The Singapore Zoo, also known as the Mandai Zoo, is a must-see for all Singapore visitors as it is considered one of the best in the world. This zoo was built in 1973 and it occupies the area of 28 hectares! The zoo is famous for its open concept, where animals are kept in spacious, landscaped enclosures separated from visitors by natural barriers such as moats, instead of cages or bars.
This design creates an environment that closely resembles the animals’ natural habitats. The Singapore Zoo is home to over 2,800 animals representing more than 300 species, including endangered and rare species like the orangutans, white tigers, and Asian elephants.
Check this Singapore Zoo ultimate travel guide; find up-to-date information about ticket prices and options available for booking, get more details on how to get there, opening hours, show and feeding times, animals, best time for visiting and other useful information for first timers.
Singapore Zoo General Info
- Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
- Opening Hours: Daily (all year round) from 8.30 AM till 6.00 PM (Last admission at 5 PM)
- Phone: +65 6269 3411
- Official Website: mandai.com/en/singapore-zoo.html
- Ticket Prices For Non-Residents:
- Adult – 49 SGD,
- Child (Age 3 -12) – 34 SGD.
- Ticket Prices For Residents (including holders of employment pass and student pass):
- Adult – 43.20 SGD,
- Child (Age 3 – 12) – 29.70 SGD
- Senior Citizen (Age 60 and above) – 20 SGD. Please note that ID verification is required.
- On Map: link.
Where to Buy Singapore Zoo Tickets
Klook or GetYourGuide
There are several ways to purchase entrance tickets to Singapore Zoo. One of them is via authorized ticketing partners like Klook or GetYourGuide.
On Klook, for example, you can buy Wildlife Mandai Pass that will grant you access to Bird Paradise, Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Safari with great discount. Get more details on prices here.
GetYourGuide offers an option that inlcudes transfer along with entrance tickets, you can make your purchase here.
Official website
You can also consider Singapore Zoo’s official website to buy entrance tickets. They often offer promotions and discounts for online purchases.
On-Site Ticket Booths
You can also buy tickets directly at the zoo’s ticketing counters upon arrival. However, there might be queues, especially during peak tourist seasons.
How To Get To The Singapore Zoo
It is best to go not by public transport, but by taxi – it will not be much more expensive, but at the same time much faster and definitely more comfortable. Singaporeans are rightfully proud of their zoo, so many hotels organize a bus transfer for tourists, this point is worth inquiring about.
By Public Transportation (Metro + Bus)
You can take North South Line (Red) and Hop Off to any of the following MRT Stations:
- Khatib, NS14 and then take Mandai Khatib Shuttle, that will take you straight to the Singapore Zoo Bus Stop.
- Choa Chu Kang, NS4 and then take 927 Bus and hop off at Singapore Zoo Bus Stop.
- Ang Mo Kio, NS16 take 138 Bus and hop off at Singapore Zoo Bus Stop.
By Mandai Khatib Shuttle
Mandai Khatib Loop Shuttle operates daily and can take you from Khatib MRT Station (NS14) directly to the Singapore Zoo Coach Bay. Travel time is around 15 minutes, frequency – each 20 minutes on Weekdays and every 10 minutes on Weekends and Public Holidays.
Travel time and frequency are subject to change due to traffic conditions.
Please note that cash is not accepted at Mandai Khatib Shuttle.
You can make a purchase by Ez-link / NETS Flashpay or one of the major credit cards.
By Mandai Express
Mandai Express can take you from Bedok, Tampines and Sengkang directly to Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
You can purchase bus tickets using EZ-link / NETS FlashPay card.
Bus service is available only on following dates:
- Good Friday PH weekends (15 – 17 Apr)
- Labour Day PH and Hari Raya Puasa PH (30 Apr – 3 May)
- Vesak Day PH weekends (14 – 16 May)
- Weekends of school holidays (28 May – 26 Jun)
Note: Mandai Express operates only on mentioned above Weekends and Public Holidays. We recommend to make your booking in advance.
You can make your reservation on this page.
