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Things to do in Singapore : Weekend at the Singapore Zoo – World’s Best Rainforest Zoo

There are actually so many things to do in Singapore! You can enjoy the views of the city by taking a ride on the Singapore Flyer or enjoy some picnic time at the Marina Barrage. Of course there’s always something for everyone at Resorts World Sentosa such as the Malaysian Food Street and the Universal Studios.

Today, we’re gonna show you the Singapore Zoo!

Signs directing you to the Singapore Zoo

Just as we stopped at the traffic light, Kate managed to take this shot of the entrance! Speedy gonzales…andele andele yiba yiba…

The parking area is currently under construction. So you would have to make one big round before you can park close to the KFC. Parking at the Singapore Zoo is $4 per entry with 10 minutes grace period.

We headed to the ticketing counter and bought the Zoo-per-saver. Tom was quite slow in realising that Zoo-per-saver meant “Super Saver”!

Ticket Prices at the Singapore Zoo

Zoo-per-Saver : $27 for adults , $17 for children aged 3-12
(inclusive of admission, unlimited tram and boat rides)

Zoo Admission ONLY : $20 for adults , $13 for children

Zoo Admission with Tram : $25 for adults , $16 for children

Just for comparison, here are the rates of the Tram and Boat rides

Unlimited Boat Rides : $6 for adults , $3.5 for children

Unlimited Tram Rides : $5 for adults , $3 for children

So after all this comparison, we decided that the Zoo-per-Saver was a good deal, in case we want to tram around or just enjoy a boat ride. This we eventually FULLY UTILISED but we’ll talk about it in a bit.

The next thing that you really need to grab hold of is the Map of the Singapore Zoo

With the map, we were able to locate the show times of all the shows at the Singapore Zoo. Then we were able to plan our path on where to take the boat rides and how to make it in time for all the shows.

As you enter the entrance of the Zoo, you would be led by the paths to the Treetops Trail

And the very first animal that we encountered this day was the greater mousedeer!

As we walked towards the boat dock to check on the timing, we saw the Babirusa. It is from the pig family and has horns that makes it look real fierce.

Turns out that the boat ride starts at 9:15am (although we were very kiasu [Singapore slang for scared of losing] and arrived at 8:30am). The frequency of the boat rides are at intervals of 15 minutes.

Since we were still early, we decided to walk around the vicinity of Boat Dock 1. We saw the Tapir and took a video of their feeding…

Feeding time for the Tapirs at the Singapore Zoo

Kate was really upset that Tom took a 50seconds video because our camera can only last for a very short time and we had to conserve our battery life. (Are there any camera sponsors out there?) Well, for our viewers right? Please comment that Tom did the right thing if you have not seen a Tapir before…

We also caught a glimpse of the White Tiger as it prowls in its vicinity. We came to find out that there were originally 3 white tigers and one of them, called Jippie was terminally ill and died quite recently.

White Tigers at the Singapore Zoo

Boat Ride at the Singapore Zoo

After taking the boat ride, we arrived at the northern part of the Zoo where boat dock 2 is located. Boat dock 2 is near to the Rainforest Kidzworld and we took a peek inside…

There are actually so many things for the kids to do here! Kids can play in the waters, sweat it out at the adventureland or take a ride on a pony! There’s also an Animal Friends Show here.

Wet arena at the kidzworld Singapore Zoo

Mini adventure park at Kidzworld Singapore Zoo

You can read more about kidzworld and other highlights of the Singapore Zoo here.

For those who do not know, Ah Meng was a well loved and iconic Orang Utan at the Singapore Zoo. It died several years ago but still remain very much in the hearts of Singaporeans because of the ambassador work that it had done. Still remember the breakfasts with Ah Meng – Anyone have pictures of breakfast with Ah Meng?

Today, a memorial is erected next to the gardens and Splash Safari Show.

The first show we caught today was the Splash Safari show. Not to be a spoiler or anything, the Splash Safari has got to be the best show at the Singapore Zoo! You can really feel the bond between the sea lion and the trainer. Watch…

Splash Safari Show at the Singapore Zoo

As we travelled to the next show, we were almost caught in the pee of an orang utan at the free ranging oran utan island…

This orang utan “tight-roped” across above us and reached the other side of the island. Suddenly we heard trickles of water and we thought it was raining. No! The Orang Utan was peeing above us! Heng, we were a distance away. A word of caution to visitors, please be aware of the location of the Orang Utans as you cross this path.

“Free Ranging” Orang Utans

Before our next show (Elephants of Asia), we covered the primate kingdom as well as the Nubian Ibex and Hamadryas Baboon.

We were also in time for a feeding session of the Arapaima at the primate kingdom. These huge fish (and other small fish) are able to keep the waters in the Singapore Zoo free from the infestation of mosquitoes.

