Guide to Singapore Zoo

Published: July 18, 2024
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Animal lovers will relish the opportunity to visit this immensely popular zoo. Singapore Zoo is designed around the concept of housing animals in naturalistic environments and is home to more than 300 different species. It’s also one of the most beloved animal parks in the region and attracts around two million visitors per year. Come here to encounter a wide array of fauna from across the globe, including everything from Asian elephants and sea lions to reptiles and the world’s largest population of captive orangutans. Spanning multiple themed areas, the zoo itself is an expansive animal park that takes hours upon hours to explore fully, so be sure to prepare in advance of your visit. To help you plan your time at Singapore Zoo, we’ve put together this helpful guide. It’s designed to make the most of your zoo experience and includes tips for visiting, must-see exhibits, and ways to save on admission.

Singapore Zoo Tickets

Looking for discount Singapore Zoo tickets? Snag a Go Singapore pass. You’ll spend less on admission to the Singapore Zoo and dozens of other popular area attractions. Save up to 52% on combined admission versus paying at the gate. What’s more, you can choose from two pass options:

  • All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do for one fixed price. Includes admission to the zoo as well as 30+ attractions.
  • Explorer Pass – Choose a number of attractions and visit them over a 30-day period. Includes admission to the zoo plus your choice of other attractions.

Singapore Zoo Tips for Visiting

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  • Singapore Zoo covers a great deal of terrain—we recommend hopping aboard the tram to get around easier (especially if you are traveling with kids or an individual with impaired mobility).
  • We definitely recommend consulting the Singapore Zoo map prior to your visit. It will help you plan your path through the zoo and highlight what you want to see the most.
  • Those traveling with little ones who need a bit of help getting them around might want to rent a stroller or wagon.
  • If you’re visiting the zoo with some extra bags or your luggage, you can opt to rent a locker or leave your oversized luggage at the Rental Services counter for a small fee.
  • Don’t forget the basics: sunscreen, an umbrella, comfortable walking shoes, and bug spray. See our section below for more on what to bring.
  • Flash photography is prohibited for the sake of the animals—keep this in mind when snapping photos of your favorite critters.
  • All animal shows are included with park admission! If you’d like to enjoy one of these special events, consult the show schedule.
  • For those who do intend to take in an animal show, the zoo recommends that you arrive 15 minutes prior to the show start to get the best seats.
  • Likewise, you have the option to feed certain animals during pre-designated times. Check out the feeding schedule for reference.

When is the Best Time to Go to Singapore Zoo?

You should plan to spend a full day at the zoo. It’s also advisable to go early to avoid the crowds as well as to increase the likelihood of seeing animals at their most active. The more time you allow yourself to spend at the zoo, the more feedings and keeper talks you can enjoy. These special experiences take place at scheduled intervals throughout the day; consult the operating calendar before your visit to see what you’ll catch during your trip.

What to Bring

  • Water: Singapore Zoo is massive, so you’ll definitely need to stay hydrated. It’s an especially hot climate during the warmer months so extra water is highly recommended.
  • Sunscreen: Ditto for sunscreen—you’ll be outside in hot weather quite a bit and the last thing you want is a bad sunburn.
  • Umbrella: The climate in Singapore can be temperamental, so be prepared for a sudden downpour. A rain poncho wouldn’t hurt either.
  • Camera: One of the best parts of Singapore Zoo is the many opportunities you’ll get to see unique animals up close. Capture these moments with a camera or camera phone so you can remember your experience.
  • Picnic: While the zoo offers plenty of dining options, you can save money by bringing your own picnic lunch. Please remember to eat only in designated picnic areas.
  • Insect Repellent: It also gets quite buggy in the zoo, especially with so much natural vegetation devoted to the animal enclosures. Be sure to use bug spray or another form of insect repellent.