Please note: all buses depart on time, so you should be on a pick-up point at least 10 minutes before reserved time.
Singapore Zoo Map
You can also download PDF version of Singapore Zoo Map (click this link to open PDF and download).
Facilities Available at Singapore Zoo
- Nursing Rooms available at following zones:
- Reptile Garden,
- Rainforest Kidzworld,
- Main entrance
- POSB and UOB ATM for cash withdrawals are available at the main entrance.
- Diaper Changing Facilities are available at following zones:
- Wildlife Learning Centre,
- Ah Meng Restaurant,
- Pavilion by the Lake,
- Reptile Garden,
- Rainforest Kidzworld,
- Singapore Zoo Entrance.
- Free WiFi available throughout the Zoo. Search for network ‘PARK_FREE_WIFI’
- Prayer Room
- If you were not prepared for the rain, you can purchase rain ponchos and umbrelas at one of the gift shops.
- You can leave your luggage or large bags at Rental Services counter. Storage service costs 10 SGD for the first 3 hours and 2 SGD for each next hour.
What is Not Allowed at Singapore Zoo
There are a few things that are not allowed at Singapore Zoo. Please be sure to check them before your visit.
- Flash photography is prohibited as it may blind, disturb or frighten animals.
- Singapore Zoo territory is a smoke-free zone. Smoking areas are located outside of the park.
- Pets and plants are not allowed to bring to the Zoo.
- Rollerblades, tricycles, skate scooters, inline skates and pull trolleys are not allowed.
- Do not enter prohibited areas, stay only within the zones where people walk.
- Do not tease or feed animals.
- Commercial photography or filming is not allowed without official permission.
- In case of emergency please call +65 8126 3720.
Singapore Zoo Areas
Visiting Singapore Zoo is a great opportunity to observe 2800 animals of 300 different mammal species of not just rare, but endangered animals, watch animal shows and feeding.
Singapore Zoo is divided into 11 areas and each zone demonstrates the diversity of animal species on our planet.
Zone Australasia
In this area you will meet the inhabitants of distant Australia. Kangaroos, tree kangaroos, wallabies and other inhabitants of the warm continent are waiting for tourists here. This is a unique opportunity to visit a piece of Australia without leaving Singapore.
Elephants of Asia in Singapore Zoo
One of the largest areas of the Singapore Zoo. Here, you guessed it, you can meet Asian giants – elephants. Five females live on the area of one hectare. They walk around imposingly, eat fruit and play with each other. Guests are invited to simply watch the animals or attend a master class on communicating with elephants from a trainer.
Fragile forest
Plunge into the tropical jungle and meet all of its inhabitants. The name of this Singapore Zoo area speaks of the problems of the tropics: how amazing, but at the same time fragile, this beautiful ecosystem is.
In the area you can see birds, reptiles, insects and many other animals living in the jungle. If you want to see more birds, Bird Paradise Park in Singapore is an absolute must-visit. The cutest creatures in the Fragile Forest are two-toed sloths.
Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia
The harsh rocky landscape of the zone will take you to hot and distant Ethiopia. Baboons and Nubian mountain goats rule here. Together with them, small meerkats, black-backed jackals and rocky gyraxes coexist on the territory.
But it’s not just animals that await you in local Ethiopia. At the Singapore Zoo, several huts have been recreated that show the life of local residents in the Ethiopian villages of Konso and Amhar.
Primate Kingdom
In this zone in Singapore Zoo, each monkey species lives on its own island according to its own laws. The islands are surrounded by a moat and unique landscaping that echoes the habitat where primates are used to living.
Lush palms, jungle thickets, bamboo and ginger all create a unique tropical atmosphere. The most unusual monkey species living here is the East Javanese Langur. These primates are friendly and curious – they are the first to emerge from their hiding places to greet visitors to their island.
Meet the ponies
Ponies are a special breed of small horses. Despite the fact that the ponies are quite hardy and strong, only children up to 120 centimeters tall can ride them in Rainforest KidzWorld. For the kids there is a whole selection of these little friends who will gladly ride them: the snow-white Candy, the adult and strong King, the dear Rosie, the cheerful Buddy and the cute but shy pony Belle.
