Singapore Zoo - One of the World’s Best Pristinely Maintained Zoo

80 Mandai Lake Road

Singapore 729826

Before our trip to Singapore Zoo, Balong and I visited first the wonderful world of bird's paradise in 'Singapore's Jurong Bird Park'. We spent more than 4 hours visiting each feature and believe me it was one of the best ever that we've been too. They have several species of birds that pretty sure kids and adults alike will surely love. Half day is not enough to enjoy the whole place. You should take your time and spend one whole day in there to visit its entire feature. Don't forget your camera plus extra battery as this is a heaven for photography. There are also many picnic areas if you would like to bring some food with you as the price here is ‘quite expensive’. Don't forget to bring swimming outfit for your kids too, there is a 'birds at play' area where kids can get wet and have some fun.

This is what i was talking about, the fame wash room of Singapore Bird Park (ahahaha)!. Have you seen the cascading water? I love it!!!!

The 'failed' jump shot ahahaha!

Just a note, am not supposed to add this but I have to say it anyway (whisper mode! ~ ahahaha!): Please visit the Bird Park rest room which are famous and quite literally, an attraction of their own . We freshen up in there and the place was so sparklingly clean. I mean, it's like a hotel complete with basic necessities except the bed of course (ahahaha!). The open air settings replicates as if you were in a spa accompanied with cascading manmade waterfall that creates a tropical atmosphere. You can even sleep in there for goodness sake (ahahaha!). Ooopppssss, that was just plain observation, k?  (ahahaha!)

The bus that awaits us on our way to Singapore Zoo from Jurong Bird Park.

Detailed Map of the Singapore Zoo.

After lunch at 'Hawks Café', we asked one of the staff in the bird park what is the easiest way to go to Mandai Lake. He suggested that there is a bus at 1:30 PM that would lead us directly to Singapore Zoo. Since we still have 30 minutes to spare, we roamed around the vicinity and saw stall for pamphlets about Singapore's tourist spot just in the entrance of the bus stop. Wherever we go, from malls, MRT stations to bus station they have stalls specifically for brochure which is totally free for tourist to be aware of. I don't know if Balong was just curious because every time that we arrived in the hotel I saw plenty of leaflets in his bag (ahahaha!). 

Balong and I stopped here for a while, reading how we can protect the nature.

The Zoo directory, isn't it cute? hehehe!

Our bus arrived after few minutes of waiting and we were so excited of course. A friendly bus driver helps us out and first thing he asked was, 'Do you have tickets?' and my ignorance strikes again 'Do we need to?' (ahahaha!). We supposed to pay using our EZ link but were not sure if it was enough as we forgot to fill it up. Well, good thing that they have tickets or else we need to walk on our way to the hotel (ahahaha!). The price of the bus ticket was SGD 4.50, around P150.00 or USD 3.50 that goes straight to Singapore Zoo.

The sculpture of pygmy hippo that greeted us on our way in.....

When I checked the area in google map, it’s dark green and looks like a jungle. Travelling from Singapore Jurong Bird Park was a long journey yet an enjoyable one. We chose the seat beside the driver; so that, if we have some question, we can ask him directly. But because we were so busy taking snaps, we forgot what to ask anyway (ahahaha!). We travelled almost 30 minutes and there was no traffic along the way. The bus was half empty as we were just around 8 passengers. We haven't notice that we were already reached the area until we saw the huge signage that says 'Welcome to Singapore Zoological Garden' (ahahaha!). Our excitement heats up and thanks God because the weather was perfect as rain was nowhere to be seen but instead smiling Mr. Sun greeted us with ‘hello’! (ahahaha!)

We were waiting for the Malayan Tapir to ascend from their afternoon bath but with no luck (haysssss!)

 From afar, we thought they were just pieces of rocks but when we get closer it's the Giant Pond Asian Turtle.

