When it comes to planning a nature hike for silvers of all skill levels, the recently opened Mandai Boardwalk is hard to beat.
It offers 3.3km of breezy, wheelchair-accessible hiking on an even, wood-panelled boardwalk along the perimeter of the Singapore Zoo and River Wonders, with unobstructed views of Upper Seletar Reservoir and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve to boot.
The proximity to the Singapore Zoo’s exhibits means that you might even spot its denizens being cared for – though there’ll be plenty of wildlife to contend with on the trail itself.
We’re talking macaques, monitor lizards and the usual creepy crawlies along the boardwalk, plus various avian species in the skies above. Great for birdwatchers with a keen eye!
The kicker? The Mandai Boardwalk is free to enter for the public daily, which means you’ll get to save some money for the mandatory post-hike brekkie.
Read on for a guide on how to get to the Mandai Boardwalk, what to expect there, and some other considerations to keep in mind for any seniors planning to make the trek.
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Getting to Mandai Boardwalk
While there is no direct MRT access to Mandai Boardwalk, you can hop on a connecting public bus or shuttle from several nearby stations.
You can take bus 927 from Choa Chu Kang, or 138 from Ang Mo Kio and Springleaf MRT, alighting at the Singapore Zoo stop for access to Mandai Boardwalk.
Alternatively, you can hop onto the Mandai Khatib Shuttle from Khatib MRT. This service will set you back $2.50, though it is slightly quicker as it’ll head direct to Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
Taxis are of course an option, as is driving your own vehicle. For car owners, parking costs $3 for the first hour, with an additional charge of $2 for every hour or part thereof after. Motorcycles can park for free.
What to expect
There are two entrances to the Mandai Boardwalk located near the Singapore Zoo and River Wonders entrances. There are toilets and water coolers at both of these spots, so make sure to do what you need to do before entering the boardwalk proper as there are no toilets along the way.
The entire boardwalk stretches for 3.3km end-to-end — there’s a 2.7km stretch between both entrances, plus a 600m extension to a lookout point.
Scattered across the Mandai Boardwalk are five thematic stations inspired by the wildlife inhabiting the local ecosystem, including the Tree Frog’s Hangout, the Damselfly’s Wing and the Iora’s Nest.
There’ll be signs to read if you’d like to find out more about the flora and fauna inspiring each station, design elements for quick photo opportunities and of course, benches to rest your feet.
Seek shelter if rain beckons
Do note, however, that none of the stations seem to be fully rainproof – which means you should make for an exit quickly if storm clouds are brewing overhead.
Remember, there are only two designated spots to get out of the boardwalk at the Singapore Zoo and River Wonders respectively (though there are additional emergency exits every so often if you’re in a pinch – call +65 6100 0694 if you need to do so).
Wheelchair-friendly, but not pet-friendly
As with other nature walks in Singapore, you’re likely to come in close proximity to resident macaques. Because of this, Mandai Boardwalk is not pet-friendly.
That said, you are allowed to bring as much food as you’d like. Just remember to look over your shoulder before whipping out a bag of chips.
How long will it take?
For reference, our Jalan Kakis took about two hours to cover the entire boardwalk, starting from the Singapore Zoo entrance, trekking to the lookout point, and exiting out near River Wonders, with plenty of photo stops and rest along the way.
Mandai Boardwalk
Location: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Opening Hours: Daily, 7am to 7pm
Admission: Free
Tel: +65 6100 0694
Website: https://www.mandai.com/en/mandai-boardwalk.html
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