Mandai Wildlife Reserve Deal: A Discovery of Nature’s Wonders

Where is Mandai Wildlife Reserve Located and How to Get There?

The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is located at Mandai in the northern part of Singapore. It is near the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, an important nature conservation area in Singapore that is rich in flora and fauna.

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826 (Map).

There are several transport options to visit Mandai Wildlife Reserve:

MRT / Bus: Take a train to Khatib (NS14), Choa Chu Kang (NS4), Ang Mo Kio (NS16), and Springleaf (TE4). The Khatib, Choa Chu Kang, and Ang Mo Kio stations are on the North-South Line while the Springleaf station is on the Thomson-East Coast Line.

From the Khatib station, transfer to the Mandai Khatib Shuttle. For the other stations, transfer to public Bus No. 927 or 138. Alight at  Bus Stop No. 48131 and there are signs directing visitors to the entrance of Mandai Wildlife Reserve just a short walk away.

Tips: Refer to Singapore Travel Guide and Travel Advisories by Laaasia Travel for a delightful holiday.

Singapore Zoo: A Rainforest Marvel

Mandai Zoo

The Singapore Zoo, nestled within Mandai Wildlife Reserve, is hailed as the world's best rainforest zoo. It boasts an impressive collection of over 2,800 animals representing 300 different species.

The zoo's innovative exhibits and immersive experiences allow visitors to observe animals up close in environments that mirror their natural habitats. Meanwhile, its world-class educational programmes help to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and inspire visitors to become stewards of the environment.

Night Safari: An Adventure Under the Twilight

NIght Safari

The Night Safari, a pioneering concept and the first nocturnal animal park globally, offers a truly enchanting experience.

With over 2,500 animals from 130 species, it invites visitors to embark on a journey through the park's lush grounds illuminated by subtle moonlight. This immersive adventure allows for encounters with fascinating nocturnal creatures and offers insights into their behaviour and adaptation to the darkness.

Tip: Take a guided tram ride for a relaxing journey through various animal habitats. The trams are open-air and offer great views of the animals. This is a great way to cover as many areas as possible without having to walk.

River Wonders: An Exploration of Freshwater Habitats

River Safari was opened to the public on 29 November 2012 but was subsequently renamed River Wonders on 13 October 2021.

Visitors can engage with a range of river-themed exhibits to gain deeper insights into the unique flora and fauna that thrive in these delicate environments. A great way to experience the various habitats is to take a boat ride.

River Wonders

River Wonders is Asia's first and only river-themed wildlife reserve and is home to over 2,800 animals across 500 species. These include the giant pandas, manatees, and orangutans.

Book your special River Wonders deal now!

The park is divided into several unique zones, each representing a different river ecosystem and habitat.

Hence, visitors can experience a wide variety of wildlife and learn about their environments.

Amazonia Encounters: A new interactive exhibit that allows visitors to get up close to some of the most amazing animals from the Amazon rainforest. These include the white-lipped tamarin, the golden-headed lion tamarin, and the Azara's agouti. Visitors can also feed the animals, learn about their natural habitats, and even have a chance to interact with them.

Amazon Flooded Forest: An exhibit that allows visitors to experience the Amazon rainforest up close. Visitors can walk tread through the forest and marvel at the variety of animals, which include squirrel monkeys, tamarins, and agoutis. They can also learn about the rainforest's unique ecosystem.

Congo River: It recreates one of the oldest lakes in Africa, Lake Tanganyika, which flows into the Congo Basin and is home to many unique creatures like the Congo tetras, African dwarf crocodile, and large spot catfish. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about one of the most diverse freshwater ecosystems in the world and the importance of protecting it.

Nile River: Home to a variety of African fish species that include African Arowana, African Tigerfish, and Giraffe Catfish, visitors can take a boat ride to see these animals in their natural habitat. The zone also features a number of interactive exhibits, such as a hippopotamus feeding station and a meerkat enclosure.

Ganges River: It recreates the 2,500-kilometre-long river that flows through India. Visitors can see a variety of animals that live there, which include the Indian gharial, the frog-faced softshell turtle, and the goonch catfish. They can also learn about the importance of the Ganges to Hindu culture.

