The Singapore Zoo has an immersive staycay on its agenda: I tried its 2D1N glamping experience and here’s the rundown.
Now, the Singapore Zoo’s Glamping in the Wild programme isn’t new, but its refreshed itinerary is (more on that in a bit!). Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s glamping experiences – held at the Singapore Zoo and River Wonders – welcome guests on selected months throughout the year, offering a staycay in nature and exclusive wildlife encounters. I’ve never gone for its previous editions, so when an invite landed in my inbox, I gladly said yes.
Glamping at the Singapore Zoo
The experience starts with a quick registration before we’re shuttled off to the glamping site to drop off our belongings. Our stay? Air-conditioned, domed tents at Pavilion by the Lake. Fitting up to four, each tent comes with two large beds and cosy decor to make it a home away from home.
Now for the most important part. After this getaway, the one thing people quizzed me about most was the bathrooms. For all you curious cats, the bathroom isn’t within the tent but a short walk away. The zoo’s public bathrooms nearby are outfitted with shower heads in the cubicles, as well as additional wall hooks. It’s a BYO situation as shower amenities such as towels and soap are not included with the stay, so you’ll have to pack more than what you would for your typical staycay – it’s a camping-style experience, after all.
Fun wildlife adventures despite the rain
The weather wasn’t on our side that weekend. A downpour greeted us on the first day and the original plan for us to get up close with the Asian elephants was scrapped. Instead, the staff took us on a tour of River Wonders (which was mostly sheltered).
I love how our guides never lost their enthusiasm – they were as excited as ever and super well-prepared, handing out ponchos to everyone while sharing fun facts about the animals. The adorable pandas at River Wonders also served to lift everyone’s mood.
Fortunately, the weather cleared up soon after and back to the Singapore Zoo we went. We managed to catch the Splash Safari show (with priority seats for all Glamping in the Wild guests), which impressed us with captivating acrobatics of the Californian sea lion. We also had the chance to go behind the scenes with tours of the Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre (where animals are studied and treated in the event of injuries or illnesses), as well as the Wildlife Nutrition Centre (where the animals’ meals are kept and prepared). Checking out the specialised x-ray tools for animals and taking a peek into their diets? That’s something a regular zoo admission can’t buy!
Wining and dining in nature
After the sun went down, it was time for dinner, which is included in the Glamping in the Wild package. The menu includes Singapore laksa, BBQ half spring chicken, dry ramen, fish and chips, and other options. I had the half spring chicken, which came piping hot and well-seasoned. Cream of mushroom soup, free-flow soft drinks and ice cream rounded off the hearty meal before we headed back to the tent.
Overlooking the calm waters of the Seletar Reservoir, the glamping compound is lit by fairy lights when night falls. We enjoyed the ‘Wine Down’ basket, one of the add-ons from the menu. It comes with a bottle of merlot, two bottles of Perrier water, as well as a cheese platter, all delivered to our tent in a picnic basket. After washing up, having a wine-and-cheese sesh is the perfect way to unwind with the peaceful view.
Side note: if you’re wondering about the noise level, the tents are located a good distance away from the animal enclosures, making it pretty quiet at night – save for a few cries from certain avian friends.
Breakfast in the wild
The next morning, a breakfast buffet was served at Ah Meng Restaurant. The usual staples made their way onto the spread (think waffles, fresh fruits and the like), alongside local favourites (such as bee hoon, roti prata and congee). I had my fill and washed it all down with a cup of tea. All that to fuel me up for another day of wildlife fun.
It’s lovely to wake up to a morning spread, but food isn’t the highlight. More animal encounters await with the resto’s usual wildlife presentations. We had the chance to snap photos with cockatoos, pet a pelican, touch a snake and say hi to the orangutans… talk about a breakfast adventure!
The Glamping in the Wild programme officially ends at 10am on the second day, but we didn’t leave just yet. This staycation comes with access to the Singapore Zoo for the two whole days, and we weren’t about to let that go to waste. Pro tip: rent a locker near the entrance to leave your belongings, and you can continue exploring the area without lugging everything around.
Love animals and craving a little adventure? Nurture your love for wildlife with this immersive 2D1N experience.
Glamping in the Wild, till end-April 2023, from $1,699; Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826