Singapore Zoo Guide: What To See & Top Tips For Your Visit

Last Updated: December 20 2023

If you’re anything like us, you’ll enjoy visiting different zoos around the world. We’ve been to several zoos on our travels but Singapore Zoo remains one of our favourites.

So much so, that visiting Singapore Zoo has to be one of the first things on your Singapore itinerary!

Easily one of the best zoos in the world, it has an enormous variety of animal species, amazing animal experiences, and unique open-air enclosures.

Today, we want to make sure you have the best experience possible. Therefore, we’ve put together a Singapore Zoo guide that will help you plan the perfect day!

We’ll tell you how to get there, how to find the cheapest tickets, what you’ll see, and so much more!

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Why Should You Visit Singapore Zoo?

When we look to visit any zoo or wildlife park we ALWAYS check reviews first to see how the animals have been treated, and what people thought of the enclosures. After doing some research, all we could find were the good things and amazing reviews, so we just had to visit ourselves.

For starters, the best part about visiting Singapore Zoo is its open-air enclosures as the animals have so much room. The staff here are also extremely passionate, and that comes across in the keeper talks.

Another reason to visit is that every time you buy zoo tickets, a small portion of the revenue goes to supporting conservation projects. These projects take place across Singapore and the whole of Southeast Asia and work to save wildlife, restore ecosystems, and support local communities.

No matter what, the animals here take full priority, hence why there are so many awesome walk-through enclosures and exhibits.

Key Information For Visiting Singapore Zoo

How to Get to Singapore Zoo

The perfect day at Singapore Zoo starts with a hassle-free journey. Singapore Zoo isn’t in the city centre so there’s a good chance you’ll have to jump on some form of public transport to get there.

The journey will take between 20 minutes and 1.5 hours depending on your mode of transport.

To get to the zoo, you have to reach Mandai Lake Road, which sits in Mandai Wildlife Reserve. One of the best ways to get to Singapore Zoo is via bus and MRT.

There are 4 MRT stations which offer connecting buses that will take you right to the zoo’s front gate. Those stations are Khatib MRT (NS14), Choa Chu Kang (NS4), Ang Mo Kio (NS16), and Springleaf (TE4).

These MRT stations connect with the Mandai Shuttle, bus 927, and bus 138. Other ways to get to Singapore Zoo include via private taxi, hire car, and the Mandai Heartlands Express.

Singapore Zoo Tickets & Opening Hours

Singapore Zoo is actually part of a wider area that consists of four major tourist attractions. Aside from the zoo, there’s also the Night Safari and River Wonders.

Jurong Bird Park was once part of the group but it has recently closed. Instead, Bird Paradise is set to open in its place any time now!

Tickets for Singapore Zoo as well as the other three attractions can be bought on the Mandai website. On this website, you can purchase single-park and multi-park tickets.

The single-park ticket is your best option if you only want to visit the zoo, whereas a multi-park ticket is a good option if you want to visit the other parks. Alternatively, you can buy a Singapore All-inclusive pass which gives you unlimited access to three parks and 32 other Singapore attractions.

This is the best way to buy your ticket if you want to save money. The only downside to the all-inclusive pass is that your money won’t go towards conservation projects as you’re not buying directly from the zoo!

How to get around Singapore Zoo

One look at the Singapore Zoo map will show you that you have a lot to explore during your visit. You can cover much of the 26-hectare area on foot throughout the day or jump on the Singapore Zoo tram ride instead.

In all honesty, you’ll probably be fine on foot. We walked around the zoo all day and had no issues. However, travelling around on the tram can be great fun, so why not give it a try?

Perfect for families, the tram ride lets you explore the zoo at a more leisurely pace. You’ll be told stories during the journey and cover more ground in a shorter period of time.

Tram rides are unlimited and completely free, so make the most of them. The zoo also has strollers, wagons, electric scooters, and wheelchair services for those who need them.

Where to eat at Singapore Zoo

When it comes to finding something to eat at Singapore Zoo you’ll be spoilt for choice because there’s a huge range of excellent food options. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a light bite, hearty lunch, or quick snack, there will be something you’ll like.

