Singapore Zoo: Tickets, Opening Hours, and Wildlife Highlights

Home to incredible wildlife, Singapore Zoo is a must for animal lovers. Visit orangutans, elephants, and more. Book tickets online to skip the line!

Singapore Zoo, often called the Mandai Zoo by locals, is one of Asia’s premier wildlife attractions, drawing nearly 2 million visitors annually.

Known for its innovative and immersive exhibits, it offers unique opportunities to observe animals up close in naturalistic habitats.

Popular exhibits include the Primate Kingdom, the Fragile Forest, and the Reptile Garden, each showcasing incredible biodiversity. Beyond daytime adventures, the zoo offers thrilling experiences like the Night Safari, River Safari, and Rainforest Lumina.

Dedicated to conservation, Singapore Zoo actively participates in research and breeding programs to protect endangered species. Perfect for families and animal enthusiasts alike, it’s a must-visit destination to connect with nature and learn about the planet’s extraordinary wildlife.

This article covers everything you need to know before buying Singapore Zoo tickets.

Top Tickets

# Singapore Zoo Tickets
# Night Safari or the River Safari

It’s highly recommended to book your Singapore Zoo tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.

Key takeaways

Booking tickets online is better to avoid long queues, especially during peak seasons, school holidays, and weekends. Children up to 2 years old get free admission.

For the best animal sightings, visit when the zoo opens at 8.30 am. Families with kids spend at least five to six hours. If you’re a bunch of adults, two to three hours would suffice. If you are in a hurry, opt for the guided tram service that lasts an hour.

Use the Singapore Zoo map and plan the animal enclosures you want to visit to make the most of your time at the attraction.

What’s ahead

Things to know before booking tickets

You can buy Singapore Zoo tickets online or at the attraction.

Online tickets let you skip the lines, often at a lower price, while also guaranteeing availability for your visit.

After the purchase, tickets are emailed to you, and you can enter by showing the e-ticket on your smartphone—no printouts needed.

Remember to bring your official IDs. 

Singapore Zoo tickets

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When you buy Singapore Zoo tickets from the venue, you get a physical ticket (as in pic). However, we suggest you buy the tickets online, much in advance, so that you can avoid the lines at the ticket counter. Image: Pupuren.com

Singapore Zoo entry ticket gets you access to the wildlife attraction for a day, and once inside, you can stay for as long as you want.

With this ticket, you can attend all the animal shows – Splash Safari, Animal Friends, Elephant Presentation, and Rainforest Fights Back.

It also includes unlimited free guided tram rides. If you are tired or want to explore the Zoo quickly, the unlimited tram rides come in handy. 

Ticket price for Singapore residents

Adult (13+ years): S$49
Child (3 to 12 years): S$34

Ticket price for Non-Singapore residents

Adult (13+ years): S$49
Child (3 to 12 years): S$34

Kids aged two years and below enter free of charge.

Buy This Ticket

The Singapore Zoo ticket doesn’t get you access to Night Safari or the River Safari.

They are separate activities nearby, which require you to buy separate tickets.

Night Safari Ticket

Singapore Zoo entrance + roundtrip transfer

Tickets for Singapore Zoo with entrance + roundtrip transfer + optional breakfast costs S$79 for visitors above 13 years.

The kids aged three to 12 years get a discount and pay only S$57.

The ticket doesn’t include breakfast.

Buy This Ticket

Recommended


Singapore Zoo hours

Singapore Zoo opens at 8.30 am and closes at 6 pm, daily.

The ticket counter closes an hour before the zoo closes and the last entry into Singapore Zoo is at 5 pm.

All exhibits inside adhere to the hours mentioned above, except for Rainforest Kidzworld, which opens at 9 am and closes at 6 pm.

The kid’s Wet Play Area, which is part of Kidzworld, closes half an hour earlier – at 5.30 pm.

How long does Singapore Zoo take

If you see the animal shows, attend feeding sessions and spend time at the water park, you will need at least five hours to explore Singapore Zoo.

If you ride Singapore Zoo’s guided Tram service, you can see all the animals spread out over the Zoo’s six zones in an hour.

If you are a group of adults, you can walk through the whole of Singapore Zoo in about three hours.

Best time to visit Singapore Zoo

The best time to visit Singapore Zoo is as soon as they open at 8.30 am.

When you start early, you avoid the crowd, see the animals when they are most active, evade the high afternoon temperature, and get to Singapore Zoo’s water park to relax sooner.

