Singapore Night Safari ~ world's first safari park for nocturnal animals

80 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729826

This huge signage awaits when you arrived in Mandai Lake.

Before we visit Singapore, Balong and I went on several discussions about the list of attractions to visit in here. We came up to an idea that all the top 20 best attractions of Singapore should be on our bucket list in order not to fell gutted if we missed it up. There are some attractions here that are absolutely free but there are also some spots that require spending a few bucks to experience it.

Waiting for our bus 138 in Ang Mo Kio station which direct us to Singapore Night Safari.

Supposed to be our main concern was just 20 attractions but we came up with the list of around 30 as we were in doubts about which attractions to choose. There are some areas that put us in reservations because usually both have the same purpose but different perception like our trip to Singapore's 'The Flyer' and the 'Marina Bay Sands SkyPark' in Bayfront Avenue. They both encompass the bird’s eye view of Singapore's signature skyline but we don't know which spot to pick. 'The Flyer' is considered as the world's largest observations wheel but when you’re in 'Sands SkyPark', it is a bit dwarfed in terms of structure. And wanna know what our verdict was?  We ended up selecting both attractions then, they may have the same panoramic view 'at some point' but seeing Singapore in two different platforms is way more than words can say.

Our bus 138 seems empty; however, when we arrived at the park, there were already many tourist queuing to buy the tickets.

We thought that it was the only issue we have to solve but the qualms happen again between Singapore Zoo and Singapore Night Safari. Both are zoological garden and the only difference is the day and night setting of the park. To solve the dilemma, when we checked-in the first night in our hotel, we asked our receptionist what he thought about Night Safari. He clearly said 'a visit to Singapore is incomplete if Night Safari is not on top of our list'; so, here we go again, we decided to visit both attractions, that's why we bought the 'Park Hopper 3-in-1 combo ticket' in Jurong bird Park 4 days ago.

One of the signage in the entrance that briefly explains about the biodiversity of  tropical animals.

Our visit to Night Safari started from Sentosa Island right after our siesta in Tiger Sky Cafe. Balong and I asked BFF Lemwuel, who is based in Singapore to go to Mandai Lake coz after 3 days we will be leaving SG and we need to use the 3-in-1 ticket which includes entrance to Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Zoo and Singapore Night Safari that cost us SGD 69 each around P2,300.oo or USD 53 per person. We already visited the Bird Park and the Zoo the other day and Night Safari is the last attractions we haven’t visited yet. After BFF agreed that he is willing to accompany us; we traveled instantly via MRT to Ang Mo Kio (NS16), then alight Bus 138 to Mandai Lake for 40 minutes I guess.

Sculptures of endangered animals in the vicinity that seems real.

I like the mode of transportation here in Singapore. It’s easy, convenient and tourist friendly as most of the attractions here is accessible by MRT. Night Safari is way out of the city center but traveling is just a piece of cake sans the traffic. If you messed up and got lost, you don’t need to worry as everyone knows where the location is and there are so many signage that will help you out. Singapore is an English speaking country, therefore asking questions is the least of your worries too.

Brochures are available in the entrance but Balong brought this  fresh from the hotel.

We already visited Singapore Zoo two days ago and we supposed to visit Night Safari right after but since that day is our first meeting with BFF Lemwuel; he invited us to have dinner in Makansutra in Marina Bay.

The park usually open at 5:30 PM and we arrived an hour earlier, we decided to have a cup of coffee first at the nearby Singapore Zoo because there are so many café and restaurant just at the entrance. 

The preserved replica of the pangolin and the anteater.

After a few minutes of chitchat, we headed to the entrance of Night Safari which is filled with many information about conservation and protection of our environment. There are explanations how this park was created and how we need to support their cause. Several sculptures of crocodile, rhinoceros, elephant family, pangolin, and a replica of a group of 'malay ancestors' that seems reals are also scattered outside of the park. I haven't seen an 'anteater' for real and the closest experience we can get is their preserved body enclosed in a glass.

The three tickets we bought that cost SGD 35 each.

