Singapore Zoo

Singapore Zoo opened in 1973 on a wooded peninsula beside the Upper Seletar Reservoir in Mandai, and it made its name with an open-concept design that uses moats, streams and planting instead of cages wherever possible. It covers 28 hectares and holds roughly 2,500 animals from more than 300 species, and it is now part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, alongside the Night Safari, River Wonders and Bird Paradise.

The highlights change with the animals' moods, but certain sights are reliable. The free-ranging orangutans moving through the treetops are a long-standing favourite, and the giraffes, elephants and big cats draw crowds at feeding times. The zoo runs animal presentations with trainers, keeper talks and feeding sessions through the day, and the Mandai app lets you set reminders so you do not miss them. KidzWorld is designed for younger children, with animal encounters, play areas and Splish Splash, a water-play zone, so pack swimwear. For something more personal, paid options include a buggy tour, backstage passes and a Zookeeper for a Day programme.

The zoo is open daily from 8.30am to 6pm, with last entry at 5pm. Arrive at opening time, when the animals are most active and the heat is gentler, and plan the day around the presentations. Some exhibits close temporarily for upgrading work, and the African Penguin exhibit is closed until the end of November 2026, so check the notices on the website on the morning of your visit. Single-park tickets are sold online, and multi-park passes covering the other Mandai attractions offer substantial savings.

Families are the main audience, and a full day here with children is easy to fill, but adults interested in wildlife will also enjoy it. Allow at least four hours, and wear comfortable shoes and a hat, as much of the route is outdoors. There are restaurants and kiosks across the park, and the zoo offers a sensory-friendly map and an access guide for visitors who need them.

Mandai lies in the north of the island, well away from the centre, so allow up to an hour each way by public transport. The Mandai Khatib shuttle bus links the park with Khatib MRT station, and there are also regular public bus services. Many visitors combine the zoo with the Night Safari next door, staying on for dinner before the evening gates open.