Brilliantly, the Singapore Zoo food is all sustainable too, as the zoo only serves food made from sustainable farming methods. This helps minimize the impact this site has on the planet and wildlife.

Across the zoo, you’ll find a wide range of delicious cafes, restaurants, and snack bars, all of which sell tasty treats and meals.

Some examples of good places to grab something to eat include the Inuka Cafe, Chomel Bistro, Chawang Bistro, and KFC.

Rules and regulations

No Singapore Zoo guide is complete without a list of the site’s rules and regulations. They aren’t that serious but they can be good to know!

Most of the rules and regulations you have to follow in the park are pretty simple, for example, the park urges visitors to explore the park safely, staying out of prohibited areas and sticking to the main paths.

Another simple rule is to respect the animals at all times. Never intimidate or provoke the animals as they are still wild in nature!

Some simple rules you might not know are that Singapore Zoo bans the use of flash photography to protect the animals and it’s a smoke-free zone.

It might also be useful for any videographers to know that you can’t film commercial footage without prior permission.

Wildlife at Singapore Zoo

Now you know all the nitty-gritty stuff of how to plan a trip, this Singapore Zoo guide can start to look at the more exciting things, starting with the animals you’re going to see.

Currently, Singapore Zoo has more than 300 different species, 34% of which are threatened. Here, you’ll find mammals, reptiles, birds, and marine life.

The wildlife found in the zoo comes from all over the world. You’ll have the chance to see species of animals local to Singapore and Asia, big cats from Africa and Asia, reptiles from deep in the Amazon, African elephants, and so much more!

To give you a better idea of the wildlife you’ll have the chance to see, the next part of this Singapore Zoo guide lists some of the most popular animals here.

Popular animals in Singapore Zoo

1. African Lion

The King of the Jungle can be found at Singapore Zoo in the Wild Africa Zone. The zoo has at least 5 African Lions, all of which can be seen throughout the week.

Every day at 1:25 pm, guests can visit the lion enclosure and watch an interactive lion keeper talk. During this talk, you’ll have the chance to learn more about African Lions from the people that look after them every day.

2. Bornean Orangutan

Singapore Zoo actually has the only open-air orangutan enclosure in the world. As a result, it isn’t uncommon to see a beautiful Bornean Orangutan climbing above your head, so keep your eyes peeled.

The Bornean Orangutan is the largest tree-dwelling mammal in the world and is unsurprisingly found in Borneo in the wild (hence the name). Singapore Zoo currently has a family of 5 Bornean Orangutans that you can see.

The Orangutan keeper holds daily talks every day at the same time (11:00 am and 3:30 pm).

3. White Rhinoceros

Singapore Zoo is part of a valuable inter-zoo breeding programme that has helped increase the numbers of this otherwise threatened species worldwide. The White Rhinoceros family found here comes from Africa.

Instead of keeper talks, keepers give visitors the unique chance to get up close and personal with the rhinos. For just 8 SGD, you can feed these magnificent creatures fresh honeydew melon.

If you remember one thing from this Singapore Zoo guide, remember that the White Rhinoceros feeding time starts at 1:15 pm every day.

4. Asian Elephant

Singapore Zoo has a beautiful family of 5 Asian Elephants. Their names are Komali, Jati, Gambir, Intan, and Aprila. Komali and Jati are the herd’s matriarchs!

Aside from caring for the Asian elephants that live here, Singapore Zoo also puts a lot of effort into Elephant conservation around the world. The zoo currently supports several projects that care for these beautiful creatures.

You can feed the Asian elephants at Singapore Zoo every day at 9:30 am, 11:45 am, and 4:30 pm.

5. Malayan Tiger

The Malayan tiger is one of the most endangered species at Singapore Zoo. Sadly, there are fewer than 300 Malayan tigers left in the Malaysian Peninsular.

The Malayan tiger once lived in the forests that surrounded Singapore, but they were seen as vermin. Unfortunately, as a result, the species were shot on sight.

The last Malayan tiger in Singapore was shot in 1930. Thankfully, Singapore Zoo is making up for this travesty with its conservation efforts and Malayan tiger habitat.

