Singapore’s sprawling Mandai Wildlife Reserve has reached a milestone decades in the making. On Wednesday, the park officially opened Rainforest Wild Adventure East—the last and most ambitious phase of a 10-year expansion project that has reshaped the destination into a seamless 126-hectare wildlife and nature hub.
The new 20-hectare wing, previously known as Rainforest Wild Asia, doubles the size of the original rainforest-themed zone and introduces nine high-adrenaline “Adventure+” experiences alongside several rare animal species. The opening caps a journey that began in the 1970s with the modest Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park, which now collectively draw 4.5 million visitors annually.
A thunderous welcome
Even nature seemed to join the celebration. A dramatic thunderstorm swept through the park during a preview tour, but Minister for Trade Relations Grace Fu, who officiated the opening, saw it as fitting. “What’s a rainforest without rain?” she quipped, as the downpour amplified the immersive atmosphere.
The expanded Rainforest Wild Adventure draws inspiration from both Asia and Africa, featuring habitats designed to mimic dense tropical forests. Among its newest residents are okapis—elusive forest giraffes making their Southeast Asian debut. Visitors can also spot pygmy hippos, eastern bongos, red river hogs, Nile lechwe, and troops of lemurs, turacos, and ibises.
Three experiences you shouldn’t miss
With so much to explore, the park’s team has highlighted three standout attractions that capture the spirit of the new zone.
Canopy Glider
Soaring above the treetops is pure fun. The Canopy Glider offers a smooth, breezy ride with an audio guide that helps identify animals visible below. Guests must secure a timeslot via QR code at the entrance, and loose items—including phones without wrist straps—are prohibited.
Okapi Trail
Spotting these endangered animals requires patience and a bit of luck, but that’s part of the thrill. With their zebra-striped hindquarters, donkey-like bodies, and long, prehensile tongues, okapis are a bizarre yet captivating sight. The trail is the only place in the region to see them up close.
Primate Climb
This 11-metre climbing structure, shaped like a towering strangler fig, doubles as a lesson in arboreal movement. Harnessed and guided by instructors, climbers ascend gnarly “branches” to reach a bird’s-eye view—and sometimes come face-to-face with Diana monkeys. The descent is surprisingly tricky, making the reward even sweeter.
Plan your visit
Rainforest Wild Adventure is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry at 5 p.m.). Singapore residents with a WildPass pay $50 for adults, $35 for children and students, and $25 for seniors. Non-resident tickets are $55 for adults and $39 for children.
The big picture: Mandai’s final phase solidifies its position as one of Asia’s most integrated wildlife destinations—a place where conservation, education, and thrill-seeking coexist under one rainforest canopy.