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Are you planning a day out at the Singapore Zoo? It may feel overwhelming, especially with more than 4,200 animals and plenty of zones, exhibits and shows to watch. A little planning can go a long way, so you don’t have to rush around the zoo and waste time scrutinising the map. After all, all your energy should be conserved for watching the animals in awe and appreciating the exhibits.
From getting tickets to planning your route around animal presentations and lunch at Ah Meng Restaurant, here’s my practical guide to spending a full day at Singapore Zoo and maximising the number of exhibits you get to see.
How to get tickets to Singapore Zoo
Of course, before heading to the Zoo, you’ll have to secure your tickets first. They are available on the Mandai Wildlife Reserve website. Standard tickets cost S$49 for adults, while tickets for seniors aged 60 and above cost S$25. Meanwhile, tickets for students and children aged 3 to 12 cost S$34.
But wait, sign up for WildPass, Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s free digital membership, to receive exclusive discounts. This membership is available to all Singaporean citizens, permanent residents and holders of an Employment Pass, Work Permit or Dependant’s Pass. Do note you must be aged 15 and above and have a valid SingPass account.
With a WildPass membership, an adult ticket costs S$39, while tickets for students and children aged 3 to 12 cost S$27 each. That’s quite a bit of savings, all from signing up for a free membership, which you can do here.
How to get to Singapore Zoo
Singapore Zoo is located at 80 Mandai Lake Road, within Mandai Wildlife EAST. If you’re taking public transport, there are 4 ways to reach the Singapore Zoo.
My favourite way is to alight at Khatib (NS14) MRT station, then take the M2 Khatib Bus. The fare is S$2.50 for adults and children aged 7 to 12. Kids below 7 ride for free, and the journey takes around 20 minutes.
This service runs daily from 8.30am – 12am. Do note that buses arrive every 15 minutes until 11pm, and every 20 minutes between 11pm and 12am, subject to traffic conditions.
Alternatively, you can take bus 138 from both Springleaf (TE4) and Ang Mo Kio (NS16) MRT stations. If not, take bus 927 from Choa Chu Kang (NS4) MRT station. For all bus rides, alight at Singapore Zoo (48131) bus stop.
If you arrive by taxi or private-hire car, designated taxi stands are available at Mandai Wildlife EAST Carpark. Ride-hailing services can also be used to get to and from the reserve.
What to do at Singapore Zoo
This guide is based on my own personal way of exploring the zoo, and I usually spend the whole day there. Singapore Zoo is open daily from 8.30am – 6pm. If you’re pressed for time, I’ll highlight exhibits or shows I think you should prioritise during your visit.
The bolded exhibits below (1, 6, 8, 10-13) are a must-visit because they offer unique experiences and a chance to view the animals up close in interesting environments.
- Treetops Trail
- Australasia
- Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia
- Elephants of Asia
- Primate Kingdom
- Splash Safari presentation
- Ah Meng Restaurant
- Into The Wild presentation
- Orangutan Island and the Free-ranging Orangutan Boardwalk
- Wild Africa
- Reptile Kingdom – Reptopia, Tortoise Shell-ter and Armoured Reptiles
- Fragile Forest
- KidzWorld
| Exhibit / Experience | Key highlight | Animals |
|---|---|---|
| Treetops Trail | Rainforest-style trail near the entrance | Asian small-clawed otters, babirusa, greater mousedeer, Sunda gharial, pygmy hippopotamus, siamangs |
| Australasia | Indoor and outdoor habitats; good for escaping the heat | Eastern grey kangaroos, tree kangaroos, wallabies, cassowary |
| Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia | Ethiopian-inspired landscape and wildlife | Hamadryas baboons, Nubian ibexes, meerkats, black-backed jackals, rock hyraxes |
| Elephants of Asia | Large open habitat with an all-female elephant herd | Asian elephants |
| Primate Kingdom | Island habitats for different primate species | Javan langurs, white-faced saki monkeys, cotton-top tamarins, colobus monkeys, douc langurs, ring-tailed lemurs |
| Splash Safari presentation | Sea lion presentation with splash zones | California sea lions |
| Ah Meng Restaurant | Convenient lunch stop with local and fusion dishes | — |
| Into The Wild presentation | Animal presentation focused on wildlife and conservation | Ring-tailed lemurs, hog badgers, trumpeter hornbills, Indian crested porcupines |
| Orangutan Island and the Free-ranging Orangutan Boardwalk | Overhead viewing of free-ranging orangutans | Bornean orangutans, Sumatran orangutans |
| Wild Africa | African plains with feeding sessions | Giraffes, zebras, white rhinoceroses, African lions, cheetahs, African painted dogs |
| Reptile Kingdom – Reptopia, Tortoise Shell-ter and Armoured Reptiles | 3 reptile zones, including an air-conditioned indoor section | Indian gharials, Burmese roofed turtles, green tree pythons, white-lipped pythons, tortoises |
| Fragile Forest | 20,000-cubic-metre rainforest biodome | Malayan flying foxes, crowned pigeons, mousedeer, white-faced saki monkeys, two-toed sloths, golden lion tamarins, chrisangi leaf insect |
| KidzWorld | Family-friendly animal encounters and play areas | Goats, falabellas, chickens, pigs, ponies, pygmy goats, sulcata tortoises |
1. Start with the Treetops Trail
The Treetops Trail is located right at the entrance of Singapore Zoo. Keep a lookout for the Asian small-clawed otters on your way in; some of them may be scampering around, and you’ll get to see their adorable faces.
