Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree: What It’s Like to Stay Inside Singapore’s Wildlife Reserve

Have you stayed at the Mandai Rainforest by Banyan Tree yet? 

Beyond the luxury hospitality you'd expect, the hotel makes the ideal base for families planning to explore the five wildlife parks within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Imagine being able to attend the Night Safari, returning for a restful night of sleep, and heading back in the morning for Breakfast with the Orangutans at Singapore Zoo. No cab queues, no traffic, and no tired (or cranky) kids: just a happy, well-rested family ready to explore everything Mandai’s wild side has to offer.

If you’re searching escapes in the city, check out our roundup of the best staycations in Singapore for families. 

^{Image credit: Mandai Rainforest by Banyan Tree}

Mandai Rainforest by Banyan Tree -  Stay and Surrender

Stepping into the resort feels like arriving in a different part of Singapore altogether. The design is equal parts calming and inspiring: reimagined as the layers of the rainforest, with earthy tones, wood panelling, and green accents that mirror the foliage, just outside. Biophilic principles shape everything from the architecture to the curated amenities here. 

With over 300 rooms and 24 Insta-worthy elevated treehouses, guests can truly pick their favourite room type to settle in. Our favourite option? The reliable and spacious Family Retreat Room. It sleeps up to 4, with a queen-sized bunk bed tucked into a cosy corner for the kids and a generous king-sized bed for parents. The room also comes with a luxurious bathroom, with a shower overlooking the view(privacy screens provided) as well as a small balcony to enjoy the fresh air unique to this part of Singapore.

Sustainability is high on the agenda, with a gamefied touch screen that tracks your energy use compared to other guests, pencils embedded with plantable seeds, and no bottled water in sight.  Instead, a water filter encourages you to use tap water or fill up the bottles provided(thoughtfully) for guests to bring along to their wildlife adventures. 

^{Image credit: Mandai Rainforest by Banyan Tree}

And those stunning treehouses all over your feed? They’re every bit as photogenic in person. These luxurious hideaways come with a king-size bed, a private deck styled like a treehouse, and exclusive access to a quieter breakfast location and a separate pool for treehouse guests only. Unfortunately, they’re off-limits to families as each one only accommodates two guests. That said, if you’re celebrating something special or just looking for a quiet escape from the bustle, it would make the ideal escape for two.

Make no mistake. Though the forest surrounds you, there’s no shortage of modern comforts at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. There’s a rooftop pool with sweeping views over the Upper Seletar Reservoir, a gym, wellness centre, Banyan Tree Gallery for boutique shopping, and the cutest Rangers’ Club that keeps the young ones busy and entertained.

^{Image credit: Mandai Rainforest by Banyan Tree}

For the Kids - The Rangers’ Club at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

The hardest part about staying at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree? Keeping the kids moving. First, good luck getting them out of their bunk beds. Then, convincing them to finally leave their park of choice with never-ending fun shows, animal feedings, and snack options, will be a challenge. And finally, if they happen to sight The Rangers’ Club, you might need to kiss your dinner plans goodbye!

The Rangers’ Club, or the resort’s Kids Club, is a thoughtful space for young eco-adventurers that offers hands-on, sustainability-driven workshops teaching kids (and curious parents) about nature and wildlife in fun, interactive ways. Activities range from crafting with natural materials to learning how to track native species, and everything is delivered with a light, playful touch. Not to mention, enough games and books indoors to keep little ones engaged while the parents take a break. There’s also an outdoor playground that promises to lure them in, sunshine or not.

^{Image credit: Mandai Rainforest by Banyan Tree}

Dining: Chocolate Fountains and Free-Flow Bubbles

The Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree is home to two restaurants, anchored by its signature dining spot, Forage, which sits along the edge of the reservoir and serves a ‘Trust the Chef’ menu. Dishes here highlight seasonal ingredients sourced from the resort’s rooftop edible garden and nearby producers. 

 Over at Planter’s Shed, the vibe shifts to a livelier, more interactive dining experience, just the way you’d like it with little kids in tow. This all-day venue serves up a breakfast and dinner buffet complete with live cooking stations and local-meets-global dishes that cater to most tastes. 

Start the morning strong with their breakfast spread, which includes free-flow champagne and prosecco (yes, really), and even a DIY Bloody Mary station. The food offering stretches across pan-Asian dishes, Western staples, salad and cheese bars, plus made-to-order favourites.

Come dinner, this buffet takes on a more international flair. Italian bakes meet lush curries, accompanied by fresh breads and more. The highlight? That would be the show-stopping chocolate fountain calling out to kids(and adults) with different accompaniments to dunk in. 

