Wild Escapes: Top Things to Do Near Singapore Zoo

Singapore Zoo is just the beginning—discover top picks nearby for more wild fun!

Children at Singapore Zoo

So, you've got Singapore Zoo on your bucket list (and who can blame you?), but guess what? Adventure in this lush pocket of Singapore goes way beyond the animal kingdom. From river safaris to treetop trails, sparkling lakes to quirky bites, the area around Singapore Zoo is packed with things to see, do, and taste. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a keen photographer, or just someone who wants to squeeze every drop of fun out of their day, stick with us! Here’s how we’d plan the ultimate day near Singapore Zoo. 

Our favorite things to do near Singapore Zoo include: 

  • River Wonders at Mandai Wildlife Reserve 
  • Night Safari at Mandai Wildlife Reserve 
  • Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve 
  • Rainforest Wild Asia at Mandai Wildlife Reserve 
  • Take a Stroll at Upper Seletar Reservoir Park 
  • Venture into the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve 
  • Enjoy a Scenic Boat Ride on the Lower Seletar Reservoir 
  • Indulge at The Canopy Café Mandai 
  • Go Cycling or Hiking around the Mandai Nature Trails 

River Wonders at Mandai Wildlife Reserve 

River Wonders is more than just a stroll by the water—it’s Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park! This one’s for explorers with a thirst for adventure: think giant pandas lazing by the Yangtze, Amazonian manatees gliding through deep tanks, and rare river otters stealing the show. The immersive habitats make it feel like you’ve been teleported to distant continents, minus the long-haul flight. 

Highlights? You can’t miss the Amazon Flooded Forest, an underwater spectacle with arapaima, catfish, and graceful manatees drifting around you. The ambiance is both peaceful and thrilling, with lush greenery and gentle river sounds at every corner. If you’re keen for hands-on fun, try the Amazon River Quest boat ride—spot tapirs, jaguars, and more along the way! River Wonders is a must for animal lovers and anyone curious about the planet’s most exciting waterways. 

Night Safari at Mandai Wildlife Reserve 

Why settle for day-tripping when you can head out on an after-dark wildlife adventure? The Night Safari is Singapore’s legendary nocturnal park, where the stars twinkle above and animal calls echo through the trees. Here you’ll board an open tram or wander lantern-lit paths to encounter leopards on the prowl, elephants bathing at moonlit ponds, and owls keeping a watchful eye. 

The Night Safari sets a magical, safari-camp-like vibe with crackling fire dancers and nightly shows that immerse you in the wonders of the wild. It’s unique: all the animals here are at their most active, and the shadowy jungle feels mysterious and exciting. Evenings at Night Safari bring a whole new energy to your trip—furry, feathery and fabulous. 

Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve 

Calling all bird nerds and color lovers—a visit to Bird Paradise is mandatory! This newly revamped aviary is one of Asia’s largest and houses a jaw-dropping 3,500 birds in sprawling, naturalistic aviaries. Step beneath cascading waterfalls, listen to the chatter of lories overhead, and marvel at hornbills and flamingos in themed habitats. 

The vibe is upbeat and breezy, with hundreds of free-flying birds fluttering just above your head. Make sure to catch the daily feeding sessions—parrots, pelicans, and even penguins get in on the action, often right at your feet! The diversity here is staggering; it’s both educational and Insta-worthy all at once. If you’re traveling with little ones, the play areas and interactive exhibits are big winners. 

Rainforest Wild Asia at Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Rainforest Wild Asia

Take a green detour into the heart of Southeast Asia at Rainforest Wild Asia. Winding trails and misty canopies set the mood, while rare wildlife like Malayan tigers, tapirs, and adorable slow lorises keep things interesting at every corner. You’ll love the treetop platforms—perfect for that “explorer” selfie—and the soundscape of croaking frogs and chattering monkeys. 

This part of the Mandai complex is all about the textures and mysteries of the jungle. It feels adventurous and a little untamed, but always welcoming for families and solo explorers alike. Go slow, listen to the leaves rustle, and keep your camera ready for unexpected wildlife cameos. There’s something tranquil and raw about this mini-jungle—your wild heart will thank you. 

Take a Stroll at Upper Seletar Reservoir Park 

Ready for a breather? Upper Seletar Reservoir Park is less than 10 minutes from Singapore Zoo and offers sweeping water views, photogenic heritage trees, and a relaxed, local atmosphere. Head to the rocket-shaped lookout tower for panoramic vistas or stretch out for a lakeside picnic with families and joggers. 

