Explore Singapore's Rainforest Adventure Zoo with This Ultimate Hiking Guide
Experience the thrill of hiking through a zoo, discovering animals in a tropical rainforest, and exploring cave mazes. Singapore's fifth zoo, themed 'Rainforest Wild Asia,' officially opens on March 12. After walking around the park twice and covering 10,000 steps, I've compiled this fresh and comprehensive guide to answer all your questions!
Located in the Mandai West District, near the Bird Park, with clear signage. The zoo spans 13 hectares and houses 36 species across eight zones, with 75% being endangered animals such as the Black Leaf Monkey, Philippine Spotted Deer, Malayan Tiger, Red Dhole, Malayan Tapir, and Malayan Sun Bear. Some animals are yet to be relocated or displayed, so you might need some luck during the trial period.
Traverse the tropical rainforest across four layers: emergent, canopy, shrub, and ground, encountering animals in their natural state. Visitors with strollers and wheelchairs can use the elevated accessible walkways. There are seven different terrain routes, including rope bridges, tree crossings, stepping stones, creek crossings, and hill climbs. Remember to wear outdoor gear, especially sports shoes. If you get lost, follow the orange ribbons tied to branches or use the Mandai platform for directions.
There are three paid activities and two guided tours, recommended with an asterisk:
*Canopy Jump: 'Scaredy Cat Bungee' plank jump
*Vitality Bounce: Jungle trampoline net in the open-air play area
Critter Crawl: Cave tunnel 'Little Animal Crawl'
*Wild Apex Adventure: Karst terrain wall climbing
Wild Cavern Adventure: Dark cave exploration and rappelling
Outdoor activities and paid experiences are weather-dependent, so head straight to your desired projects when the park opens. English introduction boards help locate animals and understand their habits, with zookeepers providing explanations.
The last zone is the 'Cavern,' a 220-meter-long cave inspired by Malaysia's Sarawak Mulu Caves, featuring massive stalactites and stalagmites, along with reptiles and amphibians. The cave is very photogenic! The 'Cavern' zone is air-conditioned, while other areas are outdoors. You can freely roam outdoors, but it's not easy to return once you enter the 'Cavern.'
There are four dining outlets, reasonably priced, with the cave restaurant being a highlight. Cooling fan pavilions are scattered throughout, so take breaks. Professional photographers will take pictures, which can be purchased at the gift shop, though they are expensive.
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