I visited Rainforest Wild ASIA on 22 March with my boyfriend to celebrate his birthday. He’s a huge animal lover, so it sounded like a great way to spend the day. Since the attraction had just opened on 12 March, we were both really excited to check out the newest spot in town and see what all the buzz was about! That being said, here’s an honest Rainforest Wild ASIA review from a paying customer’s perspective.
Rainforest Wild ASIA is Mandai Wildlife Group’s latest creation, and it’s unlike any zoo you’ve experienced in Singapore. With 36 species of animals roaming freely, spotting them is like a game of hide-and-seek.
The park isn’t just about animals; it’s a chance to step into the heart of the Southeast Asian rainforest, surrounded by vibrant ecosystems. If you’re up for an adventure, you can tackle forest treks and try heart-racing activities like the Canopy Jump. But if you prefer to take it easy, the elevated boardwalks offer a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe (and yes, strollers are welcome!).
During their opening special, I was able to get tickets for just $33, but I had to sign up for a WildPass Membership to be eligible for the discount.
P.S. This special offer is only available until 7 May 2025. However, if you sign up for the WildPass, you’ll still get a 5 – 10% discount on tickets moving forward. Normally, adult tickets are priced at $43, so it’s a pretty sweet deal!
My first impression of Rainforest Wild Asia? Super smooth admission! I just scanned my e-tickets and walked right in — no queue at all. As soon as I stepped through the gantry, I was greeted by rocks, lush greenery, and a gentle waterfall. There was even a misty effect that really amped up my excitement for what was ahead!
After strolling past the Southern River Terrapin (which, by the way, is one of the most endangered turtle species in the world), we came to our first crossroads. We had the choice of either the elevated boardwalk or the Log Crossing Trek. The boardwalks are raised above the ground, giving you a great view of the forest floor, while the Log Crossing Trek is more natural, with trails that blend right into the environment. Since my boyfriend and I were dressed for the occasion (aka in shoes and shorts), we decided to go for the Log Crossing Trek.
We crossed small bodies of water with conveniently placed logs and large rocks. Everything was pretty stable, making it easy to get across without worrying about slipping. Afterwards, we climbed onto some ‘fallen’ logs. While we noticed a few people taking IG shots, we decided to keep moving and take the turn for the Karst Loop Trek.
The Karsts is the home of the adorable François’ Langurs, and I was really excited about this part. I had seen so many media previews showing these monkeys play-fighting and frolicking across a small limestone plateau, which made me look forward to spotting them. Unfortunately, all I saw were humans rock-scaling as part of the Wild Apex Adventure route rather than any of the Langurs.
Even though I missed the Langurs, there was still something special about this place. We crossed a small road bridge that hung high in the air, adding a thrilling touch to the journey. The scenery was also a feast for the eyes — towering limestone formations and crystal-clear waters, making it feel like a hidden paradise.
As we made our way upward, we stumbled upon some fun interactive elements, like a long board featuring interesting facts about the animals living in the area. We had a great time trying to guess the answers to the questions and then lifting the little flaps to check if we were right!
Continuing along, we soon entered the Elevated Walkway, and The Outpost made for a nice resting spot. There’s a small store selling drinks and ice pops (though we didn’t grab anything because we were worried it’d be too expensive, haha – we stuck with our water bottles). Still, it was nice to see many families relaxing and enjoying the spot.
Psst… this would also be a great photoshoot location, with the perfect mix of light and shadows!
We then proceeded to the Forest Floor Trek, a deer walkthrough that’s home to two species of tortoises, one species of turtle, two species of deer, and one species of chevrotain.
Now, when it comes to the tortoises, they’re a bit tricky to spot. You really have to squat down and look carefully, as they tend to blend in with their surroundings. They’re decent creatures but nothing too spectacular or groundbreaking. After a quick look, we decided to move on, hoping to catch a glimpse of some deer.
Many of the media previews showed the Hog Deers prancing onto the boardwalk, getting really close, but unfortunately, we didn’t get that kind of luck. The deer we spotted was deep within the forest, far off in the distance. The only way I could enjoy a glimpse of these lovely animals was by zooming in on my camera.