What makes this park special? The calm is contagious. You can watch monitor lizards sunbathing, spot hornbills in the trees, or simply soak up the stillness on a park bench. It’s a favorite for cyclists, walkers, and anyone craving a dose of fresh air after a day of animal spotting. 

Venture into the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve 

Craving wilder, off-the-beaten-track discoveries? Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike—just a quick drive from the Zoo. Mangroves, mudflats and boardwalk trails bring you within arm’s reach of mudskippers, migratory birds, and even the occasional estuarine crocodile (from a safe distance!). 

The park’s remote vibe makes every sighting exciting—especially during the migratory season, when flocks of sandpipers and herons fill the sky. The observatory hides are perfect for quiet animal-watching, while educational signs share fun facts along the way. It’s peaceful, wild, and full of surprises—think of it as Singapore’s secret safari. 

Enjoy a Scenic Boat Ride on Lower Seletar Reservoir

Lower Seletar Reservoir

For a splashy, scenic break, head to the Lower Seletar Reservoir, just a quick taxi away. Boardwalks, fishing spots, and tranquil waters set the scene, but for real “wow” moments, try a dragon boat or kayaking session arranged at the People’s Association Water-Venture. 

Out on the water, you’ll see egrets flying low, locals paddling as the sun sets, and panoramic views of Singapore’s northern skyline. The mood is always chill—think cool breezes and a chance for some Singapore-style serenity (plus a fun workout for those arms!). 

Indulge at The Canopy Café Mandai 

After all that exploring, you’ll need to refuel—and The Canopy Café Mandai is our top pick. Think bright, airy interiors, garden views, and a menu full of local favorites and hearty Western classics. Their laksa is creamy and fragrant, while the chicken rice is a homestyle must-try. For a cool-down, we love their iced Milo or teh tarik. 

What makes it a standout? The family-friendly vibe and easygoing crowd. There’s plenty of room to chill, grab a bite between wildlife parks, or just sit back with a pastry and people-watch. It’s popular with locals too, so you know the flavors are on point. 

Go Cycling or Hiking Around the Mandai Nature Trails 

Still got energy left? Mandai’s network of cycling and hiking trails is your ticket to off-road exploration. Rent a bike or don sneakers and wind your way through forests teeming with birds and butterflies. Don’t miss the Mandai Park Connector, which loops you past parks, reservoirs, and secret nooks perfect for a photo stop. 

We love how these trails connect urban life with pockets of peaceful wilderness. Whether you’re with the family, out for a solo spin, or just adding some variety to your trip, the Mandai trails give you space to roam, breathe and discover Singapore’s wild side. 

 

Ready to go wild? The area around Singapore Zoo is bursting with activities for every type of traveler—whether you love animals, scenic strolls, or discovering local flavors. Make a day (or two) of it by mixing unforgettable wildlife encounters with tranquil parks, delicious local bites, and splashy outdoor adventures. Your Singapore escape just got a whole lot more exciting. Get exploring—there’s so much more waiting just beyond the zoo gates! 

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

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Riders on the Battlestar Galactica rollercoaster at Universal Studios Singapore.
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The Best Rides in Singapore

