Like many Singaporeans, I have fond memories of visiting Singapore Zoo as a child, but over a decade later, is it still worth a visit? My verdict: yes! Here is my personal experience and honest review of Singapore Zoo, as a local. Whether you’re a fan of wildlife or simply looking for things to do with family and friends, this review of Singapore Zoo explains why it’s still a top attraction in my books.
Note: I am not sponsored by or affiliated with Singapore Zoo. This article reflects my 100% honest review of Singapore Zoo.
My visit to Singapore Zoo
When I saw online that there was a 20% discount on student tickets for Singapore Zoo, I started planning my next visit. As an animal lover and amateur photographer, I was excited to visit Singapore Zoo not only to watch the wildlife and learn about them, but also to snap some pictures.
I visited the zoo on 13 February 2026 and spent about 5 hours there, from 1pm to its closing time at 6pm. While I managed to see everything, I had to rush through some exhibits at the end. If you’re planning to visit Singapore Zoo, you should definitely plan for ample time, at least 5 to 6 hours if you don’t want to be rushing through your visit!
*There is no time limit stated for the promotion, but be sure to grab tickets before it’s too late!
What I love about Singapore Zoo (2026 review)
Singapore Zoo is known as one of the best zoos in the world, and after my visit, I can’t deny that title! Here are all the reasons I love Singapore Zoo, and why I think it’s definitely still worth a visit.
Getting up close and personal with the animals
Touted as an open concept rainforest zoo, Singapore Zoo made me feel like Steve Irwin for a day. The animals live in spacious enclosures that resemble their natural habitats, separated by moats and low walls instead of glass. This thoughtful design creates an immersive experience while keeping the animals comfortable, and I was able to watch them up close and capture clear photos.
I was surprised that visitors can even walk through one of the enclosures! The Fragile Forest biodome recreates a tropical rainforest, where I tried spotting mousedeer and paused for a crowned pigeon strutting past. I missed the Malayan flying foxes, which are active at dawn and dusk, though the zookeeper shared that arriving early offers a chance to see their lively feeding time.
Perhaps it was the open layout or well-suited habitats, but the animals seemed active and at ease. My favourite part was watching them interact naturally, just as they would in the wild.
Daily animal feeding sessions
To get even closer to the animals, you can sign up for feeding sessions at $8 per food serving. Options range from giraffes to arapaima fish. I recommend booking online as slots are limited and sell out quickly. You can add it on when purchasing your ticket or buy it separately on the website.
I went with the giraffe feeding session because I wanted to see their iconic purple tongues in real life! There were three time slots, and I chose the latest 3.45pm session. I arrived 15 minutes early and was handed a basket of carrots. We queued for our turn, and the zookeepers guided us through the whole process, helping to take pictures with our phones for keepsakes!
While it was a fun experience, it fell slightly short of expectations. Although there were only 25 slots, many people came in groups and shared the food portions, making it feel crowded and rushed. It felt more like a quick photo opportunity than a meaningful interaction. The feeding itself was brief, as the giraffes finished the carrots in seconds. Overall, it was interesting to try once, but not something I would repeat.
Wildlife education made simple and fun
Throughout Singapore Zoo, I noticed many signs sharing educational facts about the animals, their habitats and ongoing conservation efforts. I liked that the information is presented in a simple and fun way, making it easy for both children and adults to learn. When I was a kid, I remember bugging my mom with fun facts that I learned from the zoo, so I guess I can continue doing that as an adult.
There are also daily keeper talks at the different enclosures, where you can talk to the zookeepers who take care of the animals that live there. Although I did not manage to attend one, it is a great opportunity for those who want deeper insights.
Free animal presentations
No trip to Singapore Zoo is complete without the animal performances. These 15 to 20-minute shows include Into The Wild and Splash Safari, both held at the Shaw Amphitheatre. No booking is required, but it is best to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early for good seats.
Into The Wild is a newer show at the zoo, featuring animals from around the world, such as hog badgers and Indian crested porcupines. I caught the 2.30pm show, and the amphitheatre wasn’t very crowded. The zookeepers introduced different animals, and they would make their way out to the main stage, and after getting their desired treats, make their exit. Personally, the ring-tailed lemur totally stole my heart, reminding me of King Julien from the movie Madagascar. Overall, the show was interesting, but it wasn’t memorable. It felt more like a short showcase than a standout performance.