Afterwards, we made our way towards the Rock Cascade, where we had two route options — the boardwalk or the Root Hollow Trek. Feeling a bit tired, we decided to take the gentler route along the boardwalk.
The Rock Cascade area is home to a variety of animals, including Bearded Pigs, Babirusas, and Red Dholes. The flexible habitats are lushly planted and surprisingly spacious, offering a great environment for the animals. However, once again, we didn’t encounter any of them. At this point, we were starting to feel a bit disappointed by the lack of wildlife, especially after having explored for an hour.
The Rock Cascades are also home to the Malayan Tigers. Initially, we couldn’t see any, but we paused at the lookout to listen to the zookeepers share fascinating facts about the tigers. Feeling curious, we decided to ask one of the zookeepers where we might find them and were directed to the Predator Trek.
For someone of my height (I’m 155 cm), spotting the tiger was a bit of a challenge. I could barely catch a glimpse of it and only managed to see its rear. Luckily, my boyfriend was able to capture a video of the Malayan Tiger just chilling in its corner. Not so bad, I guess.
By now, we had hit the 1.5-hour mark, and the sun was blazing. Just a heads-up for anyone visiting Rainforest Wild ASIA — it’s designed to mimic nature, so don’t expect much in terms of sheltered walkways. The heat was intense, and we were sweating buckets (no exaggeration, my upper back was feeling sticky from it!).
We took a pitstop at the Sentinel Food Hall and grabbed a refreshing Coke for $4.50. The food prices here are definitely on the steeper side — a plate of nasi lemak will set you back around $17, and their signature slushie costs $9. If you’re on a budget, I’d recommend grabbing lunch elsewhere or packing some snacks for the journey. On the plus side, the air conditioning was strong, there were plenty of seats, and we took a quick 15-minute break before heading off to The Canopy.
As we exited the food hall and headed upwards, we passed by a tall aviary where we spotted Bali Mynas and Vietnamese Pheasants. This exhibit felt the most underwhelming, though it’s worth noting that the Bali Mynas are a critically endangered species. The viewing experience was a bit difficult, as the bottom of the aviary is positioned below both the food hall window and the boardwalk, making it tough to get a good view or take decent photos.
The next thing we knew, we heard some screams in the distance and soon found ourselves at the foot of the Canopy Jump tower. This is an Adventure Plus activity that visitors can opt for during their trip. For $30 per jump, you can choose to leap off a 13-metre-tall platform, or if you’re feeling particularly daring, a 20-metre-tall one.
My boyfriend was in a cast, so we skipped this activity, but just from the looks of it, the attraction felt like something that would appeal more to kids than adults.
Out of everything, The Canopy was definitely the highlight for us. It was here that we got our first close-up animal encounter — Red-Shanked Doucs! But before they made their appearance, we watched the Siamangs swinging happily from one tree branch to another.
As for the Red-Shanked Doucs, they were so chill. My first thought when I saw them was, “Oh my gosh, they look like the Monkey King!” Despite their somewhat elderly appearance, the zookeeper told us they’re only around 7–8 years old and can live up to 25 years. We spent quite a bit of time just staring at them (and, honestly, it was like “monkey see, monkey do” — all the humans were trailing behind these Red-Shanked Doucs). We even observed one munching on some leaves!
In the same area, there are the Langur Walking Nets, where you can jump around safely, whether you’re a kid or an adult. Honestly, it was the most fun part of the visit, and we could tell everyone else was having lots of fun, too!
After The Canopy, we slowly made our way down and were down to the last two zones of Rainforest Wild ASIA. The Lower and Upper Stream Treks were nearby, but since we’d already had our fill of river crossings at the start, we stuck to the boardwalk and got a chance to spot two more animal species — the Malayan Sun Bear and the Malayan Tapir.
The Malayan Sun Bear’s boardwalk exhibit is huge, almost dwarfing the bear itself. It’s lushly planted, but there weren’t many climbing structures for the bear. It seemed content, happily munching on leaves as we walked by.
