Explore Mandai: Exciting Spots Near Bird Paradise Singapore

The birds are just the beginning! Plan your perfect Mandai day out with these 10 attractions.

Bird Paradise

In vibrant Singapore, Bird Paradise is just the start of your wild journey! Nestled in lush Mandai, this avian haven sits side-by-side with creatures furry, scaly, and splashy, world-famous animal parks, immersive gardens, hands-on experiences, and some of the island’s prettiest picnic spots. Whether you’re traveling with wide-eyed kids, a camera, or a hearty appetite, Mandai packs fun just steps from those leafy aviaries. Ready to spot rare wildlife, relax by tranquil rivers, or tackle adventure in the treetops? Here’s your go-to list for an unforgettable day near Bird Paradise. 

Our favorite things to do near Bird Paradise include: 

  • River Wonders 
  • Night Safari 
  • Rainforest Wild Asia 
  • Singapore Zoo 
  • Canopy Park at Changi Airport 
  • Mandai Wildlife West 
  • Ah Meng Restaurant 
  • Gardens by the Bay 
  • Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve 
  • Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour by Let’s Go Tour 

River Wonders  

If you can’t get enough of animals, River Wonders—just a hop away from Bird Paradise—flows with aquatic adventure from the Amazon to the Mekong. Wander shaded walkways past giant river otters, manatees that glide with surprising grace, and the world’s largest freshwater aquarium. Every zone brings you face-to-face with rare creatures, like the adorable red panda and the awe-inspiring Amazonian manatee herd. Kids love the squirrel monkey forest where tiny primates leap from branch to branch, and everyone goes home humming after gliding down the relaxing Amazon River Quest boat ride. 

With lush greenery overhead and gentle river breezes, the entire park feels like a tropical holiday. River Wonders also serves as a gentle introduction to endangered animals’ real-life habitats, helping visitors connect with stories of conservation that stick with you long after. The space is stroller-friendly, well-shaded, and never feels rushed—perfect if you want a slower pace after a busy morning among the birds. 

Night Safari  

Who says you have to go home when the sun sets? The Night Safari, right next to Bird Paradise, is the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park—a sensation you simply won’t find anywhere else. As dusk falls and the rainforest comes alive with chirps, trumpets, and howls, you’ll climb aboard an open tram and journey past free-roaming herds of deer, elephants, and tapirs, all bathed in soft moonlit glow. 

There’s something enchanting about venturing through darkened forest trails, your footsteps mingling with the prowling of fishing cats or the silent flight of owls. The vibe is magical, almost cinematic, especially during the Creatures of the Night Show, where animal stars strut their stuff in naturalistic displays. It’s both a thrill and a treat for animal lovers and families looking for a show-stopping finish to their Mandai adventure. 

Rainforest Wild Asia  

Rainforest Wild Asia offers a more intimate, up-close look at the secrets of Southeast Asia’s jungles—without the need for mosquito spray! Right within the Mandai complex, this lush zone blends walk-through habitats with tree-shaded paths, home to Malayan tapirs, cheeky banteng, and golden-cheeked gibbons who seem to perform for their daily audiences. 

It’s not just about animal-spotting either: the winding trails invite curiosity, dotted with educational displays and zippy overhead walkways where kids can unleash their inner explorer. This is the place for families who love discovery—watch the elephants splash, listen for hornbills overhead, and snap photos you won’t believe weren’t taken in Borneo. 

Singapore Zoo

Children Petting a Shetland Pony at Singapore Zoo

A few minutes’ walk from Bird Paradise lands you at Singapore Zoo, a spot locals and globetrotters both agree is unlike any other. Here, animals roam in beautifully landscaped open enclosures, giving you the chance to see orangutans swinging right above your head or playful white tigers taking a dip. The atmosphere is lively but easy-going, and the whole place is laced with shaded paths and lush blooms. 