Other wildlife in Singapore Zoo

While your Singapore Zoo itinerary should include most of the wildlife found here, it’s quite hard to see everything in one visit.

Therefore there are certain animals you’ll want to see first. In this Singapore Zoo guide, we’ve listed the animals you simply have to try and see when visiting this incredible place.

We first looked at the most popular animals in the zoo, so now our Singapore guide is going to show you other types of wildlife you can see.

In our opinion, the following species are what you should also prioritise if you don’t have much time:

• Sun Bear
• White Tiger
• Chimpanzee
• Cheetah
• Giraffe
• Leopard
• Pygmy Hippo
• Zebra
• African Painted Dog

If you have a full day or longer planned for Singapore Zoo, you should easily be able to see all these animals, the most popular animals, and more!

The Different Zones of Singapore Zoo

One of our favourite things about Singapore Zoo is how it’s split up into different zones. Quite brilliantly, all the animals here are divided into different zones.

From Wild Africa to Australasia, the different zones replicate diverse animal habitats from all around the world. For example, in the Australasia Zone, you can find kangaroos and wallabies. Meanwhile, the Wild Africa Zone is home to African lions and zebra.

The zoo has 11 zones in total and you should do everything you can to visit them all. Every zone has something different to offer, whether it be a unique enclosure or a memorable animal experience.

In the next part of our Singapore Zoo guide, we’re going to tell you a bit about each zone so you know exactly what to expect.

1. Australasia

As you can probably already tell from this zones name, Singapore Zoo’s Australasia Zone is home to wildlife from the Australasian continent.

This includes kangaroos, wallabies, cassowary, and tree kangaroos. Most of the world’s marsupials can be found in Australia, but there are also marsupials in Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Americas too.

In the Australasia Zone, you can find grey kangaroos and wallabies from the ‘Land Down Under’ and tree kangaroos from New Guinea.

One thing we love about this zone is how the wildlife are allowed to roam free. As you walk around this zone, kangaroos will freely hop by!

2. Elephants of Asia

Singapore Zoo’s Elephants of Asia Zone sits on the bank of the Seletar Reservoir and is home to the zoo’s herd of 5 elephants.

When we visited this part of the zoo, we loved how much space, freedom, and enrichment the elephants had. The elephant enclosure is packed with hanging toys, food baskets, enrichment devices, and a range of other things designed to mentally stimulate these creatures.

A surprisingly beautiful zone too, there’s an observation deck that gives you a good view of the elephants. You can feed the elephants from this platform too!

3. Fragile Forest

The Fragile Forest is a 20,000 cubic metre biodome that cleverly replicates a tropical rainforest climate. When visiting Singapore Zoo, you can walk around the dome and get up close and personal with a huge range of tropical species.

You’ll come across different species as you make your way around different sections of the biodome. One popular attraction in this zone is the up-close animal experience at the Discovery Outpost so make sure you check that out.

Some of the animals you can find in the Fragile Forest Zone include white-faced saki monkeys, two-toed sloths, toco toucans, green iguanas, and lesser mousedeers.

4. Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia

This next zone replicates the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia. For those that don’t know, the Great Rift Valley is a rugged rocky landscape that formed in the country more than 40 million years ago. This was due to a continental crack splitting the land into two diagonal halves.

The steep cliffs and rockfaces of the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia are home to a wide range of interesting species.

At Singapore Zoo, you can learn a lot more about the area and the wildlife that calls it home. Species you can see here include Nubian ibex, rock hyrax, hamadryas baboons, and meerkats.

5. Primate Kingdom

Singapore Zoo has 39 different species of primates and most of them can be found in the Primate Kingdom Zone.

This is a super cool zone that’s home to small island enclosures that feature castles, trees, and moats. We love how each primate species is given its own island so they have plenty of space.

There are a lot of primates to see here so you might want to spend a bit longer in this zone than in others. Some of the most popular species you can see in this part of the zoo include ring-tailed lemur, cotton-top tamarin, black howler monkey, and black-handed spider monkey.

