Bird Paradise Singapore – Photo Review and Guide

Discover Bird Paradise, the newest aviary attraction at Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Singapore, and also Asia’s largest Bird Park.

Learn more about Bird Paradise in this mega article, which comprises my review, a photo tour of park highlights and programmes, and some tips and tricks for visitors.

Jump to: Review | Ticket Prices | Vlog Tour
Exploring the Aviaries | Presentations at Sky Amphitheatre
Dining and Shopping at Bird Paradise | Tips & Tricks

Bird Paradise Review

As part of Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Bird Paradise is an impressive new addition to the family of world-class wildlife parks. It offers an immersive adventure “around the world” through distinct biomes, built to feel large and open, while each crafted to resemble natural habitats – a reimagination of the original Jurong Bird Park that was built in the 1980s.

Tiered winding walkways in the Songs of the Forest aviary

The open design of the park makes it easy to see many birds up-close, or even spot them perched on the trees, from the various viewing decks in the aviaries. You can also enhance your experience by participating in feeding sessions and keeper talks, to interact and learn more about the wildlife in the park.

Beyond providing an immersive experience, the park also emphasises heavily the importance of wildlife conservation – with educational messages woven into the displays; and also notably, repeated numerous times in various ways during the Presentations (shows) in the Sky Amphitheatre.

You will either love or hate the open-air concept of the aviaries. In cooler weather, it looks and feels unobtrusive. As if you’re walking through habitats where birds can fly free – to some extent, with the nets “vanishing” out of sight. When it’s clear and hot however, you might feel like you’re trapped under a glass dome at the mercy of the sun.

While the aviaries’ walkways are mostly unsheltered – save for a few pavilions and rest areas, most of the “outside aviary” paths in Bird Paradise are connected via a network of covered walkways, making it comfortable and convenient to get around regardless of weather. A free shuttle service is also provided for quick transfers between the front and back areas of the park.

While the tropical heat and sun was unbearable at times, I had a fruitful and enjoyable visit at the park. It took me a full day, from 9AM to 6PM, to leisurely explore all the zones in Bird Paradise, catch both presentations at the Amphitheatre, join a feeding session, and also enjoy high tea at the Crimson Restaurant.

Can this park be done in half a day? Yes, but you will need to move fast, skip some experiences, and maybe miss out seeing the rarer birds.

Experience based on an independent visit on a weekday.

Ticketing Prices for Bird Paradise

Get your tickets online via Klook or Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s ticketing site. Local residents can enjoy further discounts with a free WildPass membership. Additional experiences such as feeding sessions can also be purchased on Mandai’s ticketing site.

Video Tour of Bird Paradise

Enjoy a walkthrough tour of Bird Paradise on my YouTube channel. Enable closed captions for text commentary along the tour:

Highlights of Bird Paradise

Bird Paradise is designed with 10 areas comprising 8 walk-through aviaries, an indoor Penguin Cove habitat, and the Winged Sanctuary zone that houses rare and predatory species. Here is a photo tour of some notable areas:

Crimson Wetlands, the most “photogenic” aviary of them all, features a waterfall with marshy wetlands before it that is filled with colourful flocks of flamingos.

Dramatic flocks of birds occasionally swirl around the aviary, forming a dazzling display of flying colours.

You’ll also get to see numerous Macaws up-close, with some popular ones attracting park visitors, such as the Scarlet Macaw (resembling the Bird Paradise logo), and the Hyacinth Macaw.

Transport yourself to a tranquil village at Wings of Asia, where Balinese-inspired elements can be found all around.

Here you can enjoy serene views of the rice terraces, while meeting Pelicans up close at Feeding sessions happening twice daily.

The area also has an Adventure Trail, which offers opportunities to spot birds hiding among the bamboo groves.

Meet playful lories and parrots in the updated Lory Loft in Bird Paradise. The popular feeding experience from Jurong Bird Park returns, so yes, you can book your own tray of nectar and attract birds to perch on you for social media content.

The Australian Outback, resembling some sort of movie set, is also home to some uncommon parrots and pigeons, and a family of curious emus.

Step inside the rainforests of South America at Amazonian Jewels, home to several unique birds that need time (or luck) to spot, including the colourful Chestnut-eared Aracari.

The largest aviary, Heart of Africa, is inspired by the forested valleys of continental Africa and towering rainforest trees in the region.

The highest point in this aviary, at the top of a tower, offers stunning views overlooking Mandai Wildlife West, and you can see in the distance the next new park that is still under construction, Rainforest Wild.

For now, you may want to dedicate more time exploring this aviary, which features several link bridges bringing you around the treetops to discover vibrant species.

The Mysterious Papua zone is inspired by coastal forests in New Guinea, and is also home to some fascinating birds, including the elusive Cassowary.

Completing the route around Bird Paradise with a stop inside Penguin Cove, one of the world’s largest salt-water habitat for penguins. You can transfer between levels for different views of the habitat, including going underwater.

Lastly, explore the Winged Sanctuary, home to rare and predatory species that are kept in separate enclosures.

Presentations at Sky Amphitheatre

There are two presentations (the park does not refer them as “shows”, but I suppose most people would), and both of them are held at the Sky Amphitheatre with typically 2 timeslots per show daily.

The Amphitheatre is conveniently located near the Central Plaza, so you can take the Shuttle from the front of the park and walk there within minutes.

Of course, arrive early for a good spot in front, where all the action is.