Don’t miss the signature animal shows and unique breakfast-with-orangutans experience—there’s a reason families and nature fans say the memories stick for years. Great cafés (including some on kids’ play decks), interactive trails and up-close wildlife encounters mean every visit feels just a little bit different. 

Canopy Park at Changi Airport  

Ready to level up your Singapore adventure? Changi’s Canopy Park is not far by taxi, and it’s so much more than just an airport attraction. Glide down giant slides, bounce on suspended nets, and wander through mist-shrouded gardens with dazzling topiary and floral art. The view across Jewel’s Rain Vortex—the world’s tallest indoor waterfall—makes for a selfie to remember. 

With interactive art, a hedge maze, and whimsical installations, this spot appeals to big kids, little kids, and kids-at-heart alike. Whether you’re topping off a Mandai day with playful fun or filling a layover with laughs, Canopy Park is pure joy under the glass dome. 

Mandai Wildlife West  

If you’re searching for free activities to round out your day, Mandai Wildlife West—just outside the entrance to Bird Paradise—offers plenty to see and do, no ticket required. Splash around in water play zones, take selfies by colorful animal sculptures, and roam eco-friendly gardens buzzing with butterflies and bees. 

Street food kiosks dish out tasty Singapore snacks (hello, kaya toast and pandan cake!) in a breezy, open-air food court. The spot feels lively and community-driven—a favourite with families who want a chilled-out picnic or a chance to let little ones run wild before heading home. 

Ah Meng Restaurant  

Hungry for lunch with a difference? Ah Meng Restaurant inside the Mandai grounds serves Singapore classics surrounded by jungle trees and gentle animal calls. Their signature Hainanese chicken rice and nasi lemak win local fans, while kids swear by the crispy chicken wings and old-school ice cream sandwiches. 

Décor is laid-back, with leafy verandas and plenty of natural light. It’s the perfect pit stop to rest your feet, cool off, and soak up the wildlife vibes—maybe even spot some cheeky macaques on the move through the treetops nearby. 

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay at Night

If you’re heading back into town after your Mandai adventures, a stroll in Gardens by the Bay always completes the day in style. These futuristic gardens offer lush, air-conditioned conservatories brimming with rare blooms, cloud forests with misty mountain views, and those famous Supertree Groves that light up after dark. 

Every corner here brims with color and curiosity, and the walking paths deliver postcard-perfect views of the Marina Bay skyline. Whether you stretch out on the lawns, pose by giant sculptures, or chill with a picnic and a book, Gardens by the Bay guarantees a peaceful, delightfully green finish. 

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve  

Looking for a wild Singapore most tourists miss? Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is just a short drive from Mandai, and it’s the spot for spotting crocodiles, mudskippers and migrating birds in their natural mangrove home. Elevated boardwalks wind through tidal pools and dense foliage, keeping you close to the action but far from city hustle. 

The whole place hums with gentle tranquility—perfect if you love photography or want to introduce kids to wild nature. Bird hides along the trails invite quiet animal-watching, and the visitor center adds smart interactive exhibits geared for curious minds. 

Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour by Let’s Go Tour  

If you’re craving a burst of urban adventure after all that nature, pedal into the city center for a Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour. This guided outing steers you past colorful shophouses, Chinatown alleys, vibrant temples, and riverside promenades—every stop comes with fun stories and plenty of photo-ops. 

Local guides bring history to life in an energetic, personal way, and you’ll sample snacks, learn quirky traditions and get surprising tips for your next adventure. It’s a fun, breezy way to wrap up your Singapore trip—or kick off your next chapter in the Lion City! 

 

From birds of paradise and mysterious rainforest dwellers to riverside feasts and unforgettable city views, Mandai and its surroundings deliver the ultimate nature-meets-adventure playground. Whether you’re planning a wildlife marathon or a relaxing day outdoors, you’ll find every reason to linger a little longer—and leave with wild stories to tell. 

