to over 11,000 land and aquatic animals and offers an unparalleled journey through freshwater habitats.
- A sanctuary for birds: The newly opened Bird Paradise at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is Asia's largest bird park. Step into a symphony of colours in flight through 8 thematic walk-through aviaries inspired by habitats around the world.
Recommended tickets to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve
1 Destination 4 Wildlife Parks
Bird Paradise
Bird Paradise is the latest addition to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, providing a sanctuary where you will find the wonders of the avian world. This vibrant ecosystem is home to over 400 avian species with more than 3,500 birds! It features 8 large-scale walkthrough aviaries inspired by various habitats from around the world from South American wetlands, African rainforests to Australian dry eucalypt landscape and more. With programs dedicated to breeding and research, Bird Paradise plays a critical role in the preservation of rare and threatened species.
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 6pm
Pick-up point once you reach Mandai Wildlife Reserve: Bus Stop #48111
Singapore Zoo
The Singapore Zoo is famous for its 'open concept,' allowing guests to get up-close with animals in environments that mimic their natural homes. Spread across 11 distinct zones, the zoo is home to diverse species like orangutans, giraffes and Malayan tigers. Engaging presentations like the Splash Safari, Into the Wild, and Animal Friends allow guests to witness the amazing talents of animals. The highlight for many is the iconic 'Breakfast in the Wild' dining experience, where you can enjoy a delectable breakfast buffet spread and meet animal ambassadors.
Opening hours: Daily 8:30am to 6pm
Pick-up point once you reach Mandai Wildlife Reserve: Bus Stop #48131
River Wonders
River Wonders, previously River Safari, is a river-themed zoo boasting a large collection of over 11,000 animals from nearly 260 species and 400 plant species. It is known to have some of the planet's most extensive forms of freshwater creatures! You’ll find river behemoths such as the highly threatened Mekong giant catfish, the giant freshwater stingray, giant arapaimas, the giant panda, and Antillean manatees. The park is eco-conscious and has been awarded the Green Mark Platinum Award by the Building and Construction Authority for its dedication to environmentally friendly practices.
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 7pm
Pick-up point once you reach Mandai Wildlife Reserve: Bus Stop #48131
Night Safari
The Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park and home to over 900 animals from nearly 100 species, of which 41% are endangered. You can explore the park on foot along four interlinked walking trails, where you will come face to face with some of the most elusive animals or by taking a complimentary tram ride around the park. The park's highlight is the popular "Creatures of the Night" presentation that happens at the new 1000-seat amphitheatre.
Opening hours: Daily 7:15pm to 12am
Pick-up point once you reach Mandai Wildlife Reserve: Bus Stop #48131
Best time to visit the Mandai Wildlife Reserve
The ideal time to visit the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is during the dry season, from June to August and December to February, when the weather is cooler and there's much less rainfall making it more comfortable to enjoy the outdoor attractions.
Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends and holidays, so it makes for a peaceful visit. It's not feasible to see all four parks in one day—you'll need at least two days. Here's an itinerary you can follow:
- Start at the Singapore Zoo in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
- Relax, grab some food, or shop at Singapore Zoo Shop during the hottest part of the day.
- Visit River Wonders in the afternoon and take a relaxing boat ride at the Amazon River Quest.
- Spend some time in the air-conditioned Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest exhibit to cool off. You'll meet the most adorable pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia here, say hello to them!
- The following morning, head to Bird Paradise early to beat the crowds and see the birds when they are the most active.
- In the evening, take the Night Safari walking trails and catch the Creatures of the Night presentation
Remember to check the reserve's website before your visit for any special events or latest happenings to make the most of your experience.
You can learn more about the best time to visit Singapore here.
Getting there
- Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): Hop aboard the MRT and take it to any of the convenient stations: Khatib (NS14), Choa Chu Kang (NS4), Ang Mo Kio (NS16) or Springleaf (TE4). It’s a breeze from there – simply catch a connecting bus that will bring you straight to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
- Mandai Khatib Shuttle: From Khatib MRT Station (NS14) to the wildlife parks, this shuttle service is offered every day for your convenience.
- Mandai City Express: For those traveling from the heartlands, Mandai City Express offers an affordable and convenient solution for getting to and from the wondrous Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
- By Road: Taking a 30-minute drive from the city, there are two very distinct routes to get you to Singapore Zoo - Central Expressway (CTE) or Pan Island Expressway (PIE). Whichever route you choose, your journey will be filled with scenic views.
Find out more here.
Insider tips
- Make sure to not wear any bright-colored clothes. It’s best to blend in with your surrounding by wearing lighter or darker shades of blue, green, brown, and yellow.
- Plan your trip and book your tickets to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve here in advance.
- Carry a pair of sunglasses and wear sunscreen or sunblock when visiting the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
- Since you will be walking a lot at the reserve, do wear comfortable clothes and footwear.
- Respect all the animals and birds and trees at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
- Avoid using flash photography, and always ask for permission before you click pictures.
- If taking the tram for the Night Safari, keep your hands and feet inside the tram.
- Do not feed or tease any of the animals at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
- Since Singapore has a tropical climate, keep an umbrella and/or raincoat handy.
Restaurants inside the Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Indulge in an array of delectable dishes at Penguin Cove Restaurant, where you'll savor delicious selection of family-friendly western cuisine while watching the penguins take a dive in the pool.
Location: Bird Paradise, Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove (Level 1)
At Inuka Café, delight in Singapore's beloved classics, such as kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and chendol. These timeless favorites are a delicious choice anytime, making it a must-visit spot for all-day dining pleasures.
Location: Singapore Zoo, Park entrance
Mama Panda Kitchen offers a delightful Chinese culinary adventure, showcasing signature dishes like panda pau, wok-fried rice, noodles, and more, all enjoyed with chopsticks. Plus, it's family-friendly with special Kids' Meals!
Location: River Wonders, after Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest
Transport yourself to the nostalgic charm of village life at Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant. Enjoy a distinctive dining experience reminiscent of traditional kampungs (villages) from days gone by. Location: Night Safari, Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant
Mandai Wildlife Reserve serve delicious meals with sustainably sourced ingredients which are better for the planet:
- The meals are cooked with sustainable cooking oil.
- They serve wildlife-friendly Owa Coffee.
- Offer delicious, plant-based meal choices.
- 100% of the seafood used is from sustainable sources.
Hotels near Mandai Wildlife Reserve
