8 things to prepare before visiting the Singapore Zoo
I help visitors to Singapore plan their trips around the country and often that includes the Singapore Zoo. A question I’m often asked is what you should prepare and do in advance of visiting the Singapore Zoo, so I put this guide together to help. This guide is part of my series on visiting the Singapore Zoo and other Mandai Wildlife attractions - check out the links at the bottom of this page to other guides in the series.
1. Download the app
The Mandai app is essential to use when visiting the Singapore Zoo. On the app, you can:
- Buy entry tickets
- Get directions to navigate around the Zoo
- Set reminders for shows and presentations
- Review the sample full-day itinerary prepared by the Zoo team
- Scan QR codes to learn more about the animals
- Buy add-ons, such as feed the animal sessions
There are lots of add-on ways you can have fun with the animals at the Singapore Zoo. I prepared a whole guide on all the different things you can do at the Zoo, check it out here: reachingsingapore.com/zoo-to-do
2. Buy your entrance ticket and book any additional activities
I highly recommend doing this in advance, before you arrive at the Zoo.
Entrance tickets can be purchased on the website, or by using the app, before you arrive at the Zoo. I often direct visitors to buy the ticket at least the day before they plan to go, or as soon as they have confirmed the date they will visit the Zoo.
It’s not required to book in advance to visit the Zoo, but it saves a lot of hassle if you buy your ticket online rather than at the entrance. This is because the ticket machines at the entrance are self-service and if you’re in a group I find it troublesome to buy tickets for everyone. Do it online instead.
Additional activities, such as feeding and carousel rides, can also be bought in advance according to the schedule on the day you can visit. Some activities that need to be booked in advance include:
| Activity | Advance booking requirement |
|---|---|
| Zoo Adventure Tour | Recommend at least 3 days in advance as it often sells out |
| Breakfast in the Wild | At least 1 day in advance, this is required by the Zoo |
| Elephant Encounters Backstage Pass | Recommend at least 4 days in advance as it is very popular |
Most other activities can be bought on the day, though I recommend planning ahead if you are interested in backstage pass activities as these often only run on certain days of the week.
3. Have something to eat
Unless you are having breakfast at the Zoo, I usually recommend eating before you get to the Zoo. While the food at the Zoo is fairly good, and not too expensive by international standards, you can often find tastier and better value options elsewhere.
Bringing your own food is allowed at the Singapore Zoo. There are benches and sheltered areas available to eat your own food or even have a picnic.
I find most people spend at least 3-4 hours at the Zoo, meaning you’ll still probably have a meal there. Some of the food options at the Zoo include:
| Dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Chicken Rice | S$14.90 |
| Chicken Biryani | S$15.90 |
| Laksa | S$13.50 |
| Mala Chicken | S$17.90 |
| Fish & Chips | S$18.90 |
There are a variety of restaurants at the entrance to and inside the Zoo, with the Ah Meng Bistro being the flagship. KFC is also available.
4. Plan how to get to the Zoo
Singapore Zoo is located in Mandai, a northern area of Singapore approximately 15km from Marina Bay. It typically takes 30-90 minutes to get to Singapore Zoo depending on where you are staying and whether you are using public transport or taking a taxi.
Some of the common ways to get to Singapore Zoo include:
| Transport | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MRT + Mandai Khatib Shuttle | S$5 per person | 60-80 minutes |
| MRT + public bus route 138 | S$2 per person | 60-75 minutes |
| Taxi | S$20-S$40 per taxi (up to 4 people) | 30-45 minutes |
| Mandai City Express Coach | S$8 per person | 45-60 minutes |
| MRT + cycling | S$5 per person | 90+ minutes |
I usually recommend visitors take a taxi to get to the Zoo as, per-person, it doesn’t cost much more than the other options. The Mandai City Express Coach can also be a good idea if you are staying at a hotel along its route; the coach service is operated by a third-party company though and tickets should be bought through them.
If you’re looking to save a few dollars, the next best option is to take the MRT to Springleaf station (brown Thomson East Coast Line) and then public bus route 138 to get to the Zoo.
When leaving the Zoo, I usually recommend the Mandai Khatib Shuttle (free when departing the Zoo) or public bus route 138. These will drop you at a nearby MRT station where you can catch a train or book a taxi (avoid booking in Mandai area due to limited number of taxis and high surcharges).
Need more information about how to get around Singapore (including how to pay for tickets)? If so, check out my complete guide on transport in Singapore here: reachingsingapore.com/transport-options-singapore
5. Prepare rain protection
Singapore is a tropical country and that means it rains a lot here. Usually the rain will be a brief (and refreshing) shower in the afternoon, though occasionally it can go on for longer.
While the Singapore Zoo has some protections against the rain, and mitigation plans so activities and shows can proceed despite the weather, I always recommend preparing your own rain protection when visiting the Zoo.
Rain ponchos and umbrellas are the items I recommend visitors carry with them to them to the Zoo in case of rain.
Rain ponchos can be purchased at convenience stores across Singapore. They cost approximately S$5 to S$10.
For umbrellas, I recommend the small foldable kind which cost around S$8 from 7/11.
I recommend purchasing these before you get to the Zoo. There are convenience stores at MRT stations selling rain protection.
6. Bring tissues
Small packets of tissue are another ‘must bring’ item that I recommend to all visitors to Singapore. These are useful for wiping away sweat, cleaning hands and mouth, and reserving tables in a process Singaporean’s call ‘chope’.
Tissues and serviettes are not often provided by restaurants, coffee shops, and outdoor eateries in Singapore meaning that if you need to clean your hands after eating, you must use your own material. This is why I recommend visitors do like the locals do and carry a small packet of tissues with them everywhere you go.
7. Bring a credit card
Singapore Zoo is cashless. Cash is not accepted for payment of entry tickets, or for anything inside the Singapore Zoo. Card and QR code payment methods are required to be used for every purchase at the Singapore Zoo, including entrance tickets, add-ons, and food.
Accepted payment methods at Singapore Zoo include:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- JCB
- American Express
- Union Pay
- Alipay
- WeChat Pay
8. Bring insect repellent and sunscreen
As an outdoor tropical jungle, the Singapore Zoo is exposed to a lot of sunlight, rain, and insects. I recommend visitors bring the necessary creams and sprays to protect themselves against these.
Mosquitos are common-place in Singapore due to the tropical climate. I recommend bringing using an insect repellent when visiting the Singapore Zoo to reduce the likelihood that they will bite you. Remember to re-apply it throughout the day.
Sunscreen is also something I highly recommend as a lot of the Zoo is outdoors and without shade. While there are plenty of shaded areas, a significant amount of walking between exhibits is not shaded. Sunscreen will help protect you from the sun in these areas.
Further reading
I’ve prepared a series of guides to help visitors to the Singapore Zoo plan their day, including transport, budget, and food. Check out the other guides in this series below:
