Sneak peeks of Rainforest Wild Asia’s one-of-a-kind forest-themed experiences got underway on Wednesday.
Over the next three weeks, a diverse group of visitors – from the Friends of Wildlife community to educators and beneficiary groups – will take to Singapore’s fifth zoological park at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve as part of a preview, in the lead-up to its official public opening on 12 March 2025.
Tickets for the new wildlife park go on sale on Wednesday.
“There are three unique dimensions to Rainforest Wild Asia. First, we are presenting highly immersive flexible habitats featuring key Southeast Asia species. 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,” said Mike Barclay, Group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group.
“Second, we encourage our guests to experience a rainforest up in the tree canopy, down on the forest floor and below the ground through stunningly re-produced cave chambers that have been inspired by the Mulu Caves in Sarawak. And third, we encourage visitors to tailor their own adventurous outing in Rainforest Wild Asia, from guided offerings for adrenaline seekers to exciting forest treks, or the extensive network of universally designed elevated walkways that cater to people with diverse mobility needs.”
“AIA Singapore is delighted to be a part of the exciting opening of Rainforest Wild Asia, through the sponsorship of the AIA Vitality Bounce and the habitat of the two beloved tapirs. This sponsorship exemplifies the AIA One Billion initiative, the company’s ambitious goal to empower one billion people to live healthier, longer, better lives by 2030. In our increasingly digital world, taking time to immerse ourselves in nature is more important than ever. We hope that through this initiative, we provide everyone with a space to disconnect, cultivate deeper relationships with nature and loved ones, and to be inspired to protect our wildlife,” said Wong Sze Keed, Chief Executive Officer, AIA Singapore.
Immerse in walk-through habitats, track wildlife in naturalistic surroundings and have a taste of what it could be like hiking through a Southeast Asian rainforest.
At Rainforest Wild Asia’s multi-layered rainforest experience, guests can choose from paths of varying difficulty, each offering unique perspectives of animal habitats.
Park-goers can opt for easier paths on wide walkways, challenge themselves on forest treks crossing over boulder steps, logs and streams or take a combination of both routes.
Malayan tigers
These paths provide opportunities to spot the elusive Malayan tiger along the way or be at eye-level with species like the Malayan sun bear, albeit at a safe distance away.
Preparations have been underway for the public opening of Rainforest Wild Asia.
The animal care team has been overseeing and directing animal transfers over the past two months, based on a translocation plan which is still in progress.
The task of mapping these details commenced more than 18 months ago to ensure a safe transition for the wildlife and staff involved.
This included identifying potential challenges so that proactive measures are in place as the plan is executed.
Upon arrival at Rainforest Wild Asia, the animals are first released into their off-exhibit dens, where they are closely monitored before being gradually introduced to their designated habitats.
As with any adjustments, time is of the essence and the keepers are now focusing on conditioning training to help them explore and progressively settle into their new surroundings, at their own pace. The entire transition process is thoughtfully structured for the animals’ safety and welfare.
The Rainforest Wild Asia journey is enriched by a series of Ranger Talks, held throughout key zones of the park such as The Karsts, Forest Floor, Watering Hole and more.
These daily sessions offer visitors a deeper understanding of the forest-dwelling fauna that thrive in the diverse layers of the rainforest.
Visitors can plan their experience around these informative sessions or chance upon them during their adventure.
Take exploration to new heights with a range of add-on Adventure Plus and Black Adventure activities operated by Forest Adventure, designed to elevate the thrill of discovering the rainforest park.
Adventure Plus offers
Adventure Plus offers three distinct activities including Canopy Jump, where guests step off a 13- or 20-metre platform for a simulated free fall and Critter Crawl which takes participants through a 60-metre cave tunnel as they crouch, sidestep, and crawl through darkness, dodging hanging stalactites and manoeuvring around rock features.
AIA Vitality Bounce, an open-sky bouncing play area, features three bounce zones at least 3-metres above ground.
For those willing to push beyond their comfort zones, Black Adventure offers two guided, three-hour harness tours that take participants to areas otherwise inaccessible.
On the Wild Apex Adventure, hey explore the Karst and Canopy habitats, safely moving along the via ferrata path, climbing metal rungs, ladders, and suspended bridges up to 20 metres high. With some luck, they may spot the rare Francois’ langurs scaling the vertical rock formation too.
The Wild Cavern Adventure takes participants on a simulated cave expedition, from abseiling in the dark to squeezing through tight spaces, navigating boulder fields, and exploring narrow tunnels.
After learning about fascinating speleothems, the adventure culminates with a photo-worthy moment atop the Oculus, capping off this rock-solid experience.
Refuel and satisfy appetites with the four dining options at Rainforest Wild Asia. Rangers Cafe at The Outpost is the perfect pit stop for a refreshing drink and quick bites before continuing the journey.
Indulge in Southeast Asian flavours at Sentinel Foodhall, set in a captivating forest-themed setting or visit Watering Hole Cafe for family-friendly, all-day dining with views of the Malayan tapir habitat.
Finally, Cavern Restaurant, Singapore’s first and only restaurant in a cave setting, offers a dynamic dining experience. By day, it is a lively hub of gastronomic exploration and by night, it offers the versatility to be transformed into an elegant venue ideal for date nights, social gatherings or corporate events and private events.
The Cavern Restaurant, operated by Tung Lok Group, is open to the public and accessible without entry into Rainforest Wild Asia.
From 12 March onwards, Rainforest Wild Asia will be open daily from 9am to 6pm, with the last admission into the park at 5pm.
The new wildlife park is easily accessible from Mandai Wildlife West,a public space featuring a range of dining options and playgrounds. Ticket sales for Rainforest launch today at http://rainforestwildasia.sg.
Charges
Single-park admission is at the full price of $43 for adults, $31 for children (aged 3 to 12 years old) and $20 for local senior citizens.
To celebrate the upcoming opening,local residents can enjoy a special admission rate of $33 for adults, $21 for children (aged 3 to 12 years old) for Rainforest Wild Asia from 12 February to 31 March 2025.
Sign up for WildPass, a free digital membership, to enjoy benefits from discounts on online admission ticket purchases, retail and F&B outlets or purchase a Friends of Rainforest Wild Asia or Friends of Mandai membership for unlimited annual visits to Rainforest Wild Asia or all of Singapore’s wildlife parks. Annual fees start from S$130.
Rainforest Wild Asia is the first phase of Singapore’s fifth zoological park. The next phase will see the opening of Rainforest Wild Africa, inspired by the diverse landscapes of the Afro-Tropical region and Madagascar.
