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Mandai to feature new 'immersive zoo-type experience'

SINGAPORE — The Government’s plans for a mega-nature attraction at Mandai will possibly feature a new “immersive zoo-type experience”, on top of the three existing wildlife attractions in the area as well as the proposed relocation of Jurong Bird Park from Jurong.

An artist impression of Temasek Holding’s proposed concept for developments in Mandai. Graphic: Temasek Holdings

An artist impression of Temasek Holding’s proposed concept for developments in Mandai. Graphic: Temasek Holdings

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SINGAPORE — The Government’s plans for a mega-nature attraction at Mandai will possibly feature a new “immersive zoo-type experience”, on top of the three existing wildlife attractions in the area as well as the proposed relocation of Jurong Bird Park from Jurong. 

These plans were revealed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and government-owned investment firm Temasek Holdings today (Jan 14) — the latter would be partnering the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to develop Mandai into a nature-themed attraction in phases, set to be completed around 2020. 

A concept video posted on its website showed a “zoo in the air” with aerial walkways weaving through a forest, a waterfall cavern for boat rides and a walkway for wildlife crossings. In all, the development in Mandai, including current attractions, will span 120ha. 



But first up is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which Temasek will conduct with the National University of Singapore and Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, under the guidance of the National Parks Board. The plans, first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last year, had caused concern among nature advocacy groups here, due to its proximity to the swathes of forest in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, the largest in Singapore. 

Temasek, the majority shareholder of Wildlife Reserves Singapore — which operates the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Safari and Jurong Bird Park — will also work with relevant government agencies like PUB to ensure reservoir water quality is unaffected. 

The two parcels of land earmarked for the development – one bound by Mandai Road, Mandai Lake Road and part of the nature reserve, and the other bordered by Mandai Track 15 and a military firing range – are in line with plans first floated by the STB in 2007 to develop an eco-tourism project in the area.

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