Family feeding elephants at Singapore Zoo.

Mandai Wildlife Parks All on One Pass Discount

​​​​If you want to get close to nature in Singapore (and we mean really, really close), there’s no better place to do so than at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

This vast tract of rainforest and wetland in north Singapore contains several of the island's premier attractions, namely Bird Paradise, River Wonders, Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari. But why visit just one when you can tick off all four with a single discounted pass? Read on for our guide to the available multi-park ticket options and short summaries of what to expect from each attraction.

Bird Paradise

Keeper talk in the Crimson Wetlands at Bird Paradise
Image: Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Twitchers will be in their element in this kaleidoscopic paradise of technicolor plumage and tropical birdsong. Home to more than 3,500 birds, Bird Paradise is the newest of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve parks, having opened its gates in May 2023. Here’s where you can get up close to pretty pink flamingos, striking scarlet ibises, noisy laughing kookaburras, ostentatious Andean cocks-of-the-rock with their brilliant orange crests, and the majestic Philippine eagle. Your social feeds will never have looked so colorful.

It’s easy to while away an entire day exploring Bird Paradise, where eight immersive walk-through aviaries contain over 400 species across a whopping 42 acres. Say g’day to the emus in the Shaw Foundation Australian Outback, be dazzled by lories and lorikeets in Lory Loft., and experience two breathtaking daily presentations. Predators on Wings showcases apex predators of the avian world such as the bald eagle and cinereous vulture, while colorful parrots and charismatic hornbills are stars of Wings of the World.

Must-See Bird Paradise Zones

Kuok Group Wings of Asia exhibit at Bird Paradise
Image: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
  • Kuok Group Wings of Asia – hornbills, spoonbills and other fascinating birds of Asia await in this tranquil paradise of tall bamboo grooves and paddy terraces.
  • Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove – king, gentoo, Humboldt and punky northern rockhopper penguins rule the roost in this multi-level habitat inspired by Australia’s Macquarie Island.
  • Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa – the park’s largest aviary boasts over 80 African bird species, including starlings, bee-eaters and turacos.
  • Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands – a replication of the Latin American coastal wetlands that scarlet ibises, roseate spoonbills and American flamingos call home. 

Singapore Zoo

Malayan tiger

Singapore Zoo is the reserve’s stalwart sensation, having spent the last half-century entertaining hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The zoo’s open-plan format and tip-top conservation credentials have led to it being considered one of the very best on the planet. And, once you step inside, it’s not difficult to see why. Here’s where you can come face to face with over 4,000 cute, fearsome, majestic and downright weird creatures from Singapore and around the world. We’re talking everything from proud African lions and bashful white rhinos to two-toed sloths, Malayan flying foxes, golden-headed lion tamarins and stunning electric blue geckos.

Stare down an African painted dog (if you dare), grab a selfie with the orangutans and book a feeding session with the elephants, giraffes or zebras. There’s all this and much more across 12 epic zones.

Must-See Singapore Zoo Zones

Sloth at Singapore Zoo
Image: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
  • Fragile Forest – a tropical rainforest inside a 20,000 cubic meter biodome, Fragile Forest is home to golden-headed lion tamarins, colorful eclectus parrots, majestic Malayan flying foxes, tiger salamanders and more.
  • Wild Africa – meet the giants of the African savannah, among them, lions, giraffes, elephants and white rhinos.
  • RepTopia – slither into the zoo’s reptile house for scaly encounters with panther chameleons, bearded dragons, emperor scorpions, diamondback rattlesnakes and many more cold-blooded critters.
  • KidzWorld, aka the Home of Ranger Buddies – interactive water and sensory play, plus up-close animal encounters for kids.

River Wonders

Giant otters in the aquarium at River Wonders
Image: Mandai Wildlife Reserve

River Wonders showcases all the weird and wonderful creatures you might reasonably expect to find living in and around the world’s waterways. That means you’re just as likely to spot a graceful manatee or giant river otter as a prowling leopard or giant panda. The various zones are themed around some of the world’s biggest, most biodiverse rivers, including the likes of the Mekong, the Amazon, the Congo and the Ganges.

Take a meandering wander through its 30 acres, or hop aboard the Amazon River Quest boat ride to get a flavor of what’s in store. The Amazon Flooded Forest contains the world’s largest freshwater aquarium, where you can watch the manatees, giant otters, stingrays and other colorful riverine critters frolic under 10 meters of water. Hit up the Yangtze River zone to say hey to the giant pandas, and mosey up the Mekong to come face to fin with the biggest catfish on the planet.