Adrenaline junkies rejoice! If there’s one thing Singapore isn’t short of, it’s a world-class thrill ride or six, from the frankly terrifying rollercoasters at Universal Studios to the towering Singapore Flyer observation wheel that overlooks Marina Bay. So saddle up and get ready for the time of your life as we reveal the best rides in Singapore, including:Battlestar Galactica at Universal Studios SingaporeThe Sentosa SkyHelixThe Singapore FlyerThe Sentosa cable carAJ Hackett’s giant swing and bungee ropeRiptide Rocket at Adventure Cove water park Universal Studios Singapore Let’s not beat about the bush: around 90% of the best rides in Singapore are to be found at Universal Studios (USS) on Sentosa Island. There are nearly 30, so to list all of them here would take waaay too long, but here are three of our faves to give you a little taster... Battlestar Galactica Hold on to your hats: this one’s a beast. Based on the much-loved sci-fi TV series, it sees an evil Cylon robot coaster do battle with its human nemesis as the dueling rides twist, turn, intertwine and come within inches of colliding several times over. Cylon is the faster and more frightening of the two, an inverted rollercoaster that includes a corkscrew, a cobra roll and a (literally) hair-raising zero-gravity drop. The Human ride is – and we use this term advisedly – slightly more sedate; a traditional rollercoaster with no inversions but reaching higher speeds of up to 56mph. At 139 feet, these are the highest dueling rollercoasters on the planet, so it's fair to say that neither is recommended for the faint of heart. Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey Emerge from the ivy-clad turret and go in search of Mother Goose’s golden eggs with our heroes Puss and Kitty on this exciting family-friendly rollercoaster that will leave the kids screaming for more. You’ll find it inside the Shrek-themed Far Far Away Land, where King Harold’s Castle and the Enchanted Airways coaster are also popular attractions. Be aware that this kid-friendly zone is among the busiest in the park, so be prepared to queue or, better still, get there early! Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure There are hungry dinos galore on the loose at this Jurassic World-inspired facility where a drenching is all but guaranteed. Board your circular raft and ride the rapids past cute animatronic mum-and-baby stegosauruses and into the restricted zone, where hissing velociraptors and radio reports of an escaped T-rex will have you quaking in your boats. Will you escape uneaten and unsoaked? Spoiler alert: yes, you will and no, you won’t. Sentosa’s Other Hot Tickets Sentosa Cable Car The very act of getting to Universal Studios requires you first to get to Sentosa. And what better way to do so than aboard the iconic Singapore cable car, one of the island’s more gentle rides, to be sure, but also one of its most essential. Awestruck passengers soar 200 feet above sea level on an epic 15-minute journey over the bay, taking in sweeping views of lush tropical foliage and Sentosa’s fine beaches along the way. You can even book a private sunset ride with dinner and drinks! Sentosa SkyHelix In case it isn’t already apparent, the majority of Singapore’s best rides are to be found on the island playground of Sentosa, and the SkyHelix is no exception, with its sky-high vantage point on Imbiah Lookout affording stunning views across the bay to the Southern Islands. This one’s a favorite with Instagrammers seeking the ultimate sunset snap as the rotating gondola spins skywards, reaching heights of around 260 feet above sea level. Riptide Rocket Also on Sentosa, the Adventure Cove water park comes with a fish-filled reef and stacks of rides, the most thrilling of which is the Riptide Rocket, a ride every bit as electrifying as its name suggests. This one is best done in pairs, with floats designed to maximize the speed with two people on board as you whip around gravity-defying loops and over stomach-churning drops before being ejected at very high speed (and no doubt still screaming) into a giant splash pool at the bottom. AJ Hackett Sentosa Ever fancied bungee jumping above the palm-fringed golden sands of a tropical beach paradise? Well, now’s your chance! AJ Hackett’s Sentosa attraction on sunny Siloso Beach is strictly for those with a head for heights. Get your bearings on the SkyBridge, a knee-trembling 150 feet above terra firma, before braving the bungee or having a go at the main event: a giant swing for up to three people that soars over the Siloso sands at potentially lunch-losing speeds of up to 120kph. Last But Not Least... Singapore Flyer One of the tallest observation wheels in the world, the Singapore Flyer is – gasp! – not on Sentosa but in Marina Bay. Its vantage point (and height) affords 360-degree views right across Singapore and (ahem) Sentosa, and even as far as Indonesia and Malaysia on clear days. The wheel soars to a nerve-jangling 541 feet;, which is not far off half the height of the Empire State Building or Eiffel Tower so, yeah, pretty high. Book a ticket that includes a glass of champagne or Singapore Sling if you think you might require a little something to steady your nerves. 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
Young couple taking a selfie on a date in Singapore
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Date Night Activities in Singapore

