Meet Singapore’s new wildlife park, Rainforest Wild Asia

Photos by Mandai Wildlife Group

The first phase of Singapore’s fifth zoological park will be launched in March 2025 at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Accessible from Mandai Wildlife West, Rainforest Wild Asia will offer a completely different set of experiences. Inspired by rainforest treks, guests are invited to embark on journeys of discovery tailored to their thirst for adventure. This globally unique experience offers a variety of trails to explore, allowing adventurers to search for wildlife and marvel at the wonders of a rainforest both above and below ground.

“Our newest park celebrates our region’s rainforests, which are home to a wide range of natural wonders,” said Mike Barclay, Group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group. “Rainforest Wild Asia allows guests to choose their adventure level as they explore an immersive rainforest environment, whether it be tranquil, universally designed walkways or high-adrenaline scrambles and guided climbing adventures. They can experience its different layers, from the green treetops to an exciting underground labyrinth of walk-through cave chambers. The park is designed to allow the region’s iconic species, including tigers, sun bears, tapirs and gregarious langurs, to roam through vast habitats. This immersive design gives our guests the opportunity to see how different animals thrive in different rainforest environments. Most importantly, we hope to create a strong sense of connection with nature and a renewed determination to cherish and protect our planet.”

Although designed with elements that will appeal to adventurers, the 13-hectare Rainforest Wild Asia welcomes everyone – from multi-generational families to energetic explorers. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring a sense of adventure with them as they explore the rainforest. Wide elevated walkways with sheltered rest areas ensure accessibility for all, including families with strollers and wheelchair users, and provide opportunities for easy walks to view diverse rainforest landscapes and wildlife. For a more rugged experience, guests can venture along forest trails littered with fallen logs, boulders, streams and bridges. Those looking for adrenaline-pumping experiences can purchase extended experiences and tours that include high-level features including rock walls, free-fall jumps and challenging caving adventures. Rainforest Wild Asia invites guests to embark on a new adventure with every visit, ensuring that every journey through the park is a unique and unforgettable exploration of nature’s wonders.

Flexible habitats will be introduced for the first time at Rainforest Wild Asia. Different animals, such as red dholes and babirusas, will be seen at different times of the day. These dynamic habitats provide a stimulating environment for the animals, encouraging natural behavior and allowing visitors to observe this behavior, creating meaningful educational experiences. Rainforest Wild Asia will be home to 29 iconic species, including species new to Singapore such as the endangered François langur and the Philippine spotted deer. In recreating the rainforest environment, nearly 7,000 Southeast Asian trees and shrubs have been planted to complement the existing protected areas of rainforest.

A compelling journey to the rainforests of Southeast Asia

In 10 different zones, guests navigate a multi-layered rainforest adventure, where animal encounters result in delightful surprises. By tuning into nature’s subtle cues, visitors learn to look for wildlife hidden among the trees and foliage. Will be a highlight The Karstwhere jagged limestone formations peek through the canopy, creating one of the park’s most beautiful backdrops. Here, guests can enjoy views of primates swinging, jumping and traveling through the environment. Those with a thirst for adventure can maneuver the steep cliffs along a ferrata trail accompanied by a guided tour.

Guests will have to duck under fallen trees or climb over logs as they descend to the Forest floor before continuing on their way the Rock cascadehome to the charismatic Malayan tiger. Guests can watch the majestic cats show off their strength and agility as they navigate waterfalls, streams, rock outcrops and tree clusters. The Canopy gives visitors a glimpse into life in the treetops and encounters with species such as the Javan langur and the red-shafted douclangur.

Visits conclude with an awe-inspiring journey through it The Cave rooms inspired by the world-famous Mulu Caves in Sarawak, one of the largest and most intricate cave systems in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through a collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Department, the design team scanned the rock features of the Mulu Caves and faithfully reconstructed the ancient rock formations that took millions of years to form. Visitors can choose to travel along safe and engaging underground walkways or take more adventurous side trails to look for cave species including racing snakes and giant black scorpions.

The next phase will see the opening of Rainforest Wild Africa, inspired by the diverse landscapes of the Afro-tropical region and Madagascar. With a diverse offering and new experiences on the horizon, Mandai Wildlife Reserve aims to become a leading wildlife and wildlife destination that touches the hearts and minds of all our visitors.