A staycation at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree might be the best way to soak in the best views in Singapore, enjoy a one-of-a-kind staycation and complete your wild experience just a stone’s throw away from the Mandai wildlife parks.
We have heard much about Banyan Tree’s hospitality standards and its resort in Mandai was probably a highly anticipated one to head to for the family. We were familiar with the local wildlife parks and have explored all of them like many families. We have also reviewed the glamping experience at Colugo Camp. How would the Mandai Rainforest Resort appeal to us as a seasoned “Mandai park-goer”?
Mandai Rainforest Resort: Eco-Luxury in Mandai
First up, Mandai Rainforest Resort is Banyan Tree’s largest to date, with over 300 guestrooms and suites and 24 seed-pod shaped treehouses. That said, do expect common spaces such as the pool and the lobby to be bustling during weekends and peak seasons.
DISNEY ADVENTURE CRUISE: Guide and Tips to Disney's Latest Ship
MARCH HOLIDAY FUN: 20+ Things to with Kids in Singapore
As we entered the lobby flanked by lush landscaping and the chirping of birds, the unique open-air lobby was breezy and transported us into a retreat away from the traffic and high-rise buildings. And yes, we are still in Singapore.
I was instantly amazed at such a space could exist in our densely populated city state – void of the sounds of urban living.
In contrast with other resorts in the region which often played music along the corridors and walkways, the sounds that we heard were from the surrounding flora and fauna – the rustling of leaves, the birdsong, the cicada calls and branches swaying to the rhythm of the wind.
As a nature-lover, I welcomed these little touches that truly made the resort feel like a getaway from the city.
Our Room at Mandai Rainforest Resort: Sanctuary Double Double
Each level of Mandai Rainforest Resort corresponds to the various layers of the rainforest, paying tribute to the forests that surrounds the land. Our room was a Sanctuary Double Double located on the fifth floor of the resort overlooking the reservoir.
This meant that the artwork in our room corresponds to the canopy layer of the rainforest, taking the scene right into our bedroom
The two double beds were comfortable and just right for our family of four consisting of two adults, a teen and a tween.
We appreciated the really large bathroom with his and hers sinks, a split shower area and cubicle.
For a feel of what it’s like to bathe while enjoying the views, there’s an option to raise the roller blinds.
All four of us were unanimous in agreeing that the room was a wonderful retreat and designed to be cosy, comfortable with sustainability in mind. Besides the comfortable beds, the couch area right next to the windows were where we loved to be.
Just sitting there, sipping our cuppa staring into the gorgeous greenery was a luxury.
We opened our windows for some fresh air and this automatically turns the air-conditioning off. I love the option of bringing down the netted blinds to prevent insects from flying in. As someone prone to insect bites, this was definitely an excellent barrier. Apart from the netted blinds, there were blackout blinds and day curtains.
Rooms are cooled naturally with vents for hot air to rise towards, ceiling fans to ventilate the room and an air-conditioner automatically set to 22 to 23 degrees Celsius to minimise excessive electricity usage.
The floors also had stone tiles that made it cooler as we walked on them. This was also distinct from the usual room flooring in hotels and an effective strategy in tropical heat.
In-room amenities also included a Nespresso machine, water dispenser, minibar and Banyan amenities. I personally loved the Spearmint and Bergamot scented bath and bodycare products.
The turndown service was what I appreciated at the end of a long day. With a tidied room, the oil diffuser lit and the scent of Spearmint and Bergamot gently wafting in the bathroom, we were ready to relax.
I highly recommend the rooms with the reservoir view. The scenery of the waters and the forests is so mesmerising that we could all take time to appreciate. Not only is it rest for the eyes for city-dwellers, it is a blessing to revel in nature.
Family-Friendly Activities and Amenities
The resort seemed popular with families with young children and it was not surprising to see why.
Walkways are accessible with gentle ramps rather than steps. Barrier-free spaces are certainly ideal for families with strollers or wheelchairs.
There are several child-friendly places to go and things to do at Mandai Rainforest Resort.
Rangers Club – Mandai Rainforest Resort’s Kids Club
Rangers Club is where kids can hang out either indoors reading, playing or outdoors at its cannon ball inspired playground.
It costs $10 per child to enter Rangers Club and parents can choose to accompany their child in various activities. There are programmes held at the Club too. There were toys, books and plenty of seating for the kids.
The playground is ideal for the little ones to climb, crawl, bounce and slide. They would enjoy exploring the cannon balls, bounce on springy pads, climb on leaves and climb up a little stump.
Rooftop Pool Time
Of course, pool time is a must for families. Located at the fifth floor, it overlooks the reservoir and has a poolside bar for snacks and drinks. We would recommend visiting the pool in the earlier part of the morning or late afternoon for a cooler time and when it is less crowded.
That said, there are a few spots at the quieter corners of the pool to hang out at and simply soak in the views.
Nature Walks
Families looking for more activities can sign up for paid activities such as nature walks and a bird-centric walk called Wing Watchers. Upon completion of the walks, the little ones can collect Ranger Buddies badges too.
We joined in Wing Watchers one sunny morning and managed to spot the native birds such as Asian Glossy Starlings, Spotted Doves, a raptor while at the Discovery Garden. Binoculars are provided too. Going on walks is one way to expend some energy and also be enriched with knowledge on the wildlife surrounding the resort!