The sheer variety of activities in Singapore makes it an ideal choice for romantics in search of the perfect date night. This diminutive diamond-shaped island is full of heart – and that’s not all. Stunning gardens, world-class spas, hipper-than-thou indie cinemas, swoonsome sunsets and stunning street food are just some of our ideas for date night activities in Singapore (though admittedly you may want to avoid leaning in for a cheeky smooch too soon after that plateful of chili crab). Swipe right for our pick of the most romantic nights out in town, including: A Singapore sightseeing river cruise Cocktails at the iconic Raffles Hotel Couples’ massage at the Banyan Tree Spa Traditional tea for two The best steamboats and hotpots in town Sunsets to make you swoon! Go on a Singapore River Cruise Nothing says romance quite like bobbing gently along the river on a cute Singapore bumboat – stop sniggering at the back please! Take to the water with your boo on a sightseeing cruise that ticks off a number of the city’s bucket-list attractions, including Marina Bay Sands, the Old Parliament House and the legendary Raffles hotel. Cruises run well into the evening, so hopeless romantics can catch the golden hour as the sky turns flamingo pink and burnt orange at sunset and lights twinkle on across town. Sip a Singapore Sling at Raffles A Singapore institution of some 135 years standing, the colonial-style Raffles Hotel has hosted a who’s who of glamorous household names down the years: Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin, Christian Louboutin, Rudyard Kipling and even Queen Elizabeth II, to name-drop a few. In other words, you’re in pretty good company. The hotel’s signature Singapore Sling, that punchy tropical cocktail of cherry brandy, gin, grenadine, pineapple lime and bitters, was invented right here in 1915. Toast your date with one (or two) on a romantic date in the hotel’s legendary Long Bar. Soothe your Soul at the Banyan Tree Spa Singapore date night activities don’t come much better than this: a pampering experience par excellence at the top of the Marina Bay Sands Resort. Here, 55 stories up in the Banyan Tree Spa, couples can surrender themselves to complete serenity thanks to an extensive menu of Balinese, Thai and Oriental massage complemented by fresh fruit, soothing pots of jasmine tea and sky-high views of the bay and Singapore skyline. Get Hot and Steamy over Dinner If you’ve been to Singapore and haven’t tried hotpot, have you really been to Singapore? Also known as steamboat, these boiling broths are served with a variety of thinly sliced meats, fish and vegetables for dipping and sharing at your table. You’ll find all sorts of broths out there, from spicy Sichuan to – for the bold gourmand only – stinky tofu. Dip ingredients including marinated wagyu beef, freshly caught shrimp, pickled cabbage and smoky shiitake mushrooms for the win. A steamy evening is guaranteed. Tea for Two That Queen Elizabeth sure got around, didn’t she? Not content with drinking the bar dry at Raffles, here she is again at Tea Chapter, a celebrated Singapore tea house she visited for a spot of Imperial Golden Cassia with hubby Phil back in 1989. Treat your queen (or king) to a date to remember in this lovingly converted three-storey pre-war shophouse, a zen haven of ornate Chinese architecture where you too can indulge in a tea appreciation ceremony. Rest assured that the blends you’ll sample will also be made using tea leaves that are – quite literally – fit for a queen. Date Night at the Movies Singapore isn’t short of great movie theaters, with options for catching all the latest Hollywood blockbusters or – if Scarlet Johansson and The Rock don’t float your boat – cool arthouse cinemas for the in-the-know in-crowd. The huge GVMax screen (once the biggest in Asia, fact fans) at the Golden Village VivoCity multiplex is a good bet for the hottest new releases. Head to Projector X: Riverside for under-the-radar indie flicks paired with cool cocktails or to the futuristic ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands where a curated selection of arthouse films, documentaries and Hollywood classics is screened in its state-of-the-art cinema. Now, pass the popcorn. Go Wild on a Night Safari You may find yourself playing third wheel when your boo falls for the Night Safari’s Sunda pangolin, a super-cute crepuscular critter that seems engineered to steal the heart of anyone who lays eyes on it. Operated by the same group that runs the wildly popular Singapore Zoo, this fun nighttime experience is the first of its kind to be 100% devoted to nocturnal animals. Step inside the 86-acre reserve and wander its zones (or hop on the complimentary tram) to spot Malaysian tapirs, Asian elephants, white African lions and more as they go about their nightly business. Make a Dinner Date with a Difference If dinner with a view doesn’t quite set your date’s heart aflutter, these sky-high dining experiences just might. Soaring to a dizzying 541 feet, the Singapore Flyer is one of the planet’s tallest observation wheels with showstopping views of the bright lights of Singapore and Sentosa. Two rotations of the wheel is just enough time for a private dinner in your pod with a glass of champagne and, who knows, maybe even a proposal of marriage. Equally fun is dinner and drinks on board a private cable car across the bay as you and your partner fall in love all over again on the ride from Singapore to Sentosa. Again, two rotations ensure there’s no need to rush dessert. Watch the Sunset Together Trying to identify the best sunset spot in Singapore is like attempting to find the best chili crab in town, i.e. near impossible – there are just so many great places to choose from! Our pick? Head for Marina Barrage next to the Gardens by the Bay. Here, not only can you watch the extraordinary free nightly light show in Supertree Grove thanks to those panoramic 360-degree views, you can also catch some of the most spectacular technicolor sunset views in town. Take a picnic blanket, a bottle of bubbly and some fresh passion fruit with you and that perfect Singapore date night is all but guaranteed. Save on date night activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
The Jewel Bridge at Punggol Waterway park in Singapore.
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Things to do in Punggol Singapore

