This is not the first time we’d been to Singapore Zoo (we first visited as a couple back in 2014), nor the first time we’d had breakfast with the orangutans. But we enjoyed it so much the first time we visited when we planned a return trip to Singapore on the first leg of our ‘big adventure‘ we knew we wanted to bring our children here for a visit. Although the impact of the coronavirus had begun to be felt, and some of the activities such as the animal petting zoo, were not operating we still had a great time wandering around admiring the beautiful animals!

Singapore Zoo is different from a lot of other zoos in that it is set in a rainforest environment with large, landscaped areas for the animals to live and roam in which are similar to their natural habitats. It is home to 2,400 specimens of over 300 species, 34 per cent of which are threatened. The zoo is well respected for its conservation and breeding programs.

The zoo is huge with lots of walking (or trips on the train) required so I would definitely recommend arriving early (in time for breakfast with the orangutans is you can) and planning to spend at least half a day if not more.

Visiting the zoo with children

The zoo has a fantastic area for children called Kidzworld which includes a carousel ride, animal friends show, water play park (don’t forget your swimwear!) and high ropes course for the older kids. Unfortunately the shows weren’t on when we visited but my daughter did rate her ride on her carousel as her favourite thing about the zoo. I think for my two year old the ride on the zoo train would have to be his favourite moment!

Bring a stroller, baby carrier, hats, water, snacks, sunscreen and dress your little ones in comfortable shoes.

Breakfast with the orangutans

A highlight of the trip to the zoo is breakfast with the orangutans. It includes a buffet breakfast whilst watching the cute creatures eat their own breakfast (not the orangutans joining you at your table like my five year old thought was going to happen!) plus a chance to have your photo taken with them. One of the keepers is on hand to tell you lots of facts, figures and cute anecdotes about them. The first time my husband and I went along we had the chance to hold a snake and feed an elephant. This time we had the opportunity to feed a macaw.

Big Cats

My two little explorers are currently obsessed with both big cats and the Katy Perry song ‘Roar’ so we spent a lot of time with the zoo’s lions, tigers, cheetahs and leopards.

Butterfly House

One of my personal favourite spots in the zoo is the butterfly house. It is cool, calm and oh-so-peaceful. I could have stood in the middle of the light, bright space for hours watching the hundreds of butterflies gently and slowly flutter about in the air. Landing now and then to rest on a leaf next to a flower or on some of the cut fruit for a drink of sweet nectar.

Serengeti

Of course it almost wouldn’t be a trip to the zoo without seeing giraffe, zebra, elephants and the like! Their exhibits are in a beautiful setting right by the river. My little photographer loved capturing them ‘on film’.