Planning a day of wildlife exploration in Singapore?
As Asia’s greenest city, Singapore boasts an array of world-class wildlife attractions.
A common dilemma for visitors is choosing between the famous Singapore Zoo and the charming River Wonders.
Both, located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, promise unique experiences—from diverse land animals at the Zoo to fascinating river ecosystems and adorable pandas at River Wonders.
Despite being part of the same Wildlife Reserve and being right next to each other, these attractions offer distinct adventures.
Here’s a detailed comparison and the features of each to help you choose the perfect wildlife escapade for you and your group.
Quick Overview
If you’re after a classic zoo experience with opportunities to see a wide variety of land animals and interactive shows, the Singapore Zoo is the perfect choice.
On the other hand, if you’re fascinated by aquatic creatures, distinctive river ecosystems, and the chance to see pandas up close, River Wonders is the way to go.
It’s an immersive journey through the world’s iconic rivers, perfect for animal lovers of all ages.
Features | Singapore Zoo | Singapore River Safari |
---|---|---|
Hours | 8.30 am – 6 pm | 10 am – 7 pm |
Last Entry | 5 pm | 6 pm |
Duration of Visit | 3-4 hours | 2-3 hours |
Location | Mandai Wildlife Reserve | Mandai Wildlife Reserve |
Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon | Late morning to mid-afternoon |
Cost of Tickets | S$49 | S$43 |
Purchase | Buy tickets | Buy tickets |
More about Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo, or Mandai Zoo, is globally renowned as one of the best open-concept zoos in the world.
It spans 26 hectares and houses over 4,200 animals from 300 species, including many endangered ones like white tigers and pygmy hippos.
You can participate in interactive shows at the zoo, like Splash Safari featuring sea lions, Rainforest Fights Back, and a kids-themed water play zone called Rainforest KidzWorld.
While walking through themed areas such as the Primate Kingdom or Wild Africa, you can observe animals in lush, open settings – playful orangutans, elephants, giraffes, lions, and kangaroos.
In contrast, the River Wonders focuses on showcasing aquatic and semi-aquatic species like manatees, giant river otters, and alligator gars alongside animals such as pandas in themed freshwater habitats.
Hours: 8.30 am – 6 pm
Duration of Visit: 3-4 hours
Official Website: Mandai.com
The Singapore Zoo receives more than a million visitors annually. Thus, it is essential to book your entry tickets in advance. You can also book a combo tour of Singapore Zoo & River Wonders to maximize your experience.
More about Singapore River Wonders

The River Wonders, formerly known as the River Safari, is Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park.
Located adjacent to the Singapore Zoo and spanning 12 hectares, this park focuses on freshwater ecosystems and river habitats, showcasing species that thrive in or near water.
The river-themed zones feature river systems from around the world, such as the Amazon River, Yangtze River, Mekong River, Ganges River, and the Nile.
You’ll get a chance to see the popular and adorable panda family of Kai Kai, Jia Jia, and their cub, Le Le.
Go on an Amazon River Quest boat ride to sight Indian gharials, Red Pandas, electric eels, jaguars, anteaters, and capybaras.
While River Wonders immerses you in global river ecosystems, the Singapore Zoo focuses on offering a more traditional yet interactive wildlife experience.
Hours: 10 am – 7 pm
Duration of Visit: 2-3 hours
Official Website: Mandai.com
Be sure to book your River Safari tickets in advance, especially on weekends. Plan your visit around the pandas’ feeding times to catch them at their most active. Consider a combo tour of the Singapore Night Safari and River Wonders for an even greater adventure.
Why not visit them both?
If you want the complete wildlife experience, visiting both the Singapore Zoo and River Wonders is an excellent choice.
Since the parks are next to each other, transitioning between them is quick and convenient.
You can plan in such a way that you arrive at the Singapore Zoo when it opens at 8.30 am, spend some hours there, and see the morning animal shows.
Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants near the park entrances and head over to Singapore River Wonders by 2 pm to explore its river-themed habitats and aquatic creatures.
Booking a combo ticket is the smartest way to save time and money.