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Top 5 Zoos in Singapore That’ll Bring You Up Close and Personal with Wildlife
My parents recently found an old photo of us at the zoo: me in a huge bucket hat and them standing behind me, both looking sunburned but smiling.
Apparently, that was the last time they went to the zoo… during one of my school field trips forever ago.
So when they casually suggested we visit again, I thought they were joking. But they said it’d be fun to do something different, maybe recreate the memory.
The only thing was, I had to be the one to plan the trip. (Of course)
So I went down the rabbit hole and rounded up the best ones. Here’s a quick look at the places that made my planning headache totally worth it.
1. Singapore Zoo
Media credit: @thenoobzmom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandaiwildlifereserve/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MandaiWildlifeReserve/
Website: https://www.mandai.com/en/singapore-zoo.html
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road
Phone: +65 6269 3411
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Daily – 8:30 AM to 6 PM
Must-see attraction: Primate Kingdom
Often called one of the best rainforest zoos in the world, Singapore Zoo is the go-to place for checking out wildlife.
They’ve got this open-concept layout where, instead of the standard enclosures, the zoo uses natural barriers like rivers and plants. This is how you get a closer look at the animals without it feeling forced.
You’ll spot orangutans swinging overhead, especially if you’re just on time for their feeding sessions.
I was especially curious about the Primate Kingdom, where different monkey species have their own little islands to roam!
I also recommend checking out the Elephants of Asia area. The zoo made it spacious enough for the elephants to play around and bathe.
| Pro Tip: Plan at least half a day for exploration because there’s a lot to check out. |
2. Night Safari
Media credit: @singaporetravelholic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightsafarisingapore/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Night-Safari-Singapore/107995495889603
Website: https://www.mandai.com/en/night-safari.html
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road
Phone: +65 6269 3411
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Daily – 7:15 AM to 12 AM
Must-see attraction: Leopard Trail
Launched in 1994, Night Safari holds the title of the world’s first nocturnal zoo! At night, our senses are sharpened so every flicker of movement feels more intense in the darkness.
People come here to try out the tram ride, which takes you through various zones representing different geographical regions.
You get to observe animals like hyenas, Malayan tapirs, and even lions in dimly lit enclosures designed to mimic their natural nighttime habitats.
If you’re like me, who needs a bit of a slower pace, there are walking trails that let you explore on foot. I noticed how there’s a Leopard Trail, where people get to see some of the big cats up close – it’s a little eerie because of the silence, but still pretty exciting!
| Pro Tip: Book tickets in advance and arrive early for the best experience. |
3. River Wonders
Media credit: @donkybiggs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MandaiWildlifeReserve/
Website: https://www.mandai.com/en/river-wonders.html
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road
Phone: +65 6269 3411
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Daily – 10 AM to 7 PM
Must-see attraction: Amazon River Quest
Obvious from the name itself, River Wonders is a river-themed zoo that brings these bodies of water to life.
The park focuses on freshwater species, and each section is based on a different river system, like the Mississippi, Mekong, and Nile.
I was impressed mainly by the Amazon River Quest boat ride as it glides through the tropical zone. Here, you’ll spot animals like jaguars, capybaras, and giant anteaters along the way.
Another favorite that had quite the crowd was the Giant Panda Forest. It’s a climate-controlled biodome where you’ll find Kai Kai and Jia Jia (the resident pandas), usually munching on bamboo or playing with the zookeepers.
The underwater viewing areas are also worth a visit. I suggest you check out the manatee tank since they’re always floating so gracefully, like slow-moving clouds…but in water.
| Pro Tip: Don’t skip the Amazon Flooded Forest. It’s one of the largest freshwater galleries in the world. |
4. Bird Paradise
Media credit: @singaporetravelholic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MandaiBirdParadise/
Website: https://www.mandai.com/en/bird-paradise.html
Address: 20 Mandai Lake Road
Hours: Daily – 9 AM to 6 PM
Must-see attraction: Bird shows
Bird Paradise is the newest addition to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, and it’s absolutely for bird lovers! It’s home to over 3,500 of our feathered friends and has eight walk-through open aviaries inspired by habitats around the world.
It’s as immersive as a zoo can be. I initially thought it would just be about looking at these birds through a fence, but you can actually walk side-by-side with them. Just be careful, you might find yourself surrounded by parrots and crowned pigeons.
There are also bird shows scheduled throughout the day, which are genuinely entertaining and not overly drawn out. It’s a good break between walking sessions.
Another way to recharge is to have lunch at Crimson Restaurant. It’s got a view of the waterfall aviary, so you’re eating while watching birds glide across a giant dome.
| Pro Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for cooler weather and feeding times. |
5. S.E.A Aquarium
Media credit: @resharkorg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.e.a.aquarium/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ResortsWorldatSentosa
Website: https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/attractions/sea-aquarium
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Floors B1 and 1
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Daily – 10 AM to 7 PM
Must-see attraction: Open Ocean Habitat
Another marine attraction worth exploring is the S.E.A Aquarium Singapore. The aquarium houses over 100,000 marine animals, and the variety alone is incredible.
They offer us the chance to see rare species like the Japanese spider crab and the chambered nautilus up close!
S.E.A. also has this transportive space that I just adore, like the walk-through tunnels that let you pass beneath rays and reef sharks.
They even include these floor-to-ceiling displays in the Open Ocean Habitat, giving you a panoramic view of creatures like the sawfish drifting past.
And just outside, you’re within easy reach of other Sentosa attractions, so it’s a good starting point for a full day out.
| Pro Tip: Bring headphones to fully immerse yourself in the viewing panels. |