Must-See River Wonders Zones

Manatees in the Amazon Flooded Forest at River Wonders
Image: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
  • Amazon Flooded Forest –.the manatees and giant river otters in this vast aquarium are some of the park’s most popular residents.
  • Ganges River – meet the Indian gharial, a fearsome relative of crocs and alligators with a quite enormous snapping jaw.
  • Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest – don’t miss your chance to get up close to lovable giant pandas and their little red panda pals!
  • Amazon River Quest – embark on a boating adventure and look out for Amazonian wildlife in the dense vegetation.  

Night Safari

Tram experience on the Night Safari
Image: Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Not just any old zoo, the Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal zoo, showcasing the crepuscular creatures that are most active around dusk and throughout the hours of darkness – around 900 animals across 86 acres of lush parkland. There’s a fun tram ride included in the price of your ticket, which provides a fine overview of the park: a wild 30-minute adventure that comes complete with a fascinating audio narration and allows you to catch a glimpse of the Nile hippos and Asian bull elephants. Or you can take to the safari trails to get even closer to the residents here.

Hit up the East Lodge Trail, where beasts of the African savannah come head to head with giants of the Asian tropics. We’re talking African aardvarks, white tigers, spotted hyenas, sloth bears and Cape buffalo. The Pangolin Trail offers a glimpse into the world of one of nature’s most extraordinary and elusive creatures, while indigenous cats from the Asian peninsula rule the roost along the Leopard Trail. Meanwhile, the fearsome Tasmanian Devil Trail shines a light on animals of Antipodean origin.

Must-See Night Safari Zones

Tasmanian devil
  • Pangolin Trail – meet some of Southeast Asia’s native animals, including the Sunda pangolin, Asian small-clawed otter, common palm civet, leopard cat, and Sunda slow loris.
  • Leopard Trail – as well as leopards, this trail counts majestic Asiatic lions, huge Malayan flying foxes and ferociously cute bushbabies among its many inhabitants. 
  • East Lodge Trail – This intriguing trail will lead you to the crossroads of Africa and Asia, where the animals of the savannah and the tropics live side by side. 
  • Tasmanian Devil Trail –.putting the ‘wild’ in ‘wildlife’, the ferocious Tasmanian Devil is star of the show here. These screeching marsupials are joined on the trail by kiwis, wallabies, sugar gliders and more.
  • Creatures of the Night – see Mandai Wildlife Reserve ambassadors such as the Asian small-clawed otters and fennec fox display their natural talents in this stage show, and look out for the raccoon dog and bearded pigs.

Mandai Wildlife Parks All on One Pass – Discount

Clouded leopard

General admission to all four Mandai wildlife parks is included with a Singapore attractions pass from Go City, meaning you get discounted entry on one pass. The Singapore pass also includes entry to bucket-list downtown and Sentosa landmarks including Gardens by the Bay and Universal Studios.

Alternatively, discounted multi-park passes are available direct from the Mandai Wildlife Parks website, where you can also buy tickets for add-on experiences such as feeding and animal-handling.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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People on bridge between two purple Singapore supertrees, with cityscape in background
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Singapore in April

