Last Updated on March 18, 2011 by Nancie
If you’re like many travelers visiting Singapore, you’ll have only one day to spend at the Singapore Zoo. You really can’t experience everything this world class attraction has to offer in one day. However, with some research and a bit of planning you can make the most of your trip to the zoo, and return home with memories to last a lifetime.
1.
The first thing you should do is visit the zoo’s official site…Singapore Zoo. The site is jam packed with useful information. You’ll also find suggested itineraries, feeding times, a zoo map, and information about the animals that call the zoo home. To get the most out of your day it’s a good idea to do a bit of advance planning. VISITORS INFO
2.
Be sure to arrive at the Zoo early in the day. Most of the animals will go into sleep mode as the temperatures rise during the day. OPENING HOURS AND RATES
3.
Arrive at the zoo refreshed, and ready to enjoy the animals. Choose the transport mode that best fits your budget, while getting you to the zoo within a reasonable time frame. The day that I visited I decided to splurge on a taxi, so that I could arrive by 8:30am. The taxi was under S$20.00, and I was there in no time. On my return to the city I chose a more economical option; bus and subway. You’ll find an extensive list of transportation options here. GETTING HERE
4.
The Singapore Zoo is the only zoo in the world where you can have breakfast with orangutans. Definitely a splurge, but so worth it! This was one of my Singapore highlights. If you think this might stretch your budget a little too far, keep in mind that the buffet is awesome and you probably won’t want to eat again until evening. The staff will take a photo of you with the orangutans using your own camera. You’ll also have plenty of time to take your own shots of these amazing creatures. Be sure to arrive at the breakfast early to get the best possible seating, or you can book in advance. JUNGLE BREAKFAST
5.
The animals are often the most active and entertaining when they are feeding. FEEDING SCHEDULES
6. Watching a show is another great way to see the animals “in action” and is an opportunity to sit down and relax. SHOW TIMES
7.
Be prepared to do a lot of walking. However, you can buy a tram and boat pass, which I highly recommend. In the heat of the day you’ll be happy to take a ride on the boat, or hop on the tram to your next destination. Purchasing the tram and boat pass with your admission ticket is the most economical option. RATES
8.
Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing. If it’s the rainy season, you might want to carry some kind of rain gear. When I was there in January (rainy season) the skies opened up at 3pm., so my rain cape came in handy.
9.
The Singapore Zoo is amazing. Above all else, have fun and be a kid for a day! SINGAPORE ZOO
My day at the Singapore Zoo cost me approximately $50.00 (Singapore dollars), not including the morning taxi. Budget travelers who think this is too expensive can opt out of the Jungle Breakfast and cut their costs by half.
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36 responses to “Tips for Hanging out at the Singapore Zoo”
I love the Singapore zoo… I’d been there several times but lost all my photos though… Your animal pictures are stunning! Your photos come alive right in front of me… I love the leopard paws the most! Thank you for sharing all the info Nancie…. I’m going to Night Safari one of these weeks…. I hope I can share some of my experience with you too..:)
I’m glad you enjoyed the post Jorie. I didn’t get to the Night Safari or the bird park…definitely next time.
Not only do the animals look exotic but so does the vegetation. What a nice series of shots.
Thanks Leigh. The entire area is very pleasant. The animals look content, and are definitely well looked after.
Nancie,
What a thoroughly enjoyable post! You’ve given all of the info anyone could possibly need and when planning such activities, the more info the better. I may have to put this one on my itinerary because the photography alone has me hooked. Great job!
Renee……….thanks for your kind words. If you are going to Singapore, I’d say don’t miss the zoo.
Wow, I enjoyed your tour and all the photography. Do they have anything like a 3 day pass for photographers who want to spend a longer time there?