6. Rainforest Kidzworld

The Rainforest Kidzworld Zone at Singapore Zoo is perfect for children so make sure you visit with your little ones.

Admittedly, this part of the zoo doesn’t have much to offer adults when it comes to animal experiences, but kids tend to love the Buddy Barn, play area, and Animal Friends show. Despite being aimed more at children, adults can still enjoy watching the furry animals in this zone.

This zone is home to animals like rabbits, miniature horses, mini pigs, and domesticated animals like dogs and guinea pigs. Children can learn more about the species in this zone and play with them!

7. Reptile Garden

Singapore Zoo, like most zoos, also has a large Reptile Zone that features reptiles from all over the world. The Reptile Garden actually houses the Reptopia Zone too, so you can quite easily explore both zones at the same time.

There are more than 60 different species of reptiles found here, some of which you’ll have the chance to interact with. One of our favourite interactions in the Reptile Garden is the giant tortoise feeding which takes place at 1:15 pm every day.

Reptiles you can find in the Reptile Garden include crocodiles, Komodo dragons, and Indian Gharial.

8. RepTopia

RepTopia is home to a huge variety of unique reptiles and amphibians, most of which are relatively new to the zoo. In fact, a whopping one-third of the species in this zone have never been seen in Singapore Zoo before.

This zone is split into four smaller zones and each one takes after a different geographical location. The zone features multi-display case enclosures, interactive reptile stations, and keeper demonstrations.

There are some pretty creepy species here like snakes and scorpions so you might want to get through this zone quite quickly.

However, if you’re not scared of creepy crawlies and snakes like we are then you’ll be fine.

9. Tortoise Shell-ter

If you plan on visiting Singapore Zoo, you don’t want to miss the Tortoise Shell-ter zone. This is an entertaining zone that features a naturalistic sanctuary for a huge range of tortoise species.

The habitat in this zone is an accurate replication of natural tortoise habitats from around the world. You’ll be able to watch the different species of tortoise and their behaviour as they go about their day-to-day lives in their habitat.

As the zoo puts it, you’ll be able to learn more about the ‘shell-ebrities’ so make sure you pay them a visit.

Tortoise species you have the opportunity to see include the Burmese star tortoise, Indian star tortoise, and Leopard tortoise.

10. Treetop Trails

In our opinion, Singapore Zoo’s Treetop Trails zone is one of the most impressive zones the zoo has to offer. Brilliantly replicating a rainforest habitat, this zone showcases the most beautiful and unique animals from various levels of the forest.

You’ll have great fun exploring this zone so make sure you leave plenty of time to walk around. As you make your way around, you can learn more about the different animals and why forests are so important to nature.

Animals to keep your eye out for include false gharial, greater mousedeer, and siamang.

11. Wild Africa

No Singapore Zoo guide is complete without mentioning the Wild Africa zone. Now this zone is definitely the most impressive zone in Singapore Zoo!

Africa boasts a rich and incredibly diverse range of different habitats so it takes something special to recreate it. Singapore Zoo works tirelessly to offer visitors a unique African adventure, so prepare to be amazed.

From arid deserts to tropical rainforests, the Wild Africa zone has animals from all over the country. You can see the tallest, largest, and fastest animals on land in this zone (giraffe, elephant, and cheetah). Of course, the lion lives in this zone too!

Things to do at Singapore Zoo

One of the best things about this place is the array of different things you can do alongside simply watching the animals. Most zoos offer unique experiences that give you the chance to learn more about the animals and get up close and personal with them, but Singapore Zoo arguably has the best.

What makes the activities, experiences, and other things to do at Singapore Zoo even better is that most of them are available at a very fair price or come included in your Singapore Zoo ticket.

So you don’t miss out on any of the awesome experiences here, we’ve put together a small list of the best things to do in this Singapore Zoo guide. We’ll now show you the things you might want to check out!

1. Feed the animals

Easily one of the best Singapore Zoo activities is feeding the animals. In fact, this is probably our favourite thing about visiting Singapore Zoo!

