Singapore’s wildlife parks like the Singapore Zoo and River Safari are undoubtedly some of the country’s most famous attractions. Home to a wonderful collection of wildlife, the Singapore Zoo and River Safari are the perfect spots to get up-close with stunning creatures. If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, we’ve done this guide to visiting Singapore Zoo and River Safari, so you’ll know what to look out for! You’ll want to bookmark this guide for your future Singapore trip, from safety procedures to must-see attractions and more!
1. Book your tickets online and reserve your time slots
As both the Singapore Zoo and River Safari operate at limited capacity, do note that you’ll need to book your tickets in advance and reserve a timeslot before your visit. Entry to the parks is time-based, so make sure you purchase your tickets online on the Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s Ticketing Portal and select your entry time! Once you arrive, simply present your e-tickets at the park entrance ? This way, you can avoid the hassle of buying your tickets on-site and head straight to the parks. You can also plan and minimise contact with the wildlife park staff by downloading a digital guide to the Singapore Zoo and River Safari.
It’s best to arrive no later than 45 minutes from your selected time. If the park’s capacity has been reached, do note that you might be required to wait until availability.
During weekends or Singapore’s school holidays (June and December), the Singapore Zoo and River Safari might be busier than usual. So, remember to purchase your tickets early and plan your visit!
#HHWT Tip: If you’re planning to visit more than 1 park, you can enjoy up to 50% savings with the 4-Park Admission or 2-Park Admission! The ParkHopper Plus package even includes admission to all 4 wildlife parks with tram, boat, and carousel rides.
2. Follow the precautionary measures for a smooth and safe visit
Credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore
While visiting the Singapore Zoo and River Safari, rest assured that you can have peace of mind as the parks have put in place precautionary measures for the safety of guests. All parks are SG Clean Certified, and high standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained.
Visiting the wildlife parks with your family or in a group? Make sure your group size does not exceed the stipulated size and maintain a safe distance of at least 1-metre from other groups of guests, especially in high traffic areas or queues. A mask covering your nose and mouth must also be worn at all times when in the parks, except when eating and drinking. As the COVID-19 situation might change, check the latest regulations for the number of people allowed in a group.
If you’re travelling with kids, children under 6 years of age are not required to wear a mask. Children 12 years and below are allowed to wear a face shield in place of a mask if they have difficulty keeping a face mask on for prolonged periods.
3. Get up close and personal with your favourite animals by feeding them
One of the best ways to get close to your favourite animals is by feeding them! Not only is it an exciting experience, you will also learn more about the animals through their behaviours and interactions ? For a small fee of $5 each, you can also feed a giraffe, elephant, goat, or White Rhinoceros and Giant Tortoise at the Singapore Zoo. What’s amazing is that the feeding proceeds will help fund the zoo’s wildlife conservation efforts in the region. You’ll need to book your feeding session online and arrive 15 minutes before feeding time. Find out more on their website!
#HHWT Tip: Before and after feeding the animals, remember to wash your hands with soap at the sinks near the feeding spots! Hand sanitisers are also available around Singapore wildlife parks, so you can practise personal hygiene throughout your visit to the Zoo.
4. Learn interesting facts about the animals at the amazing animal shows
One thing you can’t miss while at the Singapore Zoo is the amazing animal shows! This is when you’ll get to witness the incredible talents of the animals alongside their trainers. Watch the California sea lions glide or balance a ball on their noses at the Splash Safari Show or witness rainforest animals like monkeys and lemurs jump and fly above you at the Rainforest Fights Back show. For those of you visiting with kids, the Animal Friends Show will be perfect for you as you’d be able to see domesticated animals like cats, dogs and mice perform on stage ? During the show, you can expect cat-and-mouse mischief that you usually see in cartoons, how dogs use their keen sense of smell, and more. You can even take photos with the animals at the end for some shows!
There are two sessions for each show, lasting for about 15-20 minutes. Do arrive early as the shows operate at limited capacity as part of safety measures. Once full, they won’t be able to accept more guests. Trust us, you wouldn’t want to miss the animal shows at the Singapore Zoo, so remember to plan! Check out the schedule here.
At the River Safari, catch up with adorable capybaras, beavers, the Great white pelicans and other fascinating creatures at the Once Upon A River show along the water’s edge. There are 3 show timings to choose from, so plan your time accordingly!
P.S. Planning a visit to Sentosa for your future trip instead? Check out our ultimate Muslim-friendly guide to Sentosa!
