Rainforest Wild Asia, the first phase of Singapore’s new wildlife park, has opened to the public at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
The new park immerses guests in a 13-hectare Asian rainforest where they can choose their level of adventure and explore various paths, seeking out wildlife across 10 zones, from tree canopies to a subterranean labyrinth of cave chambers.
Mike Barclay, group CEO at Mandai Wildlife Group, said the park “captures the essence of a rainforest adventure, inviting you to fully engage with nature and discover wildlife in unexpected corners”.
He added, “The multi-layered experience encourages park-goers to explore a Southeast Asian rainforest up in the tree canopy, on the forest floor and below the ground in a network of cave chambers.”
As well as opening, Rainforest Wild Asia is celebrating its first animal birth, a Philippine spotted deer, found in the wild on the Visayan Islands.
The species is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Rainforest Wild Asia features flexible habitats for key Southeast Asia species, including the threatened François’ langur.
13-hectare Asian rainforest experience
Guests can experience the park from the tree canopies, on the forest floor, and below the ground in reproduced cave chambers. These are inspired by the Sarawak Chamber in Malaysia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Experiences include a canopy jump where guests can step off a platform for a simulated free fall, and an open-sky bouncing play area.
Another attraction lets visitors climb across animal habitats along the via ferrata on metal rungs, ladders and suspended bridges.
Also, guests can take part in a simulated cave expedition, from abseiling in the dark to squeezing through tight spaces.
Barclay said: “The opening of Rainforest Wild Asia marks an exciting milestone in the wider transformation of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve to become a world-leading nature and wildlife destination.
“We look forward to welcoming about 900,000 guests during the first year of operations.”
The next phase of Rainforest Wild is the Africa section of the park, which is based on the diverse landscapes of the Afrotropical region and Madagascar.
Until now, Mandai Wildlife Reserve offered four wildlife parks – the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders and Bird Paradise.
Also coming to the destination this year is a new eco-friendly hotel called Mandai Rainforest Resort.
Images courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group
