Mandai Wildlife Reserve: Home to Singapore’s Top 5 Animal Parks

Singapore often brings to mind a bustling metropolis with sleek skyscrapers. However, just beyond the city centre, vast stretches of untouched nature await exploration on this island right on the equator.

Tucked away in northern Singapore, deep within lush greenery, lies the Mandai Wildlife Reserve — home to five wildlife parks.

Here is a comprehensive guide to Singapore’s world-class wildlife parks, covering everything from getting there to the main highlights of each park.

• Plan Your Visit
  • • Location at a Glance
  • • Getting There
• Five Wildlife Parks
  • ❶ Singapore Zoo
  • ❷ Night Safari
  • ❸ River Wonders
  • ❹ Bird Paradise
  • ❺ Rainforest Wild Asia
• A Tranquil Hotel Retreat
  • • Mandai Rainforest Resort

Plan Your Visit

Location at a Glance

First things first, take a look at the map below to get a sense of where the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is located in relation to the city centre.

Popular areas frequented by travellers — such as Marina Bay, Orchard Road, Chinatown and Arab Street — are clustered in southern Singapore.

In contrast, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve lies in the northern suburbs, a fair distance from the city centre and near the border with Malaysia.

Getting There: Transport, Fares & Travel Times

All five parks – Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and Rainforest Wild Asia – are located close together and share the same transport options.

Here’s a rundown of the main ways to get there, along with approximate fares and estimated travel times.

Getting to the parks by Mandai Shuttle or public buses involves taking the MRT from the city centre to the northern suburbs, followed by a short bus ride.

While this is a budget-friendly option, it can take some time.

For travellers short on time, a taxi is the quickest and most convenient option.

The taxi stand is right next to the drop-off point, making it easy to catch a taxi for the return journey. Taxis can be hailed using ride-hailing apps like Grab or by queuing at the taxi stand.

Five Wildlife Parks: Highlights & Features

Nestled along the banks of Upper Seletar Reservoir, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is a haven for wildlife.

Surrounded by lush rainforest, it features five distinct wildlife parks, each offering a unique way to connect with nature.

❶ Singapore Zoo

Spanning 28 hectares, Singapore Zoo is home to around 300 species and some 4,200 animals. Designed with an “open concept”, it lets you encounter animals in settings that closely resemble their natural habitats.

Must-see Attractions

• Feeding giraffes and elephants
• Dolphin and animal shows
• Breakfast with the animals
• White tigers and cheetahs

Beyond simply observing the animals, a wide range of interactive activities awaits, including feeding sessions, engaging shows, and splash zones. It’s an ideal spot for a family day out.

❷ Night Safari

Opened in 1994 as the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, Night Safari continues to be the most popular of the five parks, making it Singapore’s top tourist attraction.

Hop on a tram or explore the walking trails to catch a glimpse of nocturnal animals coming to life in the jungle’s darkness — a thrilling and one-of-a-kind experience!

Must-see Attractions

• Fire performance
• Animal shows
• Walking trails

As this involves a late-night outing, please be mindful of your physical condition and schedule to avoid overdoing it.

❸ River Wonders

River Wonders uniquely combines an aquarium and a zoo, themed around the world’s eight major rivers.

It boasts one of the largest collections of freshwater species globally and offers the chance to see giant pandas and squirrel monkeys.

Must-see Attractions

• One of the world’s largest freshwater aquariums
• Pandas and Manatees
• Amazon River Quest boat ride

Compared to other parks, it’s quite compact, allowing you to explore the park in about two hours.

With air-conditioned indoor exhibits and covered areas throughout most of the park, it’s also perfect for rainy-day visits.

❹ Bird Paradise

Bird Paradise is one of Southeast Asia’s largest bird parks, spanning 17 hectares.
With 10 distinct zones replicating natural habitats from around the globe, the park is home to over 3,500 birds from more than 400 species.

Must-see Attractions

• Bird feeding experiences
• Live shows and performances

This vibrant sanctuary of colourful birds is a must-visit not only for birdwatching enthusiasts but also for photography lovers.

❺ Rainforest Wild Asia

Nestled in the heart of the tropical rainforest, Rainforest Wild Asia offers a range of thrilling activities—from trekking and rock climbing to cave exploration.

Must-see Attractions

• A variety of trekking trails
• Rock climbing & cave exploration

More than just a traditional zoo, this is an adventure park mainly offering outdoor activities surrounded by nature.

A Tranquil Hotel Retreat in Mandai

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree—a luxury hotel nestled within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve—opened in 2025.

Overlooking the lush greenery of Upper Seletar Reservoir, the resort blends ecotourism with a sense of tranquillity, offering a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city.

A hidden retreat perfect for those looking to rejuvenate both body and mind in nature.