At exactly 5:30, the park opened and there were already so many tourists queuing to buy tickets. Since Balong and I already bought ours in Jurong Bird Park, we waited for Lemwuel to buy his which cost him SGD 35 that includes a free one-round ride with the tram. We checked the vicinity first before going in and asked the information if they happen to have a locker room where we can leave our bag. I forgot how much we paid for the locker cabinet but it was around SGD 1 I guess. It's like a locker in the gym where you need to drop coins to open it and don't ever forget your number combination. 

There are so many souvenir shops around just in case you wanted to buy some memorabilia.

There are so many souvenir shops and restaurants that surround the area. If ever you forgot your dinner then try Bongo Burger that offer several delights like pasta, hotdogs, fries and burgers. Another restaurant with a little bit of rustic feel is the Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant which offers a choice of Asian or Indian buffet. For ice cream lovers, there is also Ben and Jerry's ice cream cafe just opposite to the information desk.  

The thumbuakar show that features tribal dance performance and fire-eating stunts.

Before we experienced the adventure and the thrill inside the park we were entertained by fire dance show comprising of dancers from 'Borneo' whom they called themselves Thumbuakar Tribe (combined words meaning 'growing roots'). It is considered as one of the highlights of the whole safari adventure which features tribal dance performances with fire-eating stunts. The feeling was like transporting you really in the midst of the jungle along with the ethnic tribes. It's a crowd pleaser I may say since there were so many tourists surrounding the stage.

The highlight of the whole show. Performers gather in the center while making a ball of fire.

The interesting part of the whole fire-eating show is when all the performers gather together in the center and they manage to form a ball of fire that move from one place to the other. By the way, prepare yourself as they sometime pick guest randomly in the audience to go upstage to participate. They may not allow you to drink and emit kerosene to produce fire but be prepared for a few surprises during the show. 

Tourist of different nationalities queuing for the tram ride.

After we watched the performance, we get ourselves queued in one of the alley for the tram ride. Kudus to the one who materialized this idea, as the atmosphere here is really astounding! They really make you feel apart from civilization as it felt like a step into an African tribal setting. The ambiance was literally successful in creating a jungle-like mood. One could feel the nostalgia of darkness where you can only hear the sound of crickets. 

Carved totem situated in every part of the vicinity

The entire area is surrounded with torches, carved totems, and the shed that leads you in is like you're entering a huge forest lodge complete with old gas lamp. The park tram is camouflage too with animal prints and the staff is complete with safari uniforms. There were so many tourists that day, around 5 trams lined up just to accommodate the entire guest. If I am not mistaken each tram can handle around 100 to 150 passengers.

An open tram experience, be ready to be amazed and captivated by the beauty of nocturnal natural world.

The exciting and exhilarating part is when the open-tram starts to budge through the darkened moonlit surroundings. Each tram has its own raconteur that explains every features of the park. It introduced us to all sorts of animal that come within inches from the tram. Water buffalo, babirusa, spotted/striped hyenas, Malayan tapir, lions, giraffe, elephant, grant's zebras, leopard, rhinos, Malayan/Bengal tigers are just examples of all the animals that we witness firsthand. What's great is when we passed through the gathering of deer; they were just around a few 'INCHES' away from us where you can barely touch them while they were having their dinner.

The Himalayan Thar, the first group of animals we've seen while on the tram ride.

Looked how curious this tigress be? She seems waiting for yummy dinner huh? waaaaaaaaaaa scary!

Please take note that camera flash is strictly prohibited and all the staff enforce this rule so expect no outstanding shots in here. If you're planning to take photographs, bring a camera that has an adjustable shutter for low light or night time. The flash is banned so as not to scare or disturb the animals. Some animals tend to be aggressive too after seeing bright light from the darkness of their natural environment. The only thing we have is silhouette but you've probably been to a zoo and pretty sure you know what the animals look like then (hehehe!).

The silhouette of pygmy hippo.

Personally, the idea here is just you and the animals. You may have company along the way but the feeling is like you're walking/traveling in a jungle where no one is around. It feels like you're surrounded by carnivorous animals ready to have you as their dinner (ahahaha!). It's kinda creepy at times though and the low lighting conditions add to that excitement. It's an open concept like Singapore Zoo where you can see up close with the animals. There is no obvious fence in here but instead to keep tourist away from danger, dry and wet moat were present in each enclosure. You can watch animals playing, prowling, feeding, and preening in the grounds.

