Singapore Zoo has become one of the country's most famous attractions, with almost 2 million visitors annually! It's easy to see why it's so popular, though, because it's an incredible place to visit! With an efficiently-run facility that's home to a wonderful collection of wildlife, it's the perfect spot for a day out to get up-close with these wonderful creatures. To help you out, we've come up with the ultimate Muslim traveller's guide to Singapore Zoo so you'll know everything you need to in order to have a great trip!
Overview
Singapore Zoo is one of four parks managed by Mandai Wildlife Group. Covering a space of 24 hectares, it's home to more than 2,400 specimens of over 300 species. The zoo has built a reputation for not only being a wonderful attraction loved by both locals and tourists but also for its conservation initiatives and breeding programmes (with up to 100 animals bred in a year!).
The other three parks managed by Mandai Wildlife Group are the River Safari, the Night Safari, and Bird Paradise, each major attractions in their own right. The Singapore Zoo, River Safari, Night Safari and the new Bird Paradise are all adjacent, which is why you'll often find many visitors visiting them together (more on that below!). In addition, Singapore Zoo is also currently celebrating its 50th anniversary! There are many events and goodies for you to snag up which you can find more about here!
PS: If you are planning on going to the new Bird Paradise, check out our article here!
How much does it cost to enter?
Credit: @yeoneon_ on Instagram
The admission fee for just Singapore Zoo is as follows:
- Non-residents: SGD48 per adult, SGD33 per child
- Residents: SGD43.20 per adult, SGD29.70 per child, SGD20 per senior citizen
#HHWT Tip: You can enjoy up to 20% discount on your tickets when you sign up for a WildPass.
Credit: Haoran Wu on Facebook
However, if you have time to spare and want to make the most out of your trip, the most cost-effective method is to consider one of the multi-park tickets! A popular option is the Park Hopper Plus ticket, which not only gives you access to all four parks, but you'll also be able to ride all the park trams, boat rides, as well as a carousel ride for free! The ticket is available for 7 days from the date of your first visit, so you'll have ample time to cover all the parks. Mandai Wildlife Group has a number of other multi-park passes available, from 2-park passes to memberships! You can book your tickets here!
Disclaimer: Please note that this information is accurate as of 22 September 2023. Prices and pass types may change at the discretion of Mandai Wildlife Group.
There are two types of annual memberships that you can apply for: Friends of Wildlife (SGD195) and Friends of Wildlife Plus (SGD245).
Both passes include annual access to Bird Paradise, Night Safari, River Wonders and Singapore Zoo, where you can book up to 3 admission slots at any one time. It is also inclusive of tram rides at Singapore Zoo and the in-park shuttle at Bird Paradise. You will also get a discount on selected F&B stores!
The Plus membership gets you an additional complimentary Members' Parking Pass and a complimentary Amazon River Quest ride. You will also get a birthday gift too! For more information, you can click the link here.
How to get there
1. Public Transport (MRT/Bus)
Singapore Zoo is located to the north of Singapore (about half an hour's drive from central city area), and you have a few options to get there. By MRT You can take the North-South line to the Khatib MRT station, and from there you can take the Mandai Khatib Shuttle Bus to Singapore Zoo (costing SGD2 for a trip from Khatib MRT). The shuttle bus runs from 8am to 11.40pm daily every 10 - 20 minutes (and 20 minutes between 11pm & 12am).
Please note that payment for the shuttle bus can be made by EZ-Link/NETS FlashPay and other major credit cards. Cash is not accepted. However, payment by AMEX cars are suspended until further notice.
PS: Children below 3 years old ride can ride free on the Mandai Khatib Shuttle!
#HHWT Tip: Download the "ComfortConnect" application to find out the next bus arrival timing!
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Besides Khatib MRT station, you can also take the North-South MRT line to a few other stations and take public buses from there:
- Choa Chu Kang - take Bus 927
- Ang Mo Kio - take Bus 138
- Springleaf - take Bus 138
Alight at bus stop #48131 to get to the Singapore Zoo!