If you reach the Singapore Zoo after 10.30 am, you will see the same people in the line to buy entry tickets, animal exhibits, keeper talk sessions, and restaurants.

We recommend weekdays for a peaceful visit because Singapore Zoo gets crowded on weekends and school holidays.

How to get to Singapore Zoo

Because of the robust transport services in the City-State, reaching Singapore Zoo is very easy.

Address: 80, Mandai Lake Road, Singapore, 729826. Get directions

You can reach the attraction both by public or private transport.

By MRT

There are five MRT stations around the Singapore Zoo. 

MRT StationsPin
All the five MRT stations around Singapore Zoo are on the North South Line, which is also known as the Red Line. Map Courtesy: Wrs.com.sg

Once you get to one of these MRT stations, you can take a connecting bus.

Station’s NameStation CodeBus No.
KhatibNS14Shuttle*
Choa Chu KangNS4927
Ang Mo KioNS16138
WoodlandsNS9926**
MarsilingNS8926**

**Bus No. 926 operates only on Sundays and Public Holidays.

*This is the Mandai Khatib Shuttle, detailed below. 

Mandai Khatib Shuttle

The Mandai Khatib Shuttle service is a convenient option to get to the Singapore Zoo from Khatib MRT Station (NS14).

You need to get out of Khatib MRT from Exit A and catch the shuttle from here.

The travel time from Khatib to the Zoo is 15 minutes, subject to traffic conditions.

The fare to Singapore Zoo is only S$1 and payment can be made only through EZ-link or NETS FlashPay card.

This bus is also known as Singapore Zoo’s Shuttle bus.

Mandai Khatib Shuttle’s schedule

The Mandai Khatib Shuttle runs from Khatib MRT to the Zoo from 8 am to 10.20 pm, and its frequency varies throughout the day.

From 8 am to 5.20 pm, one shuttle leaves every 20 minutes, and from 5.20 pm to 7.40 pm, the frequency of the shuttle increases to one every 10 minutes.

At 7.40 pm (once the peak time is over), the Khatib MRT to Singapore Zoo Shuttle reduces its frequency to once every 20 minutes – till 10.20 pm.

The return shuttles – from the Zoo to Khatib MRT – start at 8.20 am and continue till 10.40 pm, at a frequency of one every 20 minutes.

By bus

If you plan to visit Singapore Zoo from Bedok, Sengkang, or Tampines, Mandai Express Bus service is the most comfortable and affordable option.

The Mandai Express operates on weekends, school, and public holidays as well.

The adult ticket costs S$3 while kids between 3 to 12 years of age pay only S$1.

From Bedok to Singapore Zoo

FromToTimePick Up
BedokSingapore Zoo8.45 am,
10.15 am
Bedok Point
Shopping Centre,
Near Bedok
MRT, Map
Singapore ZooBedok3.15 pm,
5.15 pm
Singapore
Zoo Coach Bay

From Sengkang to Singapore Zoo

FromToTimePick Up
SengkangSingapore Zoo8.45 am,
10.15 am
Exit C, Sengkang
MRT (Sengkang
Square), Map
Singapore ZooSengkang3.30 pm,
5.30 pm
Singapore
Zoo Coach Bay

From Tampines to Singapore Zoo

FromToTimePick Up
TampinesSingapore Zoo8.45 am,
10.15 am
Our Tampines
Hub, South
Plaza, Map
Singapore ZooTampines3 pm,
5 pm
Singapore
Zoo Coach Bay

To get to the Zoo, other bus service provided by Safari Gate Buses is also convenient.

Driving to Singapore Zoo

If you’re traveling by car, turn on your Google Maps and get started.

You can reach Singapore Zoo in about 30 minutes from the city center. 

Singapore Zoo parking

As you near the Singapore Zoo, you will see lots of parking spots to your left. 

Visitors can park both cars and motorcycles at this open-air car park. 

If you prefer, you can also opt to leave your car at the covered multi-story car park.

The covered car park comes in handy during rains because an enclosed path from the car park leads to the Singapore Zoo’s entrance.

Cost of parking

The first ten minutes are free.

When you pay by cash card, the first hour costs S$3, after which every additional hour costs S$2.

The maximum parking charges for a car get capped at S$10. 

If you are not carrying a cash card and want to pay by cash, parking your car will cost you S$10 for the day.

