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Vogue Singapore
11-06-2025
- Vogue Singapore
Mandai Rainforest Resort brings the wilderness to your doorstep
It might surprise you to learn that one of Singapore's most hotly anticipated hotel openings of the year is situated far from the ever-growing hospitality enclave of Orchard Road. In fact, it isn't located near the densely populated city centre at all, but thronged in wilderness—in the heart of the sprawling Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Surrounded on all sides by lush nature and the city's zoological parks (Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise and the upcoming Rainforest Wild Asia), a stay at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree is akin to a weekend at Disneyland for animal lovers. Even if surprise animal encounters were not at the top of your list of requirements for a getaway, the resort's staggering biophilic design and luxurious rooms (courtesy of homegrown hospitality group Banyan Tree) will lull you into the sort of tranquility nearly impossible to find anywhere else in the city. Designed by WOW Architects, the private infinity pool is accessible only to guests staying in treehouses. Courtesy of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree The design The 338-room resort offers a variety of room types, with the crown jewels undoubtedly being the aptly-named treehouses. Designed by local company WOW Architects and embedded seamlessly into the surrounding forest scape, these seed pod-shaped treehouses are masterclasses in biophilic design. Natural materials and organic shapes lend to the illusion that they are sprouted from nature itself, while clever architecture allows the suites to 'hang' from the open-air walkways (branches, if you will) that connect them. Of course, biophilic design means nothing if a destination does not actually walk the talk when it comes to sustainability. To that end, Mandai Rainforest Resort takes various measures to ensure minimal disruption to nature and the environment. Wherever possible, the resort is elevated several metres above the ground to allow native wildlife to move across the site. More than half the trees on the site have been retained, while re-greening efforts have been introduced to further enhance biodiversity. The seed pod-shaped treehouses are masterclasses in biophilic design. Courtesy of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree A host of energy saving measures—including the use of natural ventilation, mixed mode air-conditioning and solar panels—are incorporated into the rooms and common spaces, and guests are educated on sustainable best practices and the value they bring to the conservation of biodiversity. In short, the resort's status as the first to achieve Green Mark Super Low Energy (SLE) certification by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore is well-earned. The itinerary It is a testament to the lush comforts of the rooms—in signature Banyan Tree style, they're decked out in quiet but luxurious design, top-of-the-line fixtures and bedding that swathes your body just right—that you might find it slightly challenging to tear yourself away and venture outside. But venture outside you must, particularly when you are enveloped by the wonders of wildlife. (Of course, no one can fault you if you choose to indulge in a pampering massage at the Banyan Tree Spa first, to prime yourself for a full evening of exploration.) In signature Banyan Tree style, the suites are decked out in quiet but luxurious design. Courtesy of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree We recommend spending your first evening at the Night Safari—a leisurely walk from the resort, just like the other zoological parks. If you make it in time for Creatures of the Night at the amphitheatre, you will be rewarded with a live showcase of adorable nocturnal animals each showing off their best tricks—from Indra the porcupine cat-walking across stage to Toffee the raccoon expertly opening boxes and jars on its own. The bathrooms come equipped with a sprawling tub and lush rainshower. Courtesy of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree As with all zoological experiences at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, utmost care is taken to ensure the welfare of the animals—they are never forced to perform or even make an appearance in front of guests if they choose not to. As we witnessed first hand, should an animal not respond to commands or treats from its handler, they are simply allowed to return to their habitats and the show goes on. The delights continue the following morning, at Breakfast in the Wild at the Singapore Zoo, where you come face to face with orangutans over eggs. Up-close yet carefully mediated, it's a thrilling way to kickstart a day of exploration in the parks. When the night ends, there is no place you'll want to return to more than the resort's comfortable rooms—a mere 10 minutes away on foot, as the balmy air cools the sweat off your back. Book a stay at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree.
Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Straits Times
Forum: Ongoing promotions at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
We refer to the letter (Offer discounts for local attractions during school holiday period, June 4). We would like to thank the writer for his feedback and encouraging words about Rainforest Wild Asia. We strive to make experiences at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve accessible and enjoyable for all. Local residents can take advantage of WildPass, a complimentary digital membership that provides access to year-round promotions for our ticketed experiences. In celebration of SG60, we recently launched a series of special offers for WildPass members. These include two-for-$60 tickets to Singapore Zoo and River Wonders (until June 30), three-for-$60 tickets to any wildlife park at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve for youth aged 13 to 21 (until Aug 28), and up to 26 per cent off admission tickets to any wildlife park (until Aug 31). In addition, seniors can enjoy an exclusive promotion – annual access to all five parks under the Friends of Mandai senior membership for just $60. For those who visit regularly, our Friends of Mandai membership continues to offer great value and benefits across our parks, and new sign-ups enjoy 16 per cent off until Aug 31. Together with new wildlife experiences and community activities under the Mandai is Wild About SG initiative, we hope to encourage local residents to rediscover the Mandai Wildlife Reserve with friends and families. Guests can also enjoy ongoing discounts with partner banks and merchants, while tourists may benefit from bundle deals available through the Destination Pass. More information is available on our website. Jean Choi Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Mandai Wildlife Group More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Forum: Offer discounts for local attractions during school holiday period
I just visited Rainforest Wild Asia in Mandai and was impressed by how beautifully designed it is . However, I was surprised and saddened to see how empty it was. Given that school holidays had begun, I expected more families to be enjoying the experience. I wonder if the ticket prices were the main deterrent. With school holidays under way, I would like to suggest that local attractions such as the Singapore Zoo consider offering discounted entry for children and their accompanying parents. Many Singaporean families may not have the means to travel abroad despite our strong currency. Local attractions present a valuable opportunity for these families to bond and create memories with their children within the country . By offering discounts, we can encourage more families to explore and appreciate our local treasures. Let's make local attractions more accessible and enjoyable for families. Larry Lai Chong Tuck More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
AsiaOne
16-05-2025
- General
- AsiaOne
Adventure camps, wildlife interactions: A first look at Mandai's ZooSchool, opening in June, Lifestyle News
Mandai has been going through a transformation of late, with the opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort and Rainforest Wild Asia in the first quarter of 2025. Come June, it will welcome yet another addition: ZooSchool—a new initiative developed in partnership with NTUC First Campus that aims to bring nature into the hearts of children's learning. ZooSchool offers programmes — taking place across the wildlife parks at Mandai Wildlife Reserve — for children from preschool to 12 years of age. Its curriculum, comprising a variety of programmes that vary in length, taps into children's curiosity and sense of adventure through experiential learning and outdoor play. They will be able to learn about animal behaviours and conservation through wildlife encounters, behind-the-scenes experiences and interactions with veterinarians and animal care experts. For example, from July to September, ZooSchool will run its Wild Rescue Rangers Holiday Camps, a three-day camp comprising survival skill lessons, animal interactions and conservation activities. During the media preview on Friday (May 16), ZooSchool welcomed its first group of participants, 32 students aged between five and six. Straight into action The students kicked off their ZooSchool experience by exploring a new purpose-built facility spanning 1,300sq m at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Designed with indoor environments and classrooms inspired by nature, the space is built for its young participant to find out about what's coming up for the day and to share what they experienced after their adventures. There is also a multi-level playground located outdoors. A big part of the ZooSchool programme's focus was on experiential learning, according to the school's centre manager Natalie Teng. On this day, the preschoolers' first mission was a first-aid simulation featuring an "injured" orangutan animal model. The activity wasn't simply a one-way lesson on how one can treat an injured animal but more an "infusion of animal knowledge, conservation and life skills", Natalie said. For example, kids began the activity with a treasure hunt, where they scrambled for materials like bandages and twigs. As they gathered the items, facilitators would then spark conversations, prompting the children to think critically about which items were appropriate for helping the injured animal. While there wasn't an expectation for the kids to master first-aid skills, the goal was to help them understand what they can do when faced with a real-life situation. With the CARE framework—Care, Adventure, Respect and Empathy—woven into the experience, the children were guided on the appropriate actions, such as seeking adult supervision or contacting organisations like NParks and Acres. Meanwhile, at the other end of the classroom, creativity took centre stage as students designed and built "homes" for otter plushies. Working in groups of three to four, each team was assigned a table and guided by facilitators