To be honest, any time of the year is a good time to visit the zoo with your kids and the entire family! Not only are they a great picnic spot, but an ideal location for out-of-school learning.
In fact, amidst jampacked city life, a visit to the Singapore Zoo is a breather. From walking around the lush green gardens, and hiking on the well-planned walking trails to spotting free-roaming animals, there are plenty of interesting Singapore Zoo activities which you can try.
So if you are looking for something fun to do over the weekend or during your kid’s school break, we recommend you give Singapore Zoo a visit. But before you head out to this world-class destination, here are some things you need to do to have a worry-free trip to the zoo, like Singapore Zoo opening hours.
Singapore Zoo Opening Hours
|
|---|
| Location |
Opening Hours |
| Singapore Zoo |
8:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Rainforest KidzWorld |
8:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
Though Rainforest KidzWorld and Singapore Zoo opening hours end by 6:00 PM, their last entry will only be by 5:00 PM every day.
You need to plan your day well in advance keeping in mind that weekends, public holidays, and school holiday periods will naturally witness more footfall.
According to previous visitors, the average time it takes to tour the whole park is 3 to 4 hours.
Singapore Zoo Tickets
Since the start of the pandemic, all bookings and purchases of tickets should be done online.
This year, there is no need to select a time slot when you book your ticket. However, you still need to select the date of your visit.
When you book your ticket, take note of the dates that are considered peak and the ones that are considered regular days. Peak season tickets are slightly more expensive than on regular dates.
Here are the ticket prices online:
Local residents:
Child (3-12 years old):
Adult
*All prices shown are in Singapore dollars and inclusive of 8% GST. Prices and discounts may differ across parks and are subject to change without prior notice. Terms & conditions apply.
Your ticket includes your admission to the parks and shows, as well as the tram ride for going around the zoo.
As for the location, Singapore Zoo is located at 80 Mandai Express, Singapore 729826; and you can use the public bus, shuttle, taxi or cab to reach this destination.
How to Reach Singapore Zoo
Source: Singapore Zoo
Bus/MRT:
- Take the train to one of the MRT stations and then transfer to a connecting bus that will take you to Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
- For example, if you take the Thomson-East Coast Line, you can hop on bus 138 for a short ride to reach Singapore Zoo.
MRT stations and connecting buses:
- Khatib (NS14): Mandai Khatib Shuttle
- Choa Chu Kang (NS4): Bus 927
- Ang Mo Kio (NS16): Bus 138
- Springleaf (TE4): Bus 138
Mandai Shuttle Services:
- The Mandai Khatib Shuttle is a loop shuttle service available daily from Khatib MRT Station (NS14) to the wildlife parks. It takes approximately 15 minutes to reach Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
- The bus fare for adults and children (ages 3 to 12) is S$1 for a one-way trip.
Mandai Heartlands Express:
- The Mandai Heartlands Express offers convenient transportation from the heartlands to Mandai Wildlife Reserve during school holiday weekends (Sat/Sun) and public holidays.
- The bus fare for adults is S$3, and for children (ages 3 to 12), it is S$1 for a one-way trip.
Taxis & Private Hire Cars:
- Taxis are available for hire at the taxi stand at Mandai East Carpark (Car Park 2), and fares are metered. A surcharge of S$3 applies to taxis departing from Mandai Wildlife Reserve between 1:00 PM and 11:59 PM.
- Private hire cars can be booked through platforms like Grab, Gojek, TADA, or Ryde. The designated pick-up/drop-off point is at Mandai East Carpark (Car Park 2).
How to Get Around the Zoo?
After you learn about Singapore Zoo opening hours, the next thing to do is to make sure to have a copy of the Singapore Zoo map or download it from the website. In this way, you will be able to decide with your kids which animals to prioritise seeing first.
Image courtesy: WRS
If you have a small baby with you, it is best to bring their pram along. Even if your little ones are not lying there, at least they will come in handy for carrying water bottles and bags.
There are also wagons that you can rent while at the zoo. You also have the option of renting a wheelchair or an electric scooter.
Below is an estimate of the pocket pinch:
- Strollers rent: $15
- Wagons rent: $18
- Electric scooter rent: First 3 hours it is S$20. For every subsequent hour thereafter S$5
If you are a Singapore Zoo member, you can avail of the services inside the zoo at an additional discount.
Singapore Zoo Activities: Animal Shows To Check Out
One of the most popular Singapore zoo activities is the Splash Safari show. Here, you can see the lions up close and in action.
Watch them glide on the water and effortlessly try to balance the ball on their nose. The show discusses critical environmental issues such as plastic waste in the ocean and advocates using reusable items.
You can book your seats for the animal shows at Singapore Zoo, 90 minutes before the showtime. All you have to do is scan the QR code and show it at the entrance and follow the steps to book.
You can also check the schedule of Singapore Zoo shows here.
