Mandai Boardwalk: 3.3 Km Walk Beside Upper Seletar Reservoir

Mandai Boardwalk Opening Hours
Image: Mandai Wildlife Group
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The Mandai Boardwalk is a new, free public boardwalk at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve where you can take in breathtaking views of the Upper Seletar Reservoir and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve beside the water.

The meandering 3.3km Mandai Boardwalk skirts the perimeter of River Wonders and Singapore Zoo. It offers visitors a peaceful space to observe local wildlife along the edge of the waters of the reservoir, and to even catch glimpses of some of the animals being cared for inside the Singapore Zoo.


Mandai Boardwalk at Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Walk by the Water's Edge
Image: Mandai Wildlife Group

The Mandai boardwalk is free to enter daily from 7 am to 7 pm during day light hours (last entry at 6 pm).

Located outside of the ticketed wildlife parks, the Mandai Boardwalk has been designed with wheelchair-friendly and stroller-friendly walkways which also accommodate visitors of all abilities and ages.


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The public boardwalk celebrates the fascinating connection between the forest and water ecosystems through five thematic stations and a lookout point along the route.

These thematic stations are inspired by the wildlife that inhabit both environments. 

Tree Frog’s Hangout

Amongst these are the Tree Frog’s Hangout, which is named after the native four-lined tree frog. 

Damselfly’s Wing rest station

The Damselfly’s Wing rest station features elliptical designs inspired by damselflies and dragonflies.

Lizard’s Lounge celebrates the impressive Malayan water monitor. 

Eagle's Perch

Eagle’s Perch offers sweeping views of the reservoir.

The Iora’s Nest is designed to resemble the nest of the Common Iora, showcasing their ingenious use of spider webs to weave together materials for nest construction.

Lookout point

There is also a lookout point where you can enjoy the views of the reservoir.  

 

Walk by the Water’s Edge

Mandai Boardwalk at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Image: Mandai Wildlife Group

In designing the Mandai Boardwalk, the structure was elevated from the banks of the reservoir where native animals move below.

Enhancing the water-edge vegetation was another key focus to attract biodiversity such as birds, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. Steps were taken to build around the mature trees on site, and low impact construction techniques were harnessed to reduce heavy equipment.

 

A Window in the Wild

A Window in the Wild

Mike Barclay, Group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group, said: “Our vision for the Mandai Wildlife Reserve has been to create an accessible and inclusive destination that offers a window into the wild, allowing everyone to appreciate nature at their own pace. In addition to our ticketed parks, we are committed to providing freely accessible green spaces with play areas and activities for visitors to enjoy. Mandai Boardwalk users can look forward to unique views across the beautiful Upper Seletar Reservoir, while spotting exciting native species like the straw-headed bulbul and flocks of long-tailed parakeets. The Boardwalk also offers tantalising glimpses of some of the animals being cared for inside the Singapore Zoo, like the Rothschild’s giraffes.”

 

How to Access the Mandai Boardwalk

How to Access the Mandai Boardwalk
Image: Mandai Wildlife Group

The Mandai Boardwalk goes around the edge of Singapore Zoo and River Wonders. 

Visitors can access the Mandai Boardwalk via two separate locations.

One of the entry points to the Mandai Boardwalk is at Mandai Wildlife East – the new public space that serves as the brand-new gateway to Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders and other upcoming features. The second entry point is near the entrance of River Wonders.

 

Mandai Wildlife East Mandai Boardwalk entrance (Kingfisher)

Mandai Wildlife East Mandai Boardwalk entrance (Kingfisher)

At the Mandai Wildlife East entrance, visitors will be greeted by a larger-than-life Pangolin Mother & Child sculpture.

Visitors can walk past the Mother & Child sculpture in the direction of Singapore Zoo.

How to get to the Mandai Boardwalk

Then keep to the left where there is a passageway between two new buildings. This leads to a lift that will take you to the Kingfisher entrance, inspired by the stork-billed kingfisher, a species that may be spotted along the boardwalk. You can also walk down a flight of stairs to reach the Mandai Boardwalk.

 

River Wonders Mandai Boardwalk Entrance (Tree Frog)

River Wonders Mandai Boardwalk Entrance (Tree Frog)

The Mandai Boardwalk entrance is easier to find. It is located just to the left of the River Wonders entrance. There are both stairs and a lift that will take you down to the Mandai Boardwalk.

Expect to take 70 to 85 minutes for a leisurely walk along the 3.3 km boardwalk.

Our personal recommendation is to start from the Mandai Wildlife East entrance.

A few other things to take note if you are planning to walk along the Mandai Boardwalk.

Once you get started, you are committed. The boardwalk carries on along the perimeter of the Singapore Zoo and the only ways in and out (except during an emergency) is by the two entrances. So be prepared to complete the boardwalk.

Beware of wild macques

Beware of wild macaques while on the boardwalk. 

Warning lights

If there is a lightning risk, there are red light that will flash to warn those along the boardwalk. Seek shelter if the lights are flashing.

 

Mandai Boardwalk Opening Hours

Mandai Boardwalk Opening Hours
Image: Mandai Wildlife Group

The Mandai Boardwalk will be accessible from 7 am to 7 pm during day light hours. Last entry is at 6 pm.

It will be closed closed between dusk and dawn in consideration of nocturnal animals and visitor safety.

Do take note that pets are not allowed on the Mandai Boardwalk.

 

More to Come at Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Other upcoming features at Mandai Wildlife Reserve include the highly anticipated Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree that will be opening in April 2025 and nature-themed indoor attractions like Curiosity Cove, Exploria, and more.

Similar to Mandai Wildlife West, Mandai Wildlife East will also offer playgrounds and more dining options for all to enjoy.

Learn more about the Mandai Boardwalk.

If you enjoyed this story, we think that you will also appreciate this other story on the new Rainforest Wild Asia wildlife park.


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