North Singapore Guides

Things to do in north Singapore at a glance

Most visitors stay in the city centre, but there are many things to do in north Singapore. The north is home to the country's main wildlife parks, a large wetland reserve and small farms. It also has calm parks and local food in residential towns. It is a good choice for families, nature lovers and anyone who wants to see life outside the centre.

The sights are far apart, so pick one area per day. Mandai suits a full day. The Kranji countryside and the northern parks suit a half day each.

The Mandai wildlife parks

Mandai is a nature area beside a large reservoir. It holds several wildlife parks, each with its own ticket. Combined tickets are often sold, so compare options before you buy.

Singapore Zoo

Singapore Zoo is an open-style zoo, where many animals live in large, natural-looking spaces. It is shaded by forest, which helps on hot days. Allow at least half a day.

Night Safari

The Night Safari is a wildlife park that opens after dark. You ride a tram past animals that are most active at night. Walking trails let you see more on foot. Many visitors combine it with the zoo, but that makes for a long day.

River Wonders and Bird Paradise

River Wonders shows animals from the great rivers of the world. Bird Paradise is a large bird park with walk-through aviaries. Both are good choices for families. See our Theme Parks & Zoos topic for more ideas.

Wetlands, farms and hot springs

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve protects mangroves and mudflats on the north-west coast. Boardwalks lead you over the water. Look for monitor lizards, mudskippers and herons. Migrating shorebirds stop here in larger numbers from about September to March. Entry is free.

The Kranji countryside

The land around Kranji is one of the last farming areas in Singapore. A few farms welcome visitors, selling fresh vegetables, goat's milk or plants. Opening days vary, so check each farm before you travel.

Sembawang Hot Spring Park

Sembawang Hot Spring Park has warm spring water fed into shallow pools. You can sit and soak your feet. It is free and makes a short, unusual stop.

History and quiet places

The Kranji War Memorial is a war cemetery on a quiet hillside. It honours Allied servicemen and women who died in the Second World War. Visitors should dress modestly, speak softly and keep to the paths.

Closer to the centre, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park has a river with natural banks and big playgrounds. The MacRitchie TreeTop Walk is a suspension bridge above the rainforest. It is reached by a long forest trail, so bring water. Our Hiking & Nature Trails topic has more walks.

Where to eat in the north

The north is mostly made up of housing towns, sometimes called the heartlands. Each town has its own hawker centre, an open-air food hall with many small stalls. Food here is cheap and made for locals, so it is a good place to try everyday dishes. Read Best Hawker Centres in Singapore for Tourists before you go.

Roti prata is a crisp, flaky flatbread served with curry. Two well-known prata spots sit in the northern half of the island:

• Thohirah Restaurant in the Jalan Kayu area serves Indian food and prata.
• Springleaf Prata Place in Upper Thomson is another prata favourite.

Food inside the wildlife parks costs more than in the towns. Bring snacks and a water bottle to keep costs down.

Getting there and planning your day

The north is well linked by MRT trains and buses, but the sights are not always next to a station. Mandai is served by public buses and shuttle buses from nearby MRT stations. Routes change, so check the latest options before you go. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are simple for groups.

• Start early, as it is cooler and the animals are more active.
• Wear light clothes, comfortable shoes and insect repellent.
• Carry an umbrella for sudden rain showers.
• Pair sights that are close together, such as Sungei Buloh and the Kranji farms.

There are few hotels in the north, so most visitors stay in town and come for the day. Our post Staying in the Singapore Heartlands: What to Expect explains life outside the centre.

FAQs about north Singapore

What is there to do in north Singapore?

The main draws are the Mandai wildlife parks, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, the Kranji farms and Sembawang Hot Spring Park. There are also war memorials, parks and local hawker food.

Can I visit the zoo and the Night Safari on the same day?

Yes. They sit side by side in Mandai, and many people visit the zoo by day and the Night Safari after dark. It is a long day, so take a rest in between.

Is Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve free?

Yes, entry is free. Wear closed shoes, bring water and stay on the boardwalks and trails.

How do I get to Mandai by public transport?

Take the MRT to a nearby station, then a public bus or shuttle bus. Check the latest routes on the official Mandai website or a transport app.