



Singapore: Singapore Zoo
Operating Hours:Monday - Sunday: 08:30 - 18:00
The Vibe:Wildlife wonders in a lush rainforest 🦁
In a living rainforest setting, this zoo lets you meet animals in open, natural habitats rather than cages. World-renowned for its care and immersive exhibits, it feels like stepping into the wild, not just observing it.
Morning dew and earthy jungle scents greet you on shaded trails. Birds call overhead and primates chatter in the treetops. You stroll through dappled light as distant roars and splashy hoots echo through the greenery.
- Ranked among the world's top 5 zoos (TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice)
- 9-time winner of Singapore Tourism Board’s Best Leisure Attraction
- Pioneered the famous “Breakfast with Orangutans” experience
Persona Fit
- Families: Stroller-friendly paths, kids’ water play zone, and plenty of interactive shows
- Couples: Scenic walks and unique animal encounters make for a memorable date
- Seniors: Tram rides and many benches/shade for comfortable exploration
- Wildlife Enthusiasts: World-class exhibits and photo ops with free-ranging animals
Highlights
- Free-ranging orangutan habitat — iconic treetop area where orangutans swing freely above visitors
- Animal presentations — fun daily shows like Splash Safari (sea lion show) and Rainforest Fights Back (multi-species show)
- Feeding sessions — hand-feed giraffes, elephants or rhinos at scheduled times for up-close encounters
- Tram ride — hop-on-hop-off guided tram loops the park, a relaxing way to see exhibits without too much walking
- Rainforest Kidzworld — water play area, petting zoo, and pony rides for children
- Ah Meng memorial — bronze statue tribute to the famous orangutan by the entrance — Hidden Gem
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Adeline Ee
Our Singapore Local Expert
Table of Contents
Things To Do Nearby
Night Safari — an adjacent nighttime wildlife park where you can see nocturnal animals on a tram safari (opens at 7:15pm)
River Wonders — next door river-themed wildlife park featuring giant pandas, manatees, and the Amazon River Quest boat ride
Bird Paradise — a new aviary park a short shuttle away, home to thousands of birds in huge walk-through aviaries
Night Safari — an adjacent nighttime wildlife park where you can see nocturnal animals on a tram safari (opens at 7:15pm)
River Wonders — next door river-themed wildlife park featuring giant pandas, manatees, and the Amazon River Quest boat ride
Bird Paradise — a new aviary park a short shuttle away, home to thousands of birds in huge walk-through aviaries
TJ's Guide - Singapore Zoo
Know Before You Go
Insider Tips
Arrive by 8:30am for cooler weather and to see animals at their most active (many feed in the morning)
Plan your route around show times – grab a schedule at the entrance and catch the big shows (Splash Safari, Animal Friends) earlier in the day
Wear breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes; bring insect repellent and a refillable water bottle (refill stations available)
Pack swimwear or a change of clothes for kids – the wet play area at Kidzworld is a hit on hot afternoons
Weekends and school holidays can be busy; if possible, visit on a weekday for a more leisurely experience
Arrive by 8:30am for cooler weather and to see animals at their most active (many feed in the morning)
Plan your route around show times – grab a schedule at the entrance and catch the big shows (Splash Safari, Animal Friends) earlier in the day
Wear breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes; bring insect repellent and a refillable water bottle (refill stations available)
Pack swimwear or a change of clothes for kids – the wet play area at Kidzworld is a hit on hot afternoons
Weekends and school holidays can be busy; if possible, visit on a weekday for a more leisurely experience
Know Your Facts
- By MRT: Take the North-South (Red) Line to Khatib Station (NS14). From there, board the Mandai Shuttle bus which goes directly to Singapore Zoo (8–10 minutes ride)
- By bus: Several public buses (e.g., 138 from Ang Mo Kio, 927 from Choa Chu Kang) end at the zoo’s bus stop. It’s a short walk to the entrance from the bus drop-off
- By taxi/car: Set destination “Singapore Zoo” (80 Mandai Lake Road). There’s a car park on site (parking fee applies). Taxis and ride-shares can drop off at the main entrance plaza
- Entrances: The main entrance is at the ticketing plaza shared with River Wonders. If you have a mobile ticket, head straight to the turnstiles. Park re-entry is allowed via handstamp at exit
Once You Reach
Internal Navigation
Park Zones: The zoo is organized into loops (Rainforest, Primate Kingdom, Wild Africa, etc.). Grab a map – you can follow the main loop path that eventually circles back to the entrance, ensuring you see each zone
Signage & Maps: Directional signs at intersections point toward major exhibits (e.g., Elephants, Big Cats). The free “Mandai” mobile app shows your GPS location in the zoo and can be very handy for navigation and feeding times
Tram Stations: Four tram stops around the park (at main areas) make it easy to hop on the Zoo Tram. Use it to move between far apart zones (it's also a nice guided tour of highlights)
