The Mandai Rainforest Resort is built directly into the landscape of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, overlooking the Upper Seletar Reservoir. Its design is all about blending in, with structures elevated among the tree canopy and connected by a series of open-air, sheltered walkways. The layout can be complex, and navigating between wings and facilities often means consulting a map or asking for directions, even to find things on the same floor.
Inside, rooms use large glass panels and an earth-toned palette of timber and stone to keep the focus on the surrounding greenery. Beyond the standard Rainforest and Sanctuary rooms, there are Family options with bunk beds and 24 Treehouse suites – pod-like structures on the property's east and west ends with private patios. The Mandai Sanctuary Treehouses, at 63 square metres, are a common choice for couples, while the connecting rooms are popular with families on a staycation.
The whole place is a popular base for local getaways, designed for easy access to the adjacent wildlife parks. For kids, there’s the Ranger’s Club, an indoor-outdoor play area, and a children's corner at the breakfast buffet. A rooftop infinity pool with built-in tanning beds gives you a clear view over the entire nature reserve. The main restaurant, Planter's Shed, serves local dishes like assam fish and char siew, and it’s possible to book packages that include the 'Breakfast in the Wild' experience over at the zoo. A complimentary shuttle runs within the reserve, but you can also walk directly to the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Night Safari using the Mandai Boardwalk.