Feeding of the Arapaima at the Singapore Zoo

If you notice closely, you’ll see the Hamadryas Baboon (bottom left) staring into space in deep thoughts. Click here to find out what we think she was thinking about…

We managed to catch the Elephants of Asia Show

How to mount an Elephant

and the Rainforest Fights back Show…

We still wonder how they train the peacock to open up its feathers to attract the peahen…

Then…the unthinkable happened… IT STARTED TO POUR!! But, because we took the Zoo-per-Saver, we were able to have unlimited rides around the zoo while waiting for the rain to stop. We spent an hour or so (about 3 rounds) on the tram as it was way too crowded everywhere else (at the stations, at the restaurant, at any shelter).

Still, we managed to catch all the shows and see all the animals that we wanted to see. Even the sun bear came out to greet us!

Last show of the day – The Animal Friends Show at Kidzworld

All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Singapore Zoo and we really hope you’ll enjoy your next visit to the Singapore Zoo as well!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Singapore right here!

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If you’re thinking of what to do this weekend, check out our Singapore Zoo!

Updated on August 8, 2020May 2, 2012Asia attractions holiday Places of Interest Singapore Attractions Singapore Zoo Singapore Zoo Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips vacation Visit Singapore Attractions

Highlights of the Singapore Zoo

There are actually many things to do at the Singapore Zoo. So what are some of the highlights of the Singapore Zoo?

Animal Shows

Duh…there are definitely animal shows at a zoo right? There are 4 at the Singapore Zoo actually. The best of which is definitely the Splash Safari…

Splash Safari at the Singapore Zoo

Found out more about all the shows at the Singapore Zoo!

Boat Ride

Did you know that there is a boat ride in the Singapore Zoo? It actually brings you from boat dock 1 (near the entrance of the zoo) to boat dock 2 (at the north of the zoo near kidzworld).

The boat ride actually traverses via the Upper Seletar Reservoir. The scenery is actually quite idyllic. If you listen closely, you might hear the call of the birds as well!

Kids friendly Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is actually a very kids friendly and family-oriented zoo. There is the kidzworld where kids can really have a good time at the wet arena or sweat it out at the adventure area.

Large array of animals

The Singapore Zoo holds one of the best array of animals that we’ve seen. Plus they’re quite well planned and spaced such that you can really enjoy at a leisurely pace or cover them all via the tram.

Pygmy Hippo – One of our favourite animals at the Singapore Zoo

There are of course so many of our favourite animals at the zoo. The pygmy hippo is one of them. Notice how cute it is as it skips along the water bed!

So there you go! There must be other highlights of the Singapore Zoo that we’ve missed out. Why not share them with us and other fellow readers in the comments below?

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Check out the rest of our post from the Singapore Zoo for more information!

Updated on August 8, 2020May 1, 2012Asia attractions holiday Kidzworld Places of Interest Singapore Zoo Singapore Zoo Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips vacation Visit Singapore Attractions

Rainforest Kidzworld Singapore Zoo – A Kid’s Wonderland!

First and foremost, the Singapore Zoo is not sponsoring us for any of the posts we’re writing for them (please contact us at contact@2bearbear.com to officially do so!)

BUT!

We really have to write about how family oriented the Singapore Zoo is, especially for the kids at Kidzworld!

Again, we are not promoting any of the Zoo’s memberships.

BUT!

The Wildlife Unlimited Plus Memberr is very hua! (short form of “worth it” in chinese)

For $460.10/year (as of 2012) , 2 adults and up to 3 kids (12 years and below) can enjoy

1. Free admissions to Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo
2. Free tram and panorail rides (Not valid on Sat, Sun and PH)
3. 10% discount at participating retail and F&B outlets
4. Email updates on the latest news and promotions
5. Free quarterly e-Wildlife Wonders
6. Free parking at Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

So theoretically, if you visit the Zoo/Night Safari/Bird Park with your family (of 5) for 4 times, you would have made the membership worth its value!

But!

The main point of this post is still how much fun you can have at the Singapore Zoo with your kids, especially at Kidzworld. And here’s why…

1. Mini Water Park.

There’s actually a mini (or not so mini) water park where kids can have some splashing fun! There are slides, water splashes and even the “toppling giant bucket”! Remember to bring your swimming attire!

2. Mini Adventure Park

There are several “obstacle courses” such as monkey bars, hanging bridges, a play ground and this interesting “tug of war” boat where you’ll pull the rope to bring the floating platform to the other side of the river. Strength training!

3. Cute animals tailored for the kids

Inside Kidzworld Singapore Zoo

Here, you can ride a pony, feed goats and get up close to these cute animals!

4. Animal Friends Show

The Animal Friends Show at the Singapore Zoo

Or catch the Animal Friends Show…

5. Learning fun for the entire family

How do you know when a horse is a pony or a Falabella

Throughout the entire zoo, there are so many snippets of information that engages children and allow them to enjoy while learning new things about the animals. Did you know that the height of the horse determines whether it is a horse, pony or Falabella?