Lunch is available à la carte and makes for a great post-park breather.

Families should also check out Ranger’s Treats, a kids’ dining pass priced at just $25 per child per day. It covers lunch, afternoon snacks, the full dinner buffet, and all-day drinks for children aged 11 and under. Great solid value for non-stop appetites!

^{Image credit: Mandai Rainforest by Banyan Tree}

Spa & Wellness - Your Jungle Escape

Amid the frenzy of excited kids, there’s a quiet corner made for grown-ups: The Banyan Tree Spa. Wrapped in greenery and set apart from the bustle, this tucked-away retreat turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of our stay. Treatments draw from Asian traditions, with turmeric, ginger, and other natural ingredients worked into body wraps and massages that truly deliver.

The menu focuses on holistic wellness with full-body massages to boost circulation and gentle facials using botanical-based formulations. Even if spa time isn’t usually on your itinerary, this one’s worth making space for; the peaceful setting alone feels therapeutic.

In line with the resort’s thoughtful approach, the spa also offers a mix of complimentary activities, including yoga sessions, guided therapies, and workshops that extend the wellness experience. We tried the DIY Body Balm Workshop(this one’s chargeable) and walked away with our handcrafted skincare made with shea butter, beeswax, and a choice of essential oils. From custom nasal inhalers to calming sleep balms, this hands-on session is fun, fuss-free, and surprisingly kid-friendly too.

^{Image credit: Mandai Rainforest by Banyan Tree}

Rooftop Views & Poolside Sips at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

After a morning at the Zoo or River Wonders, nothing hits quite like the rooftop pool with stunning reservoir views. It’s spacious enough for kids to splash about while adults can claim a lounger with views across the Upper Seletar Reservoir. The Pool Bar gives you the right amount of light snacks, chilled wines and beers and tropical cocktails like Jungle Negroni and Seletar Sunset. It’s unpretentious, breezy, and exactly where you’d want to be from 4 pm onwards.

^{Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group}         

Mandai Wildlife Reserve - Just a Mere 15-Minute Walk Away

Now that you have a base for a weekend or, better yet, a longer stay, here’s the real reason to make the trip: the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Make sure to take advantage of the resort’s value packages, which include access to all five wildlife destinations while enjoying the comfort of staying right next door.

Discover the iconic wildlife parks–Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, Night Safari, and the newly opened Rainforest Wild ASIA, at your own pace. As frequent visitors of the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, we underestimated the value of having a restful space to return to each day. Plus, this setup means tourists can soak up the best of Mandai’s natural setting, often named one of the world’s top wildlife experiences, without the hassle of trekking back to the city.

^{Image credit: Mandai Rainforest by Banyan Tree}

Would We Come Back? 

Here’s the unexpected bit. Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree manages to be both polished yet relaxed, family-friendly without the noise, and deeply connected to its surroundings. From waking up to hornbills outside your window, exploring the edible rooftop garden, or simply floating in the pool overlooking the beauty of a vast reservoir, it gets all the details right. Plus, the serenity on offer after a full day at the Zoo. Priceless!

Tips to Make Your Stay More Fun at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

• Essentials in-room: Water, bottles, tea, coffee, and toiletries are all sorted. Pack snacks for the park adventures, they’ll come in handy.
• Getting around: While each of the wildlife parks is within walking distance and routes are clearly marked, the resort also offers a complimentary shuttle service that runs daily from 8 am to 11 pm, every 10 minutes on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Breakfast crowds: The resort helpfully flags when the buffet gets busy, and they’re not joking. Head there early if you want to skip the long queues.
• Food options outside the resort: If you’re venturing beyond the resort’s F&B offering, Mandai Wildlife EAST(along the walk toward the parks) has a few great picks like Roberta’s Pizza, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, Sushiro, and a soon-to-open Watami Japanese Dining.
• Make the most of the location: Still haven’t checked out the newly opened Rainforest Wild Asia or had Breakfast with the Orangutans? Now’s a great time to tick those off the list. With a bit of planning, your day can be packed with highlights – from feeding rhinos at the Night Safari, catching one of the many shows, or joining an educational session. There’s so much to keep both kids and grown-ups entertained across Mandai.
• Make time for the spa: The Banyan Tree Spa is truly unlike any other in Singapore - tucked away in the greenery, it offers the perfect escape for any parent. Our advice? Drop the little ones at The Rangers’ Club and book yourself for one of the many utterly divine treatments here. 

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. For enquiries and reservations, visit the website at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree.

Love the idea of a quick R&R from Singapore? Then you must see our list of the top escapes from the city, no flights necessary!

Image banner credit: Mandai Rainforest by Banyan Tree