singapore rainforest wildlife

What to expect in Asia’s first wildlife park when it opens in Singapore

10 adventure-packed nature zones await thrill seekers at the zoological park in 2025.

There are so many attractions to see in sunny, tropical Singapore, and if you feel like you’ve seen them all, think again. In 2025, Singapore is launching Asia’s first experiential zoological park, which offers adventure seekers an immersive experience of the wild and the wonders of an Asian rainforest.

Called Rainforest Wild Asia, the upcoming nature park is built to give you the thrilling experience of trekking through a rainforest in a variety of paths above and under the ground across the 13-hectare property. Its variety of animal species and refreshing greeneries will make you want to visit Singapore first next year.

It is set to open in March 2025 and is being developed by the Mandai Wildlife Group as part of the nature and wildlife attractions found at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Mandai, Singapore. It joins tourist destinations like the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and more that aim to give guests “the chance to witness how different animals thrive in distinct rainforest settings,” as well as “create strong feelings of connection to nature and a renewed determination to cherish and protect our planet,” said Mike Barclay, Group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group.

At the Rainforest Wild Asia, guests can take part in various activities of different levels, from “sedate universally designed walkways” to “high adrenaline scrambling paths and guided climbing adventure.” 

Rainforest Wild Asia will feature 10 zones for adventurers of any level. Photos from Mandai Wildlife Group

“They can experience its diverse layers, from the verdant tree canopies to an exciting subterranean labyrinth of walk-through cave chambers,” Barclay continued. “The park is designed to allow iconic animal species from the region, including tigers, sun bears, tapirs, and gregarious langurs, to roam through extensive habitats.”

These habitats, according to the organization, are designed to encourage the natural behavior of animals as visitors observe them at the park. And when you’re there, expect to see 29 animal species at the most, including new-to-Singapore animals like the threatened François’ langur and the Philippine spotted deer. 

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Around 7,000 Southeast Asian trees and shrubs were planted to recreate the rainforest setting in 10 of the park’s zones. A highlight in these zones is The Karsts, which is one of the park’s most scenic backdrops with its jagged limestone formations peeking through the canopy. Aside from the towering formations, guests can enjoy views of François langurs swinging, leaping, and resting in the environment. For a thrilling experience, you can join the guided tour that will allow you to maneuver across the sheer cliffs through a ferrata path.

The Karsts will showcase expertly designed rock formations where species like the François langurs can be found.

Another adventure awaits you at the zone called Rock Cascade, which you can access by ducking below fallen trees or climbing over logs at the Forest Floor. The Rock Cascade is where you can marvel at Malayan tigers as they navigate waterfalls, streams, rocky outcrops, and clusters of trees. Meanwhile, the Canopy lets you further enjoy watching other wildlife animals from treetops and having a chance encounter with a Javan langur and red-shanked douc langur.

The Forest Floor is where you can channel your inner forest ranger.

Love tigers? Marvel at these majestic cats at the Rock Cascade where they are in their natural state.

Rainforest Wild will also open the Watering Hole where you can learn more about the Asiatic wild dogs called “dholes.”

A tour at The Cavern chambers will make for a memorable finale, as the zone is a recreation of the world famous Mulu Caves in Sarawak, which is one of the largest and most intricate cave systems in Southeast Asia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in collaboration with Sarawak Forestry Department, The Cavern will give you your own experience of the ancient cave chambers which are said to have been formed for millions of years. This includes the oculus, where guests can look up to see the sky through an opening in the rock above.

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The Cavern will give you dramatic views of the sky through a hole inside a chamber.

Want a rush of adrenaline to add to your rainforest escapade? You can avail of an add-on activity dubbed Canopy Jump that will let you experience a free fall from 20 meters high and take in the stunning rainforest vistas before landing safely on the forest floor.

If you’re planning to visit the Rainforest Wild next March or any date after, Mandai Wildlife Group suggests that you wear comfortable trekking shoes plus “bring a sense of adventure for the rainforest explorations. The park ensures that everyone, even families with strollers or wheelchairs, can easily stroll around the property through its elevated walkways with sheltered rest stops.

In addition to the Canopy Jump, thrill seekers can purchase harnessed activities and guided tours that will allow you to traverse rock faces and hurdle through challenging caving adventures throughout the property.

Rainforest Wild is one of the several attractions launching in Singapore in 2025 alongside Minion Land and Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios, as well as the Disney Cruise Line, which will set sail in Marina Bay Cruise Center in December that year.

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Associate Editor

The new lifestyle.