After all those “publicity”, we really do think that the Kidzworld is an excellent and fun hangout for the kids at the Singapore Zoo. Do make use of the membership if you intend to visit all 3 parks in a year! It will well be worth your money!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Singapore right here!

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Hope you have enjoyed our coverage of the Rainforest Kidzworld at the Singapore Zoo!

Updated on August 8, 2020April 29, 2012Asia attractions Favourite Animals at the Singapore Zoo holiday Places of Interest Singapore Zoo Singapore Zoo Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips Visit Singapore Attractions

Our Favourite Animals at the Singapore Zoo

White Tiger taking a dip at the Singapore Zoo

There are so many animals to see at the Singapore Zoo, so which ones are our favourite? Here are some of our favourite animals at the Singapore Zoo…

1. White Tiger

We realised that there were originally 3 white tigers namely Jippie, Omar and Winnie. Unfortunately, Jippie recently died after she became terminally ill.

Still, the white tigers looked majestic as it is. We think that the one prowling up and down repeatedly must be Omar, looking after Winnie (who is still asleep).

White Tiger prowling at the Singapore Zoo

Can you see its paws? They’re huge!! Omar then decided to take a dip in the water

It looks so majestic as it prowls yet so adorable as it takes a dip. Dont you just love it?

2. Falabella

Did you know that horses are named according to their height?

This means that, if a horse is taller than 147cm, it is a horse. If it is shorter than 147cm, it is a pony. A special breed of miniature horse called Falabella, can be seen at the Kidzworld of the Singapore Zoo. They usually do not go taller than 78cm in height.

Falabella at the Kidzworld Singapore Zoo

They are especially gorgeous with their mane so flowy. Makes the Falabella look really handsome! It is also fun to note that Kate did not notice the Falabella just behind the fence when she took this photo. Then when she did, she was startled!

3. Hamadryas Baboon

In this enclosure, there are also the Nubian Ibex at the top of the hills. However, we want to point to you a particular Hamadryas Baboon at the bottom left of the picture.

Observe how she seems to be staring into oblivion while her kids at idling away, resting at the rocks nearby. If we may be allowed to probe into her mind, she may be thinking

“Sigh, things are getting more expensive and my kids are growing older. Our household expenditure will then increase. How will I be able to cope with the rising cost of inflation?”

Looks like it right? Well…at least the equivalent in the animal kingdom…

4. Sun Bear

There are actually so many types of bears from all over the world. Since we love bears, we decided that we must catch a glimpse of the Sun Bear!

Turns out that the Sun Bear is somewhat lazy and does not approach the viewing gallery. So we had to wait till it showed its head for this particular picture.

Did you know that Teddy Bear was named after the US president Theodore Roosevelt after he famously ordered the mercy killing of a black bear? What happened was, he was out hunting with some friends and as most of his friends had already hunted their prey, Roosevelt’s attendants hunted down a black bear and wanted Roosevelt to shoot it. However, he did not want to shoot the bear himself saying that it did not display sportsmanship. He then ordered the bear to be killed to put an end to its misery.

News travelled and a cartoon of him was shown in The Washington Post. A bear manufacturer then asked for Roosevelt’s approval to name their series of bears, “Teddy’s Bear” and so the name stuck till today to be known as “Teddy Bear”.

5. Pygmy Hippo

The Pygmy Hippo has got to be one of the cutest animal EVER!!

Pygmy Hippo at the Singapore Zoo

Did you know that the Pygmy Hippo is the smallest of the Hippo family and can hold its breath in water for 6 minutes? Surprisingly, it does not know how to swim! It can only tip toe along the bed of the waters and glide along like a ballerina, so elegant and poised! And yes… So cute!! Notice its golden coloured tail as well!

Guess thats why Madagascar portrayed the Hippo as a lady…

6. Sea Lion

Sea Lions are pretty common you might say…but have you seen one that is so well trained?!

Clapping Sea Lion

A shark lurking? No! It’s the Sea Lion swimming sideways!

The Splash Safari has got to be one of our favourite shows at the Singapore Zoo! The Sea Lion is so well trained and you can actually feel the bond between the trainer and the Sea Lion!

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For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Singapore right here!

Hope you enjoyed this brief introduction of our favourite animals at the Singapore Zoo. Do visit the Zoo if you ever come to Singapore! As a Singaporean, we’re really proud that we can have this world class zoo right at our door step!

Updated on March 12, 2023April 25, 2012Asia Singapore Attractions Singapore Zoo Visit Singapore Attractions

A Low Down Of The Animal Shows at The Singapore Zoo

Sea Lion standing up at the Singapore Zoo!

