Nation

Explore Nature Like Never Before: New Mandai Boardwalk Opens Free to the Public!

2025-01-14

Author: Mei

Explore Nature Like Never Before: New Mandai Boardwalk Opens Free to the Public!

SINGAPORE - Attention all nature enthusiasts! An exciting new escape has just opened at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. On January 14, the vibrant 3.3 km Mandai Boardwalk officially welcomed visitors, offering an immersive experience among the stunning flora and fauna surrounding the Upper Seletar Reservoir.

This captivating boardwalk gracefully winds around the River Wonders and the renowned Singapore Zoo, providing breathtaking views of both the reservoir and the expansive Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Even better, access is completely free! Open daily from 7 am to 7 pm, guests can enter from two convenient locations near River Wonders and the zoo. These hours were purposefully chosen to prioritize both visitor safety and the natural behaviors of nocturnal wildlife.

Designed with inclusivity in mind, the boardwalk is fully wheelchair-friendly, ensuring everyone—regardless of age or ability—can revel in the beauty of nature. As you wander along the path, you’ll encounter five engaging thematic stations, each inspired by the diverse wildlife inhabiting the area.

Highlights include the “Tree Frog’s Hangout,” which pays homage to the native four-lined tree frog, and the “Damselfly’s Wing” rest area, featuring mesmerizing elliptical structures that echo the elegance of damselflies and dragonflies. Keeping the creative theme going, the “Iora’s Nest” station mimics the intricate nesting techniques of the common iora, showcasing its unique use of spider’s webs.

Moreover, thoughtful engineering was a priority during the boardwalk's design; elevated structures allow native animals to traverse freely beneath, preserving their natural movement habits.

The official opening ceremony was graced by Minister of State for Trade and Industry, as well as Culture, Community and Youth, Alvin Tan. He unveiled a commemorative plaque, celebrating this landmark event in nature conservation and public engagement alongside Mandai Wildlife Group chairman Piyush Gupta and senior management team.

In a statement, Mike Barclay, the Group Chief Executive of Mandai Wildlife Group, expressed the vision behind the boardwalk: "Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive destination that connects people to the wild, allowing them to appreciate nature at their own pace." He added that visitors might catch sight of majestic creatures like Rothschild's giraffes, cared for within the Singapore Zoo, sprinkling a hint of wonder along the experience.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! In April, the Mandai Rainforest Resort is set to open its doors. Nestled among the five wildlife parks, this luxurious 338-room retreat operated by the esteemed Banyan Tree hotel chain plans to harmonize stunning architecture with tranquil natural elements.

Get ready for a journey into nature’s paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve—an adventure that promises to thrill the senses and spark your appreciation for Singapore's unique wildlife. Don't miss out—it's time to step into the wild!