What to Do at the Zoo

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Singapore Zoo encompasses a wide array of themed animal exhibits that are designed to mimic the animals’ natural habitat. We’ve highlighted the different zones below and which animals are found within each one. Australasia Featuring a selection of marsupials from Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea, this exhibit host kangaroos, wallabies, pygmy hippos, cassowaries, and more. Elephants of Asia This beautiful exhibit is designed to evoke the cultural significance of elephants as well as their natural environment. The human spaces feature Burmese architecture, while the animal spaces include plenty of space for this herd of five female elephants to play. Fragile Forest Contained within a vast biodome, this exhibit mimics a tropical rainforest habitat. Your path through the exhibit will evoke a journey through the rainforest as you encounter animals from insects and frogs, to lemurs and sloths. Frozen Tundra This exhibit captures the climate of the Arctic region to make its inhabitants feel right at home. Meet raccoon dogs from Japan and a pair of wolverines - and remember to bundle up as you walk through this area. Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia Echoing the ever-changing landscape of this unique part of Ethiopia, this exhibit houses animals that are found throughout its namesake. Catch glimpses of jackals, meerkats, baboons, and the grand ibex. Primate Kingdom The fun part about this exhibit is the fact that each primate gets its own designated “island” area to live and play in. The moats surrounding each island are filled with fish, and the islands are filled with bamboo, wild grass, and palms to keep the monkeys happy. Rainforest KidzWorld Perfect for your little ones, this section of the Singapore Zoo is filled with friendly critters. Your kids can learn all about a wide variety of animals and even “make friends” with some of the gentler ones, from rabbits and ferrets to goats and ponies. There are keeper talks and animal feedings here as well, with opportunities for young visitors to interact with select species. Plus, there’s a number of entertainment opportunities for energetic kids including a Wild Animal Carousel and a spray fountain. Reptile Garden Encompassing a number of sub-areas—including RepTopia, Tortoise Shell’ter, and Sungei Buaya—the Reptile Garden is home to these fascinating scaly, slimy, and slithery creatures. RepTopia alone houses more than 60 different species in four distinct geographical zones. Treetops Trail Also evocative of a rainforest, this is one of the more immersive exhibits in the zoo. Animals in this zone live together as they would in the wild, with multiple species spread across the different layers of the forest. Be sure to visit the elevated platform to see the critters in the canopy! Wild Africa One of the most remarkably diverse continents, Africa is home to some of the most exciting and amazing species in the entire world. This exhibit recreates that biodiversity to great effect, housing all your favorites including zebras, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, painted dogs, and more.

Where to Eat at the Zoo

There are plenty of dining options within the zoo itself, including everything from fast food and ice cream to the Ah Meng Kitchen (which features sumptuous local cuisine). You can also find the Wild Deli (which includes gourmet sandwiches and pizzas) and the Chawang Bistro (selling everything from seafood pasta to hotdogs).

Save on Tickets with a Go Singapore Pass

The Go Singapore Pass® is the best choice for saving and flexibility. Get Singapore Zoo tickets, plus admission to several other top area attractions. You’ll save up to 52% on museums, tours, and activities versus paying at the gate!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Couple look from a rooftop pool over Singapore Marina
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Best spas in Singapore

