Categories > Guides and Tips
Your Guide to the Magic of River Wonders Singapore
- Things to Know
- Rules and Restrictions
- How to Get to Mandai Wildlife Reserve - River Wonders
- What to Do
- Explore the Amazon Flooded Forest
- Meet the giant pandas
- Cruise the Amazon River Quest
- Marvel at the Mekong River giants
- Spot the endangered red pandas
- Attend a manatee feeding session
- Experience the river trails
- Participate in the Wildlife Quest
- Grab a bite at Mama Panda Kitchen
- Bring home a souvenir at the gift shop
- Tips When Visiting
Ever wondered what it’s like to journey down the world’s most iconic rivers without ever leaving Singapore? I did just that at River Wonders.
However, at first, I thought, “Can this place really compete with the Singapore Zoo?” The minute I stepped into the Amazon Flooded Forest and watched giant manatees glide past, my doubts dissipated.
So for first-timers and locals, this guide will help you explore everything River Wonders has to offer—from pandas and piranhas to unforgettable boat rides!
Things to Know
Location: 80 Mandai Lake Road
Contact: +65 6269 3411/[email protected]
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–7 PM
Fees:
Standard Admission:
- Adults (ages 13-59): S$42
- Children (ages 3-12): S$30
- Seniors (Ages 60 and above): S$20
Amazon River Quest Boat Ride: S$5 per person (for both adults and children)
Pet friendly? No, though service animals may be brought (with prior permission)
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible pathways, ramps, and exhibits, wheelchair rentals, PWD-friendly bathrooms, park staff assistance
Amenities: Restrooms throughout the park, nursing rooms, first aid stations, wheelchair and stroller rental, water refill stations, food and beverage outlets, gift shops, photo services, locker rentals, prayer rooms, free Wi-Fi, shuttle services, information and customer service counters, electric vehicle charging stations
Rules and Restrictions
✖ No feeding the animals
✖ No entering restricted areas and paths
✖ No flash photography
✖ No smoking
✖ No littering
✖ No bringing of outside food and beverages
✖ No pets
✖ No drones
✖ No unsupervised children
✖ No touching of animals
✖ No loud noises
How to Get to Mandai Wildlife Reserve – River Wonders
By train and bus: Take the MRT to Khatib MRT Station (NS14) on the North-South Line, which is the closest station to Mandai Wildlife Reserve where River Wonders is located.
From there, you can hop on the Mandai Khatib Shuttle, a direct bus service that runs frequently between Khatib MRT and the reserve. The shuttle ride takes about 15 minutes.
By bus: Head to the Mandai Lake Road bus stop (Bus Stop ID: 48131), which is the closest bus stop to the park. You can take bus services 138 from Ang Mo Kio Interchange, 927 from Choa Chu Kang Interchange, or 926 (available on Sundays and public holidays) from Woodlands Interchange.
Once you alight at the Mandai Lake Road bus stop, it’s just a short walk to the entrance of River Wonders, located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
By car: There are convenient parking options available at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. The main East Car Park is the closest and provides ample parking spaces for both cars and motorcycles, including dedicated lots for families and persons with disabilities.
Additionally, there is a West Car Park further along Mandai Lake Road, which offers more parking spaces.
What to Do
Explore the Amazon Flooded Forest
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Imagine walking through a dimly lit, underwater world where you’re surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and on the other side, manatees glide effortlessly through the water like gentle giants. That’s my Amazon Flooded Forest experience.
It captures the essence of the Amazon during its rainy season when the river floods the forest and creates a magical underwater landscape. The immersive environment, complete with aquatic plants and submerged trees, is a feast for the senses, offering a rare glimpse into a habitat that’s often hidden from view.
Meet the giant pandas
Media from fivefeetwanderlust
Stepping into the Giant Panda Forest, I was greeted by cool, misty air that perfectly set the scene. There, in a lush, bamboo-filled sanctuary mirroring their natural Sichuan habitat, Kai Kai lounged lazily on his perch, nibbling on bamboo, while Jia Jia climbed trees with surprising agility.
