Mandai Glamping Review
Looking for an honest Mandai Glamping review? We recently experienced Glamping in the Wild at Reservoir Retreat (previously Colugo Camp) with our two boys, and it turned out to be much more than just an overnight stay. Here’s everything that’s included, our favourite highlights and whether we think it’s worth it for families.
Our 2D1N stay included exploring Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, reserved seats for the Night Safari presentation, a private guided Night Safari buggy ride, Breakfast in the Wild, an exclusive guided zoo tour and even an up-close pelican feeding session.
By the end of the trip, it felt less like booking accommodation and more like signing up for a complete wildlife adventure.
If you’re wondering whether Glamping in the Wild at Mandai Wildlife Reserve is worth it, here’s our honest family review after experiencing Reservoir Retreat with our two boys.
- Mandai Glamping Review
- What is Mandai Glamping?
- What's Included in the Reservoir Retreat Package?
- Our Stay at Reservoir Retreat
- Checking In
- Exploring Singapore Zoo at Our Own Pace
- Sunset, Dinner & Experiencing Night Safari After Dark
- Dinner at The Courtyard
- The Adventure Continues at Night Safari
- Ending the Night with Supper
- Our Honest Thoughts on the Shared Bathrooms
- Waking Up to Nature at Reservoir Retreat
- Breakfast in the Wild Review
- Exclusive Guided Zoo Tour
- Pelican Feeding – One of the Boys' Favourite Moments
- Who Is Glamping in the Wild Best For?
- Things to Pack
- Is Mandai Glamping Worth It?
- Booking Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Mandai Glamping in the Wild suitable for children?
- Is Mandai Glamping worth it?
- Are the bathrooms attached to the tents?
- Is the tent air-conditioned?
- Are there mosquitoes at Mandai Glamping?
- Where should I park for Reservoir Retreat?
- Are meals included in the glamping package?
- Which tent should I request at Reservoir Retreat?
- Can you see wildlife around the campsite?
- What time is check-out, and can I continue visiting Singapore Zoo afterwards?
- How do I book Mandai Glamping?
- Final Thoughts
- Planning Your Visit to Mandai Wildlife Reserve?
Disclosure: This was an invited stay. As always, all opinions, experiences and recommendations shared in this review are honest and entirely my own. This post may also contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through them. Thank you for supporting Heng Trails! ❤️
What is Mandai Glamping?
Mandai Glamping in the Wild is Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s newest overnight experience that combines glamping with exclusive wildlife experiences.
Unlike a typical hotel stay, the package includes accommodation, meals, admission to selected parks and a series of guided experiences that aren’t available to regular day guests.
Currently, there are two glamping experiences:
- Reservoir Retreat, located at Mandai Wildlife East overlooking the scenic Upper Seletar Reservoir.
- Crocodile Lodge, located within Rainforest Wild Asia.
We stayed at Reservoir Retreat, which offers a peaceful setting surrounded by greenery while giving guests easy access to Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.
For families with young children, I found this location especially relaxing because once we returned to camp after a busy day, it felt wonderfully quiet and away from the crowds.
What’s Included in the Reservoir Retreat Package?
One thing we really appreciated was how much was already included.
Our 2D1N stay came with:
- One night’s stay in a safari tent
- Entry to Singapore Zoo
- Dinner at The Courtyard or Dining Hall
- Entry to Night Safari
- Reserved seating for the Creatures of the Night presentation
- Private guided Night Safari buggy/tram with live commentary
- Supper
- Singapore Zoo Signature Experience – Breakfast in the Wild
- Exclusive animal encounters
When we first looked at the itinerary, it almost felt too packed.
But after experiencing it ourselves, everything flowed surprisingly well, with enough free time to explore while still enjoying the exclusive activities.
Our Stay at Reservoir Retreat
Checking In
After checking in, we were welcomed to our safari tent, which would be our home for the night.
The moment they spotted the bunk bed, they both raced inside and immediately claimed their sleeping spots.
