The Mandai Boardwalk opens to the public, adding more opportunities for nature recreation in Singapore
14 Jan 2025
Minister of State for Trade and Industry & Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Alvin Tan (centre) officially opened the Mandai Boardwalk on 14 January 2025. The launch ceremony was held at Lizard’s Lounge – one of the five thematic stations along the boardwalk. He was hosted by Mr Piyush Gupta (right), Chairman of Mandai Wildlife Group and Mr Mike Barclay (left), Group CEO.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
The Guest-of-Honour Minister of State for Trade and Industry, and Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Alvin Tan unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the official opening of the Mandai Boardwalk earlier today, followed by a scenic stroll. He was hosted by Mandai Wildlife Group’s Chairman, Mr Piyush Gupta, along with board members and senior management.
The boardwalk celebrates the fascinating connection between the forest and water ecosystems through five thematic stations and a lookout point along the route. These are inspired by the wildlife that inhabit both environments. 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. The Iora’s Nest is designed to resemble the nest of the Common Iora, showcasing their ingenious use of spider webs to weave together materials for nest construction.
In designing the Mandai Boardwalk, the structure was elevated from the banks of the reservoir where native animals move below. Enhancing the water-edge vegetation was another key focus to attract biodiversity such as birds, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. Steps were taken to build around the mature trees on site, and low impact construction techniques were harnessed to reduce heavy equipment. The Mandai Boardwalk closes between dusk and dawn in consideration of nocturnal animals and visitor safety.
Mike Barclay, Group CEO 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. In addition to our ticketed parks, we are committed to providing freely accessible green spaces with play areas and activities for visitors to enjoy. Mandai Boardwalk users can look forward to unique views across the beautiful Upper Seletar Reservoir, while spotting exciting native species like the straw-headed bulbul and flocks of long-tailed parakeets. 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 access the Mandai Boardwalk via two separate locations, one near the entrance of River Wonders, and the other from Mandai Wildlife East – a public space that serves as the brand-new gateway to Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders and other upcoming features. These include the highly anticipated Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree and nature-themed indoor attractions like Curiosity Cove, Exploria, and more. Mandai Wildlife East will also soon offer playgrounds and more dining options for all to enjoy.
For more information visit www.mandai.com/boardwalk
The Mandai Boardwalk has thematic entrances such as the Kingfisher entrance. It is inspired by the stork-billed kingfisher, a species that may be spotted along the boardwalk.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Thematic stations and look-out points like the Iora’s Nest provide one of the best views of Upper Seletar Reservoir. This thematic look-out point is inspired by the Common Iora and is surrounded by native trees and shrubs that attract birds to forage and seek refuge.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
The Mandai Boardwalk is free for the public to access. This amenity offers charming views of the Upper Seletar Reservoir, but away from the more ecologically sensitive stretches of shoreline that are closer to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. The boardwalk was constructed around the mature trees on the site and is elevated to protect the bank of the reservoir where native animals move below. A low impact construction technique was used to minimise the use of heavy equipment.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
The Mandai Boardwalk can be accessed from Mandai Wildlife East and an entrance next to River Wonders from 7am to 7pm daily.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Visitors can enjoy the Mandai Boardwalk for free via Mandai Wildlife East where they are greeted by a larger-than-life Pangolin Mother & Child sculpture. A second entrance to the boardwalk is next to River Wonders.
Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
