Good News for All Tourists Travelling to Singapore as this Country and City State Gets New Wildlife Park

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Set to launch in March 2025, the Rainforest Wild Asia at Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve introduces a unique, multi-sensory rainforest adventure aimed at connecting visitors with Southeast Asia’s rich natural ecosystems. Positioned as the fifth park in Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Rainforest Wild Asia will invite guests into an immersive environment that mirrors authentic rainforest treks, offering diverse levels of engagement suited to families, individuals, and adventure-seekers alike.

Designed to appeal to all ages and abilities, Rainforest Wild Asia will provide a variety of pathways and interactive experiences that encourage a closer connection to nature. The expansive 13-hectare park, accessible from Mandai Wildlife West, introduces flexible habitats, dynamic walkways, and climbing experiences, crafted to engage both casual nature lovers and high-adrenaline adventurers. Visitors can meander along universally designed pathways, ideal for families with strollers and wheelchair users, or explore rugged forest trails scattered with logs, boulders, and bridges. Sheltered rest stops along the route enhance accessibility for all, ensuring comfort even in the tropical environment.

Rainforest Wild Asia emphasizes a layered experience, giving visitors the chance to explore different levels of the rainforest – from lush canopies to hidden caves. The park’s layout offers a varied experience on each visit, with trails weaving through habitats that house over 29 iconic species, some of which are being introduced to Singapore for the first time. Among these species are the threatened François’ langur and the Philippine spotted deer, providing visitors with a rare look at Southeast Asian wildlife in habitats closely resembling their natural environments.

One of the park’s primary goals is to facilitate a connection to nature through learning and observation. The flexible habitats, a novel feature for Singapore’s wildlife parks, will present a rotating selection of animals throughout the day. This approach ensures that the animals are stimulated in environments that encourage natural behaviors, allowing visitors to witness unique interactions as they unfold. Visitors will encounter Southeast Asian species like red dholes and babirusas, each within carefully designed habitats that promote conservation awareness and offer educational insights into the biodiversity of the region.

The adventure within Rainforest Wild Asia is organized across ten distinct zones, each with thematic elements inspired by various rainforest ecosystems. “The Karsts” zone, for instance, features jagged limestone formations, creating a striking environment where guests can watch primates such as langurs and douc langurs swing through the canopy. Here, more adventurous visitors can try their hand at a via ferrata path, a guided cliff-climbing experience that provides both an adrenaline rush and a panoramic view of the primates in action.

In another highlight, guests can navigate “The Forest Floor,” which simulates the experience of descending to a rainforest’s lower layers. This area features streams, rocky outcrops, and clusters of trees that allow guests to observe the majestic Malayan tiger as it moves through its lush surroundings. “The Canopy” zone offers visitors a glimpse of life at treetop levels, where species like the Javan langur can be spotted, adding a dimension of vertical exploration to the park experience.

The journey culminates in “The Cavern,” an awe-inspiring subterranean experience inspired by the world-famous Mulu Caves in Sarawak, Malaysia. In collaboration with Sarawak Forestry Department, the design team meticulously recreated the intricate rock formations of Mulu Caves, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the Cavern, safe subterranean walkways offer family-friendly routes, while side paths lead adventurous visitors through more challenging terrain. Here, guests can encounter species like racer snakes and giant black scorpions, providing a unique and unforgettable exploration of the cave ecosystem.

Rainforest Wild Asia is more than just an adventure park; it embodies Mandai Wildlife Group’s commitment to conservation and sustainability. The park is meticulously designed to minimize ecological impact, incorporating nearly 7,000 native Southeast Asian trees and shrubs to enhance existing protected rainforest areas. These newly planted areas, along with the existing vegetation, provide an authentic backdrop for the habitats and support biodiversity conservation efforts within the park. The Mandai Wildlife Group aims to create lasting connections between visitors and the natural world, fostering a sense of responsibility toward environmental preservation.

With its flexibility and variety of habitats, Rainforest Wild Asia welcomes multi-generational families, children, and older adults alike, ensuring that each guest can engage with the park in a way that suits their comfort level and adventurous spirit. From comfortable, stroller-friendly walkways to high-adrenaline climbing routes, Rainforest Wild Asia promotes inclusivity, ensuring that every visitor can enjoy the park’s offerings regardless of age or physical ability. In this setting, visitors are encouraged to adopt a sense of adventure as they embark on a journey of discovery through diverse rainforest landscapes.

Looking to the future, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve will continue expanding its offerings, with the second phase set to introduce “Rainforest Wild Africa,” inspired by the diverse landscapes of the Afro-Tropical region and Madagascar. As Mandai Wildlife Reserve evolves, it is positioned to become a global leader in wildlife and nature tourism, delivering transformative experiences that instill respect for our planet and its inhabitants.

Rainforest Wild Asia aims to redefine the travel experience by offering guests an unparalleled journey through Southeast Asia’s rainforests. From thrilling encounters with wildlife to tranquil rainforest trails, the park provides a platform for understanding and valuing biodiversity. This commitment to creating meaningful experiences and inspiring conservation values sets Mandai Wildlife Reserve apart as a pioneering destination in eco-tourism, ready to inspire the next generation of nature enthusiasts.

Image: Mandai Wildlife Group