Thankfully, despite being a glamping experience, the tent was equipped with air-conditioning, fans, proper beds and enough space for our family of four, making it comfortable even during Singapore’s warm weather.
There was also a small outdoor seating area where we later enjoyed the peaceful surroundings before dinner.
It definitely felt like camping—but without sacrificing comfort.
Exploring Singapore Zoo at Our Own Pace
One of our favourite perks was that we didn’t have to rush.
After settling into the tent, we spent the afternoon exploring Singapore Zoo at our own pace before returning to camp in the evening.
As parents, this made a huge difference.
Instead of trying to squeeze everything into a few hours, we could stop whenever the boys wanted to watch an animal a little longer, take snack breaks or simply enjoy the different exhibits without constantly checking the time.
It made the visit feel much more relaxed compared to a regular day trip.
One bonus was that we also managed to catch Splash Safari at 5pm.
The sea lions completely stole both boys’ attention, and watching their reactions was honestly one of my favourite moments of the afternoon.
If you’re visiting with young children, I definitely recommend checking the presentation timings before planning your route around the zoo.
Sunset, Dinner & Experiencing Night Safari After Dark
After spending the afternoon at Singapore Zoo, we headed back to Reservoir Retreat just in time for sunset.
This turned out to be one of my favourite moments of the entire stay.
It was simply a chance to slow down, watch the sky change colours over the Upper Seletar Reservoir and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while the boys explored around the campsite.
It’s amazing how different Mandai feels once most day visitors have left. The whole place becomes much quieter, making it easy to forget you’re still in Singapore.
If you’re staying at Reservoir Retreat, I highly recommend taking a few minutes to simply enjoy the sunset instead of heading straight for dinner.
Sometimes, those unplanned moments become the most memorable.
Dinner at The Courtyard
Instead of having to leave the glamping site to look for food or decide what to eat after a long day, dinner was already included as part of our stay.
As parents, this made the experience so much easier.
After spending hours exploring the zoo with two energetic boys, the last thing we wanted to do was search for a restaurant. Everything was already taken care of, allowing us to simply sit down, enjoy our meal and recharge before the evening adventures began.
It was one less thing to think about, and that’s something I really appreciated.
The Adventure Continues at Night Safari
Just when we thought the day was winding down, it was time for another adventure.
One of the biggest highlights of staying at Reservoir Retreat is that your itinerary doesn’t end when the sun sets.
Instead, it continues with an evening at Night Safari.
I loved that this stay gave us the chance to experience two completely different sides of Mandai in a single trip.
By day, we explored Singapore Zoo. By night, we stepped into a completely different atmosphere at Night Safari. It genuinely felt like getting two wildlife experiences in one stay.
Reserved Seating for the Creatures of the Night Presentation
If you’ve visited Night Safari before, you’ll probably know that the queue for the Creatures of the Night presentation can get quite long, especially during weekends and school holidays.
One of the exclusive perks included with our stay was reserved seating for the presentation.
Instead of joining the queue early to secure a good seat, we could head in knowing our seats were already reserved.
It might sound like a small detail, but with young children, it made a surprisingly big difference.
Less waiting.
Less rushing.
More time enjoying the experience together.
Private Guided Night Safari Buggy
After the presentation came one of the experiences we were all looking forward to — the private guided buggy.
Unlike the regular tram experience, our buggy came with live commentary from our guide as we travelled through the different habitats.
Being in a much smaller group also made the experience feel more personal.
The boys were constantly pointing excitedly whenever they spotted another animal, and our guide shared interesting facts along the way that we would probably have missed if we were exploring on our own.
For us, this was easily one of the biggest highlights of the entire stay.
It wasn’t just transportation around Night Safari. It felt like a private wildlife tour.
Don’t Miss the Walking Trails
Although the guided buggy was fantastic, don’t make the mistake of ending your Night Safari visit there.