Another animal to meet is the Falabella, a miniature Arabian horse that may even be smaller than a pony! Falabella Flamenca, Lavena, Pampeano and Ballin are very friendly and looking forward to new friends. And if you want to see how to take care of these animals, then come here by ten in the morning. At this time, daily, the horses have planned grooming. They are cut, combed and braided.
Then you can head to the Buddy Barn area. Here babies up to ten years old can learn all about rabbits using the special free My Animal Buddy app. In addition to rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs and mice live here.
Reptile Garden RepTopia
In RepTopia, you will meet the inhabitants of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, African jungles, rainforests and reptiles from the world’s deserts. In total, there are more than sixty species of reptiles and amphibians in this are in Singapore Zoo, collected from four continents. Most of the species are found nowhere else in Southeast Asia.
Turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs live in huge terrariums with panoramic windows. Visitors can observe ancient creatures daily, and on weekends join guided tours to learn more about their lives. The zone also has interactive panels and playgrounds for children, so no one will be bored here!
Most of all, the owners of the zoo are proud of their pearl – the green sea turtle. It is the second largest turtle in the world (after the leatherback sea turtle). Walk to the zone of these giants and watch how imposingly these living hills pace around their habitats. If you want more activity, visit the area during feeding hours, at 1:15 pm.
In the Reptile Garden, turtles live as if they were free, and even better. Each species has a special zone with a unique landscape, climate control and all the necessary amenities for these animals. Experienced guides will tell you about each type of turtle, as well as about what may threaten them and, most importantly, how you can help the animals.
In the very center of the 270 square meter Singapore Zoo zone, there is a covered observation deck. It offers a view of the entire area. You can watch turtles, snakes and huge crocodiles that live in a river specially created for them. Silt bottom, vegetation, stones, pebbles – all this creates conditions that are as close as possible to the natural habitat of these animals.
Giant Komodo lizards live in separate enclosures. This species is known for its hunting skills, so the animals are kept separately from all other inhabitants of Singapore zoo. You can watch the lizards when they go out to bask on the huge boulders. If the animals hide in their burrows, then large screens will show footage of their life in caves, where dozens of cameras are installed.
Treetops Trail
There is a special suspended trail has been created at the Singapore Zoo that allows to observe the tropical forests and their inhabitants without disturbing their usual way of life. At a height of several meters above the ground, there are bridges where you will find animals living in the treetops. Monkeys, lemurs, siamangs and tamarins play merrily in the branches to the delight of the visitors.
Wild Africa
The most popular area of the Singapore Zoo. The African Big Five and other inhabitants of the hot savannahs live here. Rhinos, lions, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, warthogs, meerkats and other animals live side by side here.
Activities and Things to Do at Singapore Zoo
The Singapore Zoo is a fun place for visitors of different ages. The zoo also has playgrounds, swimming pools, cafes, a restaurant and many other entertainment and play areas.
Wet Play Area For Kids at Singapore Zoo
Slides, heated pools, merry-go-rounds and swings can be found at the Wet Play Area in Singapore Zoo. The activities in the area are designed specifically for children, and professional rescuers oversee safety.
This is the perfect place to cool off after long walks in the zoo. The water park is open during normal zoo opening hours.
Rope park
For an additional S $ 25, visitors can feel like real adventure seekers and traverse the obstacle course at the rope park. The main advantage of the rope park is a beautiful view of the ocean. The park is open daily.
African adventure
On weekends, an event is held in the Wild Africa zone for everyone who wants to get to know the inhabitants of the savanna even better. Guests are invited to look at the skins of different animals, touch the bones of the largest animals in Africa and look at other artifacts of this location. During the interactive adventure, the staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Night safari
There are many nocturnal animals in the Singapore Zoo, which mostly sleep in their houses during the day. If you want to know how rainforests live at night, then go on a night safari.
During the safari, the guide leads an excursion directly on the tram. Activity is held every night from 20:00 to 24:00. The entrance is $ 37 USD/ adult, 26 USD/ child – click here to book.