There are 4 animal shows at the Singapore Zoological Gardens (Singapore Zoo) daily.

Klook.com

They are :

1. Rainforest Fights Back Show

Venue : Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre

Show Times : 12:30pm and 2:30pm

2. Splash Safari Show

Venue : Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre

Show Times : 10:30am and 5:00pm

3. Elephants at Work & Play Show

Venue : Elephants of Asia

Show Times : 11:30am and 3:30pm

4. Animal Friends Show

Venue : Rainforest Kidzworld Amphitheatre

Show Times : 11:00am and 4:00pm

One of the first things we looked out for when we visit the Singapore Zoo is the shows! In order to catch all the shows, one has to meticulously plan for it and the map of the zoo will come in handy…

Upon taking a closer look at the map, the first thing you’ll notice is that the shows are located at the north side of the zoo , that is furthest away from the entrance. The Rainforest Show, Splash Safari Show as well as the Elephants Show are relatively close to each other. Not too far away is the Animal Friends Show at Kidzworld.

The next thing you’ll need to note is the timing. As kiasu Singaporeans, the 2bearbear were there at the opening of Singapore Zoo. The Singapore Zoo opens from 8:30am to 6:00pm daily. You’ll note by now that the first show starts at 10:30am. Each show lasts approximately half an hour.

What we did during this visit to the Singapore Zoo was to catch the Splash Safari Show (@ 10:30am), Elephants at Work & Play Show (@ 11:30am), Rainforest Fights Back Show (@ 12:30pm) and lastly the Animal Friends Show @ 4:00pm.

As each show lasts half an hour, we managed to visit other animals in between shows as well. But we’ll get to that later…

After entering the Zoo, we headed for the Boat Dock 1 for a boat ride to the north of the Zoo (Note : Unlimited boat rides cost $6 while unlimited tram rides cost $5; The Zoo-per Saver inclusive of both tram and boat rides costs $27 and was the one we took – added discounts with OCBC cards). From there, we covered parts of the Kidzworld before catching the first show. By the way, the first boat ride starts at 9:15am at intervals of 15 minutes.

Let’s get to the shows proper…

1. Splash Safari Show

The Splash Safari Show is probably the best of all the 4 shows at the Singapore Zoo. While it was entertaining with stunts done by the experienced sealion, there were also comical scenes included as part of the show. For instance, the sealion would clap its flippers to encourage the audience to clap especially when it thinks it deserves it or has just accomplished a trick.

Sea Lion Claps at the end of his trick @ the Singapore Zoo

The host would then say that there’s something lurking in the waters…

It is a shark! Neh…just the sea lion swimming side ways! The Splash Safari Show has got to be the best of the 4 shows. Kudos to the trainer who has trained the sea lion really really really well!

2. Elephants at Work & Play Show

Next, we headed to catch the Elephants at work and play show!

Did you know that elephants have very good sense of balance?

The elephant not only crossed the log but CHANGED 180 DEGREES IN DIRECTION, RIGHT ON THE LOG!

Of course the elephants have very strong trunks and are able to easily lift logs…

Elephants of Asia Show at the Singapore Zoo

Did you know you can mount an elephant with its trunks as well?

How to Mount an Elephant

Overall, the show was ok. The elephants were well trained and the waving of their trunks were really cute. The show however revolved pretty much around logs. It would be good to show their strength through other aspects.

3. Rainforest Fights Back Show

The Rainforest Fights Back Show was not as entertaining as the previous 2 shows. Nonetheless, we could see that the trainers had put in alot of effort. Here are a few shots from the show…

Spider Monkey at the Singapore Zoo

Orang Utan at the Singapore Zoo

The reason why the show was not entertaining was because the tricks were all isolated ones. The acts didnt really gel together although individually they were good.

4. Animal Friends Show

Animal Friends Show at the Singapore Zoo

This show was somewhat more impressive than rainforest fights back (surprisingly). Im still amazed that all the animals on the show was adopted! That is to say, they were abandoned or given up by their previous owners and given a second lease of life at the Singapore Zoo!

The other thing we were amazed was that mice were trained to scamper across the roof in a precise direction! I mean, how do you train a mouse right? Impressive stuff…here are some of the acts at the show…

Dog skipping with a skipping rope at the Singapore Zoo!

Some of the animals of the show was still very new to the show and the trainers take time to train and allow them to meet audience (to get used to many people clapping) from time to time.

Verdict

Therefore after all that we’ve said, we would rank the shows in this order

1. Splash Safari Show
2. Elephants at Work & Play Show
3. Animal Friends Show
4. Rainforest Fights Back Show

Please take time to see all the shows because the trainers have placed in alot of effort to train and pass on valuable nuggets of information to the audience. Plus, some of the tricks are really neat!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Singapore right here!

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Hope you have enjoyed our coverage of the animal shows at the Singapore Zoo!