For just 8 SGD, you can feed one of many different animals. All proceeds made from the animal feeds go straight back into the Zoo’s wildlife conservation efforts that take place within the wildlife reserves of Singapore.

Feeding sessions are subject to availability and operate on a first-come-first-served basis. You can book a session online or arrive at the feeding zone 15 minutes before.

We fed the white rhinoceros during our visit to the zoo but you can also feed zebra, tortoise, giraffe, goat, and elephant.

If there’s only one thing you take away from this Singapore Zoo guide, make sure it’s this. The excitement of the animals eating out of your hand is amazing!

2. Go to a keeper talk

A great way to learn more about the animals in Singapore Zoo is to attend one of the 20 keeper talks that the Zoo hosts every day. The keeper talks are hosted throughout the day at various times depending on the species.

Some keeper talks take place 2 or 3 times a day, whilst others only take place once. The zoo’s keeper talks are held by the people that know the animals best. Therefore, you’ll learn a great deal about each species.

Most talks are also interactive so you might have the chance to get up close and personal with some animals. Some of the best keeper talks you can attend include the elephant keeper talk, the lion keeper talk, and the orangutan keeper talk.

3. Unique dining experiences

The most entertaining way you can start a day at Singapore Zoo is by attending one of the unique dining experiences. Every day between 9:00 am and 10:30 am, visitors are given the chance to pay for a dining experience that will see them eat alongside some of the zoo’s animals.

The experience here is often referred to as the Singapore Zoo breakfast with orangutans. That’s because the zoo’s orangutans are some of the guests you get to dine alongside.

Taking place in Ah Meng Restaurant, you will also get to see the macaws, tamandua, and coatimundi. This experience costs 45 SGD for adults and 35 SGD for children.

You will sit down for breakfast at 9:00 am ahead of the animal appearances at 9:30 am and 10:00 am. In terms of food, Singapore Zoo prides itself on serving planet-friendly food that is sustainable and locally sourced.

4. Stay overnight at the zoo

Those of you looking for the ultimate Singapore Zoo experience might want to stay overnight at the zoo. This isn’t an activity that’s on all year round, as it only happens 6 days a year.

More often than not, Singapore Zoo offers a unique glamping experience in April. Extremely exciting, the glamping activity gives you the chance to connect with nature and wildlife while staying in an outdoor dome tent.

There’s no denying that glamping at Singapore Zoo is expensive, but you’ll have an awesome time. Each glamping tent is big enough for 4 people and features a bed, fan, food, drink, park admission, and a Singapore Zoo guided tour.

Ticket prices also include a meal at the Forest Lodge and breakfast at Ah Meng Restaurant.

5. Check out any special events

If you’re visiting Singapore Zoo, you should always spend a couple of minutes checking out the latest special events that the zoo is running. There might not always be an event on but more often than not, something fun and new is happening!

For example, at the time of writing, Singapore Zoo has a Wild About You event, a Breakfast in the Wild event, and a Ranger Buddies event. All of these events offer visitors the opportunity to do something different during their visit.

We love how varied the special events in Singapore Zoo are. Some events are set up with children in mind, whilst others suit adults.

Either way, there’s a good chance you’ll find a special event you can enjoy during your visit.

Other Experiences at Singapore Zoo

As if we’ve not already covered enough in our Singapore Zoo guide, this place still has so much more to offer. Singapore Zoo is part of Mandai Wildlife Reserve which currently consists of 4 different parks, 1 of which is due to be open any day now.

This allows you to see even more during your visit to Singapore Zoo. Currently, you can also visit the Night Safari, River Wonders, and of course, Singapore Zoo. Bird Paradise will be open soon!

So you know what to expect, we’ve looked at each park below! We recommend visiting all 4 if you have the chance.

Night Safari

The Night Safari at Singapore Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city/country. It has already won Best Attraction in Singapore a whopping 12 times!

Singapore’s Night Safari is the first nocturnal wildlife park in the world. Explorable via tram or on foot, this place lets you see what life is like for animals after dark from around the world.