Do make a point to observe the flora and fauna all around. See if you can spot nests and even little critters.
Mandai Rainforest Resort also has a gate leading to Mandai Boardwalk that guests can use. Heading out for a walk on your own could be one activity to do!
Other Amenities at Mandai Rainforest Resort
Banyan Tree Spa
The resort also has a Banyan spa that both guests and the public can visit. It has signature treatments unique to the resort using ingredients specific to Singapore. Private treatment rooms are available in pods designed with an external facade inspired by pangolin scales.
Gym
Guests can also visit the gym which has a comprehensive range of equipment. This was our teen’s choice hangout during our stay.
Discovery Garden
One of our favourite hangouts in the evening and early morning was Discovery Garden. This is where you must watch the unbeatable sunrise, and lounge around amidst the foliage just enjoying conversations or playing board games.
Since Discovery Garden is on the top floor right next to the pool, this is the place to be for panoramic views of the surrounds.
For guests heading to the nearby wildlife parks, the short distance to Mandai Rainforest Resort means there’s ample rest time in between park visits and the benefit of waking just in time to visit the parks bright and early in the morning when the animals are most active!
After we visited Night Safari, we loved the perk of getting a buggy ride back to our lift lobby courtesy of the team!
Meals at the Resort: Planters Shed & Forage
Guests at Mandai Wildlife Resort can enjoy meals at either Planters Shed or Forage.
Planters Shed offers a buffet spread of international cuisine – Western, Indian, Chinese, local food and we found it to offer a delectable spread at dinner.
I liked the local offerings that were hearty and familiar like laksa, pulut hitam, cheng tng, satay.
There was also a kids section with their favourite sweets like jellybeans, chocolate and a ice-cream corner. Little ones will also be drawn to the chocolate fondue.
Planters Shed seemed to be a conducive space for young families and there was an option to sit in a glasshouse-like shed.
Forage is the more premium option located on the fourth level. It offers set menus for breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner. While it is recommended for families with older children, we did see a few families with young children at the restaurant during breakfast.
We loved the views facing the reservoir and enjoyed the breakfast offerings. Starters include pastries, fruits and chia seed pudding. We could also choose coffee, tea and juices.
There was a choice of American-style breakfast, Belgian Buckwheat waffle, Nasi Lemark, Noodles, Grilled Ribeye (yes for breakfast!) and Prata with Eggs Benedict. Dishes were paired with ingredients such as mushrooms, vegetables and microgreens grown onsite! My sons clearly loved these options and one of them opted for seconds.
There are dining options aplenty right outside Mandai Rainforest Resort at Dining Alley and the newly opened Food Republic as well.
Biophilic Design – the Heart of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
Mandai Rainforest Resort has a one-of-a-kind location that makes it uniquely Singapore. Nowhere can we find a luxury resort in Singapore with such a view with amazing sunrises, panoramic views of Upper Seletar Reservoir and little signs of it being in highly urban environment.
The resort’s biophilic design will surely draw your attention to the little details, the furniture, the surfaces and even the glass facades with some dots on them (to prevent bird collishes).
First, the use of air-conditioning is minimal outside the rooms. Even though it was really hot and humid, the spaces remain cool and breezy given the resort’s elevation.
Most of the building has plants like vines adorning the facades and greenery on rooftops to encourage wildlife to coexist with the structure. We could spot nests of sunbirds and spotted doves on some of the vines and plants!
In between rooms were also openings that enabled us to look through the reservoir not just for the views but for ventilation as well.
The lighting in the resort was also well-concieved to minimise disturbance to the environment. Hence it does not attract bugs or other creatures to the lights. We did not get any insect bites during our stay.
Guests can also see towering trees like the Rain Tree at the entrance and an Indian Beech tree retained in their original locations.
Trees that were felled were used as furniture like customised benches and chairs and even dustbins for the resort, making the upcycled wood a prominent part of the resort’s furnishings.
One can also see the branches and vines of the wood imprinted onto the external surfaces of the buildings making them blend in seamlessly with their surroundings.
It was a tranquil stay for us given the designs of the space. Calls of wildlife were the soundtrack throughout our stay.
For Those Looking to Splurge – Treehouse Rooms
Preferring more privacy? You can have an entire pod-like room to yourself! I had the opportunity to see one of the 24 tree houses. Housed like a seed pod that’s hovering above ground, each tree house has its private patio with views of the forest, garden or reservoir.
Guests of tree houses also have two private pools for their use making it a more private dip and soak experience.
Our Review of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
City dwellers looking for a slice of serenity will love Mandai Rainforest Resort as a one-of-a-kind getaway in Singapore. With its unbeatable location and views, the resort definitely gets a thumbs up from nature-lovers like myself. It’s the perfect retreat sited near the wildlife parks for park hoppers yet it also offers space for quiet contemplation away from busy city living.
For one night, we were away from the city sounds and got lulled to sleep with the sounds of the cicadas and forest life. The breeze from the reservoir cooled our rooms while the views of the surrounding landscape mesmerised all of us.
The luxury of it all lies beyond the comfortable spaces, the Banyan amenities and warm hospitality. It is a luxury to just stare into the greenery, observe the tiny petals and critters; and embrace the sounds of nature which we rarely pay attention to in our harried pace.
The stay at Mandai Rainforest Resort might help you slow down and pay attention to the real luxuries of life.
Media Invite