Once I reached the trail, I immediately felt like I had been transported into a wild rainforest, thanks to the lush surroundings and the calls of the siamangs. This is a highlight for me, as the trail replicates a rainforest environment, allowing me to see the animals in a more natural setting rather than behind a glass wall.
Because of its open-concept design, you’ll also have to spend more time looking carefully through the foliage to spot the animals. This allows you to really soak in the atmosphere and live in the moment.
2. Have fun at Australasia
G’day to watch some marsupials in Australasia. The exhibit has both an indoor and outdoor area, making it great for escaping the heat. The indoor section is more like a viewing gallery, with the animals behind a glass wall. You can find 2 species of kangaroos here: eastern grey kangaroos and tree kangaroos. Other animals in this area include wallabies and a cassowary.
I made a beeline for the indoor area because of the heat and watched the tree kangaroo enjoy its brekkie. Despite its cuddly appearance, did you know that it can leap up to 15 metres from tree to ground and even walk backwards? Talk about a smooth criminal.
While I was at the indoor section, I watched the eastern grey kangaroos chill and relax, or what we call bed rotting. To get a better view of them, head to the outdoor area, where you can catch them in action hopping around.
Besides the kangaroos, there are also wallabies and a cassowary. The cassowary has a reputation as the world’s most dangerous bird, and it’s hard to miss it once you spot it. Jet black with brilliant blue and red hues on its neck and face, this bird looks like something out of a picture book.
3. Visit the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Next up, head to the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Firstly, you’ll definitely want to observe the Hamadryas baboons, with their distinctive dog-like snouts and red bottoms. I think I spent a good 30 minutes at this exhibit, watching how they interact with one another, playing and grooming each other.
There were also Nubian ibexes standing tall and ruling over the mountainous landscape. This area doesn’t just feature animals; it also honours traditional Ethiopian heritage. You can step into replications of Konso and Amharic villages, making the area feel even more authentic and immersive. There are also waga statues, which are a type of memorial statue carved from wood, particularly by the Konso people.
My personal favourite from this site is the rock hyraxes. Just look at their adorable pudgy bodies and mischievous smirks. There are also meerkats, standing tall and proud with their signature wary look.
Don’t miss the moat nearby with the Malayan tigers. I managed to spot these majestic apex predators relaxing and taking a swim.
4. See the Elephants of Asia
Then, head over to the Elephants of Asia exhibit to watch an all-female herd of pachyderms. The area features Burmese-style architecture and a large 1-hectare space for these animals. The exhibit is built on the banks of Seletar Reservoir and is nestled away in a quiet corner of the zoo.
Want to learn more while at the zoo? The Elephant Keeper Talk happens daily at 11.30am. During this talk, you’ll learn more about the elephants from the keepers, including interesting quirks and habits of these gentle giants.
For something interactive, you can opt for the Elephant Feeding session, which happens at 9.30am, 11.45am and 4.30pm daily. During the session, you’ll get a basket of their favourite treats and watch the elephants extend their trunks to receive the snacks. This feeding session costs S$10 per food portion and requires prior booking here.
For something more relaxing, simply enjoy watching the gentle giants frolic around. There are enrichment devices around, such as play logs and rubber balls, which I saw the elephants playing with. Did you know that elephants do not have sweat glands? So, they cool down with water and mud. You’ll be able to spot them dousing each other with water and taking a dip in the bathing pool.