Since we have few batteries left in our cameras, our deal was 1 shot per species (ahahaha!). Unfortunately, we didn't follow that rule because just in the entrance we spent more than 1 bar and we only have 3 bars left. We wonder because that 3 bars lasted for 4 hours just good enough to have a picture of areas/species that we wanted to snaps with (ahahaha!). We can't expressed how excited we were just seeing the signage 'Singapore Zoo' at the top of ticket booth. We're trying to have a jump shot but our compact camera wasn't cooperative at all!!!! (haissssssssssstt!! - ahahaha!).

Zebra's waiting for food.

The Snake House. They have lots of species in here, it's just that it's not my thing because am scared even by watching at them  (ahahaha!)

Since we bought the '3-in-1 Park Hopper Special' that includes admission to Jurong bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo (cost us SGD 58.00), we just showed our stab and they let us in. Getting inside was like transporting you to a real jungle (ahahaha!). Trees and bushes are everywhere that replicates as if you were really in a tropical rainforest. There are several statues of crocodile around 10 feet in length, a giant tiger and a hippo on the swamp surrounded with real water lilies.

The sloth bear, look how lovely she is ( come to Papa, baby! ~ ahahaha!)

It was almost 2 PM and the norm as usual in a tropical country like Singapore is its strikingly humid weather. However, that was the least of our worries as we were used to it anyway (ahahaha!).

 

The stunning beauty of African Giraffe.

Few steps from the entrance, varieties of cockatoos and noisy military macaws greeted us on our way in. It's the same set-up like the one in 'Singapore Bird Park' which you are allowed to have a picture with these lovely birds either using your camera for free or else you can ask their official photographer to have your photo taken and you can buy it as souvenir after your tour.

 

Babirusa or 'Baboy Damo'.

To tell you, I really don’t like Zoo as I 'hate' to see animals in cages looking sad and chaotic (my apology for the term). I’ve been to several zoos and seeing animals in a very miserable condition is unbearable to me, personally. However, my views and opinions changed seeing the environment here as it's well-worth visiting even you don't like zoos. Viewing animals in their semi-natural habitat was way more than words can say. They look so remotely happy and comfortable in here. All of these animals live in the wild but seeing them playing in their ground only means that they were already used to their surroundings where they lived in.

 

Our first encounter with the White-handed Gibbon.

False Gharial, there were around 10 in there. Good luck if ever you fall from the viewing panel. (ahahaha!)

The zoo management did set the environment replicating the real rainforest that offers visitors the opportunity to experience firsthand with the animals and be inspired how beautiful the world we live in. The animals are kept in spacious, landscaped enclosures separated from the visitors. As per report in the leaflet, there are over 2,500 specimens in here from 316 species and 36% of which are threatened.

A cheetah? or a leopard? just don't know they seems the same! (ahahaha!).

The design of the park is an 'open zoo' which means barriers are nowhere to be seen as they cleverly hide it through stones, bushes or wooden fences that create a natural look. You can really get closed to the animals without thinking about the risk as most species has its own 'island' surrounded by dry or wet moats to keep a safe distance /protection from assault or prevent access or escape, allowing us to see them clearly without any obstruction. The moats are concealed with vegetation or dropped below the line of vision. For dangerous animals that can climb and swim very well like leopard/cheetah, they were housed in a landscaped glass fronted panel enclosure like the 'Penguin Coast' in 'Singapore Bird Park' where you can almost touch them when they get near to the glass.

So many orangutan freely swinging from trees to trees just above the canopies.

They have several exhibits/programs that tourist will truly enjoy. I was mesmerized walking through the Treetops trails as we see groups/families of free-ranging primates  crawling, climbing, hanging, swinging, and jumping freely from tight rope on canopies of trees just above us.  Imagine Tarzan movie? You can find several families of his sidekick in here. I love to see them dangling on a manmade rope carrying their babies and it feels like you were really in the jungle (Tarzan mode yelling ~ ahahaha!).

The vicinity of Brown Capucchin.

As per brochure they have several timing's for shows and feedings all throughout the day; but, we were not that organized to witness it (too bad :( ). We simply map read each feature of the 20+ hectare zoo  and not aware of feeding timing.