Feeding Times and Shows at Singapore Zoo
Splash Safari Show
The Splash Safari Show at Singapore Zoo is one of the most popular attractions at the zoo. The show is interactive and allows audience members to get up close and personal with the show star – California sea lion. It’s also educational, teaching people about the importance of keeping balance with the Nature. More marine creatures can be found in SEA Aquarium on Sentosa island in Singapore or in River Wonders Park.
The Splash Safari Show is held twice a day at Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre and lasts approximatelly 20 minutes.
Splash Safari Show timings:
- First show starting time – 10.30 AM
- Second show starting time – 5.00 PM
Note: Show is subject to weather conditions.
Animal Friends Show
Animal Friends Show is held at Rainforest Kidzworld Amphitheatre twice a day. Be sure to visit this show and don’t miss your chance to meet the once abandoned pets that have now become real stars of the Singapore Zoo. After the end of the performance, do not rush to leave and be sure to take pictures with the animals.
Show times are the following:
- First show starting time – 1.30pm
- Second show starting time – 4.00 PM
Singapore Zoo Walkthrough Video
Singapore Zoo FAQ
If possible, it is better to choose a weekday to visit, since Singaporeans come here in large numbers on weekends, and given the fact that the city’s population is five million people, the phrase “very crowded” does not sufficiently characterize what is happening.
There is definitely no point in arriving a couple of hours before closing, and not even because it will not be possible to bypass the entire territory during this time – just many enclosures are empty by half past four: the animals go to sleep.
Many hotels in Singapore are located within walking distance to MRT stations. All you need to do is to buy ticket to Khatib Station. North-South line is the only line that will bring you to Khatib MRT station. Once you get off Khatib Station move to Exit A and follow the signs. This way you’ll reach shuttle bus area. Important: cash payments are not available for the bus ticket, so make sure to use card. Shuttle bus goes directly to the zoo and will leave you on bus stop #3 near Singapore Zoo entrance.
You can join the animal feeding and experience the greatest memories in your life. As the number of participants for these activities is limited, make sure you’ve reserved your place in advance.
Feeding time for giraffes 10.45 am, 1.50 pm and 3.45 pm
Feeding time for goats 11.30 am, 3.30 pm
Rhinoceros feeding time 1.15 pm
Giant Tortoise feeding time 1.15 pm
It depends on what you would like to see and activities you would like to participate in, as well as are you going to visit Singapore zoo on your own or with small children. Its better to spend the whole day at the zoo without rushing. But if you’re limited on time, make sure that you have at least 4-6 hours to enjoy.
Ticket price varies depending on the additional options. Ticket price for non-residents is 35 USD for adults and 24 USD for children. Book tickets at attractive price you can on Klook or at Tiqets.
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So what do tourists find attractive at the Singapore Zoo? It is large, very beautiful and well-groomed, with many cafes and just places where you can sit and relax (and also get water from the machine for free, which is very important). Here you can not only see different animals: at the Singapore Zoo, animals are kept in as natural conditions as possible. So to visit Singapore and not find time to visit one of its main attractions is a real crime!
Singapore Zoo does not have Pandas at this moment. Pandas can be seen at River Safari.
There are over 2,800 animals from over 300 mammal species in Singapore Zoo. If you would like to to get to know the inhabitants of the Zoo better before your trip, please visit this page.
Yes, you can bring your own food and water to the Singapore Zoo. There are also food vendors inside the Zoo, so you can purchase food and drinks there. Designated picnic areas are located at the Zoo territory, so please be sure to pack a picnic lunch if you plan on spending the day at the zoo.
When visiting the zoo, we recommend you to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can handle a lot of walking. It is also important to protect yourself from the sun, so be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat. Though Zoo team members take all necessary measures to combat mosquitoes, please don’t forget to apply insect reppelent to avoid insect bites.
No, it’s not allowed to take pets or plants to the Singapore Zoo since the park is a quarantine zone. Plants or animals brought by visitors can negatively affect on Zoo inhabitants’ health and safety.