Night Safari currently has four walking trails, and they’re absolutely worth exploring if time allows.
Walking the trails gives you a completely different perspective compared to the buggy ride, allowing you to get closer to several animal habitats while exploring at your own pace.
Depending on your children’s energy levels, I’d recommend leaving some time after the buggy ride to explore at least one or two of the trails before heading back to camp.
Ending the Night with Supper
After returning to Reservoir Retreat, we were welcomed with supper waiting for us. Simple sandwiches and Milo never tasted so good after such an eventful day.
It was the perfect way to wind down before calling it a night.
The boys happily ate while talking excitedly about everything they had seen at Night Safari. Those little conversations before bedtime are probably the moments I’ll remember most.
Our Honest Thoughts on the Shared Bathrooms
Before our stay, one of my biggest questions was about the shared bathrooms.
As a mum travelling with two young boys, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Thankfully, my worries disappeared almost immediately.
The shared facilities were clean, spacious and well maintained throughout our stay. We mainly used the family washroom, which combines a toilet and shower in one private space.
That setup made showering the boys much easier compared to using separate facilities.
Guests have access to six private family washrooms, each with its own toilet and shower, as well as separate male and female communal bathrooms, each equipped with five toilet cubicles and five shower cubicles.
If you’re worried about the communal bathrooms, I honestly don’t think it should stop you from booking this experience.
Waking Up to Nature at Reservoir Retreat
One of my favourite moments wasn’t part of the official itinerary. It happened the moment I unzipped our tent the next morning.
Instead of waking up to traffic or the usual city skyline, we were greeted by lush greenery, the calm waters of Upper Seletar Reservoir and the peaceful sounds of birds all around us.
For a moment, it didn’t even feel like we were still in Singapore.
It was the perfect reminder that sometimes the best part of travelling isn’t rushing from one activity to another, but slowing down and appreciating where you are.
Breakfast in the Wild Review
If you’ve ever wondered what makes Breakfast in the Wild so popular, now I understand why.
Unlike a typical breakfast buffet, this experience also includes an animal presentation and opportunities to see wildlife up close.
Breakfast in the Wild is a 90-minute dining experience held at Ah Meng Terrace, Singapore Zoo. It offers a breakfast buffet line, a 45-minute Animal Appearance session, as well as photo-taking opportunities with wildlife ambassadors. Appearances of wildlife ambassadors (which includes species such as orangutans, birds, reptiles, sealion) are not fixed and are subject to rotation, weather and animal conditions.
As the animal keepers introduced the animals and shared interesting facts, both boys stopped eating almost immediately and gave the presentation their full attention. I don’t think I’ve ever seen breakfast distract them from food before!
The breakfast spread offered a good mix of local favourites and Western options, so there was something for both adults and children.
One detail I really appreciated was that they serve wildlife-friendly Owa Coffee, which supports sustainable farming practices that help protect wildlife habitats. It’s a small touch, but one that reflects Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s conservation efforts.
While the food was enjoyable, what truly made Breakfast in the Wild special was what happened around us.
Exclusive Guided Zoo Tour
After breakfast, we weren’t done yet.
One of the exclusive experiences included in our stay was a guided tour around Singapore Zoo.
Having a guide added a completely different perspective to the visit.
Instead of simply walking from exhibit to exhibit, we learnt interesting facts about the animals, their behaviours and Mandai’s conservation work that we probably wouldn’t have discovered on our own.
Even though we had already explored the zoo the day before, the guided tour felt like a fresh experience rather than a repeat visit.
Pelican Feeding – One of the Boys’ Favourite Moments
If I asked the boys to choose their favourite activity from the trip, I think this would easily make the list.
Getting up close during the pelican feeding session was something we don’t usually get to experience during a regular visit.
The boys were completely fascinated watching the pelicans interact with the keepers from such a close distance.
Seeing their excitement reminded me why experiences like these are so valuable.
