Attraction
Gardens by the Bay
A 105-hectare waterfront garden at Marina Bay, known for its Supertree Grove, two vast glass conservatories and a free evening light show.
An open-concept zoo in the Mandai rainforest, opened in 1973, home to around 2,500 animals from more than 300 species.
Good to know
Opened in 1973 on the edge of the Upper Seletar Reservoir, Singapore Zoo pioneered the open-concept approach, using moats and natural barriers instead of cages wherever possible. Its 28 hectares hold roughly 2,500 animals from more than 300 species, and it forms part of the wider Mandai Wildlife Reserve alongside the Night Safari and Bird Paradise.
Arrive at opening time, when the animals are most active and the heat is gentler, and plan the day around the scheduled presentations and feeding sessions. Some exhibits close temporarily for upgrades, so check the website on the morning of your visit. Mandai lies in the north of the island, well away from the centre, so allow plenty of travel time and consider pairing it with the Night Safari next door.
Daily from 8.30am to 6pm, with last entry at 5pm.
Yes, multi-attraction passes cover the Zoo, Night Safari and other Mandai parks at a discount.
Café
Specialty coffee bar and roastery in a former hardware shop on Tyrwhitt Road, one of the cafés that shaped Singapore's third-wave coffee scene.
Bar
Award-winning cocktail bar at Amara Singapore in Tanjong Pagar, ranked No. 9 in The World's 50 Best Bars 2025, known for polished classics.
Thing to do
Opened in 1994 as the first zoo designed around nocturnal animals, explored by tram and walking trails through six geographical zones after dark.
Hotel
Singapore's grand colonial hotel, opened in 1887 by the Sarkies brothers, now an all-suite property with butler service and the birthplace of the Singapore Sling.