Feathered friends, interactive fun, play zones and even a buffet spread (!!) – here’s the ultimate guide to Bird Paradise you need to read before you go.
Bird Paradise is the latest scene stealer at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, so we swung by for a visit to check out all its avian highlights. If you’re searching for a new attraction to explore over the weekends, add Singapore’s newest wildlife park to your list. Without feather ado, here’s our ultimate guide to each aviary, how to get there and a hot tip to score 20% off your tickets.
Ultimate guide to Bird Paradise: Immersive aviaries and themed zones await
The must-sees at Bird Paradise are eight immersive walk-through aviaries and two vibrant zones, which an array of stunning winged creatures call home. Psst: need a brief respite from the heat? Before the entrance of each aviary are air-conditioned spaces with fact nuggets and interactive photo ops to keep you entertained.
1. Heart of Africa
Heart of Africa is the most populated aviary with over 800 birds, with a design reminiscent of the forested valleys of Africa – think tropical rainforest, sans gorillas. Amidst the meandering streams and mature vegetation, this exhibit houses African species like the great blue turaco, superb starling and blue bellied roller. While you’re there, explore the canopy level atop suspension bridges, take a break at the Congolese pavilions, and get a stunning vantage point at the viewing tower. Pop by for feeding sessions at 9.30am and 2pm daily to feed the starlings, rollers and turacos with mealworms and fruit.
2. Wings of Asia
Step into this breezy space that’s inspired by Southeast Asian habitats like rice field terraces. This is where aquatic species like the Australian pelicans, black-faced spoonbills and milky storks thrive. Fans of the iconic hornbill will be pleased to know that Jurong Bird Park’s popular hornbill keeper talks are back in a new setting at Wings of Asia as well. That said, all interactions are voluntary; it depends on which hornbills are keen to fly down to get up close and personal with the keepers! Try your hand at feeding pelicans their favourite fish during the daily 10am feeding sessions.
3. Crimson Wetlands
Crimson Wetlands is as vibrant as its name suggests. This aviary is reminiscent of South American wetlands, housing iconic species like the scarlet macaw and blue-throated macaw, as well as eye-catching avian friends like the scarlet ibis and American flamingo. Fun fact: members of the Bird Paradise team even visited the renowned Juan Curi waterfall in the process of designing the compound. Learn about the macaws’ unique personalities and behaviours through insightful keeper talks at 12pm, daily.
Splendid views aren’t just limited to the various zones. Dine with a picturesque view of the aviary at the Crimson Restaurant, set against the backdrop of the scenic waterfall. Snag a table at this sprightly space – decked out with flamingos figurines on the ceiling, no less – to savour its specially curated menu by celebrity chef, Eric Teo.
4. Amazonian Jewels
The Amazon is known for being home to a spectacular array of animals, and its avian natives are no exception. Bird Paradise recreates this habitat with Amazonian Jewels. Be charmed by winged species such as the golden parakeet, the saffron toucanet and crested quail dove, living amidst the beautiful Amazonian flora. Here, the birds aren’t the only attraction – spot the majestic buttress root, the distinct ficus tree and other plants native to South American rainforests.
5. Songs of the Forest
You’ll know you’ve entered Songs of the Forest when you hear the melodious symphony of its inhabitants. Home to the singing songbirds of Asia, keep an eye out for species like the Bali myna, straw-headed bulbul and Victoria crowned pigeon. While you’re there, take in the tranquillity of the gentle streams and serene greenery that’s inspired by the riverine forests of Southeast Asia. Learn more about the threatened species and gain insights into the distinct vocalisations of each songbird at 4pm, daily.
6. Lory Loft
Remember the Lory Loft at Jurong Bird Park? Its new and improved version is right here at Bird Paradise. We’re talking about a sprawling space that’s modelled after the Irian Jaya’s monsoon forest, housing gregarious lories and eye-catching parrots. With more than 10 species from the green naped lory to the rainbow lorikeet, expect their lively chatter to fill up the aviary. Feeding sessions are available at 11am and 3.30pm daily, where you can feed the lories and lorikeets with cups of sweet nectar.
7. Mysterious Papua
Be enraptured by unique feathered species at Mysterious Papua. Here, the southern cassowary stalks the rainforest ground, the cockatoos perch amongst the pandanus trees and the Nicobar pigeon flies overhead. For an opportunity to catch these avian friends up close, pop by the longhouse-style bird hide. This aviary is also home to the world’s largest population of blue-eyed cockatoos under human care!
8. Australian Outback
Say hello to the second largest living bird in the world, the emu at Australian Outback. Amidst the towering rock structures and greenery, keep an ear out for the laughing kookaburras and try spotting the tawny frogmouth that’s known to camouflage as a tree branch. Other Australian species like the red-tailed cockatoo and straw-necked ibis also call this aviary home.
9. Penguin Cove
The Penguin Cove is the first zone to fully open at Bird Paradise. This multi-level indoor habitat spans deep blue underwater ice formations to the rocky beaches, where four penguin species reside. We’re talking about the gentoo penguin, king penguin, Humboldt penguin and northern rockhopper penguin. In this state-of-the-art zone, there’s even a section where you can observe the penguins waddling under a domed sky with the projection of Aurora Australis around them!
If you’re feeling peckish, snag a table at the Penguin Cove Restaurant to savour a sustainably sourced buffet spread while enjoying a view of the penguins. Alternatively, grab a penguin-themed bite at the Penguin Cove Cafe, or shop adorable plushies and keychains at the merch store.
10. Winged Sanctuary
Watch this space ‘cos Winged Sanctuary is the second zone to check out. Opening in two phases, it aims to spotlight rare or predatory birds of high conservation value. Think: the Sulawesi hornbill, western piping hornbill and the Philippine eagle.
That’s not all… swing by the Sky Amphitheatre for fascinating shows, marvel at the cascading waterfall at the Entrance Plaza, and let the little ones go wild at the Treetop Play and Egg Splash play areas. There’s plenty to explore at Singapore’s newly opened Bird Paradise!
How to get to Bird Paradise
Whether you’re going by bus or cab, be sure to drop off after the Mandai Archway (it’s a huge 85-m long rock archway with animal carvings) for fun photo ops. If you’re taking the bus, there are two bus stops – check that you’re on the same side of the road as the bus stop named “Bef Mandai Rd”. Enter through the glass doors and take two escalators up from the waterfall. Here, you’ll see A&W. Keep walking straight, past the stretch of F&B outlets (Banana Leaf, Starbucks and others). At the end of this stretch, you’ll find the entrance to Bird Paradise.
Tickets to Bird Paradise cost $43.20 for adults, $29.70 for children and $20 for senior citizens from 27 May 2023. Local residents can get an additional 20% off with WildPass. Tip: you can sign up for WildPass for free when you cart out your tickets at the ‘Order Details’ page.
Curious to experience it for yourself? Gather your crew for a fully fledged exploration of Bird Paradise’s feathered highlights.
Bird Paradise, 20 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729825
