Singapore Zoo
An acclaimed open-concept zoo in the Mandai forest, home to orangutans and free-ranging exhibits.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Best time
- Morning at opening
- Cost
- Ticketed; book online
The story
The Singapore Zoo opened in 1973 in the lush Mandai rainforest and pioneered the 'open concept', displaying animals in naturalistic habitats separated by moats and barriers rather than cages. Widely regarded as one of the world's best rainforest zoos, it is home to thousands of animals and is famous for its orangutan free-ranging displays. It forms part of the larger Mandai wildlife precinct.
What to see & do
- 01The free-ranging orangutans and the popular breakfast experience.
- 02The Fragile Forest biodome you can walk through.
- 03Naturalistic open-concept habitats separated by moats.
- 04Elephant, big-cat and primate exhibits across the grounds.
- 05The tram ride linking the zoo's zones.
Make the most of your visit
- Arrive at opening to see animals most active in the cool morning.
- Book tickets online ahead, and consider a multi-park pass.
- Bring water, a hat and sun protection for the outdoor trails.
- Use the in-park tram to cover the large grounds.
- Weekdays are quieter than weekends and school holidays.
Getting there
Take the MRT to Khatib or Springleaf station, then the Mandai Khatib Shuttle or bus 138 to the Mandai wildlife parks. Taxi is a faster alternative for the last leg.
Singapore Zoo isn’t within an easy walk of an MRT station — most visitors arrive by bus, taxi or a dedicated shuttle. Plan the last leg accordingly.
Walk times are real pedestrian routing (OSRM) from the attraction to each station entrance, not straight-line estimates.
Eat & stay nearby
Top-rated restaurants and hotels within walking distance of Singapore Zoo, pulled live from Google. Tap any to open it in Google Maps.
More to see within walking distance
Itineraries that include Singapore Zoo
See how visitors fit Singapore Zoo into a day — with what to pair it with, when to go and real traveller notes.