Yangtze River: It is home to a variety of animals found in China, which include giant pandas, red pandas, and Chinese alligators. The zone features a number of interactive exhibits and the star attraction is the Giant Panda Forest. It is home to Kai Kai and Jia Jia, Singapore's beloved giant pandas, and their first offspring Le Le which was born on 14 August 2021. The exhibit spans 1,500 square metres and is designed to simulate the pandas' natural habitat in China.

Mekong River:  Home to a variety of Southeast Asian fish species such as giant catfish, giant freshwater stingrays, and fire eels, visitors can walk through a series of tunnels and see these animals from below the waterline.

Once Upon A River: A daily presentation at River Wonders that tells the story of the river and its inhabitants. The presentation is interactive, and visitors will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals. Children can also have the opportunity to feed and touch the capybaras, beaver, iguana and pelican.

Water's Edge: It showcases a variety of animals that live in and around rivers. Visitors can see Malayan tapirs, Asian small-clawed otters, and proboscis monkeys, as well as a variety of birds and fishes. There are also interactive displays that teach visitors about the importance of rivers to the environment.

Bird Paradise: A Haven for Avian Diversity

Bird Paradise

The Bird Paradise, formerly Jurong Bird Park, was relocated to Mandai Wildlife Reserve in May 2023. It is a world-class sanctuary with over 3,500 birds and 300 diverse species from many corners of the world.

Visitors can witness the beauty of these feathered creatures as they soar through the sky or explore intricately designed habitats that mimic their natural surroundings. Bird Paradise provides an immersive experience that fosters an appreciation for the stunning diversity of avian life.

Visitors to the park can take part in various educational tours, and bird shows. They will also have the chance to interact with our feathered friends. You can book your Bird Park deal here.

Other Attractions at Mandai Wildlife Reserve

In addition to the four main parks, Mandai Wildlife Reserve is home to several other attractions that enrich the visitor experience:

Mandai Discovery Centre: It serves as a visitor centre, offering valuable information about the park's conservation efforts and initiatives. Visitors can gain insights into the research and initiatives undertaken to protect endangered species and preserve their habitats.

Rainforest Kidzworld

Rainforest Kidzworld: It is a vibrant and interactive play area designed to educate children about the importance of rainforests and the animals that call them home. Through engaging exhibits and activities, young visitors can develop a deep appreciation for wildlife and the need to protect their fragile ecosystems.

Mandai Nature Walk: For those seeking the tranquillity of nature, the Mandai Nature Walk is a 2.4-kilometre trail through the park's lush rainforest. It offers visitors the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of nature through its diverse flora and fauna.

Shows At Singapore Zoo

There are a number of shows at the Singapore Zoo that will definitely thrill everyone, especially the little ones. In some of the shows, visitors can also have a chance to interact with the animals while learning about their behaviours and how to care for them.

Your admission ticket to the Singapore Zoo will include all these shows. So, why not get the best out of it!

Mandai Wildlife Reserve - Splash Safari

Splash Safari: A thrilling presentation that features the amazing, mischievous, and high antics of a California sea lion. Watch how it gracefully glides on the water, effortlessly balances a ball on its nose, and even attempts to paint a picture. It loves to interact with the audience, often splashing water at them or even jumping out of the pool to give them a high-five. The show will surely tickle everyone, especially the little ones.

Show Timings: 10:30 am & 5:00 pm
Venue: Foundation Amphitheatre

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Animal Friends Show

Animal Friends: It features a variety of animals that include dogs, cats, mice, and birds. Most of them have been abandoned and rescued, with the show seeking to teach everyone about the importance of caring for animals and the role they play in our lives.

During the show, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals performing tricks and demonstrating their unique abilities. One of the most popular is the classic “cat-and-mouse escapades” where a group of dogs chases a mouse around the stage but have a hard time catching it. Then a cat enters the fray and saves the day. Visitors will also have the chance to marvel at some of the gravity-defying jumps of some of these animals.

Timings: 1:30 pm & 4:00 pm
Venue: Rainforest KidzWorld Amphitheatre

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Rainforest Fights Back Show

Rainforest Fights Back: This informative and entertaining presentation highlights the importance of protecting the rainforest and its inhabitants. The show is approximately 20 minutes long and features a variety of animals that include birds, reptiles, and mammals.