Nestled on the Tanjong Punggol peninsula in northeast Singapore, Punggol is one of the island’s most family-friendly neighborhoods, chock-full of glorious outdoor spaces, cool cafés and top restaurants. Activities here are wide and varied, from hiking the wetlands to exploring Coney Island by bike and catching and cooking your own prawns! Read on for our guide to the best things to do in Punggol, Singapore. How to Get to Punggol The waterfront district of Punggol is well connected to the rest of Singapore via the MRT, the country’s super-efficient Mass Rapid Transit system, which speeds millions of passengers around the island every day on its automated, driverless trains. Simply hop on the purple North East Line from downtown Singapore to reach Punggol, at the end of the line, in under an hour. From here, the Punggol LRT (Light Rail Transit) runs a loop around the district, allowing you to step out right in front of the attractions you want to visit, including: Punggol Beach Coney Island Punggol Waterway Park Northshore Plaza Mall Pulau Ubin Punggol Beach Forget touristy Sentosa; Punggol is where it’s really at for laid back beach vibes, and don’t the locals just know it! We’re talking bone-white sands, lush tropical foliage and great, sea-smoothed boulders that dot the beach, providing the perfect backdrop for those essential Instagram snaps. Grab your sunscreen, parasol and wide-brimmed straw hat and you could easily spend a lazy day here, just lounging and gazing out at the azure waters. There’s an epic wooden boardwalk for strolls along the waterfront, where fishermen vie with brightly plumed native birds for the catch of the day and cute little sheltered seating areas offer widescreen views of the famous Singapore sunset, all flaming oranges, flamingo pinks and bruised purples. A small heritage sign at the beach commemorates the role Punggol Point played in the 1942 Sook Ching Massacre, which saw around 300–400 Chinese men shot and killed here by occupying Japanese forces. You can pay your respects at the Civilian War Memorial by the Esplanade MRT station on Beach Road. Punggol Waterway Park Further Insta opportunities await in Punggol Waterway park, where you might even be forgiven for believing the series of weird, wonderful and downright wacky bridges were designed specifically to attract the social media generation. The Sunrise Bridge in the east of the park is a case in point, it’s pillarbox-red railings and snakelike shape making it great for those all-important sunrise selfies. At the other end of the day (and park), hit up the Jewel Bridge for its distinctive dome and more of those crazy Singapore sunsets. Keep your eyes peeled too for otters gliding silently through the water and – if you’re very lucky – the distinctive blue flash of a collared kingfisher diving for its dinner. As well as these impressive bridges, there are several different zones to explore, running the gamut from exceptional waterfront views, to sand and water play areas and a therapeutic garden with a fitness zone and aromatic plants including pandan. Coney Island Like its New York namesake, Singapore’s Coney Island is not so much an island as a peninsula, which makes it perfectly possible to visit by bike. And that’s precisely what we’d suggest you do! Hire a bike at Punggol Jetty and whiz into Coney Island via the western entrance. It’s a small park and you can cycle around it in no time at all, but don’t do that! Pack a picnic of sandwiches and ripe mangosteens and take your sweet time exploring the ancient trees, dense mangrove forests and beaches so secluded you might find you have them all to yourself, save for the occasional monitor lizard or mischievous macaque. Prawn Fishing And now for something completely different. Ever wanted to catch and cook your own prawns? Now’s your chance, thanks to Hai Bin Prawning, where – just like hooking a duck at a funfair – you’re all but guaranteed to snare your prize from the crustacean-rich pools, even if it requires you to book yourself into the bumper all-day fishing session. Kids and adults alike can fish the ponds before chargrilling their catch in the BBQ pits. Alternatively, there’s a bar and grill on site to save you the effort. Nearby Riviera Prawn Fishing offers more of the same, but minus the bar and grill. Northshore Plaza Northshore Plaza is Punggol’s brand spanking new waterfront shopping and entertainment complex, the kind of place it would be quite easy to while away a whole day. It’s split into two sections, with Northshore Plaza II right on the waterfront. This is the place for dreamy seafood lunches, sea views and gentle strolls around the dragonfly pond, where the colorful critters flit from lily pad to rock to palm leaf, while the kids let off steam in the quite excellent pirate-themed playground. The dinosaur safari-themed Nomstar food court is also not to be missed; a surefire hit with kids from three to 93. Plaza I is the place for fast food, takeaway coffee and more mega chain stores than you can shake a stick at, some of them very large indeed. Stores like Decathlon, which uses two floors to showcase just about every piece of sporting equipment you can imagine, with enough space to try most of them out, too. Pulau Ubin Located a short way off the coast from Punggol, Pulau Ubin is a boomerang-shaped island (a proper island, that is; not the kind you can cycle to!) with abundant wildlife to be discovered in and around its traditional kampongs and disused granite quarries which, long-since abandoned, now teem with diverse flora and fauna. Rent a bike to explore the well-marked cycle paths or take the looping walkway through the wild Chek Jawa Wetlands where, if you listen carefully, you might even hear the melodious song of a bulbul calling to its mate. 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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