Thanks Mike! It doesn’t look like they offer a multi-day pass, but they offer a yearly membership. For the zoo it’s S$80.00.You can check out the info. here
http://www.wrs-itswild.com.sg/index.htm
Thinking of relocating to Singapore for a bit – such a practical base for exploring the area. And my daughters love Singapore Zoo, esp. the Night Safari. Very useful post this; lots of info and great photos.
Sophie, I can understand relocating to Singapore. I’d love to rent an apartment for a couple of months and really get to see all that it has to offer. Accommodation seems to be the major expense. Food and transportation costs are very reasonable.
Wow that’s so cool. Do the animals have a lot of space? Zoos usually make me sad because they’re so confined.
Hi Ayngelina,
Yes, they do. I’m always a little hesitant of zoos too, but Singapore Zoo really is a world class facility. Ask me about the zoo here in Daejeon, and I’d tell you run for your life!
The Singapore Zoo rocks – we had a great time there and enjoyed the Bird Park even more! For those that want to visit both on the same day, there’s a free bus between the two parks.
Love the pics too! What lens did you use to get these?
The skies opened up around 3pm, so I didn’t get to the bird park. I will definitely do that next time. I’ve been to the bird park in Bali, which I loved.
I had two lenses with me that day…Tamaron 17-50 and a Nikon 55-200.
I regard the Singapore Zoo is a must-see for everyone who visits us here in Singapore. It is hot walking around in the middle of the day but it is so worthwhile to see the animals up close.
Many of the enclosures are set up with glass partitions, rather than the traditional fences and ditches, so you can get really close to the animals. Getting so close to the big cats is amazing.
The zoo is expensive, as Nancie points out, but worth it, especially if you have kids.
My 11-year-old nephew loved the African village and we spent a long time there as he posed for photos.
Great tips Nancie!
It was definitely a high light of my time in Singapore.
Fabulous photos, and also nice to see YOU!
Wow, great photos! It’s been years since I’ve been to a zoo, but Singapore’s looks like a real incredible visit!
Thanks! I loved every moment.
They are so adorable! I love the last photo…lazy bones!!!
Nelieta, that is one of my favorites too.
I loved the Singapore Zoo – highly recommend it! Had no idea about breakfast with the Orangutans – that sounds like a great experience =)
Highly recommended, if you ever get to the zoo again.
Great to have those tips, Nancie. A remarkable photo series, too. Hard to single out an individual shot, although I must say that I’m rather partial to those close portrait style images. Nice to see you there in person, as well!
Thanks Andrew. I’m not often in front of the camera 🙂
Lovely photos! I like the expression on the little one in the first photo 🙂
We did the breakfast with orangutans tour quite some time ago and it was so much fun! The format was very different at the time, they would sit with you at the table, put their arm around you while the tour guide took your photo. Now you don’t get as close but it’s still worth the visit!
Yes, the format sounds a bit different. I was able to get close though, but they did keep them up on the platform.
I LOVE that last picture! Great capture!
[…] the animals that call the zoo home. To get the most out of your day it’s a good idea …http://budgettravelerssandbox. .. Share and Enjoy: Posted on September 18, 2011 by admin. This entry was posted in Singapore […]
very useful article. I’ll be in Singapore in a week’s time and don’t want to miss it!
I would have it on the top of my list. I could have easily spent 2 days there. There is also the bird park, which I didn’t have time to see. A good excuse for me to go back to Singapore!
do they still have the night zoo? We did that many years ago because we couldn’t find much else to in Singapore at Night and was amazining. the most unique zoo experience I’ve had.
[…] In case you missed my post on the Zoo…you can find it here…Singapore Zoo. […]
This is one of the most beautiful zoo located in Singapore. I enjoyed a lot in that zoo with my friends. And after getting through your blog I decided to visit again. We have to arrive early in the morning to get more fun. And thanks for sharing your experience with us including fare.
Wow. The chimps look amazing. So colourful and vibrant. Great post.
[…] Be sure to check out my older post for links to zoo times, prices, how to get there, etc. […]