During the show, visitors can expect to see animals performing tricks and demonstrating their unique abilities, while the presenters provide information about the importance of conservation and the role that each of us can play in protecting the environment.

Timings: 12:00 pm & 2:30 pm
Venue: Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre

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Elephant Show

Elephant Presentation and Feeding Session: A 20-minute presentation that showcases the intelligence and agility of elephants. The show features five female Asian elephants, who are trained to perform a variety of tricks, such as balancing balls on their trunks, painting pictures, and even playing soccer.

The show also gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the care and management of elephants at the zoo. They can also learn about the elephants' diet, their social behaviour, and the challenges of caring for such large and intelligent mammals.

Timings: 11:30 am & 3:30 pm (additional feeding times take place at 9.15 am, 1.30 pm and 4.30 pm)

Venue: Elephant of Asia

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A Commitment to Conservation

Mandai Wildlife Reserve is firmly committed to conservation efforts and plays a vital role in protecting endangered species. The park undertakes several programmes that strive to ensure the long-term survival of these animals. Some of these key conservation initiatives at Mandai Wildlife Reserve include:

Species Survival Plan (SSP) Programmes: These programmes involve coordinated breeding efforts among zoos and aquariums worldwide. The main objective is to maintain genetic diversity and ensure the survival of endangered species for future generations.

Reintroduction Programmes: Mandai Wildlife Reserve actively supports reintroduction programs that focus on releasing endangered species back into their natural habitats. By providing a safe environment and conducting extensive research, the park contributes to the successful rehabilitation and preservation of these species.

Research Undertaking: To expand our knowledge of wildlife and conservation, Mandai Wildlife Reserve collaborates with researchers and scientists on various projects. By studying animal behaviour, ecology, and the impact of human activity, these research endeavours contribute to informed conservation strategies and initiatives.

Education for Wildlife Awareness

Education lies at the core of Mandai Wildlife Reserve's mission. By offering a range of educational programmes designed to inspire visitors of all ages, it is hoped that they will become advocates for wildlife conservation. Some key educational initiatives include:

School Programmes: Mandai Wildlife Reserve provides tailored educational programs for schools, allowing students to engage with wildlife and learn about conservation through interactive experiences. These programmes seek to encourage the youths in Singapore to develop a deeper understanding of the importance to preserve the world’s natural heritage.

Public Talks: Wildlife experts and conservationists host a series of public talks that cover various topics related to wildlife and environmental sustainability. The outreach is aimed at providing a platform for dialogue to inspire the public to take action for the protection and conservation of our planet's precious and fragile biodiversity.

Online Resources: Mandai Wildlife Reserve offers a wealth of online resources, including educational materials, virtual tours, and informative articles. These resources allow individuals not only in Singapore but also all over the world, to learn about wildlife and conservation, fostering a sense of responsibility and encouraging positive action.

Embracing Sustainability

Mandai Wildlife Reserve is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint and embracing sustainable practices. The park takes several initiatives to promote sustainability, including:

Water Conservation: To conserve water, Mandai Wildlife Reserve employs measures such as rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems. These initiatives ensure that precious water resources are utilized efficiently, reducing the park's impact on the environment.

Energy Efficiency: The park is a model of energy conservation. By using LED lighting, solar panels, and other energy-saving technologies, they help to reduce energy consumption while minimising their carbon footprint. The aim is to contribute to a greener future and climate change efforts.

Waste Management: Mandai Wildlife Reserve adopts comprehensive waste management practices, including recycling and composting. By minimizing waste and promoting responsible waste disposal, the park strives to create a sustainable environment for both animals and visitors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world-class Mandai Wildlife Reserve not only offers visitors a fascinating experience up close with wildlife, but also imparts important knowledge about wildlife conservation, and sustainability.

With its four exceptional parks, Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise, the park offers unforgettable experiences that connect visitors with the natural world. With its unwavering commitment to conservation, extensive educational programmes, and sustainable practices, Mandai Wildlife Reserve seeks to serve as a beacon of hope for the future of wildlife and our planet.

Meanwhile, check out these 10 exciting activities to spend more memorable time with your kids during your holiday.

Mandai Wildlife Reserve Operation Hours