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Zoos in Singapore have something special for those who enjoy nature. The island city-state of southern Malaysia, often nicknamed the “Lion City” or the “Garden City,” has blossomed into a major metropolitan destination, attracting tourists worldwide. Beyond its vibrant nightlife and luxurious experiences, Singapore boasts another hidden gem i.e. stunning wildlife reserves. For centuries, Singapore has been a haven for exotic animals, now residing in the city’s well-maintained wildlife reserves. If you’re someone who enjoys nature and appreciates the beauty of creatures great and small, Mandai Wildlife Reserve should be on your list while visiting Singapore.
Location
Photo: Chensiyuan / Wikimedia Commons
The Mandai Zoo is located at the Upper Seletar Reservoir within Singapore’s heavily forested central catchment area, on 80 Mandai Lake Road, 729826. This place is about 45 minutes away from the center of the city. The zoo can be reached by different metro stations.
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How To Reach
Photo: S5A-0043 / Wikimedia Commons
By Metro: To reach Madai Zoo, there is a 45-minute drive from the city center to Mandai Lake Road, or you can take the North-South metro line to Khatib and take the shuttle from there, it will only take 15 minutes. If you are at the city center take the Thomson-East Coast Line to the Springleaf Metro station.
Mandai Shuttle: There is a shuttle bus service available from the Khatib metro station to the zoo, it is one of the most convenient ways to reach the zoo in just 15 minutes. The service is available every 10 minutes and it works on a loop. There is another subtle bus service for visitors if they wish to travel from Mandai Zoo east to the West Side.
By Taxi or Private Car: If you are hesitant to use any public transport, you could always book yourself a private taxi or car from different transport providers like Ryde, TADA, and Gojek.
Things To Do
1. Feeding Animals
Photo: Arisdp / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This activity is a great chance for you to introduce and come close to nature and see it up close. If you want to feed the animals in the zoo all you have to do is book yourself a slot online and make your child’s day special. Imagine the excitement on your child’s face of watching a Zebra or a Rhinoceros for the first time. You’ll get the feed inside the park only and the instructors are available there to help the visitors.
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2. Buddy Barn
Photo: Nicholas Githiri / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Buddy Barn is a kids-friendly zone in the zoo where your child gets the chance to meet fluffy barn animals like rabbits, cows, ponies, goats, and guinea pigs. Be there at the assigned time slot if you don’t want to ruin the experience and miss your chance to be with the farm animals. It would be a great activity of bonding with animals for your child as they don’t get to do that in their busy life in the city.
3. Jungle Breakfast
Photo: Elina Volkova / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This means you get to enjoy your breakfast while watching animals in the zoo. It can be a great picnic idea to spend time with your family and you can share your breakfast with the giraffes too. Yes, giraffes will be your breakfast buddies for the day. Don’t worry, only the animals that are not harmful will be your breakfast partners. You’ll get your private breakfast table with freshly made food. This is a unique experience that one must try, if not for the food then for the experience of having to eat breakfast with the animals.
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4. Night safari
Photo: Allie Caulfield / Wikimedia Commons
A 30-minute ride in the zoo at night is one thing you should do if it is your first time in the zoo, it is one of the best experiences where you will get to see animals like lions and Tigers. The dark forest looks even more amazing at night as there is so much silence and you can hear animals from up close, hear their voices, and watch them from a safe distance.
Where To Eat
Photo: mailer_diablo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
While visiting the zoo, you can dine at Ah Meng Restaurant, which offers a variety of local and international dishes. The Mandai Food Village is another option, featuring a selection of affordable, family-friendly meals and refreshments and coffee shops.
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Best Time To Visit
Photo:Justanothersgwikieditor / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit is when the weather is a little dry and there is not a lot of moisture, between August to December. The best time of the day to visit the zoo is in the morning when the day is just beginning. That way you get more time to walk around and get the full experience. The ideal time to visit the zoo would be 10 AM to 12 PM which is early morning or in the afternoon but before 1:30 PM.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Chensiyuan / Wikimedia Commons
Average cost of the trip: The average cost of a trip to Singapore Zoo, the entry fee for the zoo is S$49 for adults, S$34 for senior citizens.
Tips for the visitors
- Bring your refillable water bottles as walking around can make you thirsty
- Bring your sunscreen as it can get sunny
- A snack bag is a good option as the zoo allows you to bring your food
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Singapore Zoo, or the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, is an award-winning zoo because it is more than just a zoo. It is an experience in itself, with all the different activities. Plan your next trip to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve with TripXL for a memorable experience. It is not every day that you get to experience breakfast in nature or see your child’s first experience holding an animal for the first time. Mandai Zoo should be on the list if you are visiting Singapore anytime soon.
Cover Photo: pelican / Wikimedia Commons
