It's amazing that in a seemingly small country like Singapore, you can still find hidden gems that are off the beaten path. If you're looking for something fun to do with your family and kids this weekend, there's one place that will surprise you - The Animal Resort! Located in Seletar West Farmway, The Animal Resort is a kampung-style farm or mini zoo that lets you get close to and interact with animals ?
With a rustic vibe, you'll get to reminisce the good old kampung days here. It's eye-opening for both adults and children! Definitely a good break from the hustle and bustle of the city, especially now that we can't travel abroad.
One of the animals you can look forward to is the stallion which is also a retired racehorse. You can feed him at any time of the day with carrots or hay.
P.S. Finding more spots in Singapore with the kampung vibes? Check out Bollywood Veggies Farm in Kranji!
Just like in a kampung, you can expect to find free-roaming birds too such as geese, ducks, chickens and crown cranes! You can also hand-feed the geese and ducks but not those birds with sharp beaks. They might be running about so see if you can catch them ?
Besides the free-roaming birds, check out the Birds Avery too where you can spot various types of parrots from macaws to cockatoos and African Grey. Due to their strict diet, you won't be able to feed them. Also, catch peacocks in action as they spread their wings to attract the female Peahens. Don't miss out the Marabou Stork too - a massive bird with a huge bill and a pink gular sac at its throat. You can only view the Marabou Stork from afar though and feeding is also not allowed. Another unique bird you can spot at The Animal Resort is the Southern Cassowary, the third tallest and second heaviest living bird! Only the ostrich and emu are bigger than the cassowary.
There's also an area where you can find rabbits and guinea pigs. Get some carrots to feed them and you can also pet the rabbits. It'll be a fun experience for your little one ?
Plus, there are various ponds around The Animal Resort where you can feed different types of fish. You might get to spot turtles too!
The Animal Resort is a quiet and interesting spot to bring your children for a day out in nature. But even if you're with friends and looking to explore someplace new, rest assured you'll have loads of fun too. If your kids are looking for some playtime after feeding the animals, head over to the mini playground on site too.
P.S. Can't get enough of animals? Head over to the Singapore Zoo; entry is free for kids for the whole of October 2020!
Planning your visit
The Animal Resort has just recently reopened for visits and they only accept reservations. It's recommended that you make your booking at least a week in advance. They are only open on Friday-Sun and Public Holidays. You can choose from these 2 slots:
- Session A - 10AM-1PM
- Session B - 2PM-5PM
As there is a limit of 50 visitors, each group can only stay up to 1.5 hours. Check out this link to find out how to reserve your slot.
Halal food nearby
If you're thinking of having a meal after your visit to The Animal Resort, the good news is that Jalan Kayu is just nearby! Here are some of the halal eateries you can visit:
Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop
Halal Status: Halal-certified
Cuisine: Western/Asian Fusion
Opening hours: Mon-Thu; 12PM-11PM, Fri; 12PM-12AM, Sat; 11AM-12AM, Sun; 11PM-11AM
Address: 246 Jln Kayu, Singapore 799470
Contact: +65 97799477
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Steak Me
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Cuisine: Western (Steaks)
Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 3PM-11PM, Sat-Sun; 12PM-11PM
Address: 248 Jln Kayu, Singapore 799472
Contact: +65 64811083
P.S. Find more halal food nearby in our Northeast halal food guide!
The Animal Resort
Price: $8 (Adult, includes 5 packs of animal feed), $3 (Child below 12 years old, includes 1 pack of animal feed)
Opening hours: Fri-Sun/PH; 10AM-1PM, 2PM-5PM (reservations needed)
Address: 81 Seletar West Farmway 5, Singapore 798058