Singapore’s iconic wildlife destination unveils its final wing, featuring zip lines, cave climbs, and a Southeast Asian first—the okapi.
After more than a decade of expansion and reinvention, Mandai Wildlife Reserve officially opened Rainforest Wild Adventure East on Wednesday, marking the culmination of a sweeping master plan to unify its parks, nature spaces, and attractions into one cohesive destination. The new 20-hectare wing, previously known as Rainforest Wild Asia, now boasts nine Adventure+ experiences, including zip lines, climbing structures, and wildlife encounters, and debuts the okapi—a rare forest giraffe never before seen in Southeast Asia.
The opening represents the final phase of Mandai’s long-running mission, which began in the 1970s with the Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park. Today, the reserve spans 126 hectares and attracts 4.5 million visitors annually.
“What’s a rainforest without rain?” quipped Grace Fu, Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, during the opening ceremony, as a dramatic thunderstorm drenched the grounds—a fitting welcome for a park designed to immerse guests in authentic tropical habitat.
Three Can’t-Miss Experiences
For visitors wondering where to start, Mandai’s newest wing offers a trio of standout attractions that combine adrenaline, education, and rare animal encounters.
Canopy Glider
This narrated zip-line experience glides above the treetops, offering a bird’s-eye view of animal enclosures below. Guests must secure a timeslot via QR code at the entrance; loose items and phones without straps are prohibited.
Okapi Trail
The elusive okapi—a donkey-sized animal with zebra-striped hindquarters and a long, prehensile tongue—makes its regional debut here. Patience is rewarded with a glimpse of this endangered species, native only to the Democratic Republic of Congo. “It’s the only place nearby in the region where you’ll see one up close,” the reserve notes.
Primate Climb
An 11-meter climbing wall shaped like a strangler fig, this obstacle course sits in front of the Diana monkey enclosure. Harnessed guests can ascend the gnarled “branches” with instructor guidance, gaining a primate’s perspective of the canopy and a chance to come face-to-face with the monkeys.
Broader Impact and Visitor Information
Rainforest Wild Adventure East solidifies Singapore’s reputation as a regional leader in conservation-focused attractions. The okapi’s arrival highlights Mandai’s commitment to endangered species breeding programs, while the Adventure+ elements cater to a growing demand for immersive, active tourism.
Tickets and hours: Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5 p.m.). Local adult tickets cost $50 under WildPass; $35 for children/students; $25 for seniors. Non-residents pay $55 (adults) and $39 (children).
As Mandai turns the page on its decade-long glow-up, visitors can now explore a fully integrated wildlife ecosystem—one that balances thrill-seeking with conservation, and education with wonder. For those planning a trip, the Okapi Trail alone is worth the journey.