If you’ve ever strolled through a zoo and wanted more – more immersion, more fun activities to do and more food options – your wish has been granted! Rainforest Wild Asia opens on 12 March 2025 at Mandai Wildlife Reserve! This is Singapore’s fifth zoological park, but unlike anything you’ve seen before. No neat little enclosures, no predictable animal sightings – just you, the rainforest, and the promise of an incredible day out!
Here, you’ll trek through forest tracks, balance over log walks, and hear the sound of rushing water all around you. Animal sightings? Pure luck – just like in the wild! You might catch a Philippines-spotted deer scurrying about, or you could get into a staring contest with one of the three majestic Malayan Tigers in residence. It’s all part of the magic!
Choose Your Own Adventure
There’s a trail and habitat for every wildlife taste in the book! Prefer a leisurely boardwalk stroll with calming mountain vibes? You can get that at The Karsts, where you can take in the magnificent cliffs, populated by François’ langurs watching you as much as you’re watching them.
Want to scramble over boulders, logs, and streams like you’re in a National Geographic documentary? Then the Forest Floor is just for you, offering a nearly true-to-life experience of wandering the undergrowth of a dense rainforest.
The park’s multi-layered layout lets you pick between elevated walkways for easy wandering or forest treks that get you up close and personal with the terrain.
For those avid animal watchers, the Rock Cascade in our experience, offered the most opportunity to catch a glimpse of nature’s finest in action. We got to see Rainforest Wild’s three Malayan Tigers lounging in the morning sun in full view of park visitors, as well as a trio of red dhole frolicking in the brush!
Lastly, a trail that stood out to me was the Canopy, as I was able to see not one, but two species of monkeys – Javan langurs and Siamangs! Watching them deftly navigate the twisted paths in the forest canopy was a sight to behold – they were as at home in the trees as a fish in water!
Adventure Attractions!
If you think a casual forest trek is child’s play and prefer your nature experiences with a side of adrenaline, then Wild Apex Adventure is calling your name. These three-hour, harness-required, expert-guided tours take you into the most extreme corners of Rainforest Wild Asia, where the terrain is rough, the heights are real, and your comfort zone is left far, far behind.
They’re all about scaling the heights of the Karst and Canopy habitats, where you’ll climb metal rungs, cross suspended bridges, and navigate via ferrata path up to 20 metres high. If luck is on your side, you might even spot a François’ langur effortlessly scaling the cliffs like it’s in an action movie!
If heights aren’t thrilling enough, The Wild Cavern Adventure dares you to plunge into the depths of a simulated cave expedition. This isn’t a leisurely walk through some well-lit tunnel—this is abseiling in the dark, squeezing through narrow rock formations, and navigating boulder fields like a true cave explorer.
Along the way, you’ll learn about ancient speleothems (rock formations that took thousands of years to form) before emerging at the Oculus – a must-see spot for taking Instagram pictures! Whether you’re scaling cliffs or crawling through caves, these experiences are a true initiation into the wildest side of the park.
As for individual activities, one of the highlights would be the Canopy Jump – which is exactly what it sounds like – stepping off a 20m platform for a simulated free fall. That moment of stomach-turning weightlessness makes for an exciting joly, and it gives you just enough time to gather yourself as you’re slowly lowered to the ground. However, do be prepared for a long wait in the queue to get your slice of thrill, as waited here for upwards of 45 minutes!
Then there’s Critter Crawl, part of the Wild Cavern Adventure, a 60m cave tunnel experience where you crouch, sidestep, and crawl through the dark, dodging stalactites and rock formations. Most terrifyingly of all (to me, at least), you’ll encounter boxfuls of huge Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches!
Fortunately, they’re confined to an enclosure within the floor, but someone who wants to be more up-close-and-personal could find themselves wishing for something a little more intense. Something like simulated cockroach scuttling sounds or little blasts of air that feel like roach legs across your neck could really add to the fun and terror!
For something less adrenaline-heavy but just as fun, AIA Vitality Bounce is a massive, open-sky bouncing playground three metres above the ground. Think of it as trampoline fun meets rainforest immersion, and, yes, it’s totally acceptable for adults to bounce around like kids.
Beyond the Adventure: Ranger Talks & Wildlife Conservation
Rainforest Wild Asia isn’t just about thrills and scenic walks – it’s also a learning experience. Daily Ranger Talks across key zones like The Karsts, Forest Floor, and Watering Hole give visitors insights into the region’s biodiversity. You’ll hear about the Malayan tapir, the elusive tigers, and the conservation efforts that keep these species thriving.
Wild Eats
All that trekking, tiger-spotting, and adrenaline-pumping adventure is bound to work up an appetite – and Rainforest Wild Asia has you covered with four dining spots that are just as immersive as the park itself. Rangers Café at The Outpost is your go-to for a quick caffeine fix and light bites, perfect for recharging before tackling the next forest trail.
If you’re craving something a little heavier, Sentinel Foodhall delivers classic Southeast Asian flavours in a lush, forest-themed setting – it’ll definitely be one of the more unique meals you’ll ever have. No one expects to enjoy a hearty meal surrounded by an actual jungle!
Meanwhile, Watering Hole Café is the ultimate family-friendly spot, serving up all-day dining with a side of Malayan tapir views – because who needs to bring a date when you can get lunch with one of the cutest animals in the world? (In my opinion, of course).
But the real showstopper here is Cavern Restaurant – Singapore’s first and only cave dining experience. By day, it’s a bustling hub of gastronomic exploration, but by night, it transforms into a sleek, moody venue perfect for date nights, social gatherings, or even corporate events.
Operated by Tung Lok Group, Cavern Restaurant is not only open to park-goers but also accessible to the public without an entry ticket – so even if you’re not up for a full rainforest adventure, you can still indulge in a meal worthy of an explorer, minus the muddy shoes.
Final Thoughts: Get Ready to Get Wild!
A trip to Rainforest Wild Asia definitely won’t be your standard zoo visit. It’s unpredictable, immersive, and just the right amount of messy.
Whether you’re here for the serene boardwalk experience, the muddy forest treks, or the heart-racing free falls, this is nature on its own terms – and you’re just a guest. So lace up your hiking shoes, charge your camera, and prepare for an adventure where the only guarantee is that nature always has the last word.
🗓️Date: Opens 12 March 2025
📍Location: 20 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729825
💲Price: Ticket prices vary
⏰Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Last admission at 5pm)
If you’re already raring to visit, you can find out more and book your tickets at their website here! For the latest updates on what’s happening at Rainforest Wild Asia, be sure to follow them on their socials on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook!
Photos by Leo Chia of the DANAMIC Team. Additional visuals courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group.