Jurong Bird Park to Singapore Zoo

Many tourists do this – they first visit Jurong Bird Park and then get to Singapore Zoo to finish off both on the same day. 

We think that by exploring both the Bird Park and the Mandai Zoo on the same day, you do injustice to both. 

However, after exploring Jurong Bird Park, you can do the Night Safari because it starts from 7.15 pm and instead of walking you can explore the nocturnal Zoo on a Tram.

Transport from Jurong Bird Park to Singapore Zoo

SAExpress coaches run between the two destinations. 

The pick-up and drop-off point at Jurong Bird Park is the Coach park, while at the Singapore Zoo, it is the bus stop right outside the Zoo.

This bus departs from Jurong Bird Park at 4.45 pm and reaches Singapore Zoo in approximately 25 minutes.

This trip gives you just enough time to eat something, stand in the queue, and get in for Singapore Zoo’s Night Safari at 7.15 pm.

Singapore Zoo shows

Singapore Zoo hosts four shows daily for its visitors – Splash Safari, Animal Friends, Elephant Presentation and Rainforest Fights Back.

These Singapore Zoo’s events happen twice daily, and each last for approximately 20 minutes. 

You don’t need to pay extra for these shows – they come free with this Singapore Zoo admission ticket. 

Since all these shows get crowded, it is better to be at the venue ten minutes earlier to get good seats. 

Splash Safari

The Splash Safari show happens at Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre, at 10.30 am and 5 pm.

Some of the Splash Safari show seats are designated splash zones, and you may get wet during the performance.

Animal Friends

Animal Friends show happens at Rainforest Kidzworld Amphitheatre at 1.30 pm and 4 pm.

Elephant Presentation

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Image: Wrs.com.sg

The Elephant presentation happens at the Elephants of Asia at 9.30 am, 11.45 am and 4.30 pm. 

Rainforest Fights Back

Rainforest Fights Back is scheduled at 12 pm and 2.30 pm daily and happens at Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre.

If you want to take photographs with the animals, stay behind after the shows.

Activities in Singapore Zoo

There are various activities at Singapore Zoo suitable for kids and adults alike. 

Animal feeding sessions

These feeding sessions are a fantastic opportunity to make the animals eat out of your hand. 

You must purchase the animal feed at the venue. 

Since there is a massive demand for the feeding sessions, we recommend you reach at least 15 minutes before the session begins. 

1. Elephant feeding

The Elephants at Singapore Zoo are fed thrice during the day at the Elephants of Asia section. The times are: 9.30 am, 11.45 am, and 4.30 pm. 

2. Giraffe feeding

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The Giraffes at the Zoo are also fed thrice daily at the Wild Africa section.

The feeding times are 10.45 am, 1.50 pm and 3.45 pm.

3. Goat feeding 

Goat feeding at Singapore Zoo is popular with kids below six years of age. 

It happens twice – at 11.30 am and 3.30 pm at Rainforest Kidzworld. 

4. White rhino feeding

This session happens only once a day – at 1.15 pm at the Wild Africa Zone. 

Since this is a premium feeding session, it gets crowded. 

Keeper talks

Zoo Keeper’s chit-chat is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about wildlife from the people who know best.

The popular animals have 2-3 keeper talks in a day while the others have one session daily. 

AnimalVenueTime
ElephantElephants of Asia11.30 am
GiraffeWild Africa10.45 am, 1.50 pm,
3.45 pm
Primate KingdomBlack Howler
Monkey exhibit
11 am, 2 pm
OrangutanFree Ranging
Orangutan Island
11 am, 3.30 pm,
4.30 pm
FossaFossa ExhibitCheck onsite
GoatRainforest Kidzworld11.30 am, 3.30 pm
Proboscis MonkeyRainforest Walk11.30 am
White RhinoWild Africa1.15 pm
Giant TortoiseReptile Garden1.15 pm
GibbonGibbon Island1.30 pm
African LionWild Africa1.25 pm
MeerkatWild Africa1.30 pm
African Painted DogWild Africa1.40 pm
Caiman LizardsRepTopiaCheck onsite
Pygmy HippoPygmy Hippo exhibit2.30 pm
Celebes Crested MacaqueSPH Foundation Conservation Centre4.15 pm
ChimpanzeeChimpanzee exhibit4.35 pm
CrocodileSunset Buaya2.30 pm
White TigerWhite Tiger exhibitCheck onsite
OtterOtter exhibitCheck onsite

Singapore Zoo waterpark

This animal-themed slide and spray shack is Singapore Zoo’s water play area.

