3.3km boardwalk at Mandai Wildlife Reserve opens to public, visitors can catch glimpses of animals inside S'pore Zoo

A new 3.3km boardwalk has opened at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve on Jan. 14, 2025.

Mandai Boardwalk is located outside the ticketed wildlife parks and goes around the perimeter of River Wonders and Singapore Zoo, offering views of the Upper Seletar Reservoir and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

Members of the public can also catch a glimpse of some animals being cared for inside the Singapore Zoo, such as the Rothschild's giraffes, according to a Mandai Wildlife Group press release.

What's more, entry to the boardwalk is free.

Its walkways are also designed to be wheelchair-friendly to accommodate guests of all abilities and ages.

Five thematic stations

The boardwalk will have five thematic stations — inspired by wildlife inhabiting forest and water ecosystems — and a lookout point along the route.

These stations include the Tree Frog's Hangout, named after the native four-lined tree frog, the Damselfly's Wing rest station, and the Iora's Nest.

The boardwalk is designed to be elevated from the reservoir's banks, so as not to disturb native animals below.

The water-edge vegetation was also enhanced to attract biodiversity such as birds, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies.

Steps were taken to build around mature trees on site, and low-impact construction techniques were used to reduce heavy equipment needed.

"Mandai Boardwalk users can look forward to unique views across the beautiful Upper Seletar Reservoir, while spotting exciting native species like the straw-headed bulbul and flocks of long-tailed parakeets,” said Group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group, Mike Barclay.

How to access Mandai Boardwalk

The boardwalk is free to enter daily from 7am to 7pm. The last entry to the boardwalk is at 6pm.

This is to ensure visitor safety, and for consideration of the nocturnal animals in the area.

Visitors can access the Mandai Boardwalk from two entrances.

One is located near the entrance of River Wonders, and the second from Mandai Wildlife East.

Mandai Wildlife East is open to public, and will serve as a new gateway to Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and the upcoming Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree.

There will also be playgrounds and more dining options at Mandai Wildlife East soon.

Mandai Rainforest Resort set to open

In May 2024, it was announced that the Mandai Rainforest Resort would open in the first half of 2025.

It will be situated in the eastern part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, overlooking the Upper Seletar Reservoir.

Sitting on a 4.6ha site, the 338-room and four-storey resort, with both standard and family rooms, is replete with a gym, a rooftop swimming pool, ballroom and meeting rooms, and spa experiences.

The resort is also integrated with its natural surroundings.

The resort will also feature 24 elevated seed pod-shaped treehouses with views of the verdant canopy in the reserve and the reservoir.

Top photos via Mandai Wildlife Group