2. Mandai Heartlands Express (Available on School Holiday Weekends and Public Holidays)
There are now 3 pick-up points from the heartlands during school holiday weekends (Sat/Sun) and public holidays. The heartlands include: Bedok, Sengkang, Tampines. There are two pick-up timings: 8.45am and 10.15am. The bus fares (one-way) are SGD3 for adults and SGD1 for children.
Pick-up points:
- Bedok: Heartland@Bedok
- Sengkang: Sengkang MRT Station (Exit C pick-up point at Sengkang Square)
- Tampines: Our Tampines Hub (Coach Pick-up Point, South Plaza)
#HHWT Tip: Book your tickets online 2 weeks before each available date, and come 10 minutes before the bus timing!
3. Private hire cars
You can use the many ride-sharing apps available! For example, Grab, Gojek, TADA or Ryde to Mandai Wildlife Group. There is a designated drop off Point at Mandai East Carpark (Car Park 2)! Fares are dependent on how far you are from the location.
Halal dining options
The zoo has a number of halal dining options, so you won't have to worry about where to eat when visiting! Outside Singapore Zoo Located right outside the entrance of the zoo you have KFC, which is halal-certified. It's also an option for a meal before you head to the River Safari and Night Safari! Bird Paradise has a few halal options as well, such as A&W and Old Chang Kee!
If you’re hungry while exploring Singapore Zoo, don’t worry! KFC has another outlet inside the park’s Rainforest KidzWorld, and there's also Ah Meng Restaurant and Ah Meng Bistro (both halal-certified as well!) located at the Forest Lodge opposite the Orangutan Boardwalk too, if you are craving for some local halal food (albeit the price is a little higher).
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Just to note, you have the option of bringing your own food too! The park allows guests to bring their own meals, with picnic areas available in the zoo at Pavilion by the Lake (opposite the Primate Kingdom) and Garden with A View (located near Rainforest Walk).
Prayer facilities
Unfortunately, the zoo doesn't have a dedicated prayer space as of yet. But not to worry! You can approach one of the staff at the reception counters for assistance and they will provide you with a prayer mat and a room. You can also perform your ablutions in a nearby toilet.
How to make the most out of your trip
1. Get up-and-close with some of the animals at the feeding sessions
Book your feeding the animals tickets so that you won't miss the opportunity to feed some of the gentle creatures at the zoo! The zoo hosts feeding sessions at select times with the elephants, giraffes, white rhinoceros, giant tortoises, zebras and goats at the zoo. The current timings of the feeding sessions are as follows:
- Elephants (at Elephants of Asia area): 9.15am, 11.45am and 4.30pm
- Giraffe (Wild Africa area): 10.45am, 1.50pm and 3.45pm
- Giant Tortoise (Reptile Garden): 1.15pm
- Zebra (Wild Africa): 10.15am and 2.15pm
- White Rhinoceros (Wild Africa area): 1.15pm
#HHWT Tip: Book these tickets as early as possible! We are talking weeks in advance as these are a hot item for your trip to the zoo!
*Do note that these timings are accurate as of 22 September 2023. Do double-check the timings on their website ahead of your visit.
#HHWT Tip: Visit the KidzWorld Animal Land and Little Paws! This is a great place for kids to come up real close and interact with the animals in either an air-conditioned or outdoor environment! It is a comfortable place to take refuge from the heat while still enjoying the zoo's activities.
2. Learn more about the animals through shows and Keeper's Chit-chat sessions
See the animals in action through fun interactive performances at the zoo! Animal show slots opens two hours before! Set an alarm to remind yourself to book the slots! These shows last about 15-20 minutes and are a super fun way to learn more about the animals while also seeing their prowess and capabilities. The zoo currently has 4 shows which are performed twice daily:
- Splash Safari (featuring the sea lions) at Shaw Foundation Amphitheater: 10.30am and 5pm (approx. 20mins)
- Animal Heroes (dedicated to domesticated animals) at Animal Buddies Amphitheater: 12.30pm (Sat, Sun, PH) and 2pm (Daily)
- Rainforest Fights Back (featuring rainforest animals like exotic birds, snakes and more) at Shaw Foundation Amphitheater: 12.00pm and 2.30pm (approx. 20mins)
There are other shows at KidzWorld too! Besides the shows, keep an eye out for the Keepers' Chit-chat sessions, where you can get insight on many of the animals from the very people who care for them! They happen at various timings for different animals - check the full schedule here. You can also download the Mandai Zoo app to make it easier to check schedules!