Meet The Singaporean Orangutans
Image courtesy: File Photo
Among the popular Singapore zoo activities is a chance to see the free-roaming orangutans and other animals that are not housed in green enclosures.
You will find them lazying on the tree structures and if you are lucky, you might see them swinging gracefully from one branch to the other. Instead of cages, there are moats to keep these beautiful animals contained.
Indulge In Animal Feeding
When you are at the Singapore Zoo, you also have the option of getting really close to some animals. You can encourage your kids to take part in feeding the animals, including elephants, giraffes, goats, white rhinoceros, tortoises, and zebras.
For this, you will have to buy animal feeding tickets online when you buy your Singapore Zoo entry ticket.
Price of the ticket: $8 and feeding takes place at a set time.
You have the option of feeding elephants, giraffes, goats, tortoises and white rhinos at the Singapore Zoo.
Stay ready with your cameras and don’t miss your chance for the perfect picture as those animals just gobble up their food fast.
Shows at the Singapore Zoo
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Splash Safari (Approx. 20 mins)
Get ready for a splash-tacular time at the Singapore Zoo’s Splash Safari show. Witness amazing aquatic performances by talented animal stars. Held at the picturesque Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre, this 20-minute show promises to be a wet and wild adventure for all.
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Animal Friends (Approx. 20 mins)
Prepare to be charmed by the delightful Animal Friends show at the Rainforest KidzWorld Amphitheatre. This entertaining performance showcases the incredible bond between humans and animals. Experience heartwarming moments as the animals display their intelligence, agility, and playful nature.
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Rainforest Fights Back (Approx. 20 mins)
Join the fight to protect the rainforest in the captivating Rainforest Fights Back show. Held at the Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre, this engaging performance highlights the importance of conservation and the diverse wildlife that calls the rainforest home. Be amazed by the animal’s natural behaviours and discover the role we play in preserving their habitats.
Singapore Zoo Tours
1. Singapore Zoo & River Wonder Day Tour
This tour offers a unique opportunity to get up close to the wildlife while enjoying the comfort of unlimited tram rides at the Singapore Zoo. With over 2,400 animals, including one of the world’s largest collections of freshwater animals, your kids will be fascinated by the diverse wildlife.
In addition, you’ll visit River Wonders, the only river-themed wildlife park in Asia, where you can cruise along exhibits that recreate the habitats of marine and terrestrial animals from iconic rivers around the world.
2. Singapore Bird Paradise & Zoo Full Day Tour
For bird lovers, this tour is a must. Explore the award-winning Singapore Zoo and enjoy the best views of over 2,800 animals and 300 species from elevated platforms, underwater galleries, and glass observatories.
Your children will be amazed as they immerse themselves in the symphony of colours across eight walk-through aviaries. With animals roaming freely in open habitats, Bird Paradise is home to over 3,500 birds from more than 400 avian species.
3. Singapore Zoo & Night Safari Day Tour
Experience the best of both worlds with this day tour that combines a visit to the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari. At the Singapore Zoo, your family will witness animals roaming freely in open and naturalistic habitats. With over 900 animals from approximately 100 species, there’s plenty to discover.
As dusk falls, embark on an after-hours adventure at the Night Safari, where you’ll get a multi-sensory wildlife experience. Witness nocturnal animals as they start their nightly rituals, and get up close with animals frolicking, grazing, and hunting.
Dining And Food Options At Singapore Zoo
Now, after spending the entire day at the Zoo, you will surely be hungry. Thankfully, there are plenty of dining and food options inside the zoo.
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KFC (Singapore Zoo Entrance)
- Location: Park entrance
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (Mon – Fri), 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (Sat, Sun & PH)
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Inuka Café
- Location: Park entrance
- Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
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Chomel Bistro
- Location: Park entrance
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:30 am – 6:00 pm
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Chawang Bistro
- Location: Park entrance
- Opening Hours: Daily, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
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New Zealand Natural
- Location: Park entrance
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
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The Wild Mart
- Location: Park entrance
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Kidzworld
Keep this little surprise for your kids right at the end. After a long day at the zoo, they will have a blast here. Don’t forget to carry your kids’ swimsuits.
They can go crazy splashing in the water as they come down through the animal-themed slide and the massive water bucket ready to rain down at regular intervals.
Some Reminders
Before, we let you plan your day at the zoo, here are some things to remember:
- Before you plan your trip, do check the activities that are open due to the restrictions
- Always maintain a safe distance from other visitors in the zoo.
- Mask-wearing is optional, except when you’re riding public utility vehicles.
- Don’t forget to pack sunscreen lotion and insect repellants.
- Do pack an umbrella, it will come in handy in case the weather is too sunny or rainy.
- Storage locker options are also available. So you can make use of them by paying- $10 for three hours, and $2 for each extra hour.
Stay safe and have a fun-filled time at the Singapore Zoo!
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