Hang out with orang-utans and ride on the back of an elephant at this award-winning zoo.
Attracting some 1.6 million visitors each year, Singapore Zoo is home to over 2,800 animals from over 300 species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Set in a rainforest environment, the highlights include the world’s first free-ranging orang-utan habitat in a zoo and the unmissable outdoor feast that is Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife, where visitors get up close and personal with elephants, orang-utans and snakes.
The zoo occupies 69 acres and opened in 1973. As you wander round the zoo, enjoy the stunning gardens which feature orchids, ginger and heliconia plants which all flower spectacularly. The zoo is operated by Wildlife Reserves Singapore, the same body that runs the Night Safari next door and the Jurong Bird Park. It's possible to buy passes to all three attractions, saving some money along the way.
If you arrive at the zoo early, don't miss the award-winning Jungle Breakfast with wildlife which takes place from 9 -10.30 am daily. For an extra fee, you can breakfast with not one but an entire family of orang-utans and their keepers who tell you all about their charges.
Singapore Zoo prides itself on its interactivity, so visitors have the chance to ride on the back of an elephant in the rainforest zone or feed kangaroos by hand in the Australian Outback exhibit. There are four distinct shows that take place throughout the day – one highlight is the Rainforest Fights Back show which shows off the natural talents of 15 species of mammals and birds.
Children have their own special zone here, and at Kidzworld, younger members of the family can meet and learn about the animals from the specially trained staff.
It takes around 30 minutes to get to the zoo from downtown Singapore by car, and parking is available. Visitors wishing to come by public transport should take the North-South MRT line, which has a connecting bus to the zoo. The Singapore Zoo is open every day and charges a small admission fee.