as they constructed cosy habitats for their furry friends. Natalie told AsiaOne that ZooSchool's outdoor curriculum offers preschoolers an immersive learning experience where they can naturally pick up important life skills. She said: "At ZooSchool, children are out in a natural environment. So there's a lot more real-life connection compared to learning from textbooks or watching a YouTube video." The idea, she added, is to give children these meaningful outdoor experiences that they can reflect on and bring back into the classroom, complementing their overall learning journey. "It's education at its best, combining immersive real-life encounters with wildlife and hands-on learning," said Belina Lee, deputy CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group. Who's brave enough? The adventure continued outdoors at the Animal Behaviour and Enrichment Centre, where the children met some new animal friends, Fennec foxes. It was snack time for the foxes, and the preschoolers took part in a special enrichment activity designed to mimic the foxes' natural foraging behaviours. The facilitators provided a box of eggshells for the preschoolers and each of them were encouraged to pick up a mealworm and place it inside an eggshell. Next, they tore up strips of newspaper to fill the boxes, creating a setting where the foxes would have to search for their food, helping to maintain their natural hunting instinct. The June holiday camps are fully booked, though registration is now open to the public for Wild Wonders in June and holiday camps in July, August and September at Additional programmes will be introduced in the coming months. [[nid:714735]] amierul@
Times
03-05-2025
- Times
The stylish new hotel that shows off Singapore's green side
Looking out across deep-green waters, I can see what looks like thick rainforest on the opposite bank. I hear the barks and quack-like sounds of frogs, the high-pitched call of a collared kingfisher and the mellifluous song of an oriental magpie-robin. This sense of unadulterated nature is illusory, though, as I'm in Singapore, the bustling city-state that has one of the highest population densities in the world. When I listen hard, beyond the birdsong there's the undeniable rumble of rush-hour traffic. I'm in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a green area in the north home to zoos, aviaries and adventure parks, and now, surprisingly, a luxury hotel. The Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree opened last month, offering 338 stylish rooms in this tranquil, tropical setting, designed around hundreds of mature trees, including a 12-metre rain tree with a sprawling canopy and a native Indian beech strewn with climbers. Through a lobby left open to the elements are five storeys decorated with specially commissioned wallpaper depicting the rainforest's natural layers: on lower levels the imagery is of the forest floor; higher up it reflects the canopy. The most alluring guest rooms are 24 so-called treehouses, elevated on pillars at either end of the main building. The design is said to have been inspired by seed pods but the oval shape and latticed façades reminded me of birds' nests. It was here on the balcony, whose sweeping architectural lines framed the forested banks of Upper Seletar Reservoir, that I felt most immersed in nature. That a high-end hotel group like the Singapore-owned Banyan Tree brand would open its first hotel on home turf next to a tourist attraction could sound tacky, given that Banyan Tree's usual range is boutique properties in Phuket, Dubai and the Maldives. Here in Singapore, the group has gone big with hundreds of rooms and a bias towards families, providing buffet dining, a kids' club, playground and guided zoo excursions, but no bar or coffee shop. Zoo kitsch has thankfully been avoided, the biophilic design is stylish and there's a refreshing approach to climate care, with air conditioning set so it won't adjust below 24C. Interactive panels show power consumption and offer reminders when usage exceeds recommended levels. On the rooftop is an infinity pool, next to it an edible garden of herbs and spices, while the spa has three treatment pods inspired by the shape of the keratin scales of the Sunda pangolin. Although the design has its own appeal, the reason most will stay here is for easy, walkable access to the zoo's numerous areas, including Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari, Bird Paradise and the recently launched Rainforest Wild Asia (separate entry tickets from £25, bundles available; Splitting up the zoo like this incentivises Singaporeans to come on separate visits, but makes it tricky for tourists on a stopover because more than one park a day can be taxing. They tend to prioritise, seeing the pandas in River Wonders, for example, including three-year-old Le Le, who was born here, or the orangutans in Singapore Zoo. Many come after dark for the Night Safari, which claims to be the world's first zoo showcasing nocturnal animals in action. • Read our full guide to Singapore here Bird Paradise houses 3,500 birds shifted here from an outdated park in the west of the country, with 400 species across the aviaries, one the size of two football pitches. Singapore's zoo, which attracts more than a million people a year, often features at the top of lists of 'ethical zoos' and funds conservation projects and breeding programmes, but I felt a tinge of melancholy to see free birds perched on the outside interacting with birds trapped inside; it won't be for everyone. The hotel comes amid a flurry of new hotels in Singapore, with the biggest news being the opening in March of the resort-style Raffles Sentosa,sister to the brand's flagship heritage hotel downtown (B&B doubles from about £800; The Singapore hotel group COMO — with properties in Bhutan, Bali, Tuscany and Turks and Caicos — has also planted a flag in its home town with COMO Metropolitan Singapore, opened 19 months ago in the thrum of the city, strong on wellness, with a robot barista and sensational digital artwork (B&B doubles from £250; It is near Orchard