Right from the get go the Singapore Zoo made itself known as an industry leader where animals roam free in open, natural landscapes to the delight of visitors and the comfort of the wildlife. Formerly known as the Singapore Zoological Gardens, the grounds are set in the midst of the rainforest on the edge of the Upper Seletar Reservoir.
Among some 3,000 critters that call the zoo home are local interlopers such as the cheeky long-tailed macaques, hanging around with the hopes of scoring a free lunch. Photo opportunities and educational expeditions abound at the Singapore Zoo, where the cage-less surrounds will immerse you in the rainforest with your favourite furry, feathery and scaly friends.
The zoo's exhibits include the rare white tiger, Asian elephants, pygmy hippos, playful otters and one of the largest free-ranging orangutan enclosures in the world. Journey from the heart of wild Africa to the Australian outback, traverse the valleys of Ethiopia to the land of a real life dragon, Komodo, through Singapore Zoo's diverse wildlife zones. Night owls can see the creatures of the dark at the neighbouring Night Safari where nocturnal fishing cats, leopards, rhinos and more come out to play.
The Singapore Zoo is a fantastic place to visit on a family holiday, hosting a range of daily shows and talks which often focus on pertinent ecological issues facing the animal kingdom. Bring home a keepsake snapshot of you with an orangutan, a snake draped around your shoulders or sitting on the back of an elephant.
Rainforest Kidzworld is standout attraction with a water wonderland play area, a heritage home encouraging a curious mind and a farm animal area to keep the little ones' minds captivated.
Tickets are generally SGD$22 for adults and SGD$14 for kids, with park hopper deals to see the zoo, the Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park for a discounted rate. The subway line is not within walking distance of the zoo, but the Yew Tree, Kranji and Marsiling stops are the most accessible if you are coming in by train.
There is a bus stop directly outside the gardens, currently serviced by the 138 and 927 lines. For the ultimate animal encounter, enjoy the most important meal of the day at the Ah Meng Restaurant, dining at the buffet while sociable apes play in the background on the Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife experience.