Think of Singapore, and certain experiences always come to mind – taking a selfie underneath the Supertrees, drinking a Singapore Sling in the historic Raffles Hotel, and watching the sunset from a traditional bumboat are all top-rated tourist traditions not to be missed. But for those of us who like a little luxury, there’s no better place than Singapore to pause for a bit of pampering and to shake off the jet lag. Whether you need some reflexology for tired feet, a romantic couples escape, a pool with a view or an invigorating scrub to rejuvenate your sun-soaked skin, you’ll find it all and more in Singapore. Here’s our recommendations for the best spas and experiences in the Lion City: The Thai Spa Aramsa Garden Spa Banyan Tree Spa St Gregory Spa at ParkRoyal Remede Spa at St Regis Auriga Spa at Capella Oasia Resort Sentosa Yunomori Onsen and Spa The Thai Spa Possibly the most famous spa in Singapore and certainly one of the most popular, The Thai Spa is located in Suntec City, a large, modern mall north of the river between Raffles Boulevard and Nicoll Highway. Here you can experience a traditional Thai massage, renowned for its use of yoga poses, aromatherapy and pressure points, or choose Thai reflexology, slimming therapies, a peppermint body scrub or Swedish, Balinese and Lomi Lomi massage. Couples can even luxuriate in a private rose honey milk bath jacuzzi, and everyone gets a private shower. Aramsa Garden Spa A bit of a trek – but worth it once you get there – the Aramsa Garden Spa is situated in Bishan Park, a 153-acre reserve along the banks of a former canal. The spa itself has 17 treatment rooms, all of which have their own private courtyard with outdoor showers and jungle backdrop, so it’s perfect if you want to get back to nature – or at least to escape the city for a while. Enjoy a mineral garden bath or rainforest shower with botanic views, then continue your nature escape with a walk around the park’s wandering paths, butterfly habitat and lotus pond. Banyan Tree Spa Head to the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel and on the 55th floor you’ll find the Banyan Tree Spa, there to offer you city escapism with an unmatchable view. From your treatment room you’ll be able to look out over the bay, perhaps down at the ArtScience Museum or Floral Fantasy, or even watching the sun set over the Supertrees in the Gardens by the Bay. After your pampering, have a wander around the oriental-themed water gardens then head up to the Ce La Vi SkyBar to enjoy more of the views with your favorite cocktail. St Gregory Spa at ParkRoyal This is a hotel spa with all the trimmings. Here you’ll find a rooftop infinity pool and jacuzzi with a cocktail bar to match, set in an architecturally stunning hotel complete with living balconies draped in greenery and colorful cabanas. Try a workout in the glass-walled gym-box or stroll along the 300-meter-long garden walk, looking out over Hong Lim Park and the city skyline. Try a treatment – they specialize in skin treatments and Chinese medicine – then complete your zen experience by joining a traditional tea ceremony at Tea Chapter, a short walk away in Chinatown. Remede Spa at St Regis It’s all about luxury at the St Regis, which is known around the world for its sumptuous décor and superb service. The spa features steam chambers, a Finnish dry heat sauna, a hydro massage pool and a Vichy shower. Guests will also be treated to exotic teas, champagne and the hotel’s own floral-scented chocolates. Treat yourself to a mani-pedi or a black soap and rhassoul hammam ritual (which involves a soft steam scrub with a face and scalp massage), stretch out on a warm, eucalyptus-scented marble slab and drift along in the heated outdoor whirlpool. Afterwards, take a tour of the hotel’s decadent décor and private art gallery, then top up on fresh air in the UNESCO World Heritage Botanic Gardens nearby. Auriga Spa at Capella Sentosa island is made for leisure lovers, with beaches, theme parks and luxury hotels aplenty. One of the best of those is the Auriga Spa at Capella, where you’ll find a herbal steam room, a vitality pool for full-body water massages and a relaxation lounge with ‘sound wave’ chairs. For treatments, you can choose from Balinese, Thai and Shiatsu massages, or a soothing Senja Sunyi massage which uses warm moon stones and scented body balm. Auriga uses only natural and organic products, and each of the treatment rooms has its own private, alfresco garden. It’s located on the south-western edge of the island, so once you’re done it’s an easy walk to spend the evening relaxing on the beach or watching the Wings of Time evening light show over the water. Oasia Resort Sentosa Another one on Sentosa, the Oasia offers some unique experiences including the cryotherapy facial, bamboo scrubs and ‘Mini-Me’ treatments for 13-16 year-olds. There’s also a meditation room which offers forest bathing therapy, and outdoor classes including pool aerobics and sunset yoga. The Oasia is in a convenient spot right in the middle of the island, so it’s easy to get there on the Mount Faber Cable Car and is close to Universal Studios, Madame Tussauds and most of the island’s beaches. Yunomori Onsen and Spa Located in the Kallang Wave Mall next to the National Stadium, Yunomori gets you relaxed and limber for your massage by offering a Japanese Onsen experience. The onsen baths are treated with hot spring minerals imported from Japan, and you can choose from soda, silk, bubble, jet and cold baths, each at varying temperatures. One admission fee gets you all day access to the onsen, steam rooms and saunas, and you’ll get a traditional milk drink to enjoy after your treatment. Just be sure to learn and follow onsen etiquette before you go – men and women bathe separately, always shower first, and note that underwear and swimsuits are not allowed – though you can take in a small towel or use disposable underwear if you want to. Treat yourself with Go City Singapore is a great place for a bit of pampering. Give yourself a boost on your next trip and grab your Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass today!
Karleen Stevens
Child meeting an Ilu from the movie Avatar: The Way of Water.
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Avatar in Singapore - A Guide to the Ultimate Experience