Enjoyed this? Check out Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Singapore Passes or Things to Do Near Singapore Zoo 

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View of Singapore's downtown skyline from a rooftop pool.
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Things to do in Downtown Singapore Business District

Singapore’s Central Business District, also known as the CBD, financial district or downtown core, is a gleaming jungle of soaring skyscrapers with sensational waterfront views and more landmark attractions than you can shake a very large stick at. Add to that Michelin-starred restaurants, trendy cocktail bars and some of the best shopping in the city and you have the recipe for a fantastic break. Hera are just a few of our favorite things to do in downtown Singapore’s business district, including: Merlion Park The SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands National Gallery Singapore Singapore Flyer Buddha Tooth Relic Temple Shopping at Orchard Road and Marina Bay Bay cruises Gardens by the Bay Cocktails at Raffles Mythical Beasts and Dizzy Heights A stroll around Marina Bay is a fine way to get your bearings in the downtown area. Here, close-up views of the CBD’s sensational skyscrapers give you a sense of the scale of the place and the iconic Merlion statue, emblem of Singapore’s growth from humble fishing village to mighty all-conquering lion is a must-see. Grab a selfie by this 70-tonne fish/lion hybrid with its arc of spouting water that crashes into the Singapore River below, then head up to the SkyPark atop the Marina Bay Sands resort for a different perspective. Steady your nerves with a cocktail before taking in exception 57th-floor views of the Singapore skyline and out across the bay. National Gallery Singapore Immerse yourself in 200 years of Singaporean art and culture at the National Gallery. Appropriately, this stately collection of of more than 9,000 modern and contemporary pieces from Singapore and southeast Asia is housed within two immense national monuments in the heart of the CBD; namely Singapore’s former City Hall and Supreme Court. Step inside to goggle at works that range from 19th-century oil paintings and woodcuts to 21st-century video installations. Visiting in the middle of monsoon season? There’s plenty here to fill an entire day, with major works by Singaporean artists including Georgette Chen, Liu Kang and Cheong Soo Pieng to admire, plus art-inspired shops for unique souvenirs, and two Michelin-starred restaurants. The Singapore Flyer It should come as no surprise, in a city where the title of tallest building is highly prized, that the observation wheel is one of the biggest on the planet, soaring to a knee-trembling 541 feet at its highest point. Steel your nerves for the 30-minute flight aboard the Singapore Flyer from where you can expect views across the CBD skyline to Sentosa Island and even, on a clear day, as far as Indonesia and Malaysia. That’s assuming you haven’t closed your eyes in absolute terror by the time you reach the top. One rotation lasts 30 minutes and you can book tickets that include cocktails and champagne, should such nerve-settling measures be required. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple Back on terra firma, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a stunning (and surprisingly recent) example of the Chinese Buddhist architectural style, all decorative flourishes, pagoda-style rooftops and cavernous indoor spaces. Built in 2007, the temple contains what is said to be one of the Buddha’s teeth, though skeptics may question its provenance given the proliferation of Buddha tooth temples in the region and, well, the size of the tooth itself which, at 7.5cm in length, is likely to raise a quizzical eyebrow at the very least. Visit this stunning temple and make up your own mind! Shop ‘Til You Drop There are more malls and brand-name stores along the 2.5-kilometer shopping mecca that is Orchard Road than you could hope to explore in a lifetime, never mind on your two-week vacation. Orchard Central is one of the most interesting, with its digital-art skin, huge indoor climbing wall, public art installations and roof garden. Further opportunities to max your credit card await at Marina Bay Resort’s cavernous Shoppes mall which, in spite of its ye olde name, is an ultra-modern, ultra-luxe shoppers’ paradise that’s guaranteed to give your bank manager serious palpitations. Venetian-style canals and sampan boat rides make for a fun way to get from store to store. Singapore River Cruise Hop aboard a traditional bumboat to get a new perspective on the CBD’s many highlights. Ideal for the lazy sightseer, these scenic cruises tick off a number of the city’s big ticket attractions in one short jaunt along the Singapore River. Expect to see highlights including Marina Bay Sands, with its space-age triple towers topped by what, from way down here, looks for all the world like a giant surfboard, as well as the legendary Raffles hotel, the Gardens by the Bay and the Old Parliament House. Hopeless romantics can catch the golden hour on a sunset cruise as the Singapore skies puts on their colorful daily show and lights twinkle on across the city. Gardens By The Bay With its gargantuan durian-shaped glass hothouses, tranquil East Bay Garden and iconic supertree structures complete with fun elevated walkway, Gardens By The Bay is a treat at any time of day. But it’s arguably at its most enchanting in the evenings, when the Supertree Grove puts on an epic display of colored light accompanied by a rousing symphonic soundtrack, sure to enliven your Instagram feed. Better still, this event is free! Light and music themes change with the seasons but the show generally runs twice per evening, with some variation for holidays and special events. Sip a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel What’s the first thing you think of when someone says the word ‘Singapore’? Skyscrapers? Orchids? No! The answer is of course a Singapore Sling, that delightful gin-based tropical cocktail that’s as iconic a symbol of this island nation as its Merlion mascot. And where better to sample one than in the very place they were invented? We’re talking, of course, about the legendary 19th-century Raffles Hotel, where bartender Ngiam Tong Boon first mixed gin with cherry brandy, grenadine, pineapple, bitters and lime juice back in 1915, and the Singapore Sling was born! Join such illustrious former guests as Hemingway, Kipling and Grahame Greene and try one for yourself in the hotel’s smart Long Bar. 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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Things to do in Singapore in Summer