It’s not just about seeing animals. It’s about creating opportunities for children to connect with wildlife in a meaningful way.
Who Is Glamping in the Wild Best For?
After experiencing Reservoir Retreat ourselves, I think this stay is especially suitable for:
✔️ Families with young children who love animals
✔️ Parents looking for a unique Singapore staycation
✔️ Couples who enjoy nature without giving up too many comforts
✔️ Friends wanting a different weekend experience
If you’re expecting a luxury hotel with ensuite bathrooms and room service, this may not be the right choice.
But if you’re looking for an immersive wildlife adventure with comfortable accommodation and thoughtfully planned experiences, I think you’ll really enjoy it.
Things to Pack
Here are a few things I’d recommend bringing based on our experience:
- A small shower tote for toiletries and fresh clothes
- Slippers for walking to the shared bathrooms
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Portable charger
- Reusable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Light jacket for the evening
- Camera or phone with plenty of storage—you’ll probably take hundreds of photos!
Is Mandai Glamping Worth It?
For us, the answer is yes.
What surprised us most wasn’t the tent itself.
It was how much was included in the experience.
From exploring Singapore Zoo until closing, to Night Safari, the private guided buggy, Breakfast in the Wild, the guided zoo tour and exclusive animal encounters, every activity flowed naturally into the next and created a stay that felt genuinely memorable.
The boys kept asking questions about the animals long after we got home, and that’s probably the biggest sign that this trip left an impression.
If you’re deciding whether to book Reservoir Retreat, I’d encourage you to look beyond the glamping tent.
The accommodation is just one part of the experience.
It’s everything that comes with it that makes this stay so unique.
Booking Tips
Klook.comFrequently Asked Questions
Is Mandai Glamping in the Wild suitable for children?
Yes! Glamping in the Wild is a fantastic family-friendly experience, especially for children who love animals and the outdoors. Each safari tent accommodates up to four guests with a queen-sized bed and a bunk bed. Children must be 3 years old and above to participate, and guests below 21 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Our two boys absolutely loved sleeping in the safari tent and all the exclusive wildlife experiences included in the itinerary.
Is Mandai Glamping worth it?
For us, the answer is yes.
We initially thought we were simply booking a night in a safari tent, but it turned out to be a complete wildlife adventure. The experience includes Singapore Zoo admission, time to explore the zoo until closing, Night Safari with reserved seating for the Creatures of the Night presentation, a private guided buggy ride, Breakfast in the Wild, a guided zoo tour and exclusive animal encounters.
If you’re deciding whether to book Mandai Glamping, I’d encourage you to look beyond the accommodation. The tent is just one part of the experience—it’s everything that’s included that makes it such a memorable family staycation.
Are the bathrooms attached to the tents?
No. The safari tents do not have attached bathrooms. Instead, guests have access to six private family washrooms, each with its own toilet and shower, as well as separate male and female communal bathrooms, each equipped with five toilet cubicles and five shower cubicles.
We mainly used the family washrooms throughout our stay and found them clean, spacious and very well maintained. As parents with two young boys, we found them convenient and had no issues using the shared facilities.
Is the tent air-conditioned?
Yes. Each safari tent comes equipped with air-conditioning and ceiling fans, making it comfortable even in Singapore’s warm and humid weather. The tent also features a queen-sized bed, a bunk bed, power sockets, complimentary Wi-Fi and an outdoor seating area, giving you the experience of camping without giving up everyday comforts.
Are there mosquitoes at Mandai Glamping?
This was honestly one of my biggest concerns before our stay.
The good news is that we didn’t encounter any mosquitoes inside our tent, and neither of my boys had any mosquito bites during the night. The safari tents are fitted with mosquito netting to help keep insects out.
That said, you’re staying within a wildlife and nature reserve, so I’d still recommend bringing insect repellent, especially if you’re planning to explore the Night Safari walking trails or spend more time outdoors in the evening.
Where should I park for Reservoir Retreat?