Wheelchair/Stroller Access: All paths are paved with ramps where needed. Rental wheelchairs and strollers are available. Some trails have gentle slopes, but there are no stairs on the main routes. Most exhibits have viewing at ground level for easy access
Exiting & Re-entry: If you need to step out (to the carpark or for a break), get a hand stamp. The exit path leads through the gift shop and out to the main plaza – you can re-enter later the same day with your stamp and ticket
Food & Coffee Shops
Ah Meng Restaurant (near Entrance) – A food court-style eatery offering local Asian dishes (chicken rice, noodles) and Western meals. It’s named after the zoo’s famous orangutan and has plenty of seating – good for lunch in between exploring
KFC at Kidzworld – A familiar fast-food option in the kids’ area, convenient if the little ones want something quick like chicken tenders and fries. There’s a seating area where parents can rest while kids play at the nearby wet playground
Ah Meng Restaurant (near Entrance) – A food court-style eatery offering local Asian dishes (chicken rice, noodles) and Western meals. It’s named after the zoo’s famous orangutan and has plenty of seating – good for lunch in between exploring
KFC at Kidzworld – A familiar fast-food option in the kids’ area, convenient if the little ones want something quick like chicken tenders and fries. There’s a seating area where parents can rest while kids play at the nearby wet playground
Photography Tips
Use a zoom lens or binoculars for the best animal close-ups – exhibits are spacious, so a bit of zoom brings the wildlife closer in photos
Avoid using flash when photographing animals (especially in darker enclosures or at night); it can startle them and is often not allowed
For animals behind glass (reptiles, aquariums), hold your camera lens flush to the glass to reduce reflections. Shooting at a slight angle can also help avoid glare
Early morning and late afternoon offer the softest light in the tropical forest setting – great for photos without harsh shadows or overexposure
Use a zoom lens or binoculars for the best animal close-ups – exhibits are spacious, so a bit of zoom brings the wildlife closer in photos
Avoid using flash when photographing animals (especially in darker enclosures or at night); it can startle them and is often not allowed
For animals behind glass (reptiles, aquariums), hold your camera lens flush to the glass to reduce reflections. Shooting at a slight angle can also help avoid glare
Early morning and late afternoon offer the softest light in the tropical forest setting – great for photos without harsh shadows or overexposure
Explore Deeper
Singapore Zoo is not just a tourist site but a pioneer in zoo design and wildlife care. Its open concept changed how zoos around the world approach enclosures, and its conservation programs are globally respected.
Open Concept Innovation: The zoo uses moats, glass walls, and natural barriers instead of cages. When it opened in 1973, this approach was revolutionary in bringing visitors closer to animals in a humane way
Orangutan Legacy: The zoo’s orangutan breeding program has been very successful
it was the first zoo to have a free-ranging orangutan habitat. Its matriarch, Ah Meng, became a national icon and an ambassador for the zoo
Conservation Hub: Beyond display, the zoo participates in global breeding programs for endangered species (from pygmy hippos to white rhinos). It also rescues local wildlife; injured animals found in Singapore may be rehabilitated here
Educational Mission: Singapore Zoo emphasises education
keepers give informative talks at exhibits, and the zoo runs an acclaimed “Wildlife Healthcare & Research Centre” onsite, which can be visited on special behind-the-scenes tours
Open Concept Innovation: The zoo uses moats, glass walls, and natural barriers instead of cages. When it opened in 1973, this approach was revolutionary in bringing visitors closer to animals in a humane way
Orangutan Legacy: The zoo’s orangutan breeding program has been very successful
it was the first zoo to have a free-ranging orangutan habitat. Its matriarch, Ah Meng, became a national icon and an ambassador for the zoo
Conservation Hub: Beyond display, the zoo participates in global breeding programs for endangered species (from pygmy hippos to white rhinos). It also rescues local wildlife; injured animals found in Singapore may be rehabilitated here
Educational Mission: Singapore Zoo emphasises education
keepers give informative talks at exhibits, and the zoo runs an acclaimed “Wildlife Healthcare & Research Centre” onsite, which can be visited on special behind-the-scenes tours
Did You Know?
Ah Meng – The zoo’s most famous resident was an orangutan named Ah Meng. She had breakfast with celebrities and royalty, and upon her passing in 2008, over 4,000 people attended her memorial
Popcorn Plant – The binturong (bearcat) you might smell at the Fragile Forest actually gives off a scent like buttered popcorn! It’s one way visitors often realize a bearcat is nearby
Award Streak – Singapore Zoo has consistently been top-ranked: it won TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards for many years and is often cited as one of the best (if not the best) rainforest zoos in the world





















