According to Tripadvisor, the Singapore Zoo is among the best things to do in Singapore. Besides the Singapore Zoo, there is also the Night Safari, River Wonders (formerly River Safari), Bird Paradise (formerly Jurong Bird Park) and the newly opened Rainforest Wild Adventure.
The Mandai Wildlife Reserve membership landscape has changed significantly since the introduction of the original “Friends of Wildlife” membership. If you’re considering an annual pass for regular visits to the Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, River Wonders, Night Safari and Rainforest Wild Adventure, the newer Friends of Mandai memberships now offer more options and, for many families, better value depending on how often you visit.
What Is The Friends Of Mandai Membership?
Mandai currently offers several membership tiers, with access varying based on the attractions included.
Friends of Mandai Starter
This entry-level membership provides annual access to four attractions, including select combinations within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve ecosystem. It is positioned as the most affordable family-friendly option, with pricing starting from $465 for 2 adults and 1 child/teen. It’s worth pointing out that the Night Safari is not included in the Friends of Mandai Starter.
Friends of Mandai Premium
This tier offers annual access to six attractions, including the Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, River Wonders, Night Safari, Rainforest Wild Adventure and one indoor attraction (Curiosity Cove or Exploria). Pricing starts from $665 for a family package (2 adults + 1 child/teen). The key difference between Friends of Mandai Premium and Friends of Mandai Starter is that you get both the Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise (as opposed to choosing one), plus the Night Safari.
Friends of Mandai Ultimate
This highest-tier membership includes all seven attractions, including both indoor attractions, for families who expect to maximise repeated visits to all the various attractions offered by Mandai. Pricing starts from $765 for a family package (2 adults + 1 child/teen)
As a Friends of Mandai, you’ll receive annual park access except for blackout dates, and enjoy discounts for rides, rentals, wildlife experiences and F&B and retail outlets. Since a park visit can last for hours or even an entire day, you’ll likely need to dine at the park’s F&B outlets. This membership helps you save money while keeping your hungry children satisfied. You also enjoy a Members parking pass at a one-time fee of $40. This will be complimentary for those who get the Mandai Ultimate.
Tram rides, previously charged, are now complimentary at all our wildlife parks. This means everyone can enjoy them for free, regardless of whether you are a Friends of Mandai member.
Price Of Single Ticket VS The Friends of Mandai Membership
For this comparison, we assume you are a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) looking to visit the Singapore Zoo. Tickets cost $49 for adult and $39 for child. This brings the total to $176.
Local residents can enjoy a discount if they sign up for a free WildPass. This reduces the ticket price to $39.20 for adult and $27.20 for child. This bring the total to $132.80.
It’s easy to see how the Friends of Mandai membership pays for itself. For a family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children), if you visit the Singapore Zoo ($132.80), River Wonders ($124.80), and Rainforest Wild Adventure ($170) just once, it will already cost you $427.60. This is just slightly lower than the Friends of Mandai Starter, which is $485 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children.
A second visit to any of the wildlife parks would be the “breakeven” point at which getting a Friends of Mandai Membership would make financial sense. In addition to saving on park admission costs, Friends of Wildlife members enjoy other benefits, such as discounts for purchases within the wildlife parks.
Get A Membership For Free – WildPass
If none of the options appeals to you or you are uncertain about how often you would use the membership, consider the free WildPass membership.
Singapore Residents can sign up for a free WildPass at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. WildPass members do not receive annual admission, but they will enjoy benefits such as discounts on admission tickets and 10% off at selected F&B and retail outlets.
Read Also: 8 Local Animal Attractions (Besides The Singapore Zoo) You Can Visit
Featured Image Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
