Journey Through Rainforest Wild Asia: Mandai's Newest Attraction

Photo Credits: https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/

A New Dimension in Wildlife Exploration

Singapore’s highly anticipated fifth wildlife park, Rainforest Wild Asia, is set to open its doors to the public on March 12, 2025, just two days from now. Located in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, this 13-hectare adventure-based zoological park promises an immersive journey through the diverse ecosystems of Southeast Asian rainforests. Unlike traditional zoos, Rainforest Wild Asia offers visitors the freedom to choose their own adventure, with multiple exploration routes catering to different comfort and thrill levels.

The park represents a significant milestone for Singapore’s wildlife conservation efforts, featuring flexible animal habitats that prioritise natural behaviours and welfare. With over 7,000 Southeast Asian trees planted throughout the park, visitors can expect an authentic rainforest experience while encountering some of the region’s most fascinating wildlife species.

Eight Immersive Zones to Explore

Rainforest Wild Asia features eight meticulously designed themed zones, each offering unique perspectives on tropical wildlife and ecosystems. From underground caverns to towering canopies, the park invites visitors to experience the rainforest from every angle.

The Karsts

Inspired by the dramatic limestone formations found throughout Southeast Asia, The Karsts zone allows visitors to scale jagged cliffs and observe François’ langurs swinging through the trees. These endangered primates, native to China and northern Vietnam, are making their Singapore debut at Rainforest Wild Asia.

Rock Cascade

One of the park’s most spectacular zones features Malayan tigers navigating waterfalls and rocky outcrops. Visitors can cross a root bridge for an up-close view of these magnificent but critically endangered big cats, with fewer than a few hundred remaining in the wild.

The Canopy

The elevated Great Canopy Walk allows visitors to wander through the treetops, coming face-to-face with free-roaming Javan langurs. From this vantage point, guests might also spot Philippine spotted deer grazing below—another species making its first appearance in Singapore.

The Cavern

Perhaps the most unique feature of Rainforest Wild Asia is its 220-metre-long cavern, meticulously modelled after Malaysia’s UNESCO-listed Mulu Caves. Through a collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Department, designers scanned the actual cave system to recreate authentic rock formations. This subterranean labyrinth features glass-floor tunnels and exhibits showcasing cave-dwelling creatures like racer snakes and giant scorpions. The Oculus, an opening in the rock ceiling that reveals the sky above, provides a perfect photo opportunity.

Additional Zones

The park also includes areas dedicated to riverine ecosystems, featuring otters and freshwater fish, as well as several Rainforest Discovery Trails where visitors can spot exotic birds, reptiles, and insects in a more relaxed setting.

Wildlife Conservation in Focus

Rainforest Wild Asia is home to 36 different animal species, including 29 threatened species from Southeast Asia. Beyond the François’ langur and Philippine spotted deer (of which only 700 mature individuals remain in the wild), visitors might encounter Malayan sun bears, Axis deer, dholes (Asiatic wild dogs), and the elusive Malayan tiger.

Mike Barclay, CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group, emphasises the conservation mission behind the park: “We live in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, but many of the region’s species are under threat due to the loss of wild habitats and the negative impact of pollution. With the belief that you can’t protect what you don’t know, we want to raise awareness about the region’s incredible wildlife species by shining a spotlight on them in this park.”

Adventure Activities for Thrill-Seekers

For visitors seeking an adrenaline rush, Rainforest Wild Asia offers several premium Adventure Plus experiences:

Canopy Jump: Experience a simulated free fall from platforms as high as 20 metres
Critter Crawl: Navigate through a 60-metre dark tunnel, dodging stalactites and rocky outcrops
Wild Apex Adventure: A guided harness tour through the Karst and Canopy habitats, featuring suspended bridges, ladders, and via ferrata climbs up to 20 metres high
Wild Cavern Adventure: A simulated cave exploration complete with abseiling, tight squeezes, and boulder fields
AIA Vitality Bounce: A nature-immersive, high-element net playground suitable for visitors of all ages

Flexible Exploration Routes

A distinctive feature of Rainforest Wild Asia is its variety of exploration routes, allowing visitors to tailor their experience based on their adventure preferences:

Elevated Walkways: For those preferring a more leisurely experience, elevated paths provide excellent vantage points for wildlife spotting
Rugged Routes: More adventurous visitors can trek through the forest floor, cross rivers, and navigate streams via logs and boulders

The park’s flexible animal habitats are significantly larger than traditional zoo enclosures, giving animals more freedom to roam. This naturalistic approach means wildlife encounters are spontaneous and authentic, though it also means sightings of certain species cannot be guaranteed on every visit.

Dining in the Rainforest

After exploring the park, visitors can recharge at four distinctive dining venues:

Rangers Cafe: A quick-stop for refreshments before heading into the wild
Sentinel Foodhall: A Southeast Asian-inspired eatery with a forest-themed setting
Watering Hole Cafe: A family-friendly option offering scenic views of the Malayan tapir habitat
Cavern Restaurant: Singapore’s first cave-themed dining experience, offering a unique atmosphere by day and transforming into an elegant venue by night

Practical Information

Rainforest Wild Asia will be open daily from 9am to 6pm, with last admission at 5pm. Ticket prices start from S$20 for senior citizens (aged 60 and above), S$31 for children (aged three to 12), and S$43 for adults. Singapore residents can enjoy special opening prices until March 31.

The park represents the first phase of the larger Rainforest Wild project, with an Africa experience based on the diverse landscapes of the Afrotropical region and Madagascar planned for a future phase.

Planning Your Visit

For those planning to visit Rainforest Wild Asia, here are some helpful tips:

Wear appropriate footwear: Covered shoes are recommended for exploring the park and are mandatory for adventure activities
Stay hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle as stations are available throughout the park
Allow sufficient time: With eight zones to explore and numerous wildlife species to discover, plan for at least half a day to fully experience the park
Be patient: Since wildlife sightings are spontaneous, take your time and keep your eyes peeled for movement in the habitats
Check the schedule: Daily ranger talks provide guaranteed wildlife sightings and educational insights

As Rainforest Wild Asia prepares to welcome its first visitors, it stands as a testament to Singapore’s commitment to wildlife conservation and education. By immersing guests in authentic rainforest environments and facilitating meaningful encounters with Southeast Asian wildlife, the park aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for the region’s biodiversity and the importance of protecting these precious ecosystems for future generations.