The Singapore Zoo isn’t just any ordinary animal park – it’s a world-renowned wildlife haven that’s consistently ranked among the best zoos globally.
It’s also a part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, alongside the Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and the newly opened Rainforest Wonder, making it ideal for a full-day or multi-park adventure.
Unlike traditional zoos, the Singapore Zoo operates on an “open concept”, meaning animals are kept in spacious enclosures separated by natural barriers rather than cages.
You won’t find bars or cramped pens here; instead, expect moats, elevated boardwalks, and free-ranging spaces that encourage natural behaviours in animals.
If you’re looking for a day out that blends adventure, education, and ethical wildlife tourism, the Singapore Zoo ticks all the boxes.
How to get there
The Singapore Zoo is well-connected via public transport, shuttle services, and ride-hailing options. Whether you’re travelling solo, with young children, or in a group, here are 4 ways you can get there comfortably:
⭐️Option 1: By MRT & shuttle bus⭐️
I recommend taking the MRT to Khatib Station (NS14) on the North-South Line. This is the most popular way for locals and tourists! From there, hop onto the Mandai Khatib Shuttle, located at Exit A of the Passenger Pick-up Point.
- Shuttle frequency: Every 10 to 15 minutes
- Operating hours: From 8:00 AM to 11:40 PM daily
- Price: $2.50 for a one-way trip
Option 2: By public bus
If you prefer a direct public transport route, you can take one of the following buses:
- Bus 138 from Ang Mo Kio MRT Station (NS16)
- Bus 927 from Choa Chu Kang MRT Station (NS4)
Both buses drop you right at the entrance of the Singapore Zoo, with clear signage pointing to other attractions in the Mandai Wildlife area.
Option 3: By Mandai City Express
If you’re staying in the city centre, then consider booking a seat on the Mandai City Express. However, please note that it only operates from Thursday to Sunday.
- Pick-up locations: Orchard Hotel, Wheelock Place, Hilton Orchard, Orchard Plaza, Rendezvous Hotel, Raffles Hotel, Suntec Hub
- Price: $8 (one way), $16 (round trip)
- Booking: Book your trip in advance here to ensure you get a seat!
Option 4: By taxi or ride-hailing apps
Taking a taxi or Grab (Singapore’s equivalent to Uber) is the fastest and most flexible option, especially if you’re travelling with children or elderly visitors.
Tickets
Single park ticket prices (non-residents)
- Adult: $49
- Child (3 to 12 years old): $34
All standard tickets come with free tram access, allowing unlimited rides across the zoo’s 4 tram stations.
Multi-park ticket prices (non-residents)
If you plan to visit more than 1 Mandai attraction, such as the Night Safari, River Wonders, or Bird Paradise, then bundle deals are your best bet.
All the multi-park tickets below come with 5 days of flexibility and 1-time access to each park. Tram services are also included in your tickets if you choose to visit the Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise or Night Safari.
2 Parks Destination Pass
Bundle includes Night Safari and a 2nd park of your choice.
- Adult: From $80
- Child: From $50
3 Parks Destination Pass
Bundle includes a choice of Bird Paradise, River Wonders, and Singapore Zoo or Bird Paradise, River Wonders, and Rainforest Wild ASIA
- Adult: $98
- Child: $70
4 Parks Destination Pass
Bundle includes admission to Bird Paradise, Night Safari, Singapore Zoo, and Rainforest Wild ASIA.
Enjoy a free animal plush keyring and a voucher worth $20!
This promotion is only valid for online purchases till 31 October 2025, 6:00 PM.
- Adult: $128
- Child: $98
5 Parks Destination Pass
Bundle includes admission to Bird Paradise, Night Safari, Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Rainforest Wild ASIA.
Enjoy a free animal plush keyring and a voucher worth $20!
This promotion is only valid for online purchases till 31 October 2025, 6:00 PM.
- Adult: $138
- Child: $108
Opening hours
The Singapore Zoo is open daily, including public holidays and school vacation periods. I like arriving as soon as it opens because the animals are more active and visible.
Apart from that, you can also beat the midday heat and crowds. Most importantly, it gives you enough time to explore all the zones!
Daily: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Last entry: 5:00 PM
Tram services: Operate during zoo hours
Animal shows & feeding sessions: Scheduled between 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Getting around the Singapore Zoo
Tram service
The zoo offers a tram service included with your ticket. There are 4 tram stations across major zones, and you are free to take unlimited rides throughout the day.
The zoo is really big, so these tram rides will definitely come in handy towards the end of the day. To top it off, it comes with audio commentary, providing fun animal facts.
Rental services
If you’re travelling with kids, you can also rent strollers at $15 or wagons at $18. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters for the elderly or visitors with limited mobility.