5. Take a fun ride on River Safari's Amazon River Quest
Credit: VisitSingapore on Facebook
A must-visit attraction at the River Safari is the Amazon River Quest! The boat adventure is designed to simulate a journey along the Amazon River, and you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for the animals of the Amazonian wildlife as they are well-camouflaged among the lush vegetation. Some animals you can’t miss here are the jaguars, Brazilian tapirs and giant anteaters. As you get on the boat on the Amazon River Quest, remember to keep a safe distance from other groups of guests too.
Price: $5 (Adult), $3 (Child)
P.S. Travelling to Singapore with your kids next time? You'll want to visit the Gardens by the Bay too! Check out our 6 essential tips for visiting the Gardens with your family.
6. Meet the stars of the Singapore Zoo and River Safari
Your visit to the Singapore Zoo and River Safari wouldn’t be complete without meeting some of their stars! Yes, we’re talking about some of the endangered species of animals that you will encounter in both parks.
The Singapore Zoo is home to the largest breeding group of endangered proboscis monkeys outside its range countries. Known for their big noses and tummies, these monkeys are at very high risk of extinction in the wild. It’s fascinating to watch them with their humanlike behaviours in enlarged enclosures!
The Sumatran and Bornean orangutans are other critically endangered species that are not to be missed at the zoo. You can catch a glimpse of the orangutan family and watch these largest tree-dwelling mammals go about their daily lives ? While visiting the animal enclosures, remember to keep your mask on at all times. Travelling with kids? Those under 6 years of age are not required to wear a mask. Children 12 years and below are allowed to wear a face shield in place of a mask if they have difficulty keeping a face mask on for prolonged periods.
Over at the River Safari, look out for the famous giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia at the Giant Panda Forest! These pandas are vulnerable to extinction and are on a 10-year loan from China. If you still can’t get enough of them, bring home some Kai Kai and Jia Jia plush toys, clothing and other exclusive memorabilia.
You can also say hello to our first-ever panda cub Le Le! We Singaporeans have been dying to catch a glimpse of Le Le, so join in the fun and coo at how adorable this baby is! ? Baby Le Le will only stay here for two years, so bring your cameras and snap up some pictures as soon as possible.
#HHWT Tip: If you’re visiting the Singapore Zoo and River Safari with your family, explore the park more relaxedly on the tram ride and listen to stories of the animals on board. Price: $5 (Adult), $3 (Child). Alternatively, you can rent a stroller ($15) or a wagon ($18), so travelling around the parks will be less hassle. Do remember to keep to the allowed group size while you’re out and about at the parks. Check the latest regulations for the maximum number of people allowed in a group.
7. Fuel up on halal food at Singapore Zoo and do your prayers
There are plenty of other halal food options at the Singapore Zoo to fill your tummies before and after your day out and about ? Before having your meal, be sure to wash your hands with soap at one of the many toilets at the Singapore Zoo or use the readily available hand sanitisers.
Head to Ah Meng Restaurant and enjoy scrumptious local cuisines like laksa and chicken rice. Ah Meng Bistro’s gourmet sandwiches and health speciality teas have got you covered for light bites. If you’re looking for kid-friendly meals, you can head to several KFC outlets - outside the zoo and Rainforest Kidzworld. The KFC outside the zoo is perfect as you can fill your tummy before visiting River Safari.
#HHWT Tip: Although there are no official prayer spaces at the Singapore Zoo and River Safari, you can approach one of the staff at the reception counters for assistance, and they will prepare a room for you. The prayer room at Singapore Zoo is currently under renovation, but you can ask for assistance at the River Safari. Do note that you’ll have to bring your prayer mat and garments and perform your ablutions in a nearby toilet ?
8. Look out for special events at the Singapore Zoo and River Safari
There’s never a dull moment at the Singapore Zoo and River Safari as you can look forward to special events happening all year round. You can celebrate Le Le's first birthday, have a staycation amidst the wild with their first outdoor dome tent, and more! Check out their website for the full list of fun-filled activities!
With these 8 essential tips, you’ll be more than ready for your visit to the Singapore Zoo and River Safari for your future Singapore trip! With new safety measures like purchasing tickets online, booking time slots, safe distancing guidelines and more, it’s important to plan your trip to Singapore and factor in extra relevant time. With these measures, you’ll be able to experience Singapore’s wildlife parks safely and with peace of mind ?
This article is brought to you by the Singapore Tourism Board.