As for the Malayan Tapir, it was chilling by the pond, hiding beside a leafy plant — probably taking an afternoon nap. We could only spot its body from our vantage point. If I had the chance to go back, I’d probably try the Lower Stream Trek to get a closer view of the tapir. Still, I was happy to see two more animals during our journey and even stopped by the AIA Vitality Bounce to check out what all the hype was about.
| Note! We were supposed to see Panjang, the saltwater crocodile, here as well, but — no luck! We didn’t spot him at all, hahaha. From what I read online, the pond may be deep enough for the crocodile to submerge completely, so visitors might not always get a clear view of him. Still, it was a bit of a bummer not to see him up close! |
Entry to the play zone costs $15 per person for a 20-minute session, where visitors can jump and bounce on springy nets. The area is divided into three sections, each suspended 3 to 7 metres above the forest floor, offering a thrilling experience with incredible views of the surroundings.
Although the height and bouncing nets seemed like fun, it wasn’t ideal for my boyfriend, who’s still recovering from an injury, so we decided to give it a miss. From what we observed, the play zone seemed to cater more to kids. Several parents were waiting in line with their little ones, and the staff handed out cutesy play shoes to the participants, adding to the family-friendly vibe.
The Cavern was the final section we explored before leaving the park, and I must say, it quickly became our second favourite area — mainly because it’s air-conditioned! The exhibit zone is modeled after the Mulu Caves in Sarawak, and the attention to detail is impressive. Nearly every aspect of both the exterior and interior is carefully crafted, though it still carries a slightly artificial vibe.
The first exhibit we encountered on our left featured the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, displayed both in a wall-mounted frame and on the ground. From there, we entered the first quiet zone, where informative signs highlighted the Blind Cave Fish and Soro Brook Carp. The two ponds for these species are located to the left at the entrance. The pond for the Blind Cave Fish is quite spacious and well-lit, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.
After leaving the first quiet zone, we briefly returned to the outdoors. We were supposed to get a glimpse of the Saltwater Crocodile exhibit, but once again, there were no crocodiles in sight. In the second quiet zone, we found exhibits for Malayan Cave Racers, housed in two open-air enclosures, as well as one for Asian Forest Scorpions. The cave racer enclosures are tall, providing the snakes with plenty of space to climb. The scorpion exhibit is also open-air, with a railing separating the creatures from the guests to ensure a safe distance.
As we continued, we finally reached the last photo spot: The Oculus. It’s a stunning location, perfect for capturing a memorable shot. However, be aware that if you want to take a picture there, you’ll need to pay the Digiphoto staff for the service. It was a fitting end to our journey, offering a chance to reflect on the experiences we’d had throughout the day.
Now, if you’re planning a visit to Rainforest Wild ASIA, here’s what I’d recommend packing to make your experience more enjoyable:
Comfort is key when exploring the park, so I’d suggest dressing in breathable sportswear and sturdy sports shoes that can handle uneven terrain. Some of the trails can be a bit tricky, so having proper footwear is definitely a must. While Crocs might seem comfy, I wouldn’t recommend them for this park — the rocky paths and muddy areas can make them slippery, so it’s better to go for shoes with a more secure fit.
I didn’t run into any mosquitoes during my visit, but it’s still a good idea to spray on some insect repellent, especially if you tend to attract them. Better safe than sorry!
Overall, I would rate the park a 5/10. I had high expectations, especially given the chance to see endangered species, but I found myself disappointed for much of the first half of my visit. While the park has its merits, it fell short in a few key areas.
One of my biggest complaints was the heat. It was unbearably hot, and the humidity — likely a result of the previous days’ rainfall — made it feel even more stifling. Unfortunately, the park’s design doesn’t do much to alleviate this. The mature trees, while present, aren’t large enough to offer significant shade. Meanwhile, the shelters along the raised boardwalks were far too few to make a real difference.
The trekking paths, on the other hand, offered more natural shade, but they were slightly muddy during my visit. This added an extra layer of discomfort as I was constantly worried about getting my shoes dirty. If you’re planning to visit after a rainstorm, be prepared for less-than-ideal conditions on the trails.
That said, I think the park might be better suited for adults who are looking for a peaceful hike or a change of scenery rather than for those seeking to see a wide variety of animals. While there are some animal exhibits, they didn’t meet the expectations I had for a park that focuses on conservation. It seems more tailored to people who enjoy nature walks with a few animals scattered along the way rather than being a destination specifically for wildlife enthusiasts.
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