Singapore Zoo

 

Singapore Zoo is well-known for creating natural habitats and its “Open Concept” where the animals are allowed to roam freely in their “enclosures”.  You could hardly feel that the animals are enclosed and keep safe away from you as they seems so close and roaming so wildly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They done that with cleverly designed natural barriers (such as rivers and elevated platforms) that do not obstruct your views and able to run freely at the same time keep the danger animals safely away from you.

One of children’s and my favourite is the Fragile Forest.  It illustrate the ability of the Zoo in its uniqueness and capability to recreate the experience of entering a WILD REAL rain forest. You will be able to actually have many close encounter and “close-shave” with many species of animals and insects.

 

 

For example, a few sloths are literally walking in front of me and hanging and moving from branches to branches.   The butterflies are resting at my son’s hand and we see the big fruit bats hanging upside down just within reach of our hands.

The animal feeding time and the animal performance are also something you and your kids should not miss.   When you enter the Zoo, you will be given a copy of the Zoo map including all the feeding times and animal performance time.   Choose any that suit your needs and curiosity.  The friendly and knowledgeable Zoo-keepers will keep you well entertained and educated.

The latest attraction to the Zoo is the Boat Safari ride. There are 2 boat dock and the ride take approximately 20mins.  Tickets can be purchased at the dock.  You will be able to traverse the pristine waters of the Upper Seletar Reservoirs.  The Boat Guides will share information about water and wildlife conseration.  At the same time,look out for monitor lizards, stork-billed kingfishers or the white-bellied Sea Eagle as the boat glides through the water.  Enjoy the serene atmosphere and the cooling breeze.
 
There is a separate zoo for kids and several opportunities for them to get rides on animals as well.  Your kids can get real close to these animals and watch a animal show there too.

 

 
Other highlights included the The Begal White Tigers, Reptile House, Cat Country, Wild Africa, Polar Bear, Elephants and numerous rare animals.

 

 

 

There are food kiosks along the path, restuarants and also KFC and Pizzafari for some munch and resting your tiring feets.  For the family, you could visit the Children Playground to have a KFC lunch and watch your children having a splashing good time at the Water Play area. 

Singapore Zoo had around 315 different animal species and around 16% are threatened species. After visiting it yourselves, you will understand why Singapore Zoo is the top attractions that offers you the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of animal kingdom which is hardly found in other zoo.

Time spent: A day spent here will pass very quickly. At least half a day for those rushing for time.  Read the suggested itinery for Morning and itinery for afternoon visit.

Day to visit: Avoid School Holidays and Public Holidays as these days tend to be packed with school children and visitors.  Check also what is showing and the timing of the show.

 

 

• Get the tram ticket to go around the zoo which save some time and save some energy for your children. Having said that, this place is best traveled by foot if you have time as you get to see more along the way.
  
• Take photos with tame animals (such as Orang Utans and Python) to keep as memory and souvenirs.
• Visit the Children zoo and playground which your kids will love it.
• Be prepared.  Bring umbrella (for rain and sun), insect repellant and camera.
• Rent a scroller and wagons for your little kids at the ticket counter.
  
• For Singaporean and PR, if your family is really keen to come back more than once a year, it is best to sign up the “Friends of the Zoo” membership which allow free entry to the Zoo, Free parking, Free tram rides and other discounts.
• Before leaving, visit the interesting souvenirs shop to get something for your loved ones.