Spring into spring in Singapore! If you’re wondering where to go in April, it’s the perfect destination for guaranteed sunshine, plus endless ways to have fun - from family friendly activities to traditional festivals, natural wonders to urban adventures. With most schools around the world taking a break from class, April is the perfect time for a family vacation to discover Singapore’s mesmerising mix of vibrant city life, cultural diversity, lush rainforest and balmy beaches. Stick around for a whistle-stop tour of what to do in Singapore in April including: • April weather in Singapore • Gardens by the Bay • April festivals in Singapore • Family activities in Singapore: Big Bus Singapore Universal Sentosa Adventureland Adventure Cove Waterpark April weather in Singapore As you might expect from somewhere so close to the equator, the outlook is always bright in Singapore and April is within the dry season, with minimum rainfall and maximum sunshine. With temperatures averaging 32oC (89oF) and humidity relatively low, compared to the sweaty highs of the summer months, it’s a great time to slather on the suncream and make the most of outdoor sights. There may be a few rumbles of afternoon thunder but the only time you’ll need a sweater is for the welcome air conditioning of malls and indoor spaces. Can I still see cherry blossom in Singapore? March is peak cherry blossom season, but the beginning of April usually sees the last days of the Sakura Matsuri festival at Gardens by the Bay. You may be lucky enough to still catch the delicate blooms but remember that hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is all about celebrating the transient. Even if the cherry blossom is falling and fading, there’ll still be photo opps a-plenty with the pink blooms of the native trumpet trees still likely to be lining roads and parks across the city. Gardens by the Bay Whether or not you’re in time for the blossoms you can still get your Floral Fantasy fix in the Gardens by the Bay themed flower garden landscapes - Dance, Float, Waltz and Drift. And there are more abundant blooms in the Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. The Flower Dome’s colossal conservatory holds the Guinness World Record for the largest glass greenhouse - that’s the same size as 75 Olympic swimming pools (by volume) so, frankly, a fair few flowers. Discover plants from the days of the dinosaurs in the Cloud Forest where tropical plants - and a 35-metre tall waterfall - tumble down from the treetop walk through layers of mist. Then explore an even more alien environment in the Avatar Experience, a unique walk-through environment within the Cloud Forest where you can marvel at the bioluminescent landscapes, follow in the footsteps of the Na’vi and encounter a baby Banshee and other creatures from Avatar: The Way of Water. Maybe you’ll take advantage of the pleasant spring temperatures to wander the acres of outdoor gardens that sweep down to the waterfront - from the peaceful lawns of Bay East, to rock, heritage and sculpture gardens, to the zen-like space of the Serene Garden. And you really can’t miss the 18 soaring Supertrees that have become a recognisable symbol of Singapore. These 50M-high, sustainable, vertical gardens feature 162,000 plants, provide shade and even harvest energy. To see them up close, whizz up to the observatory, then stroll the OCBC Skyway, a 128m long walkway suspended between the trees that sets you up for a postcard perfect aerial shot of the gardens and Marina Bay. When darkness falls, prepare to be dazzled as the supertrees dance to the music, lights and lasers of the twice-nightly Garden Rhapsody Show. Easter in Singapore Singapore’s multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural diversity means there is always something to celebrate and, true to form, April sees a variety of special religious and cultural festivals. Easter is a public holiday observed by Singapore’s sizeable Christian community - from Palm Sunday parades, via the solemn services of Good Friday, to the celebrations of Easter Sunday. Prepare to feast on roast lamb to represent the belief of Jesus being the lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world. And don’t get hot or cross when you try hot cross buns (British spiced cinnamon bread with a cross-shape baked into the top.) Ramadan in Singapore The ninth month of the Islamic holy calendar - at least some of which usually falls in April - is also observed as a month of prayer, fasting and community by the Muslim community. If you’re visiting the city you might want to make a fascinated (but respectful) visit to the Ramadan bazaar at Geyland Serai, a night market that sparkles with light and sells food and festive items for Muslims breaking their 12 hour fast. Tickle your tastebuds with the Singapore version of a Ramly burger (a meat patty wrapped in an eggy parcel), Roti John (an omelette baguette sandwich) and keropok lekor (a kind of fish sausage!) Since it’s customary to makeover homes and wardrobes during Ramadan, you can also expect to see stalls selling beautiful home wares, Islamic art, fabrics, fashions and sandals for adults and children. Hari Raya Puasa (or Eid al Fitr) marks the end of Ramadan and is joyfully