Road, the main drag, as is the Standard, which opened at the end of last year as an urban bolt hole with terraced gardens for morning yoga. The check-in desk is a terrarium artwork by Erik Tobua, there are oversized outdoor sculptures and an excellent izakaya-style restaurant, Kaya, where the chef Nicholas Cheng focuses on fermented and pickled dishes in glorious surrounds, with fronds of hanging plants trailing from the ceiling (B&B doubles from £230; There is a sense that this city of striking skyscrapers and efficient infrastructure is also embracing itslush and verdant character. Located just sixty miles or so off the equator, Singapore was once, of course, all dense tropical rainforest, home to tigers and leopards. From the 19th century British colonialists felled giant trees for fuel and timber and established rubber plantations in a continued programme of deforestation. But now the wild is being brought back in the spaces between modernity. Highways are increasingly bordered by shrubbery and bougainvillea; many roads are leafy boulevards lined with towering trees with sprouting epiphytes clinging to their trunks, and wedges of urban land have been transformed into bursts of hibiscus and heliconia. • 15 of the best hotels in Singapore Singapore Botanic Gardens is a Unesco world heritage site with 197 acres of tropical landscaping and the world's largest display of orchids. Around dawn, locals congregate to practise the meditative martial art of qigong and a gentle form of swordsmanship with long sticks. It's one of the few places in tech-forward Singapore that still triggers my memories of childhood trips here(entry free; The modern homage to horticulture is Gardens by the Bay, with glassy conservatories showcasing different biomes (entry to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, £18; and futuristic tree-shaped structures collecting solar energy to power a nightly light show on Marina Bay. Wilder nature is less prevalent across the tiny country, although there are still some areas, such as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve in the north, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and MacRitchie Nature Trail & Reservoir Park, all within an hour from the city centre by bus or MRT, the highly efficient underground system. An easy walk around any of these is often rewarded with sightings of long-tailed macaque monkeys, smooth-coated otters and clouded monitor lizards. There's a strong drive in Singapore to integrate nature into the cityscape, to position the country not only as one of the world's most ambitious commercial ports but also one that hasn't forgotten its natural assets, its tropical environs and its place on the planet. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Michelle Jana Chan was a guest of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, which has B&B doubles from £260 ( Fly to Singapore By Chris Fitch Australia's biggest city is all about sun, sea and some of the country's — if not the world's — best beaches. Down at Sydney Harbour there's twice the fish diversity of the entire UK and at Cabbage Tree Bay, a protected reserve, you can snorkel among abundant marine life. Find the Living Seawalls attached to the local ocean pool ( these are dotted around the harbour, providing habitats for tiny ocean critters. Head upstream to the Parramatta River and official swimming spots that opened a decade ago after a major clean-up. If you spot seals lounging on the steps behind Sydney Opera House, send a photo to Wild Sydney Harbour to help their citizen science ( At Bondi beach, swim among stingrays and humpback whales, as documented by Drone Shark App (@dronesharkapp). Gaudí's masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, contains columns sculpted like trees and doorframes with leaf motifs (£22; but for real nature in Catalonia's buzzing capital, walk 15 minutes east to Parc de les Glories. Once a raised highway, it has been converted into a public park with a lawn, playground, biodiversity corner and newly opened tree gardens. Montjuic, to the south of the city centre, is a raised coastal headland with a diverse landscape of wild forest and pristine ornamental gardens, with walking trails and beautiful views of the city. Stroll down to the coast for Barcelona's famous beaches, artificially created specifically for the 1992 Olympic Games. More than 500 marine species live in these waters, especially around the Forum bathing area. The Meiji Jingu forest, just south of the trendy Shinjuku district, was planted a century ago to honour the passing of the reformist Emperor Meiji, with 100,000 trees transported from across Japan. It is now a huge self-sustaining forest, with a vast canopy of mature native trees, best accessed from Harajuku Station. Many of Tokyo's native trees have been preserved inside centuries-old ancient shrines, such as Nezu, also home to a popular multicoloured azalea garden. Shinjuku Gyoen, a short walk northeast, contains a diverse range of vegetation densely packed together, from the ecological 'forest of life' to a traditional Japanese ornamental garden. This park becomes full of crowds every time the springtime hanami cherry blossom viewing season rolls around. In the south of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi National Park is the world's foremost urban wildlife reserve, with giraffes, zebras, hippos, lions and rhinos (£60; Drive around independently, jump on a tour, or team up with Friends of Nairobi National Park ( and volunteer on a bimonthly biodiversity drive. The park also has a raised safari walk and animal orphanage to visit on foot. Kenya's charismatic animals can also be seen at the nearby Giraffe Centre (£2; and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage (£15; To the north, Karura Forest Reserve is a historic site where the Nobel peace prizewinner Wangari Maathai led her campaign for the protection and reforestation of land, and for the rights of the Kenyan people ( Chris Fitch's Wild Cities: Discovering New Ways of Living in the Modern Urban Jungle is out now (William Collins £22)