Vibrant, energetic, and alive, Singapore beats to an electrifying drum. Famously clean and increasingly green, the dynamic city oozes culture and history and is home to some of the world’s hippest bars, hottest restaurants, and out-of-this-world street food. Summer is Singapore is hot, hot, hot! As a tropical destination, you can expect it to be warm year-round, but in summer, temperatures really ramp up with high levels of humidity. But don’t despair, there are plenty of things to do in Sngapore in summer to keep you entertained. Whether you’re an urban explorer, an adventure seeker, or a food fundi, the Lion City has a wealth of place to visit. Why visit Singapore in the summer? Summer in Singapore runs from June to early September and while it is hot and humid, it’s also slightly drier with less rainfall than the rest of the year. Days are lovely and long with up to 12 hours of sunshine and rainfall is at a minimum. Temperatures range between 26°C and 32°C and humidity levels are high, so cool clothing and plenty of water are the order of the day. The average sea temperature is 29° C, so cooling off with a swim at the beach may not be the best option. Despite the hot weather, summer is a fantastic time to explore the island city-state and you’ll find an array of both indoor and outdoor activities around the city to enjoy.   1. Explore Singapore’s beautiful gardens Fondly known as the ‘City in a Garden,’ Singapore is one of the greenest cities in the world. The city is to some spectacular gardens and green urban spaces that are well worth exploring. Your first stop should be the 82-hectare Singapore Botanic Gardens, a tropical oasis of flourishing themed gardens with over 550 species. Be sure to visit the incredible National Orchid Garden and the excellent botanical art gallery in the Gallop Extension. Next stop is the Gardens by the Bay in Marina Bay. Marvel at whimsical sculptures, gigantic high-tech trees, and misty biodomes in this fantastical world of green. Use your pass for admission to the Cloud Forest, home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and the Flower Dome. Wander through another world beneath thousands of hanging blooms in Floral Fantasy. Don’t miss the evening Garden Rhapsody show where the Supertrees burst into light. Top Tip: Head up to the observatory at the top of the tallest Supertree for some breathtaking panoramic views over Marina Bay.   2. Take a bumboat ride A bumboat? Singaporeans use this odd term for ferries and sailboats that transport both locals and tourists around the bay. The brightly colored boats have eyes and faces painted on them to discern any threats ahead. And what better way to experience Singapore than from the water on a bumboat? Use your pass to hop on a traditional bumboat for a Singapore River Cruise and take in the awe-inspiring city skyline. Keep your camera ready as you pass famous sights like Raffles, the Esplanade, and the Old Parliament House. The cool breezes off the water are heaven on a hot summer’s day. 3. Climb up to the SkyPark Deck If it's unrivaled views you want, head up to the SkyPark Deck on the top of the Marina Bay Sands. Based on the 57th floor, this popular spot offers the most incredible views of the city, Marina Bay, and the busy Singapore Strait. Take a guided tour and learn about Singapore's history and enjoy a dip in the hotel’s famous infinity pool that seemingly floats over the city. Use your pass to enjoy a free drink from the CÉ LA VI SkyBar as you soak up the unbelievable views. 