New boardwalk within Mandai Wildlife Reserve opens to the public for free

SINGAPORE - Nature lovers can now get up close to the flora and fauna around Upper Seletar Reservoir, following the opening of a new boardwalk at Mandai Wildlife Reserve on Jan 14.

The 3.3km Mandai Boardwalk stretches around the perimeter of River Wonders and Singapore Zoo, and also offers visitors a view of the reservoir and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, said the Mandai Wildlife Group.

The space is open from 7am to 7pm daily and is free to the public. It can be accessed from two entrances near River Wonders and the zoo.

The opening hours were set while keeping in mind visitors’ safety and the habits of nocturnal animals, Mandai added.

Additionally, the boardwalk has been designed to be wheelchair-friendly and accommodate visitors of all abilities and ages.

Mandai said the boardwalk boasts five thematic stations, along with a look-out point along the route.

These are inspired by the wildlife that inhabit both environments, it added.

For example, the Tree Frog’s Hangout is named after the native four-lined tree frog, while the Damselfly’s Wing rest station features elliptical designs inspired by damselflies and dragonflies.

Visitors can also look out for Iora’s Nest, which is designed to resemble the nest of the common iora, showcasing its use of spider’s webs to weave together materials for nest construction.

Mandai said special considerations were also taken in designing the boardwalk, such as elevating structures, so native animals are still able to move below them.

To commemorate the official opening of the Mandai Boardwalk on Jan 14, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, and Culture, Community and Youth Alvin Tan served as the guest of honour and unveiled a plaque.

He was hosted by Mandai Wildlife Group chairman Piyush Gupta, along with board members and senior management.

Mr Mike Barclay, group chief executive of Mandai Wildlife Group, said: “Our vision for the Mandai Wildlife Reserve has been to create an accessible and inclusive destination that offers a window into the wild, allowing everyone to appreciate nature at their own pace.

“The boardwalk also offers tantalising glimpses of some of the animals being cared for inside the Singapore Zoo, like the Rothschild’s giraffes.”

Visitors can also look forward to another new addition at Mandai in April –

the Mandai Rainforest Resort,

which will be located in the midst of the five wildlife parks.

The 338-room resort will be operated by luxury hotel chain Banyan Tree, and aims to blend architecture with nature.