The forest, Asia’s largest panda exhibit, features a climate-controlled environment that adapts to the seasons for the pandas’ comfort. I also learned about River Wonders’ conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.
Cruise the Amazon River Quest
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The Amazon River Quest brings the rainforest to life in a way that’s both exciting and educational.
The ride is designed to replicate the Amazon’s unique landscape, complete with overhanging branches and a river that winds unpredictably through lush surroundings.
I found myself craning my neck, trying to spot elusive creatures like the red howler monkeys or the maned wolves peeking out from the dense greenery!
Marvel at the Mekong River giants
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This exhibit is designed to mirror the Mekong’s mysterious underwater world. With viewing panels that stretch from floor to ceiling, I felt like I was standing right on the riverbed, completely immersed in the watery habitat of these gentle behemoths.
It was surreal to see these enormous fish up close, each with their unique stories and quirks, like the critically endangered status of the catfish or the stingray’s reputation as a gentle giant despite its intimidating appearance.
Spot the endangered red pandas
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The red pandas are even more special here thanks to an environment designed to mimic their eastern Himalayan habitat, with trees at varying heights to encourage climbing. You can often see them foraging or playfully wrestling with each other.
The exhibit offers multiple vantage points, giving you a great chance to spot the red pandas, whether from ground level or through the viewing windows. I finally caught sight of them nestled high in the leafy canopy, their fluffy red coats blending perfectly with the rust-coloured branches.
Attend a manatee feeding session
Media from mandaiwildlifereserve
As the feeding began, a staff member tossed in leafy greens, and the manatees eagerly drifted over, their flexible upper lips curling around the veggies like vacuum cleaners. It was mesmerising to watch them munch away so gracefully.
The session felt up close and personal. The exhibit’s floor-to-ceiling glass windows allowed me to observe the manatees from just a few feet away, catching every detail, from their rough, wrinkly skin to their surprisingly agile flippers.
Experience the river trails
Media from miranda_xqj
The River Trails brought the concept of river ecosystems to life. There were little signs and interactive displays along the way, providing fascinating facts about each river’s unique flora and fauna, and even a few conservation challenges they face.
The trails are thoughtfully designed to reflect different river habitats, from the dense foliage of the Amazon to the grassy banks of the Mississippi. Every turn brought a new surprise, from a Malayan giant turtle basking in the sun to a flock of scarlet ibis perched gracefully above.
Participate in the Wildlife Quest
Media from mandaiwildlifereserve
Joining the Wildlife Quest at River Wonders felt like a treasure hunt, with each clue revealing more secrets of the park. Armed with a quest map, I eagerly explored stations across the park, each offering fun, interactive challenges.
The challenges catered to all ages, from matching animal tracks to identifying river creature calls. As I completed each activity, I collected stamps to redeem for a small prize—a perfect souvenir of my adventure!
Grab a bite at Mama Panda Kitchen
Media from beadalope
Stepping into Mama Panda Kitchen felt like entering a cosy panda den, with bamboo decor and panda-themed touches everywhere. I couldn’t resist ordering their signature dish: the panda-shaped bao, which looked almost too cute to eat!
Its playful and unique menu features dishes inspired by the flavours of Sichuan, China, where our beloved pandas come from. Even the little details, like panda paw prints on the steamed buns and bamboo shoots in the fried rice, made the experience feel special.
Bring home a souvenir at the gift shop
The official gift shop offers a range of eco-friendly products available, like reusable water bottles, bamboo cutlery sets, and organic cotton bags—all featuring River Wonders’ signature animal designs.
It’s a treasure trove of wildlife-themed goodies, with shelves filled with everything from adorable plush toys of pandas and manatees to unique animal-themed mugs and T-shirts. But I found myself instantly drawn to the exclusive collection of panda merchandise—Kai Kai and Jia Jia plushies, panda-print tote bags, and even bamboo-themed home decor.
Tips When Visiting
- Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Starting your day with the Amazon River Quest boat ride is a great idea, as it tends to get busier later in the day.
- Check the feeding schedules and animal presentation times, like the manatee feeding session, so you can catch these unique experiences without rushing.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen since you’ll be exploring both indoor and outdoor areas.
- Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. There are refill stations throughout the park.