Mandai App
If you cannot get your hands on a physical map, then download the Mandai App on the Apple Store or Google Play! It comes with an interactive map with GPS tracking, and offers walking route suggestions.
You can check the Mandai App for real-time updates on animal feedings, keeper talks, and temporary closures — especially during renovation periods or weather disruptions.
You can also keep track of show schedules and feeding times, and gives you a heads up on weather and closure times.
Singapore Zoo map & layout overview
The Singapore zoo is divided into multiple immersive zones, each replicating the natural habitats of its animals. Here are the most notable areas to explore:
1. Treetops Trail
Start your journey here! The Treetops Trail is the nearest zone to the entrance. It’s a lush boardwalk through a canopy-style habitat where false gharials, free-roaming monkeys, and tree-dwelling creatures reside.
Located near the entrance, this trail winds through tree canopy zones where you’ll meet false gharials (a rare crocodilian species), doucs and small primates, as well as free-roaming Malayan flying foxes.
2. Wild Africa
It’s home to majestic animals like the white rhinoceroses, zebra, cheetahs, and giraffes (feeding sessions available for $8). The Wild Africa zone is 1 of the most photo-worthy sections with wide enclosures and elevated viewing decks.
3. Fragile Forest
The Fragile Forest is a climate-controlled biodome filled with butterflies, free-flying birds, lemurs, bats, and even a sloth. It’s 1 of the few zones where you walk among the animals, not just observe them.
It’s an educational favourite for families and biology lovers, with close encounters in every direction.
4. Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia
This strikingly themed area features a large baboon colony, Nubian ibexes and a mock Ethiopian village backdrop. With stone carvings and waterfalls, this themed zone is also home to the Hamadryas baboons and rock hyraxes.
This section is both visually stunning and educational, simulating Ethiopia’s rugged terrain.
5. Australasia
This is where you’ll find kangaroos, emus, and cassowaries in an open-space habitat. You can spot kangaroos, wallabies, tree kangaroos, emus, and cassowaries (among the most dangerous birds in the world)!
6 & 7. Primate Kingdom & Orangutan Island
Singapore Zoo is famous for its free-ranging orangutans, a global conservation icon. Don’t be surprised to see orangutans swinging above your heads!
You’ll get to see other primate species such as the colobus monkeys, macaques, and gibbons in their “designated” islands too.
8. Reptile Kingdom
This is an underrated stop with Komodo dragons, snakes, giant tortoises, and crocodiles — all within beautifully landscaped enclosures. The displays are kid-friendly and often feature keeper talks or feeding times.
9. RepTopia
RepTopia is the zoo’s reptile haven, featuring snakes, lizards, geckos, and more in themed habitats from deserts to rainforests. It’s the perfect spot to get up close with these fascinating creatures and discover the cool ways they’ve adapted to survive.
10. Elephants of Asia
Here, you’ll get to see these gentle giants up close in a setting that mirrors their natural habitat. The area not only shows off how incredible and intelligent elephants are, but also shares stories about their importance in different Asian cultures.
11. KidzWorld
KidzWorld is the zoo’s family-friendly zone packed with animal encounters, play areas, and interactive experiences just for kids. It’s a fun mix of learning and play, where little ones can meet animals up close, explore, and spark their love for wildlife.
12. Animal Behaviour & Enrichment Centre
The Animal Behaviour & Enrichment Centre gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how the zoo keeps its animals happy and engaged. You’ll see how the team uses training, enrichment, and sustainable practices to bring out natural behaviours and strengthen bonds between animals and people.
Dining options
Food inside the Singapore Zoo isn’t exactly budget-friendly. I usually eat beforehand and pack some snacks with me.
Honestly, you can find most of the same dishes outside at a lower price. But if you’ve never tried them before and don’t mind the splurge, your zoo visit might be the perfect chance!
- Ah Meng Restaurant – opposite Tram Stop 1
- Ah Meng Bistro – opposite Tram Stop 1
- KFC (Halal) – near the Singapore Zoo Entrance and KidzWorld
- KidzWorld Café
- Snacks & drinks kiosks – scattered throughout the Zoo
Visitor tips & essentials
What to bring
From my own visits to the Singapore Zoo, here are some things I’ve learned that might help you out:
- Reusable bottle – Save your money and save the Earth! There are refill stations located throughout the park.
- Portable fan – Singapore’s humidity is not to be taken lightly.
- Sunscreen & insect repellent – These are essentials in the outdoors!
- Umbrella – Extremely useful if you’re visiting during the monsoon season
- Power bank – You’ll definitely be taking a lot of pictures and videos, and you wouldn’t want your phone to drop dead halfway!
- Snacks – You’ll be doing a lot of walking, and trust me, you’re going to feel hungry!
When to visit
The best time to visit is in July or August, once the June school holidays are over. Weekends can still get pretty busy, so if you can, try heading down on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.