The exhibit that i love the most!!!! The white tigers

The endangered Bengal Tiger.

Personally, the most popular attraction is where the 'White Tigers' is located. They were so attractively beautiful. A sight to behold, I assure you that. This is the first encounter I have with them and I must say an experience not to forget. In the waiting shed that serves as a viewing area for tourist, there are so many 'information/reminders' that these species were hunted for medicinal purposes. I felt sorry reading it and thanks GOD because at some point we experienced their presence just in front of us.

One of the waka waka, ahahahaha!!!

One of the design in front of the Singapore Zoo. I guess it is made of Changi Tree.

After several left and right turn within, we decided to enter one of the enclosure without knowing where it lead us. We ended up visiting the exhibit of 'Fragile Forest'. It is surrounded by nets and mesh wire where in visitors can get in and have a face to face with animals. It's like a smaller version of 'Lory Loft Aviary' in 'Singapore's Jurong Bird Park'.This is the place where lemurs, fruit bats and butterflies live. We've seen mouse deer in there too wandering the vicinity freely. Always be alert as they sometimes hide in the bushes. I thought that fruits bats only live in caves but you can see them dangling on trees in the middle of the day (ignorance strikes again! ~ ahahaha!). Butterflies are also everywhere. I still remember when one butterfly kissed my hands for almost 5 minutes (ahahaha!). 

The Ring-tailed Flying Lemur inside the 'fragile forest' enclosure

The Fruit Bat. Seems sleeping, right? ssssssssssssssssssssssshhhhhhh! (ahahaha!)

We never been to Australia yet and the closest experience we could get into is through their exhibit in the 'Australian Outback'. We visited the place right after 'fragile forest'. They have plenty of grey kangaroos in here; you can feed them for SGD 5 just in case you're interested.

Grey Kangaroos from the viewing panel in Australian Outback.

Singapore Zoo requires a lot of walking (as in a LOT!) and its too tiring you know. However, in order for you not to walk too much, they offer various modes of transportations like trams that cost us around SGD 5 for unlimited ride and each area has its own drop-off points. 

Area of Spider Monkeys.

Try to rest in one of the setting areas because each has its own fans. Most of this shed can be found under the shade of large trees and feels like you're in a tree house. The ambiance here is so refreshing even its 12 noon because you were surrounded by trees. 

The endangered proboscis Monkey. They were around 20 in here.

If you're sensitive to mosquitoes and insects please bring an insect repellant as I experienced some blotches because wasn't able to bring one. Don't forget to bring a bottle of water as you will really need it. There are outlets around that sells fresh juices ; however, a little bit costly though. Just an option, don't forget your hats and umbrellas as well. For beauty conscious, sun screen is a must (hehehe!).

Families/Groups of Hamadryas Baboon

Haissssssssttt, I still have so many stories to tell, but am afraid that there will be a problem opening this entry; thus, better park in here then (ahahaha!)… Next time, I'll feature its entire exhibit if ever we'll come back to Singapore again.

Orangutan families just beside the colonies of Spider Monkey.

So that's it for now, we're glad we visited the place as we get in touch with the animals up-close. A very worthwhile visit as the park is pristinely maintained. Remember that we humans are a stranger here; so please do follow strict rules. If Singapore Zoo is not in your vacation list then you missed out something. This is one attraction that pretty sure everybody will enjoy. 

 

The sloth, swing me pleasee ahahaha!

The Cotton Top Tamarin, they are so adorable.

After four hours of roaming, at last we received a call from BFF Lemwuel that he is waiting outside. Just the right time as we were on our way out. This is the first meeting of BFF Lemwuel and Balong.

The Manatees. They were enclosed by glass viewing panel where in you can watch how they swim along with their babies.

Pygmy hippo with tilapias.

So there you go, to all tourist out there, try to visit Singapore Zoo. Believe me, worth of your time and prepare yourself to be captivated by wonders of nature.
  

That's it for now. Our dinner in Makasuntra is up next!

 

Enan signing off.

 

Cheeriosssssssssss…

 

:)