celebrated in April or May. Children sometimes receive green envelopes of money from visitors, families wear new clothes (in Singapore often in matching colours!) and go to the mosque to pray. After a month of fasting it’s hardly surprising that the emphasis is on feasting so look out for spicy delicacies like ketupat, lontong, nasi padang and beef rendang, and sweet treats like kueh bangkit and butter cookies. Feel free to greet Muslim friends with “Selamat Hari Raya!” - “Happy Celebration Day!” Qingming festival Early April in Singapore sees Chinese communities celebrating Qingming (Ching Ming) festival - literally meaning ‘clear and bright festival’ but also known as ‘tomb-sweeping day’ - which denotes the beginning of springtime. Chinese families visit the graves of their loved ones to clean and tidy them and present gifts of food, wine and incense (which, once the spirits have received them, are taken home again to be enjoyed!) You might witness the custom of burning paper gifts - money or drawings of material goods - to ensure the well-being of ancestors in the afterworld - though be aware that it’s a private family celebration, not a public spectacle, and that photographs are not welcome at cemeteries. To get your head around the many festivals and cultural traditions, why not take time out at some of Singapore’s fascinating museums? The new four-story Indian Heritage Centre is packed with information, education and activity spaces to fill you in on Indian and South Asian history and culture. The Sun Yat-Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall explains Chinese history and the Asian Civilisations Museum ties it all together, explaining the historic connections between the diverse cultures through fascinating displays and artefacts. World Gourmet Summit If you’re a foodie you might want to plan your April itinerary around the World Gourmet Summit, Singapore’s celebration of fine cuisine, excellent wines and unforgettable dining experiences. Not to be confused with the Singapore Food Festival which takes place in the summer, this annual line-up of events includes tastings at some of Singapore’s best restaurants, gastronomic talks from world-renowned Michelin starred chefs, hands-on workshops - and generally the chance to indulge in the very best cuisine. Things to do with the family in Singapore If that flock of festivals has left you all cultured out, maybe it’s time to focus on family-friendly options in Singapore. With schools around the world generally on vacation in April and the younger generation looking to be entertained, we’ve got you covered. Big Bus Singapore Hopping on (and off) a Big Bus tour is as good a way as any to get your bearings in any city. since it means that little legs (or lethargic teens) won’t be tired out. Get the lowdown on the highlights from the on-board commentary (in twelve languages!) then stop off to explore the sights that interest you most... Tick off the ‘must-sees' aboard the yellow route - Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands and the Botanic Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). You can even stop off at the Raffles hotel for a world-renowned Singapore Sling cocktail to keep you going.The red ‘heritage’ route is another chance to learn about the island’s diverse cultures, as you tour the ethnic precincts of Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glen (the Arab enclave). Sentosa Island Or it may be that you choose to head straight to the island resort of Sentosa...a haven of tropical beaches, luxury hotels and enough thrilling activities to satisfy every age and taste. One of its highlights is undoubtedly Universal Studios Singapore, packed with rollercoasters, rides, shows and character greeting opportunities. Meet up with the Minions, snap a selfie with Sesame Street characters or hold tight for high-velocity thrills on the Battlestar Galactica coaster and the Transformers 3D ride. Kids will go wild for movie-inspired attractions like Puss in Boots’ Giant Journey and Madagascar: A Crate Adventure. Ramp up some more theme park action at Sentosa 4D Adventureland, engaging with the sights, sounds, scents and sensations of four immersive ride experiences. Ride the rapids of the Extreme Log Ride virtual coaster, delve into the darkness of the Haunted Mine, saddle up and take on the Wild West baddies in Desperados, or set sail for the Mysterious Island. You can choose to thrill or to chill at Adventure Cove Waterpark, where everyone in your group is guaranteed a splashing time. Adrenaline junkies will be wowed by high-speed waterslides like Riptide Rocket, Pipeline Plunge and Spiral Washout. Kids can get wet and wild in the Big Bucket Treehouse, Wet Maze and Splashworks. Or simply revel in some R&R time as you meet mesmerising marine life, snorkelling serenely through the rainbow reef or floating along the lazy river. Whatever your plans, in April and all year round, you can certainly relax, knowing that your vacation entertainment is covered by a Go City All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. Download the Go City app and explore your way to hassle-free, money-saving, sight-seeing satisfaction. Enjoy!
Jo Cooke
Young family eating lunch together
Blog

