Singapore Zoo: Ultimate Guide for a Half-Day Wildlife Adventure

Singapore Zoo welcomes around 1.9 million visitors each year, establishing itself as one of the city’s top attractions.

Located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, it is part of Singapore’s five major wildlife parks, alongside Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and Rainforest Wild Asia.

Nestled deep within lush jungle surroundings, the zoo embraces an “open concept,” housing animals in naturalistic habitats that closely mirror their native environments. This approach allows visitors to observe wildlife up close, experiencing their behaviour in an authentic, immersive setting.

This guide offers an in-depth look at the Singapore Zoo. Beyond the animals, it highlights must‑see shows, engaging activities, and dining spots, presenting a half‑day plan to enjoy the very best the zoo has to offer.

• Plan Your Visit
  • • Location & Access
  • • Opening Hours & Crowds
  • • Ticket Information
• Zoo Map & Tips
  • • Map and Duration
  • • 4-Stop Free Tram Loop
  • • Animal Shows & Feeding Sessions
  • • What to Bring
• Half-Day Itinerary
  • • Breakfast with Animals
  • • Splash Safari Sea Lion Show
  • • Elephants of Asia
  • • Wildlife Encounters
  • • Majestic White Tigers
  • • Lunch at Ah Meng Restaurant
  • • African Wildlife Adventure
  • • Face-to-Face Animal Feeding
  • • Animal Show “Into the Wild”
• On the Way Back
  • • Singapore Zoo Gift Shop
  • • Taxi Stand for the Return Journey
• Final Thoughts

Plan Your Visit

Location & Access

Set within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve in the northern outskirts of Singapore, the Singapore Zoo sits in a lush expanse of greenery away from the city centre.

Reaching the zoo by public transport is possible, though the journey can take some time, as there is no MRT station nearby and a bus transfer is needed.

For most visitors, the quickest and most convenient option is to take a taxi, with the ride from central Singapore typically taking 30 to 40 minutes.

For more information on getting there, please refer to the section below.

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

Opening Hours & Crowds

Singapore Zoo is open year-round, including major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Chinese New Year. The park closes at 6:00pm, with the last entry at 5:00pm.

• Opening Hours: 8:30am – 6:00pm
• Closed: None

Weekends and holiday seasons tend to draw larger crowds, but once inside the park, its spacious grounds ensure the experience rarely feels overcrowded.

However, keep in mind that restaurants can get busy around lunchtime.

Ticket Information

Admission ticket prices are as follows:

In addition to the single admission ticket, a multi-park ticket for the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is also available.

Tickets can be booked online through Klook, a leading platform for attractions and experiences in Singapore.

Once your booking is confirmed, simply present the QR code from your e-ticket at the entrance (no need to print it—just display it on your smartphone).

If you’re unable to visit on the scheduled day, the ticket remains valid for 60 days from the date of purchase, giving you peace of mind.

Zoo Map & Tips

Map and Duration

Spanning 26 hectares, the Singapore Zoo is divided into 13 zones that recreate ecosystems from around the world.

It is home to about 4,200 animals from 300 species, including rare and endangered mammals, birds, and reptiles.

A visit to the Singapore Zoo typically takes around 4 hours, including animal shows, feeding sessions, and a leisurely lunch at one of the restaurants, though it can be shorter if skipping the activities or moving through the park more quickly.

4-Stop Free Tram Loop

Getting around the park’s expansive grounds is easy thanks to the tram. Tram rides are included in the admission fee, with no extra charge.

The tram runs in an anticlockwise loop, stopping at 4 designated points within the park.

Animal Shows & Feeding Sessions

There is no set route for exploring the zoo grounds, allowing visitors to wander freely at their own pace.

A good approach is to first check the schedule of activities and shows of interest, then plan the route accordingly.

Presentations

All shows are free, with no booking required.

Feeding

Feeding sessions need to be booked through the official website. As they are very popular and spots fill up quickly, early booking is recommended. Please note that a fee of $8 applies per food portion.

What to Bring

Singapore Zoo features picnic areas, and visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks.

As much of the zoo is outdoors, be sure to prepare for the heat and sun, and bring drinks to stay hydrated.

• Hat or parasol
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Drinks

Half-Day Itinerary

Breakfast with Animals

Every morning, Breakfast in the Wild takes place at the Ah Meng Restaurant, offering a unique opportunity to dine alongside the animals.

