Singapore’s northern Mandai area has always been home to the country’s award-winning zoo…but not much else. Mandai Zoo first opened in June 1973, and was a popular attraction for Singaporeans and visitors alike throughout the 80s and 90s. But this year, Mandai Wildlife Group has rejuvenated the site with Rainforest Wild Asia, a 13-hectare park that allows visitors to see animals in open (but still protected) spaces while choosing their own level of adventure.
This forest adventure park joins the country’s four main nature attractions in one area. This includes River Wonders (formerly River Safari), Bird Paradise (relocated from its smaller, quainter location in Jurong) and the Night Safari. The area is now known as an integrated wildlife and nature destination.
Rainforest Wild Asia is designed to offer visitors everything from leisurely strolls to adventurous and physical experiences. Those looking for a laidback experience can use the wide walkways and guided tours that will take you from points of elevation all the way to the forest floor. For something more exhilarating, there are forest trails with fallen logs, boulders and bridges, as well as harnessed experiences, freefall jumps and challenging caving adventures.
For animal-lovers, Rainforest Wild is a new experience, introducing “flexible habitats” that allow visitors to see different animals at different times of the day. The more open concept is designed to encourage animals to exhibit their natural behaviours and allow guests to observe them in this state – though it does mean you will have to look harder to spot them. The park is home to 29 animal species including some new-to-Singapore creatures like the endangered François’ langur and the Philippine spotted deer. To recreate this rainforest setting for its inhabitants, 7,000 Southeast Asian trees and shrubs have been planted to supplement the existing patches of flora.
A journey through 10 zones
Rainforest Wild is divided into 10 zones with highlights including The Karsts, a series of jagged limestone formations where guests can watch monkeys swinging and leaping through the trees. Thrill-seeking visitors can embark on guided tours over the cliffs via a ferrata path. At the Forest Floor, visitors will have to trek over fallen trees and climb over logs to make their way to the Rock Cascade to see the Malayan tiger enclosure. They can also head up to The Canopy to catch a glimpse of treetop life and maybe get a chance to see species like the Javan langur and red-shanked douc langur.
Experience The Cavern, designed in collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation and inspired by the Malaysian state’s famous Mulu Caves. To create Mandai’s “version”, designers scanned the rock features of Mulu Caves and faithfully recreated their ancient rock formations. Traverse across the subterranean walkways or try the more adventurous side paths where you might see racer snakes and giant black scorpions (from a safe distance, of course). Be sure to stop by the new dining destination located in The Cavern which touts itself as the country’s first cave-dining destination.
Luxury in the rainforest
Rainforest Wild functions as part-zoo and part-adventure camp, catering to nature-lovers curious to experience wildlife in a more naturalised habitat and thrill-seekers wanting to test their skills scaling heights and exploring the forest floor.
In the same vein, the new Mandai Rainforest Resort offers guests the first luxury hotel experience in the area. It also marks a homecoming for Singaporean hospitality brand Banyan Tree. Famed for its luxurious resorts around the globe, as well as their Banyan Tree Spa at Marina Bay Sands, this property blends the brand’s natural aesthetics with the lush greenery of the area.
The resort is situated on sprawling 4.6-hectare grounds next to Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise and Rainforest Wild Asia. It features 24 tree houses with private patios as well as a five-storey resort that houses 314 guest rooms and suites. The rooms offer views of the rainforest, garden and reservoir and can be naturally ventilated as part of the resort’s sustainability practices. For families, the Family Retreat, Family Rainforest and Family Sanctuary rooms can accommodate up to two children in a super single bunk bed.
Naturally, activities at the hotel are designed to attune guests with nature and grant special access to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve parks. Wellness experiences include the Banyan Tree Spa which features three treatment pods inspired by the Sunda pangolin, as well as sound healing and “earthing” activities that take place on the roof. There are guided nature walks for everyone to enjoy and even a “Ranger Buddies: Rainforest Discovery” programme run by Mandai X for the kids.
“We are excited to have Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree serve as the perfect launchpad for Singaporeans and tourists to discover the marvels of nature and wildlife,” said Glen Cook, general manager of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. “As Banyan Group’s homecoming property, we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled guest experiences synonymous with the Banyan Tree brand. From exclusive wildlife encounters in the parks right next door to rejuvenating spa treatments, every moment will be thoughtfully crafted to captivate the senses.”
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