5. Become the king at Primate Kingdom
Humans are primates too, so who’s to say we can’t become the king at Primate Kingdom? I’m just kidding; please don’t try to tease our fellow primates here.
The primates here don’t need to be king of the jungle, as they’re already kings of their own castles. Here, each primate species has its own island, with trees and a surrounding moat that makes each island resemble a castle.
The Primate Kingdom Keeper Talk offers a great chance to learn more about our distant relatives. During this session, keepers will share more about their personalities and behaviours. This talk is held at the Black-and-Gold Howler Monkey area daily at 11am and 2pm.
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled while you’re here, because you may spot free-ranging Javan langurs moving around the area and having fun. Take a look at how close I managed to get to the white-faced saki, but do remember to be mindful of your surroundings and maintain a respectable distance from the animals.
6. Have a great wave of fun at Splash Safari presentation
After exploring around the zoo, it’s time for a break; make your way over to the Shaw Amphitheatre. Get wet and wild at the Splash Safari presentation with high-energy tricks performed by a California sea lion.
Splash Safari has 2 showtimes, at 10.30am and 5pm daily. Following this itinerary, you should be able to catch the 10.30am session. Do note that presentation timings may change, so do check the latest schedule before your visit.
During the show, I saw the sea lion demonstrate its fantastic swimming and coordination skills. Without spoiling too much, you can expect to see it gliding through the water, balancing a ball on its nose with ease and much more. I particularly liked seeing the playful interactions between the sea lion and its keeper, making the experience feel wholesome and heartwarming.
If you want something extra thrilling and immersive, sit in one of the designated splash zones. You’ll be sure to get wet; just take a look at the image on the right above to see how big a splash the sea lion makes. For those wanting to stay dry, avoid these areas.
7. Take a break at Ah Meng Restaurant
Tired from exploring all the different exhibits and catching Splash Safari? Fill your tummy with delicious food and recharge at Ah Meng Restaurant for lunch. The restaurant is located opposite Tram Stop 1. It operates from 10.30am to 4pm Mon to Fri, and 10am to 4.30pm on Sat and Sun.
Ah Meng Restaurant serves up local and fusion dishes in a casual atmosphere. For local delights, I recommend the Kampung Mandai Chicken Rice (S$14.90), which has both roasted and steamed chicken options. If you prefer noodles, go for their Singapore Laksa (S$10.90).
Highlights for the fusion cuisine include Nyonya Chicken Curry with Nasi Kerabu (S$16.90) and Korean Gochujang Glazed Salmon Bento (S$19.90).
Fun fact: the restaurant is named after Ah Meng, the famous Sumatran orangutan. She is the first and only animal to be awarded the ‘Special Tourism Ambassador’ award. You can visit her memorial at Garden with a View, where a bronze statue of her stands.
8. Watch Into The Wild
Now that your stomach is satiated after a hearty lunch at Ah Meng Restaurant, head back to the Shaw Amphitheatre. Here, you’ll get to see the Into The Wild presentation, which introduces a variety of wildlife from around the world.
Into The Wild has 2 showtimes, at 12pm and 2.30pm daily. Following this itinerary, you should be able to catch the 12pm session. Do note that presentation timings may change, so do check the latest schedule before your visit.
Again, to avoid spoiling the fun for you, I’ll just say that the presentation showcases several different species of animals. You can expect to see animals such as ring-tailed lemur, hog badger, trumpeter hornbill and Indian crested porcupine, among others.
I particularly liked the educational aspect of the show, where I got to learn how the animals have adapted to not only survive but even thrive in their natural habitats, despite challenges such as the wildlife trade and habitat loss.
9. Observe the orangutans
Check out Orangutan Island and the Free-ranging Orangutan Boardwalk to see the largest arboreal mammals. These apes are native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Singapore Zoo is also home to the world’s first free-ranging orangutan habitat, where you can watch these animals swing freely overhead on the tree platforms.
Orangutans are Asia’s only great ape, and they do not have tails. Instead, they have specialised feet with long toes that help them grasp branches, as well as long limbs that allow them to move around the treetops with ease.
The Free-ranging Orangutan Boardwalk is where you can see them in action and get great overhead shots. You might also spot cheeky interactions between the orangutans and otters, as the island is surrounded by a moat. While I was there, I saw mischievous otters circling a nonchalant orangutan, which cracked me up.