James Cameron’s groundbreaking Avatar movies can now lay claim to not one but two of the 10 highest grossing films of all time. That’s right, not content with hogging pole position for well over a decade with the original movie, those big blue CGI dudes are now well on their way to claiming the number two spot with sequel Avatar: The Way of Water. Cinema-goers yet to see at least one of these billion-dollar blockbusters must now be as rare as unobtanium. And, with great popularity comes great opportunity: for further movies, for merchandise and for tourist attractions inspired by the franchise, of which Avatar: The Experience in Singapore ranks among the very best. Read on for our guide to this unmissable interactive adventure. Avatar in Singapore - A Guide to the Ultimate Experience Avatar: The Experience is located within the Cloud Forest at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, perhaps best known for the iconic man-made tree structures that tower over Marina Bay. James Cameron himself has described the experience as “a window into the beauty of Pandora” and, well, if anyone is qualified to make that claim, it’s James Cameron! He’s not wrong though: what better place to evoke the otherworldly flora and fauna of this fictional planet* than inside a vast durian-shaped tropical hothouse crammed with waterfalls, magnificent plant life and epic spiraling walkways? (*It's an exomoon, actually – ed.) There’s plenty for Avatar fans to enjoy in this bioluminescent alien landscape where, as you enter, you’ll immediately encounter a fearsome Mountain Banshee crouching in the mist at the bottom of the waterfall. There are several more of these colorful aerial predators inside, including an epic full-scale animatronic version on the fourth floor. Heck, you can even have a go at becoming one yourself in a VR simulation where your movements control a Banshee’s flight over the Hallelujah Mountains. Kids will also absolutely love meeting the cute baby Banshee and Viperwolf pup. Other highlights across the five zones include the opportunity to ‘Avatarize Yourself’ in the pods on the first floor. Step inside to have your face rendered as a Na’vi humanoid. Whether this is an improvement on the real thing is for you and your friends to decide afterwards: your Na’vi mugshot can be downloaded for free via the QR code provided. You’ll also come face to face with one of the Avatar universe's newest mythical creatures, namely the friendly Ilu, a massive marine monster in sculpture form. Want to get a banshee’s-eye view of the whole experience? Take the elevator to the sixth floor, from where a stroll across the stunning Cloud Walk bridge brings you back down to the fourth, taking in panoramic views of the Pandora-esque Cloud Forest and out to Marina Bay. Afterwards, whiz back down to the first floor to meet the movie’s Sully family and explore the wild Pandoran flora. We’re talking deadly acid-oozing scorpion thistles, majestic Pandoran cycads and more. And, spread among them, further sci fi-looking plants that are, in fact, from our own planet: marvel at feathery blue-green peacock spikemoss, the red-veined trumpets of ​​Sarracenia cultivars, otherworldly jade vines and other curiously alien vegetation. Avatar: The Experience is an eye-popping immersive feast for the senses at the best of times, but if you get a chance to visit in the evening, you’ll get to see the whole Pandoran landscape illuminated in fluorescent light, just like in the films. A visit at this time of day also gives you the opportunity to catch the free sound-and-light shows that take place nightly in Supertree Grove and at the nearby Marina Bay Sands resort. Know Before You Go Getting There: Avatar: The Experience is at Gardens by the Bay in Marina Bay. It’s easy to reach via the Downtown and Circle lines on Singapore’s super-efficient MRT system. Alight at Bayfront station and take the underground linkway through exit B. You can then cross the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge to reach Gardens by the Bay. Shuttle buses are also available from Tanjong Pagar station on the East-West MRT line. Opening Hours: The experience runs until the end of March 2023. You can visit between 9AM and 9PM daily. Last admission is at 8PM. Tickets: You can get tickets for Avatar: The Experience only, or upgrade to include entry to the Flower Dome in your package. With Go City, you get access to Avatar: the Experience, plus the Flower Dome, and save money on a whole host of other major Singapore attractions, such as the Sentosa cable car, Universal Studios, the National Museum and Singapore Zoo. The Flower Dome Considering opting for a ticket that adds entry to the Flower Dome but want to know more? Step right up: we’ve got the lowdown for you right here... First up: this place is big. We’re talking Guinness World Record-holding big. That’s right, the Flower Dome is the planet’s largest greenhouse, with over 3,000 glass panels and an internal volume equivalent to a whopping 75 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Suffice it to say that there’s plenty to see and do in a space this size. Inside, carpets of colorful blooms create intoxicating floral perfumes and a thousand-year-old olive tree stands sentinel, the stunning centerpiece of the tranquil olive grove. Explore plants from around the world across nine different zones, including eye-popping specimens from as far afield as Australia, South America and the Mediterranean and spend a few reflective moments in the weird world of the baobab forest. Gardens by the Bay also offers stacks of free things to do. Stroll through outdoor areas including Bay East Garden, Heritage Garden and the aptly named Serene Garden, spotting unique sculptures and artful floral displays along the way. And visit the arid landscape of the Sun Pavilion, where you'll discover magnificent desert plants like the Turk’s cap and Mexican giant cactus that wouldn’t look at all out of place on Pandora. 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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