Giraffe having dinner  in its enclosure.

Darkness aside, your eyes have to be really sharp to catch any movement as there are some areas where the animals are quite far from you. If you have a problem with night vision, you may not probably appreciate the whole tour then. One more thing, if you're sensitive to mosquito bites then apply an insect repellant before coming here as there are hundreds of them waiting (ahahaha!).

Family of Ankole Cattle, the distinct feature is their towering horns.

Thanks to the recommendation of our hotel receptionist as our exciting adventure in Night Safari was an experience not to forget. It's really great to see animals in their semi-natural habitat. The park is unique because of the extraordinary thrill and nostalgia that awaits every visitor. I definitely suggest this to everybody to see the park in different light. Somehow magical, as common as they are, in short I truly love this place.

Indian Gharial, don't messed-up with them or else you know what will happen next hehehe..

It keeps you away from the norm, a visit here is truly remarkable. If given a chance to come back in Singapore, we'll put the doubts aside and will surely revisit this place with our families and friends. In the end, we enjoyed ourselves and we ended up tired and exhausted yet every moment we spent was truly worth it.

The leopard trail.

An Asian elephant the biggest of its kind.

So there you go, once you're in Singapore this is a must-do to visit.

Have a great day/night everyone.

Enan signing off.

Cheeriossss!!!!

Smile :)

A gift bought by BFF  in Singapore Night Safari . Thank you for everything BFF. :)

 

Merlion Park ~ well-knowed tourist icon of Singapore

One Fullerton 
Singapore 049213

Singapore is internationally recognized as a garden city where nature and manmade landscape goes along harmoniously. Your visit to South East Asia is incomplete if Singapore is not on your bucket list as this country maybe small, yet there are so many things you can do in here. We only stayed for 7 days; however, it was a complete and very well planned itinerary as we visited successfully most of the tourist spot we intended to.

View of Merlion Park surrounded by stunning skyline.

If we talked about Singapore, pretty sure first thing that comes to mind is of course the infamous icon of ‘merlion’. Well, you never had been here if you haven’t seen for real this proud statue that’s well-known as a tourist trademark of this lion city.  Lion’s probably never lived here unless you go to their pristinely maintained animal sanctuary in Mandai Lake where ‘Singapore Zoological Garden’ and Night Safari is located. The zoo is homed to white tigers, one of the most popular attractions they have because of their rarity and exceptional beauty. 

View of Singapore Central Business District from the double helix bridge.

Since the renowned merlion park is situated in the heart of marina bay, we spent one whole day in here starting from 9:00am until 8:00pm before we headed to Clark Quay for a drink night out. I am not really ‘a drinker’ but I don’t want to deprived Balong, Lemwuel, and Llowel to have a dose of alcohol, noh! (ahahaha!).

Tourists trying to have a piece of potong ice cream.

Most of the known tourist spot can be found mushrooming here which includes Art Science Museum, Esplanade Park, Asian Civilization Museum, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Barage, Sands Skypark, Singapore Flyer, The Art House, The Float, The Fullerton Heritage Gallery, the Helix, Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert hall, Youth Olympic Park and a lot more.

Uncle may I have a slice of durian flavor, pleaseeee .... :)

We would like to visit all these attractions but because of time constraints, we only resolute on spot that we can accommodate for a day. We started an early morning walk to ‘Fountain of Wealth’ in Suntec City, then a 30-minute flight of ‘The Flyer’ in Raffles Avenue at noon time, passing through the pedestrian of ‘Helix Bridge’ in Bayfrount Avenue and an afternoon ‘siesta’ in ‘Marina Bay Sands and Skypark (MBS)’. We wanted to stay in the ‘Public Observation Deck’ in the 57^th floor of MBS till sunset but there are no benches available to sit-on unless you'll order something in Ku De Ta restaurant. Sitting on the wooden floorboards is strictly prohibited too; thus, we decided to leave the tower and headed directly to Merlion Park.

Singapore Skyline from the Float at Marina Bay.