Featured animals include orangutans, African penguins, sea lions, and Bengal eagle owls, though appearances may vary depending on rotation, weather, and animal conditions.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure a front-row centre table close to the animals, it’s best to arrive early. From 9:15 to 10:00, adorable animals make an appearance, giving guests the chance to take memorable photos with them.

Breakfast is served buffet-style, featuring a wide variety of dishes, from local favourites to Western cuisine.

Advance reservations are required.

Splash Safari Sea Lion Show

The next stop is the Shaw Amphitheatre, just a short walk from Ah Meng Restaurant.

This venue hosts the popular Splash Safari sea lion show twice a day.

The show lasts around 20 minutes, featuring playful sea lions leaping and splashing in the water in an impressive display.

Near the central pool area is the designated Splash Zone, where you might get splashed. If you prefer to stay dry, it’s best to sit outside this area.

From here, explore the left side of the park, taking in Primate Kingdom, Elephants of Asia, Australasia, and the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia.

Elephants of Asia

Home to 5 Asian elephants, including the critically endangered Sumatran elephant, Elephants of Asia offers a peaceful sanctuary for an all-female herd.

Here, daily keeper talks and feeding sessions are held, giving visitors the chance to learn more about and connect with the elephants.

Wildlife Encounters

Beyond the Elephants of Asia exhibit, explore the diverse zones of Australasia and the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia. 

From familiar animals like kangaroos and wallabies to rare creatures found nowhere else, each turn reveals another fascinating species.

Majestic White Tigers

Next is the White Tiger exhibit. With their snowy coats and crystal-blue eyes, these majestic animals are truly captivating.

Whether diving into the pool or chasing a ball, the lively White Tigers delight visitors with rare glimpses of their playful side, making them one of the zoo’s most popular attractions.

Lunch at Ah Meng Restaurant

After exploring the White Tiger exhibit, the path leads back towards the centre of the park, where Ah Meng Restaurant makes for an inviting lunch stop.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, ranging from local favourites to Chinese and Western options. 

For a lighter bite, the animal-shaped steamed buns are a delightful treat.

The panda bun is filled with sweet red bean paste, while the polar bear bun features a custard filling.

African Wildlife Adventure

After lunch, it’s time to set off for one of the park’s largest zones, Wild Africa, on the right side of the park.

This expansive area is a treasure trove of African savannah wildlife, featuring magnificent predators like cheetahs, lions, and leopards, as well as large herbivores such as white rhinos, zebras, and giraffes.

Face-to-Face Animal Feeding

The Feeding activity, where visitors can get up close to the animals, is one of the must-do experiences at the Singapore Zoo.

The giraffe feeding session at Wild Africa begins at 1:50pm, offering an exciting encounter with wildlife.

Experience the thrill as these gentle giants come face-to-face — a perfect photo opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Animal Show “Into the Wild”

Featuring a variety of fascinating wildlife — from lemurs and badgers to hornbills and porcupines — “Into the Wild” brings nature’s wonders to life.

More than just entertaining, the show also enhances understanding of our planet’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.

The 20-minute performance ends with a special photo opportunity with the show’s animal stars. A close-up photo with these animals will create memories to last a lifetime.

By the time the show concludes, it will be around 3:00pm. This marks the end of the roughly six-hour Singapore Zoo half-day itinerary, which began in the morning.

On the Way Back

Singapore Zoo Gift Shop

Before leaving, be sure to check out the gift shop near the entrance gate. 

From classic souvenirs like plush toys and T-shirts to stylish animal-themed accessories, there’s a wide range of wonderful products on offer. 

It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs from Singapore Zoo.

Taxi Stand for the Return Journey

For those without a pre-booked return transfer or tour, the main concern is how to get back. 

While using a ride-hailing app like Grab is ideal, finding a car can be challenging during peak hours or busy seasons.

In such cases, simply head to the designated taxi stand located in the parking area (where you were dropped off upon arrival) to catch a taxi back.

Final Thoughts

Singapore Zoo is the flagship park among the five wildlife parks within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

It offers a wide range of exciting attractions, from animal exhibits to interactive shows, appealing to visitors of all ages. 

Highlights

Exploring the vast grounds can be more tiring than expected, so be sure to take it at your own pace to make the most of your visit.