A handy Singapore zoo travel guide

The Singapore Zoo is one of the most relaxing places in the glittering Asian city-state. Located on lush, verdant 26 hectares on the Upper Seletar Reservoir, it is a mix between a zoo and botanic oasis. Hailed as one of the world’s most inviting and well-designed animal sanctuaries, Singapore zoo open-air enclosures allow ample space for the animals to roam while providing unobstructed views to the visitors. The zoo prides itself on instilling a sense of respect for nature in its visitors, with the only fly in the ointment being the regularly staged animal shows.

Table of Contents

The amazing exhibits at the Singapore Zoo

Though its elephant shows continue drawing flak from animal activists, Singapore Zoo does a commendable job in fostering educational, conservation and sustainability efforts throughout Southeast Asia. Presently, there are over 2800 residents at the zoo, of which 20% of the species are endangered with the Siberian white tigers, the piranha fish of the Amazon jungle and polar bears to name a few. Its biggest highlight is the Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife, where the morning meal can be enjoyed in the company of these gorgeous orange orangutans. Apart from this experience, which comes at a steep price, various other close encounters with the wildlife can be enjoyed at the Singapore Zoo.

You may also like: Singapore Birds and Flowers

Get up, close, and personal with the wildlife

The best thing about Singapore Zoo is that it has an open exhibit policy, which means there are hidden barriers, moats, and glass between the animals and the visitors. Potentially dangerous animals and ones requiring colder climates are housed in naturally landscaped glass-fronted enclosures. This allows exciting encounters with free-roaming ring-tailed lemurs, lories, and tree-hugging sloths. These and more can be found at the giant Fragile Forest biodome, while at the Great Rift Valley exhibit, red-bummed baboons are notoriously amorous. Kids love to go wild at the Rainforest Kidzworld, where an assortment of slides, swings, ropes, farmyard animals, and wet areas can keep them happily occupied the whole day.

Recommended Read: Singapore Little India

Singapore Zoo tips

It is quite obvious that at Singapore Zoo, there is an enormous amount to take in here. So, plan ahead for an enjoyable experience and here I am sharing some tips to avoid getting overwhelmed on your visit, especially if you are traveling with kids.

Be an early bird

There are two golden tips to remember when visiting the Singapore Zoo. One is to buy the tickets online to avail a 5% discount or clubbed offers which the River, Safari, Night Safari, and Jurong Bird Park. The second handy tip is to visit Singapore Zoo is as soon as it opens. This is most applicable during the weekends when the zoo gets very crowded. The opening hour of the Singapore Zoo is 8.30am and the crowd starts thickening around late morning. So start early, enjoy the cooler weather, and enjoy the majority of the space before the exhibits get crowded.

Suggested Read: Singapore Street Art Guide

Singapore Zoo Animal Feeding Programmes

Singapore Zoo has many feeding times throughout the day and these are accompanied with interesting live commentary on animal fun facts. Visitors can participate in feeding some animals like the elephants, giraffes, goats and white rhino. Schedule your Singapore Zoo timings accordingly especially if you are traveling with kids. Check the official website for the Singapore Zoo feeding times.

The pygmy hippo

Feed yourselves

Singapore Zoo is a very popular attraction, and it gets crowded during the holidays and weekends. Though, the zoo restaurants and kiosks offer pretty decent meals and drinks, pack a picnic hamper to save money and avoid really long queues at the food counters.

Potty Plan for Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo has a limited number of toilets, and these have snaking queues. To avoid meltdowns and discomfort, make sure to potty plan your kids before you start your visit.

Get wet at the Singapore Zoo

I am not a fan of animal shows, so did not spend time watching a single one of them. Moreover, it was hot and humid in the rainforest, which made splashing about at the wet play area in the Rainforest Kidzworld all the more appealing. I found it to be a great way of cooling down after so much walking and, complete with water fountains, water slides, water guns, and the jumbo water bucket, it was a refreshing way to spend half a day. So, the next time you are visiting the Singapore Zoo, get your swimming gear to enjoy this little gem.

Prams, baby cars or tram rides are essential

Singapore Zoo is quite big and exploring it in hot, humid weather can be quite tiring. When coupled with a tired nagging child, who demands to be carried out, the experience can quickly become a pain in the back. So, be prepared and bring your baby car or pram along. This way, you can put your tired child to rest and carry the baby essential bag in the storage area below with ease. If you did not get your own buggy, then Singapore Zoo offers strollers and pull-along wagons for day hire. Alternatively, you can hop onto one of the trams with a hop on-off ticket for just 5 USD/3 USD for adults and kids (3-12 years) respectively.

When visiting Singapore Zoo, be prepared for all weather

It rains a lot in Singapore and the zoo is located right in the middle of a rainforest. The chances of rain, especially unpredictable torrential ones are quite high. So, don’t forget to get your plastic ponchos and umbrellas when visiting the Singapore Zoo. Also pack in sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, plenty of water, and mosquito repellant.

How to get to Singapore Zoo?

Making your way to Singapore Zoo is easy. No matter where you’re starting your journey from, there are several quick and convenient ways to get here. For more information, click here.