#HHWT Tip: It can get very hot during the afternoon animal shows! Bring a fan along and get a seat in the centre block along the aisle.
3. Come prepared
Here are a few pro-tips to help you make the most of your time at the park:
- Exploring the zoo can easily take up to half a day. If you'd don't have that much time, you can plan ahead by identifying which animals or sections you want to see at the park during the visit. You can find the park map on the zoo website and also take note of the animals in the park to narrow down the animals you want to see and plan your route efficiently.
- Know the park's facilities and where they are located. The zoo offers ATMs, nursing rooms, diaper-changing facilities, lockers and luggage stowing services. Find out more about them and where they're located here.
#HHWT Tip: The cleanest changing room with an air-conditioned diaper changing station and hot water dispenser is in Kidzworld. It is right behind the water play area. All of the other changing rooms are usually wet and not that clean. Just in case, it would be good to bring a changing mat as well.
- For those with young children or with mobility issues, the zoo rents out strollers, wagons, electric scooters. They offer wheelchairs for use for free as well for guests that may need it.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellant. The majority of the park is outdoors, hence do protect yourself from the elements! In addition, it's a good idea to check the weather forecast before your visit and bring umbrellas or ponchos should it rain. A portable fan isn't a bad idea too!
- Wear comfortable shoes! This probably goes without saying, but given the amount of walking you'll likely be doing, it probably doesn't hurt to include this as a reminder
- Bring some easy-to-eat snacks for the kids such as halved cherry tomatoes, blueberries, edamame peas, small pieces of bread, or animal biscuits that they can use to find and match to the animals they are looking at!
- Bring a swimsuit to enjoy the Splish Splash Zone at Kidzworld!
#HHWT Tip: Bring your water bottle too! water bottle! Water fountains are available in various spots around the 4 wildlife parks, so you can refill your bottle any time.
#HHWT Tip: For a less strenuous option to explore the park, you can opt for the guided tram tour that goes around the park (stopping at 4 tram stops along the way). It's complimentary and comes with any ticket purchased! You can find out more here.
4. Check out the special encounters and wildlife tours
If you're looking to splurge a little to bring your visit to the next level, the zoo offers some pretty incredible experiences and private tours that guarantee an insider's experience like no other. One of it's most notable experiences is probably the Breakfast in the Wild experience, where you get to have breakfast in the company of the animal ambassadors! You will be able to see coatimundis, macaws and even orangutans! Priced at SGD45 per adult and SGD35 per child, it'll be a meal to remember. Find out more and make reservations for it here.
There's also a selection of guided tours available at the zoo for a more tailored experience, including the RepTopia tour for a closer encounter with the reptiles of the zoo as well as a private buggy tour through the Zoo Adventure Tour. Find out more about the tours available and their prices here!
For kids, you can opt-in for the Ranger Buddies Quest Binoculars, which will allow them to explore the different Ranger Buddies stations in KidzWorld and around the zoo too! Remember to buy the add-on when purchasing your tickets online! Afterwards, head down to KidzWorld first to redeem your binoculars before heading out on your adventure!
Singapore Zoo promises an amazing time out for everyone, whether you're young, old, or young at heart! With this information and handy tips, we hope you have an awesome outing to the zoo that's a smooth and pleasant experience. It's time to plan your day out to the zoo pronto!
Admission: Non-residents: SGD48 per adult, SGD33 per child | Residents: SGD43.20 per adult, SGD29.70 per child, SGD20 per senior citizen
Opening hours: 8.30AM - 6PM (last entry is at 5PM)
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826