If you’re driving, complimentary parking is available for overnight guests at Mandai Wildlife East Car Park, which is the nearest car park to Reservoir Retreat.
There is still a short walk from the car park to the campsite, so if you’re travelling with young children or bulky luggage, consider using wheeled luggage or packing efficiently.
Are meals included in the glamping package?
Yes. Our 2D1N stay included dinner, supper and Breakfast in the Wild, so we didn’t have to worry about planning meals during our stay.
Breakfast in the Wild was one of our favourite experiences—not only did we enjoy local favourites like youtiao and soya milk, but we also appreciated the wildlife-friendly Owa Coffee. The animal presentation and up-close wildlife interactions made it feel so much more memorable than a typical hotel breakfast.
Which tent should I request at Reservoir Retreat?
Reservoir Retreat has 20 safari tents in total.
We stayed in Tent 8, which was peaceful and comfortable. While we still enjoyed the surroundings, part of our reservoir view was partially blocked by vegetation.
If I were to stay again, I’d probably request Tent 6 or Tent 7, as they appear to have a more open view of the Upper Seletar Reservoir. Tents 10 to 20 are located on slightly elevated ground, so your preferred tent may depend on whether you prioritise reservoir views or easier access.
Tent requests are subject to availability, but it’s definitely worth asking when making your booking.
Can you see wildlife around the campsite?
Yes—if you’re lucky!
During our stay, our guide shared that guests occasionally spot wildlife such as wild boars and sambar deer around the campsite, particularly during quieter times of the day.
We weren’t lucky enough to spot any ourselves, but it’s a wonderful reminder that you’re staying right in the heart of Mandai Wildlife Reserve, surrounded by nature.
What time is check-out, and can I continue visiting Singapore Zoo afterwards?
Official check-out is 11:00am.
Our Breakfast in the Wild session started at around 8:30am, so we left our luggage with reception before heading off for breakfast. My husband later returned to collect our bags and place them in the car while I continued exploring KidzWorld with the boys.
Looking back, I’d recommend packing up and placing your luggage in the car before breakfast if you’re driving. That way, you can continue enjoying Singapore Zoo after breakfast without needing to return to the campsite.
One important thing to note is that once your admission wristband is removed or cut, you won’t be able to re-enter the zoo, so it’s worth planning your day and luggage collection in advance.
How do I book Mandai Glamping?
You can book Glamping in the Wild – Reservoir Retreat directly through Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
If you’re also planning to visit other Mandai attractions or book eligible experiences through Klook, don’t forget to use my promo code HENGXKLOOK to enjoy extra savings where applicable.
Final Thoughts
We came expecting a fun night in a safari tent.
We left with unforgettable family memories.
Sometimes it’s not the accommodation that makes a stay special—it’s the experiences you share together.
And for us, that’s exactly what Glamping in the Wild at Reservoir Retreat delivered.
Thank you to Mandai Wildlife Reserve for the opportunity to experience this unique stay. We’re grateful to share our family’s journey and hope our honest review helps other families plan their own unforgettable wildlife adventure.
Planning Your Visit to Mandai Wildlife Reserve?
If you’re making the trip to Mandai, I’d highly recommend spending more than just a day here. Beyond Glamping in the Wild, there are so many family-friendly experiences to enjoy, from Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Bird Paradise and River Wonders to newer attractions like Exploria, Curiosity Cove and Rainforest Wild Asia.
To help you make the most of your visit, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide covering the best attractions, dining options, show timings, suggested itineraries, ticket tips and family-friendly recommendations.
👉 Read my complete guide: Things to Do at Mandai Wildlife Reserve (2026 Guide).
Planning to visit multiple attractions? I also recommend checking Klook for eligible tickets and experiences. Don’t forget to use my promo code HENGXKLOOK to enjoy extra savings where applicable.
I hope this review helps you decide whether Mandai Glamping – Glamping in the Wild is the right family adventure for you. If you do visit, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
