Top Places to Visit Near Singapore Zoo

Step into Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park, where exhibits are designed around famous rivers such as the Amazon, Ganges, and Mekong. The highlight is the Amazon River Quest boat ride, which offers close-up views of manatees, giant river otters, and capybaras. Visitors typically spend two to three hours exploring, making it an excellent addition to a zoo day. Tickets are required, but combo passes with the zoo are available for convenience and savings. With its location right beside the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders is one of the most rewarding places to visit near Singapore Zoo.

As the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, the Night Safari offers a captivating after-dark experience where over 900 animals reveal their nighttime behaviours. The guided tram ride is a highlight, giving visitors a seamless journey through different habitats ranging from the Himalayan foothills to the Southeast Asian rainforest. The park opens at 7:15 PM, making it an ideal follow-up to a day at the zoo. Tickets are separate, although Mandai Combo passes provide excellent value. For added entertainment, the popular Creatures of the Night show combines education with lively animal demonstrations, creating a memorable conclusion to your evening.

Singapore’s newest bird park, Bird Paradise, immerses visitors in massive free-flight aviaries modelled on diverse ecosystems such as African savannas and South American wetlands. Guests can enjoy interactive feeding sessions, scenic walking trails, and dynamic bird presentations showcasing the incredible skills of macaws and raptors. To make the most of the experience, plan at least three to four hours for your visit. Tickets must be purchased separately, and booking ahead is recommended due to high demand. Located in Mandai alongside the zoo, Bird Paradise makes for an inspiring extension of a wildlife-themed day.

Covering more than 80 hectares, Chestnut Nature Park is Singapore’s largest nature park and a haven for hikers, joggers, and mountain bikers. Its northern and southern trails meander through secondary forests, where visitors may encounter monitor lizards, squirrels, and long-tailed macaques in their natural environment. Entry is free, and the park is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM. Depending on your pace, a visit can take two hours or more, especially if you explore the cycling trails. For those seeking a refreshing outdoor break before or after the zoo, Chestnut Nature Park offers a quiet, scenic escape.

Singapore’s oldest reservoir offers both tranquillity and adventure, with activities ranging from kayaking to forest hikes along well-marked trails. A major draw is the TreeTop Walk, a 250-metre suspension bridge offering breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest canopy. Most visitors spend three to four hours here, either enjoying a leisurely nature walk or tackling the longer 11-kilometre trail loop. Entry is free, and the reservoir is just a short drive from Mandai, making it an appealing half-day addition to your itinerary. For those combining outdoor exploration with a zoo visit, MacRitchie provides the perfect balance of calm and activity.

As Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Botanic Gardens is a living museum of plant life set within 82 hectares of landscaped beauty. Key attractions include the Symphony Lake, where free weekend concerts are often held, and the Rainforest Trail, which preserves a small pocket of Singapore’s original tropical forest. The gardens open daily from 5 AM until midnight, allowing flexible planning around other attractions. Entry is free, and visitors typically spend two to three hours here. Located about 25 minutes from Mandai, the Botanic Gardens combine culture, history, and nature in one enriching experience.

Nestled within the Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden is home to more than 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids arranged across themed sections. Visitors can admire the VIP Orchid Garden, where orchids named after world leaders and celebrities are on display. Entry requires a modest fee, and the garden is open daily from 8:30 AM to 7 PM, with last admission at 6 PM. A visit typically takes one to two hours, making it an ideal extension when you are already exploring the Botanic Gardens. Its carefully designed landscapes provide a vibrant showcase of Singapore’s national flower.

Home to Singapore’s highest natural peak, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve offers an invigorating climb through one of the country’s last remaining primary rainforests. The reserve features well-marked trails of varying difficulty, suitable for both casual walkers and experienced hikers. Along the way, you may spot native wildlife such as flying lemurs, pangolins, and a wide variety of birds. Open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM, the reserve is free to enter and requires about two to three hours to explore fully. Located around 20 minutes from Mandai, it is an excellent choice for those seeking adventure beyond the zoo.