4. Visit the city’s superb museums Singapore is packed with an ever-growing range of cutting-edge museums and cultural institutions. Top of the list is the Asian Civilisations Museum, a captivating journey through Asia’s cross-cultural connections. The National Museum Singapore is another must for learning about Singapore’s rich history. Don’t forget to use your pass when visiting these two museums to gain free access. If you are an art-lover, head to the National Gallery Singapore to admire an incredible collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art. Brave the Changi Museum & Chapel to learn the stories of POWs and held Changi Prison during the Japanese occupation of Singapore.   5. Have some fun at Sentosa Park Slides, rides, beaches, and sea creatures... Sentosa Island has it all! Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Sentosa Island is an all-ages playground with theme parks, beautiful beaches, an aquarium, and a subterranean casino. Hop on the Singapore Sky Cable with your pass for a thrilling ride to Sentosa Island from Mount Faber on the mainland. Take in the amazing views on the way and spend the day enjoying all the attractions on the island. Brave the exhilarating rides at Universal Studios, explore the SEA Aquarium (don’t forget to use your pass), and sip cocktails at one of the swanky beach bars. Enjoy a spectacular multimedia night show at the Mount Faber Cable Car station on your return. 6. Eat, eat, and eat some more From Michelin-star restaurants to some of the best street food on the planet, Singapore is foodie heaven. Even of you aren’t a gourmand, you’ll be amazed at the variety of mouthwatering grub in this Southeast Asian culinary hub. The best place to get a taste of Singapore is on the street at the legendary hawker centers. From eye-wateringly hot Indian curries to melt-in-your-mouth murtabak, the city’s culinary scene has every dish conceivable. Be sure to try delicious local dishes like laksa, a spicy, coconutty noodle soup, and chicken rice with a twist. Top tip: Cash is king on the street, so have cash in small notes when hitting the hawkers.   7. Experience Singapore’s nightlife Singapore comes alive at night with bright lights, buzzing bars, and glitzy nightclubs vying for attention. From sultry secret speakeasies to chic rooftop bars, the city has a myriad of great nightspots to explore. Kick off the evening with a complimentary Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles Long Bar – simply present your pass for your free drink. Head over to Clarke Quay where you’ll find a host of laid-back pubs and taverns, stylish waterside bars, casual and fine dining restaurants, and modern nightclubs. Dance the night away to the latest tunes and watch the sun rise over the water.   8. Escape to Pulau Ubin island Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day and take a trip to the peaceful island of Pulau Ubin. Hop on a bumboat in Changi for a short 15-minute boat ride to the island just off mainland Singapore. Rent a bike to explore the sleepy village and get a glimpse into the kampong (village) life that harkens back to Singapore’s old days. There isn’t much to do here, except enjoy a delicious seafood meal by the sea, kick back and relax, and soak up the tranquility. Why not make the most of your Singapore summer with a Singapore Pass? Visit all the best Singapore attractions without breaking the bank!
Alex Birungi

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