Singapore Night Safari has many of the same animals as Singapore Zoo, including Asian elephants, Malayan tigers, and spotted hyenas. Like the zoo, Night Safari also has a variety of wildlife experiences, keeper talks, and unique dining opportunities to make the most of.

If you’re looking for a more unique way to experience wildlife in Singapore, you have to stop by the Night Safari!

River Wonders

River Wonders is essentially a river safari park that shows you a wide range of incredible animals from a small boat and river. This park is actually the first and only river-themed wildlife park in the whole of Asia!

There are more than 11,000 different land and aquatic animals to see from more than 260 species. This includes the manatee, giant river otter, and giant panda.

There are currently 9 different zones in River Wonders to explore so you won’t run out of things to do or see. The Amazon River Quest attraction found here provides visitors with one-of-a-kind boat adventures into a magical wilderness.

This attraction is designed to simulate a real journey on the Amazon River. You’ll have to be in your best form to spot some of the more elusive species, so keep your eyes peeled!

Bird Paradise

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see Bird Paradise during our time in Singapore because it wasn’t open yet. At the time of writing this Singapore Zoo guide, this attraction is set to open any day now. When it does, it will be the largest bird park in Asia!

The park will consist of a wide range of birds from around the world. Like Singapore Zoo, you’ll be able to feed some of the animals, watch the keeper talks, and take part in a variety of different wildlife experiences.

Some of the birds you’ll be able to see include penguins, hornbills, flamingos, macaws, and spoonbills. So far, it looks like Bird Paradise will be split into 3 different zones so you can expect there to be a lot of different birds to see.

Tips for Visiting Singapore Zoo

To help you make the most of your visit, we’re going to include some top tips in this Singapore Zoo guide:

• Make sure you book your tickets online in advance, as they’re often cheaper.
• Grab a souvenir from one of the gift shops to remember your trip by!
• Make sure you wear Insect repellant and sunblock as you’ll be open to the elements here.
• Pack a zoom lens for your camera or binoculars if you can, as you’ll get a closer look at the animals.
• Make sure your bag is light as you don’t want to be carrying a heavy backpack around all day.
• There are water dispensers located around the zoo so make sure you bring a water bottle with you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Singapore Zoo

When is the best time to visit Singapore Zoo?

November through January tends to bring about wet weather in Singapore so just keep that in mind. No matter what time of year you visit, try to head to the zoo during weekdays. During the weekends, it can get extremely busy, especially with families.

You’ll also want to try and avoid special holidays as these dates can also be really busy!

How much time is required for Singapore Zoo?

The absolute minimum for a visit to Singapore Zoo is 2-3 hours. However, in our opinion, you’ll want at least 4 hours, preferably more as there’s so much to see.

That will give you plenty of time to see all the animals you’d like to, listen to some of the keeper talks, and try some of the zoo’s animal experiences.

Is Singapore Zoo worth it?

This zoo is 100% worth it! We’re avid animal lovers and we’re incredibly careful with which zoos and wildlife parks we visit to ensure they’re ethical and play a role in conservation.

Not only that, but the wildlife experiences here are second to none! You can listen to keeper talks to learn more about the animals and even feed some of them including rhinos, giraffes, and elephants.

Why is Singapore Zoo so Popular?

Covering an area of 26 hectares and home to over 4,000 animals, it’s no wonder Singapore Zoo is so popular. Its enclosures are world-famous too, especially its open-air orangutan exhibit as they can swing right over your head!

Thanks to its conservation projects across Asia, the zoo also has an extremely good reputation when it comes to saving wildlife and animal care.

Will you be Visiting Singapore Zoo?

Singapore Zoo is undeniably one of the best zoos in the world. This is thanks to its variety of animals, conservation efforts, and immersive experiences. The facilities here are also extensive with restaurants and gift shops, so you’ll have everything you need.

Hopefully, this Singapore Zoo guide has given you a good idea of what there is to see and do. For the best experience, take your time and make sure you’ve got a camera (or a good-quality phone).

If you have any further questions about this awesome zoo then don’t hesitate to contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below.

Here are some other Singapore guides that you may find helpful:

• Gardens by the Bay Attractions, Singapore: What to See & Do

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