Here is the rotation of orangutans for the exhibit. From Mon to Wed, Charlie and Riau will be present, while from Thu to Sun, it’ll be Ah Meng, Niuli, Chomel and the baby orangutans. Do note that Chomel may spend time away from the exhibit nurse and bond with her babies.
10. Get wild at Wild Africa
Wild Africa is where you’ll be able to take a closer look at animals found across the African plains. This zone is where you’ll find herbivorous hoofstock like zebras and giraffes. There are also African lions, cheetahs, fossas and African painted dogs.
Smaller animals like meerkats and red river hogs also live here, along with big animals such as the white rhinoceros. With such a wide variety of animals here, there’s plenty to discover while wandering about.
If you want to get up close and personal with the animals, you’re in luck, as feeding sessions are available in this area. Each food portion costs S$10 for all the feeding sessions. Do note that prior booking is required for all feeding sessions.
Feeding sessions for the giraffes happen daily at 10.45am, 1.50pm and 3.45pm. If you prefer a larger animal, white rhinoceros feedings run daily at 1.15pm. Lastly, you can feed the zebras at 10.15am and 2.15pm daily.
Do note that guests must be 1.2 metres and above to participate in the white rhinoceros and zebra feeding sessions for safety reasons.
11. Explore Reptile Kingdom
Reptile Kingdom is made up of 3 zones, so do allocate enough time if you want to cover everything. The 3 zones are Armoured Reptiles, RepTopia and Tortoise Shell-ter.
In the Armoured Reptiles zone, you’ll be able to spot the Indian gharial and Burmese roofed turtle. If you’re wondering what the difference is between crocodiles, alligators and gharials, this zone shows you how to tell them apart. Plus, have fun measuring yourself against a life-sized gharial board.
RepTopia is an indoor, fully air-conditioned zone, great for some respite from the heat outdoors while you view the array of scaly creatures here. RepTopia’s highlight for me is definitely the large variety of snakes here. Often misunderstood, these creatures are beautiful and elegant in real life.
My favourites include the green tree python and the white-lipped python. The green tree python has this vibrant emerald-green appearance that honestly reminds me of a green apple, while the white-lipped python has a mesmerising iridescent sheen to its scales.
If you want something more relaxing, enter Tortoise Shell-ter, a peaceful sanctuary with tortoises and other reptiles.
12. Get up close at Fragile Forest
If you want an up-close view of the animals, look no further than Fragile Forest’s Biodome Observation Deck. It is a 20,000 cubic metre biodome with a tropical rainforest-like habitat. Once you step into the dome, you’ll find yourself surrounded by all kinds of animals, including furry and feathered ones.
Walking around the dome feels as though you’ve entered a magical forest with animals roaming around you. You’ll stroll past animals such as the common crowned pigeon, ring-tailed lemur, two-toed sloth and many more. Do be mindful not to get too close, as some animals may rest near pavements and steps.
If you want to see some invertebrates, head to the Discovery Outpost from 1.15pm – 2pm daily where you can get up close and personal with them. I was lucky enough to get to hold a chrisangi leaf insect in my palms when I visited.
13. Bring the little ones to KidzWorld
KidzWorld is a haven for the little ones, with many age-appropriate activities and interaction opportunities with animals. It is a family-friendly zone designed for children to learn more about animals through hands-on experiences and interactive play. For example, at Animal Land, a free-ranging area, kids can meet friendly goats, falabellas and chickens.
Meanwhile, Little Paws is an indoor area where more domestic animals such as cats, rabbits, dogs and guinea pigs reside. Children can learn more about responsible animal care and discover each animal’s unique behaviour here.
For more playtime, kids can head to Play Trees, a playground where they can explore and immerse themselves in the sounds of nature. There is also Splish Splash, a wet-play zone where they can cool off.
Catch the daily Pack Walk happening at 4.15pm at the entrance of KidzWorld, where you can walk alongside animal friends and their trainers. At the end of the walk, you’ll be able to stop and greet them as well.
How to choose what to bring to Singapore Zoo
A full day at Singapore Zoo means plenty of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated between exhibits. Singapore’s heat can be intense, especially around the open-air habitats, so sunscreen, a cap and a portable fan can make the day more comfortable.
An umbrella is also useful in case of sudden rain. If you plan to attend the Splash Safari presentation, consider bringing a change of clothes or sitting away from the splash zones if you want to stay dry.
Check the presentation and feeding timings before your visit, as schedules may change, and allow extra time to walk between zones. For paid animal feeding sessions, remember to book in advance.
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