Merlion Park is situated at the mouth of Singapore River that connects with Marina Bay. From 'The Shoppe' of Marina Bay Sands, no need for you to hire a taxi or ride a bus as this spot is situated just opposite of the bay that can be travelled ‘on foot’ merely around 10 - 15 minutes. You will pass through the ‘double helix bridge’ where spectacular panoramic view of Singapore's skyscape that comprises the central business district is truly impeccable. The Merlion figure may be dwarfed from afar but this is a must-stop and not to be missed site for all visitors. This is the proud symbol of Singapore’s tourism board which the intricate design is so distinct and conspicuous. 

Close and closer to our main goal! The Merlion.

On our way to the park, we were too busy taking snaps of the vicinity and seen an ice cream push cart in the junction of Bay Front and Raffles Avenue. We stopped for a while and were curious how it differs from ‘sorbetes’ of the Philippines. Locally, they called this [‘potong' (cut) ice cream] where a block of ice cream are sliced around 1-inch thick and wrapped by either bread or wafer of your choice. There were already so many tourists from different nationalities surrounding the brightly colored parasol; thus, we queued as well. Chocolate, vanilla, sweet corn, yam, red bean, mango, durian, and lots more are available just in case you wanted to have a taste of tropical and classic flavours.

Balong at the underground bridge near Esplanade.

At first, I thought it was ‘Selecta’ (known ice cream brand in the Philippines) as the logo quite resembles, but I was mistaken as they named it ‘Wall’s’. We ordered durian, mango and vanilla that cost us SGD 1 each that is equivalent to P33.00 per slice. Quite expensive, huh? Well, to treat yourself a portion of frozen delight to fight one hot/humid afternoon, it's worth every penny. And know what the verdict comparing to 'sorbetes' in the Philippines? It taste absolutely the same, the difference is solely the price.

Crowd of tourists trying to have a picture with the 'Merlion'.

After almost an hour of wandering, at last we arrived at the archetypal symbol of Singapore the Merlion. The vicinity is already flocked with tourist from around the world and we need to wait for a few minutes just to have a nice view and background of the sculpture. 

Signage direction to Merlion park located in Fullerton Road.

This iconic structure represents the head of the lion and the body of the fish.  Its name Merlion is a combined word of ‘mer’ (sea) and lion which translates as 'singa' in Sanskrit. It is a mythical creature used as a mascot and national personifications of Singapore. The fish body signifies the humble past of the country when it was a fishing village called “Temasek” while the lion head represents the present Singapore's original name ~ Singapura: meaning Lion City. The Merlion is housed here in the 2,500 square meter park just opposite of Fullerton Hotel surrounded by humongous skyline of Marina Bay. 

Edwin Thumboo's poem on display beside the Merlion Statue.

While waiting for our turn to have a photo of the perpetually-regurgitating national icon, I took the camera from Balong and have panoramic shots of all the spots that surrounds the bay. Please don’t get confused with another replica of a much larger Merlion that resides in Sentosa Island; this Merlion is the original design that has been watching over Singapore River since 1972! The sculpture is 8.6 meters high and weighing around 70 tons and was designed by Alec Fraser-Brunner. Kwan Sai Kheong is the one who conceptualized this merlion where an endless jet of water sprouts from its jaws which was then created by Nah Seng in 1972.  There is a cub at the back that is around 2 meters high, but unfortunately it was under construction when we visit.

One of the river tour station is just beside the Merlion Park.

Locating this place wherever you maybe is very easy, take an MRT and get off at Raffles Place. Walk towards Fullerton hotel then cross the road and voila! You are in merlion park in about 5 minutes. This is an excellent place to just sit around and unwind. There is a long cemented podium to sit-on in the bay promenade should you want to have a chit chat just don't forget to bring a bag of chips and a bottle of drinks if you may. 

There are five merlion statues that are officially recognized by the Singapore Tourism board. 1) this original statue that face the marina bay, 2) the 2 meter cub behind the original statue, 3) the 37-meter tall replica in Sentosa, 4) the 3 meter tall glazed polymarble statue at Tourism court, and 5) the 3 meter tall polymarble statue on Mount Faber.

After few hours of wandering and as darkness about to set, we left the park and headed to our hotel for a power nap and getting ready for a night out in Clark Quay. So there you go, just in case you are in Singapore, this is a stopover not to forget. Happy traveling everyone!

Have a great day and night too.

Enan signing off..

Cheeeeeeerrrrrrrrrriooossss

SMILE :)

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…

 

:)