Singapore’s northern Mandai space has all the time been house to the nation’s award-winning zoo…however not a lot else. Mandai Zoo first opened in June 1973, and was a well-liked attraction for Singaporeans and guests alike all through the 80s and 90s. But this 12 months, Mandai Wildlife Group has rejuvenated the location with Rainforest Wild Asia, a 13-hectare park that enables guests to see animals in open (however nonetheless protected) areas whereas selecting their very own degree of journey.
This forest journey park joins the nation’s 4 primary nature points of interest in a single space. This contains River Wonders (previously River Safari), Bird Paradise (relocated from its smaller, quainter location in Jurong) and the Night Safari. The space is now referred to as an built-in wildlife and nature vacation spot.
Rainforest Wild Asia is designed to supply guests every thing from leisurely strolls to adventurous and bodily experiences. Those in search of a laidback expertise can use the extensive walkways and guided excursions that may take you from factors of elevation all the way in which to the forest flooring. For one thing extra exhilarating, there are forest trails with fallen logs, boulders and bridges, in addition to harnessed experiences, freefall jumps and difficult caving adventures.
For animal-lovers, Rainforest Wild is a brand new expertise, introducing “flexible habitats” that enable guests to see completely different animals at completely different instances of the day. The extra open idea is designed to encourage animals to exhibit their pure behaviours and permit company to watch them on this state – although it does imply you’ll have to look tougher to identify them. The park is house to 29 animal species together with some new-to-Singapore creatures just like the endangered François’ langur and the Philippine noticed deer. To recreate this rainforest setting for its inhabitants, 7,000 Southeast Asian timber and shrubs have been planted to complement the present patches of flora.
A journey by way of 10 zones
Rainforest Wild is split into 10 zones with highlights together with The Karsts, a sequence of jagged limestone formations the place company can watch monkeys swinging and leaping by way of the timber. Thrill-seeking guests can embark on guided excursions over the cliffs through a ferrata path. At the Forest Floor, guests should trek over fallen timber and climb over logs to make their technique to the Rock Cascade to see the Malayan tiger enclosure. They also can head as much as The Canopy to catch a glimpse of treetop life and possibly get an opportunity to see species just like the Javan langur and red-shanked douc langur.
Experience The Cavern, designed in collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation and impressed by the Malaysian state’s well-known Mulu Caves. To create Mandai’s “version”, designers scanned the rock options of Mulu Caves and faithfully recreated their historic rock formations. Traverse throughout the subterranean walkways or strive the extra adventurous aspect paths the place you would possibly see racer snakes and large black scorpions (from a protected distance, in fact). Be positive to cease by the brand new eating vacation spot situated in The Cavern which touts itself because the nation’s first cave-dining vacation spot.
Luxury within the rainforest
Rainforest Wild features as part-zoo and part-adventure camp, catering to nature-lovers curious to expertise wildlife in a extra naturalised habitat and thrill-seekers wanting to check their abilities scaling heights and exploring the forest flooring.
In the identical vein, the brand new Mandai Rainforest Resort provides company the primary luxurious resort expertise within the space. It additionally marks a homecoming for Singaporean hospitality model Banyan Tree. Famed for its luxurious resorts across the globe, in addition to their Banyan Tree Spa at Marina Bay Sands, this property blends the model’s pure aesthetics with the plush greenery of the realm.
The resort is located on sprawling 4.6-hectare grounds subsequent to Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise and Rainforest Wild Asia. It options 24 tree homes with non-public patios in addition to a five-storey resort that homes 314 visitor rooms and suites. The rooms provide views of the rainforest, backyard and reservoir and might be naturally ventilated as a part of the resort’s sustainability practices. For households, the Family Retreat, Family Rainforest and Family Sanctuary rooms can accommodate as much as two kids in an excellent single bunk mattress.
Naturally, actions on the resort are designed to attune company with nature and grant particular entry to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve parks. Wellness experiences embody the Banyan Tree Spa which options three therapy pods impressed by the Sunda pangolin, in addition to sound therapeutic and “earthing” actions that happen on the roof. There are guided nature walks for everybody to get pleasure from and even a “Ranger Buddies: Rainforest Discovery” programme run by Mandai X for the youngsters.
“We are excited to have Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree serve as the perfect launchpad for Singaporeans and tourists to discover the marvels of nature and wildlife,” mentioned Glen Cook, common supervisor of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. “As Banyan Group’s homecoming property, we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled guest experiences synonymous with the Banyan Tree brand. From exclusive wildlife encounters in the parks right next door to rejuvenating spa treatments, every moment will be thoughtfully crafted to captivate the senses.”
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