Predator on Wings showcases the impressive birds of prey, which swoop in majestically to demonstrate their hunting and scavenging capabilities.

The more light-hearted Wings of the World features an ensemble of talented, popular birds, from singing parrot Amigo…

…to his agile friends that can fly through rings, or take off vertically.

A bewildering horde of flamingos form the grand finale for the Wings of the World presentation, which is also an exclusive photo op for the show.

You’ll want to get ready as soon as the show ends. Queue starts from the side of the stage furthest from the entrance of the Sky Amphitheatre.

Dining and Shopping

Here is some information about some of the park’s dining options which are not typically found online.

If you can splurge, I would suggest visiting Crimson Restaurant. It’s on the second level of the Crimson Wetlands aviary entrance – follow the sign and take the lift up.

Crimson Restaurant offers a beautiful respite away from the heat and sun. Also, an overview of Crimson Wetlands.

A 3 Course Set Lunch (from $58++, menu pictured) is offered from 11AM till 2:30PM, after which main courses can be ordered a la carte.

But why not enjoy the High Tea Set for Two instead (from $58++) with free-flow tea and coffee. Available from 3PM to 5:30PM.

While dining here, you may also meet some macaws at the restaurant – they seem to like to merch on a railing below the restaurant’s the windows, offering opportunities to see them up-close (but still separated by glass).

Another thematic cafe and restaurant can be found at Penguin Cove. At the higher level, visit the Penguin Cove Cafe to grab the adorable Penguin Bao ($3.90) or any of these other snacks and sandwiches.

For a more premium experience, the Penguin Cove Restaurant offers a Lunch Buffet ($48++ per adult, $28++ per child) from 11AM to 2PM.

Penguin Cove Restaurant also offers a High Tea set, at $48++ for two.

There are also affordable and flexible options available in the Food Central food court at Central Plaza complex, which is where the Shuttle Stop 2 is. Other dining options include Egg Splash Cafe and Shop (beside Sky Amphitheatre) and Bird Bakery (near park entrance).

Leave your shopping till end of day – you can find almost everything Bird Paradise in the shop at the park exit, along with a selection of Mandai-branded goods. The shop will remain open for an hour after the park officially closes.

Tips and Tricks for Bird Paradise

Getting There

An easy and affordable way is to get to Khatib MRT (NS14) and take the Mandai Shuttle. Fare is $1 per person, children below 3 travel for free.

The Mandai Shuttle, along with other public bus services, will bring you to the dropoff point at Mandai Wildlife West, a lifestyle area with shops and dining outlets outside the Bird Paradise park. Taxi drop-off, as well as the carpark, are also conveniently located in the same area.

Getting Around inside Bird Paradise: Shuttle Service

Once you’re in the park, you can make your way around the sheltered walkways, or take one of these Shuttle services from the Park’s front area to the Central Plaza area of Bird Paradise, and vice versa. The Shuttle service can bring you closer to these aviaries/ zones:

Shuttle Stop 1 (near Penguin Cove/ Park Entrance)
Penguin Cove
Winged Sanctuary
Heart of Africa
Australian Outback (access via Penguin Cove)

Shuttle Stop 2 (Central Plaza)
Sky Amphitheatre (Presentation Shows)
Crimson Wetlands
Songs of the Forest
Amazonian Jewels
Lory Loft
Mysterious Papua (access via Lory Loft)
Wings of Asia

Know and obey the rules

You’re visiting the realm of the birds – so for your own safety, pay attention to the signage posted and refrain from touching or feeding the birds. Aviaries also feature “air lock” doors to prevent birds from escaping – this means that for some corridors, only one door can be open at a time.

Bring a water bottle

Don’t get dehydrated at Bird Paradise. You can use the free water refill points near the restrooms at this areas:

– Sky Amphitheatre
– Egg Splash playground
– Heart of Africa (entrance near Shuttle Station 1)
– Heart of Africa/ Wings of Asia (Ground Floor, Nest Hub)
– Australian Outback/ Mysterious Papua (Beaks Hub)
– Guest Services (near Bird Bakery)

Plan Ahead

If you are keen to participate in Feeding sessions, book ahead as slots sell out early. Availability can be checked online. Do note that feeding sessions are sold in quantities of food portion per session, and not per person. So you can share 1-2 portions with your friends and families, instead of buying a portion for every member in your group, which quickly adds up and makes it an expensive activity.

Take note of the Presentation timeslots on the day of your visit and plan your itinerary around it so that you don’t miss the shows. My recommendation would be to try to squeeze a quick meal or drink break in between two shows, and use the remaining time exploring the nearby aviaries: Crimson Wetlands or Wings of Asia. Catching both Presentations early would then free up your afternoon for the rest of the park, or if you wish to, you can watch your favourite Presentation again.

There are also comfortable rest areas between aviaries, known as ‘Hubs’, which are air-conditioned and comfortable seats – sometimes even beanbags. Make use of these spaces to relax and recover from the heat, before heading out for more bird watching.

Explore Mandai Wildlife West before or after visiting Bird Paradise

Bird Paradise Admission tickets are not valid for re-entry, so if you’re craving for ice-cream from Bird of Paradise or an icy mug of A&W Root Beer, you have to wait till you leave the park for the day, because you won’t be able to return!

Speaking of Bird Paradise tickets, you can buy them online via Klook or Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s ticketing site. Local residents can enjoy further discounts with a free WildPass membership.

Have you visited Bird Paradise? Let me know what you enjoyed most about this park in the comments!