Flying high: 10 activities to enjoy at the all-new Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve

For years, Jurong Bird Park was a top 10 bird sanctuary. Its successor, Bird Paradise, is set to soar even higher now that it has finally opened its doors to the public. A stunning haven for bird watching and discovery with your flock, this vibrant new 17-hectare park – one of Asia’s largest – has eight themed walk-through aviaries, 3,500 birds, 400 species, an Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove, and many other features.

Here’s a to-do list for your visit:

1. Explore aviaries inspired by many species’ habitats. Heart of Africa is the largest, with 80 African species such as turacos (a medium-sized bird characterised by vibrantly coloured feathers). Papuan hornbills soar over rice terraces in Kuok Group Wings of Asia, while American flamingos, scarlet ibis, and roseate spoonbills thrive at Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands Aviary.

2. Encounter species making their Singapore debut, including Goldie’s lorikeets from New Guinea and European bee-eaters that eat flying insects. 

3. See the largest flock of birds swoop into Sky Amphitheatre’s Wings of the World presentation; watch parrots compete in speed, agility and showmanship; and be amazed by an Amazon parrot that sings in three languages. Predators on Wings introduces birds of prey, such as white-bellied sea eagles.

4.  Feed and find out about macaws, penguins, songbirds, and hornbills from their keepers. The proceeds support wildlife conservation efforts. If you’re not a Friends of Wildlife member, public bookings begin May 15. 

5. Let the kids splash and play. A wet zone, water slides and shallow pools await at Egg Splash. Treetop Play, with trampolines and scale nets, challenges their agility and interaction with others.

6. Learn about avian conservation, Bird Paradise’s cornerstone, during a Bird Discovery Tour. Or book a Backstage Pass to the Avian Hospital, Breeding Centre and Nutrition Centre. For enquiries, email [email protected].

7. Watch penguins dive into their chilly saltwater habitat and emerge onto a “Sub-Antarctic beach” surrounded by Aurora Australis projections at the 3,000-sq-m Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove.

8. Decide what to eat. With Penguin Cove Restaurant, Bird Bakery, A&W, Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique & Sandwich Bar, Collin’s, Han’s Union, Luke’s Lobster, Pavilion Banana Leaf, and more, your options are diet-challenging!

9. Go glamping with the penguins. This is a new two-day-one-night experience where, for the first time, guests can spend a night in the Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove in glamping bell tents. They also get to enjoy guided tours and special access to off-exhibit facilities like the nutrition centre and avian hospital to learn about avian care at Bird Paradise. Each tent is suitable for a family of four.

10. Learn about species of high conservation value at the new Breeding and Research Centre located next to Winged Sanctuary. Parkgoers can get behind-the-scenes to learn what goes into caring for the park’s feathered residents. Over at the nursery, guests will get a chance to see chicks being hand-raised to maximise their chances of survival.

Purchase admission tickets at birdparadise.com.sg.

All photos courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group.