Family-Friendly Restaurants in Singapore

What makes a restaurant family friendly? Ask most parents of small kids and they’ll likely say play areas and activity corners first, baby-changing facilities second and a decent kids’ menu third (or, better still, a kids-eat-free option). Good news: Singapore is a fab destination to visit as a family, boasting not only a world-class zoo, great theme parks, an aquarium and dozens of other kiddie-tastic attractions, but also a plethora of cafés and restaurants that are perfect for families and that raise the bar well above the usual soulless international fast food joints. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of those too! We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite family-friendly Singapore eateries, from toddler-pleasing cafés with playgrounds to rip-roaring restaurants for ravenous teenagers. Open Farm Community Let’s start as we (sort of) mean to go on with a healthy option that won’t have the kiddos turning their noses up in disgust. The Open Farm Community is a verdant urban oasis, just south of Singapore’s sprawling Botanic Gardens. Wander among beds of organic herbs and vegetables in the restaurant’s expansive grounds, the air heavy with the scent of basil and thyme. Pause for family selfies by the arty sculptures and challenge the kids to a game of bowls on the lawn. Appetite well and truly worked up, you’ll love the menu of garden-fresh crowd-pleasers that includes bolognese, fish and chips and flatbreads for the kids, and sharing platters of salmon, duck and eggplant for the grown-ups. Yum. Find it: 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819 Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari Sticking with the green theme, Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari is pretty much next door to the Open Farm Community, so an ideal pitstop if you’re staying in the sassy Dempsey Hill neighborhood. Expect a range of breads and pastries and dine-in dishes including sourdough waffles and fresh garden salads. The safari theme includes plenty of lush tropical foliage around a large tent (for that outdoorsy eating vibe), as well as a fab playground and an edible garden for intrepid young jungle explorers to discover. It’s from right here that the ingredients for this eatery’s salads are plucked daily, though you can of course opt for a great big slab of carrot cake and a coffee instead. Find it: 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819 Bayswater Kitchen Lazy weekend brunches don’t get much more perfect than at Bayswater Kitchen, a breezy, informal diner overlooking Keppel Bay Marina. The Sunday menu, served 11AM–3PM (also public holidays), is particularly good. Parents can grab a table al fresco and gorge on freshly shucked oysters and whole grilled snapper with bottomless prosecco while watching the yachts bobbing gently in the turquoise waters. For kids: classics including burgers and fish and chips. Foosball and ping-pong tables and a playground should also keep them entertained long enough to justify just one more glass of prosecco... Find it: 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Singapore 098382 Trapizza Just across the bay on the northern tip of sunny Sentosa Island, Trapizza is about as family-friendly as Singapore restaurants come. Close enough to the shore to dip your toes in the bay’s warm waters, this is a pizza joint par excellence, with a huge range of 16-inch sharing options with classic toppings from Siciliana to quattro formaggi and – love it or loathe it – Hawaiian. Kids can go solo with build your own bento lunches including a choice of pasta, sauce, veggies and juice, plus a slice of pizza on the side. Dedicated play zones and a coloring corner will also keep little uns busy while the grown-ups finish their Singapore Slings. Find it: Shangri-La Rasa Resort, 101 Siloso Road, Singapore 098970 SandBank You don’t need an excuse to visit Singapore’s East Coast Park with its white sands, swaying coconut palms, abundant wildlife and – critically – excellent play areas. But if you did, SandBank is it. A dedicated kids’ menu and a 15-meter plunge pool keep kids of all ages entertained, while parents tuck into chargrilled meat and seafood dishes, handmade pizzas and freshly baked treats from the on-site bakery. Find it: 920 East Coast Parkway, Parkland Green, Singapore 449875 Platform 1094 Singapore’s roster of themed restaurants ranges from Hello Kitty to Japanese animé. Harry Potter-inspired eatery Platform 1094 lies somewhere in between, with wizard-themed decor, fun dressing up materials and, naturally, oodles of Instagram opportunities. We’re talking cute owl-shaped cookies, wizardy tableware, cauldron-shaped serving plates, Quidditch-themed desserts, and magical dry smoke effects aplenty. There are brightly colored flaming cocktails for the grown-ups, too. For a treat, book the Enchanted Afternoon Tea which includes savory snacks and sweet treats such as chocolate frogs and golden blood mousse. Find it: 1094 Serangoon Road, Singapore 328192 Baker & Cook Baker & Cook’s belly-busting brunches and foot-log sourdough pizza ‘planks’ are fast earning it a reputation as a Singapore institution. Hit up the Dempsey location for all of the above, plus a kids’ menu that includes irresistible Nutella sandwiches, truffle fries and mini cheeseburgers with fries. The airy glasshouse dining area overlooks a large leafy garden with a shaded play area, so the kids can let loose while adults enjoy some much-needed downtime accompanied by great pizza, healthy garden salads, grazing platters and a long list of excellent red and white wines from New Zealand. Find it: 30C Loewen Road, Singapore 248839 Waffle Place Kampong Glam, Singapore’s Muslim district, isn’t short on great places to eat, but for family-pleasing goodness, the Waffle Place is hard to beat. This eye-catching halal café serves up a kaleidoscope of waffle toppings with flavor combinations to satisfy every palate. Try crispy-skin salmon with spicy mentaiko mayo sauce or go for crispy chicken with fried egg, mayo and maple syrup. Kids will no doubt insist on sweeter options like strawberry cheese and classic apple pie flavors, or can have fun creating their own topping combos with fruit, marshmallows, chocolate flakes, whipped cream and more. Find it: 56 Kandahar St, Singapore 198904 Hawker Centers Singapore’s legendary hawker centers are a sensory explosion of steaming hot plates, heady spice-laden aromas and Instagrammable food stalls. Take the kids to any one of around 100 of these bustling foodie meccas across the city for maximum selfie opportunities and to give them as wide a choice of different cuisines as you’re likely to find under one roof. Sizzling BBQ pork, zingy fried noodles, fish head curry and lime-drenched chili crab might be at the more adventurous end for younger kids, but sticky peanut satay, melt-in-the mouth steamed bao buns and more takeaway desserts than you can shake a very large stick at should be enough to keep everyone happy. Check out the likes of the Old Airport Road Food Centre, Ghim Moh Market and Adam Road hawker center for some of the most mouthwatering snacks in the eastern hemisphere! Find them: everywhere! Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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