Splash Safari, on the other hand, was far more memorable. I caught the 5pm show to relive the fond memories I had of watching it when I was younger. The first few rows of seats are marked with a different colour, indicating the “Splash Zone”. Be warned – the splash is quite big, so don’t sit there unless you’re fully prepared to get wet! The main star of this show is the California sea lion, which impressed the crowd with clever tricks and playful antics, including a search and rescue segment with a child volunteer. In my opinion, this show was more dynamic and entertaining.
Dedicated wildlife conservation efforts
Last but not least, my absolute favourite part of Singapore Zoo is the clear and dedicated efforts put into wildlife conservation. Mandai Wildlife Reserve ensures that a portion of each entry ticket to any park, like Singapore Zoo, goes towards conservation projects across Singapore and Southeast Asia. In fact, most of your purchases within the parks – from coffee to merchandise – also funnel back into conservation funds. This makes me happy because I can enjoy a fun day out learning about wildlife while making a difference to conservation efforts.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve uses the funds for many purposes. Primarily, conservation helps to support the care of their animals, alongside rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife facing endangerment. They also support research and education for animal welfare, and work on improving environmental sustainability, which eventually impacts the wildlife.
During my visit to Singapore Zoo, I could truly feel the amount of care, thought, and planning that was put into not just the park, but also what goes on behind the scenes for wildlife conservation. In the zoo, the animals look comfortable and well-cared, and there were clear efforts to educate visitors about not just the animals, but also about conservation and environmental sustainability. During the keeper talks, you can also find out more about what goes on behind the scenes, like breeding, how they nurture and enrich the animals, and rehabilitation works.
Comparing Singapore Zoo to the other Mandai parks
Each park offers a distinct experience, so the best choice depends on your interests. But I have also visited Night Safari and River Wonders in the past year, so here is my take:
| Park | Main Theme | What Makes It Unique | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore Zoo | Wide variety of animals | Open concept habitats, multiple themed zones such as Reptopia and Australasia, Kidzworld for children | Families and visitors who want broad variety |
| Night Safari | Nocturnal animals | Nighttime experience focused on animals active after dark | Visitors looking for a unique evening activity |
| River Wonders | River and freshwater animals | River-themed exhibits featuring aquatic and semi-aquatic species | Visitors interested in aquatic wildlife |
Key differences
- Theming: Night Safari and River Wonders have more focused themes. Singapore Zoo offers greater overall variety.
- Animal Variety: All three parks feature different species. It is best to check the park maps in advance if you want to see specific animals.
- Family-Friendliness: Singapore Zoo feels the most family-oriented due to Kidzworld, which includes:
- A large outdoor playground
- A free-range goat enclosure
- An indoor educational space teaching children responsible pet handling
How to get to Singapore Zoo?
The Singapore Zoo is located at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, specifically Mandai Wildlife East, and is easily accessible by bus or car.
How to get to Singapore Zoo with public transport
| Transport Type | Details | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Mandai Khatib Shuttle (Fastest) | From: Khatib MRT (Exit A) | Cost: $2.50 one way, free for children under 7 |
| Payment: Contactless only (EZ-Link, credit card, mobile payment) | ||
| Frequency: Every 15 to 20 minutes (8.30am to 12.00am) | ||
| Public Bus 927 | From: Choa Chu Kang MRT | Direct service to Mandai |
| Public Bus 138 | From: Ang Mo Kio MRT or Springleaf MRT | Direct service to Mandai |
| Driving and Parking | Closest carpark: Carpark 2 (East) | Parking: $5.00 for first hour, $2.50 per additional hour (capped at $20 per day) |
| Taxi and Private Hire | Drop off and pick up: East Wing | Taxi stands located at Mandai Wildlife East (Carpark 2) |
You may check here for updated information about how to get to Singapore Zoo.
My essentials for a day out at Singapore Zoo
Since Singapore Zoo is located outdoors, it’s important to be prepared for hot and humid weather. My number one priority was sun protection, in the form of my trusted and beloved Biore sunscreen. However, the true star of the day was my Jisulife fan, specifically the portable neck cooler, which worked amazingly well to cool me down while being hands-free. Also, don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle, which you can refill within the park. Lastly, before planning your zoo day, remember to check the weather forecast for rain. Thankfully, it didn’t rain when I visited the zoo, but it’s better to be prepared with an umbrella!
Tap into your wild side and visit Singapore Zoo!
Take a trip down nostalgia lane and learn more about wildlife this weekend with a visit to Singapore Zoo! For those curious about the other Mandai parks, check out our review of Rainforest Wild Asia as well! And if you need more inspiration for what to do in Singapore, check out our list of things to do on the weekend or our guide on where to use your Culture Pass!