Singapore Zoo’s waterpark has slides, water fountains, water guns, and a massive water bucket that releases a deluge of water over everyone at regular intervals.

Even though a shop nearby sells swimming costumes, it makes sense to get your own. 

Buddy Barn

Buddy Barn is like a petting Zoo, where kids can step in and interact with the animals. 

The Buddy Bard is a massive hit with younger kids because they get to see and touch rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice etc. 

Buddy Barn opens from 10 am to 5 pm daily.

Interaction times: 10.30 am to 12 pm, 1.30 pm – 3 pm, 4 pm to 5 pm. 

The kids can feed the animals at 1.30 pm, for free. 

Pony Ride

Pony Ride is a paid Singapore Zoo activity where for S$ 6, kids can get on a pony and go for a ride.

To participate in this activity, the child must be 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) and below.

Tickets for the Pony ride are available at the Rainforest Kidzworld ticketing counter.

This Carousel has both fearsome and harmless animals, and both kids and adults can get on it for some merry-go-round fun.

Visitors can purchase tickets to this Carousel at Rainforest Kidzworld’s ticketing counter.

A single ride costs S$4, while three trips will put you back by S$8. 

Singapore Zoo tram

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Singapore Zoo Tram

Hopping onto the Singapore Zoo’s tram is one of the best ways to explore the Zoo. 

During the guided tour, cover the Zoo without getting tired and listen to fantastic animal stories.

Rides are unlimited – you can go on this Tram ride multiple times.

Guided Tram ride ticket price

Adult (13+ years): S$5 
Child (3 to 12 years): S$3

You can buy Tram tickets from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm daily at the ticketing counter or any tram station.

Singapore Zoo animals

Singapore Zoo has 2500+ animals belonging to approximately 315 species.

All these animals at Singapore Zoo are spread across eleven zones, each replicating diverse animal habitats from around the world.

1. Australasia
2. Elephants of Asia
3. Fragile Forest
4. Frozen Tundra
5. Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia
6. Primate Kingdom
7. Rainforest Kidzworld
8. Reptile Garden
9. Reptopia
10. Treetops Trails
11. Wild Africa

Some animals are more popular than others. 

Singapore Zoo map

It is better to spend time with Singapore Zoo’s map, and plan your Singapore Zoo itinerary before your visit.

Carrying the Singapore Zoo’s layout is even more necessary if you are traveling with kids.

You won’t waste your time looking for the numerous animal exhibits and get exhausted in the process.

It will also be helpful to rush from one Keeper Talk or Feeding session to another.

Besides the animal exhibits, this Singapore Zoo’s floor plan also points out visitor services such as restaurants, washrooms, rain shelters, Tram stops, ATMs, First Aid centers, etc.

Download Singapore Zoo’s Map (Jpeg, 1.4 Mb)

Restaurants

Singapore Zoo has a lot of restaurants offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. 

If you can reach the Singapore Zoo by 9 am, we highly recommend breakfast with Orangutans. 

Else, there are two kinds of restaurants at Singapore Zoo you can choose from – those at the Zoo’s entrance and those inside the Zoo.

Restaurants at Singapore Zoo entrance

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
Monday to Friday: 10 am to 6.30 pm
Weekends + Holidays: 9 am to 7 pm

Inuka Café
Daily: 8 am to 7 pm

Ah Meng Kitchen
Monday to Friday: 9 am to 7 pm
Weekends + Holidays: 8.30 am to 7 pm

Ben & Jerry’s
Daily: 10.30 am to 7 pm

Chawang Bristo
Daily: 10.30 am to 7 pm

The Wild Deli
Daily: 10.30 am to 7 pm

Restaurants inside Singapore Zoo

Ah Meng Restaurant
Daily: 10.30 am to 4.30 pm

Ah Meng Bistro
Daily: 10.30 am to 5 pm

KFC (Rainforest Kidzworld)
Weekdays: 10.30 am to 5.30 pm
Weekends: 9.30 am to 6 pm

Photo of author
Researched & written by
Jamshed is a versatile traveler, equally drawn to the vibrant energy of city escapes and the peaceful solitude of remote getaways. On some trips, he indulges in resort hopping, while on others, he spends little time in his accommodation, fully immersing himself in the destination. A passionate foodie, Jamshed delights in exploring local cuisines, with a particular love for flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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