My First Visit to Bird Paradise (Formerly Jurong Bird Park): A Day Full of Wonder

Immerse in a symphony of colours at Bird Paradise — Asia’s largest bird park.

Spanning 17 hectares, Bird Paradise is home to more than 3,500 birds from over 400 avian species with 8 large thematic walk-through aviaries. Each aviary reflects unique features, vegetation, and bird species from different biomes around the world. Flock down to Bird Paradise today!

Bird Paradise Singapore, formerly known as Jurong Bird Park, holds a special place in my heart. I first visited the place when I was a child, and I remember standing in front of the iconic, towering waterfalls, and years later, I had the privilege of working there part-time during my schooling days. My work station was right next to the Penguin Cove, where I’d sneak a few quiet minutes during my break to watch the penguins glide through the water. So when Jurong Bird Park relocated to Mandai Wildlife Reserve and relaunched as Bird Paradise in 2023, a visit felt long overdue.

We arrived in the early afternoon and stayed until closing, and honestly, we could have stayed longer. The thematic walk-through aviaries are so immersive that time simply disappears. I could spend three weeks writing about everything here, but, here are my three favourite moments. 

1. Dining at Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove

Let me paint you a picture: you’re sitting at a dining table, fork in hand, and just beyond the glass in front of you, a king penguin glides effortlessly through the crystal-clear water. That was lunch for us, and it was one of the most surreal dining experiences of my life.

The restaurant was delightfully, almost aggressively cold, but fitting, given that Penguin Cove replicated the world’s cold saltwater habitats for the penguins. The space recreates the beaches of Macquarie Island, complete with a simulated aurora australis that casts a soft, otherworldly glow across the ceiling. I forgot I was in Singapore entirely.

The food itself, Spaghetti Ratatouille for me, was a filling, ordinary meal. Nothing to write home about on its own, but paired with a penguin swimming right past our table? Absolutely unforgettable. 

Keep an eye out for the king, gentoo, and rockhopper penguins; one even waddled right up to the glass during our visit, seemingly very pleased with the attention and had me squealing on the inside.

Tip: Visit on weekdays; the crowds are noticeably smaller. 

2. Immersing in Colour at the Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands

If Penguin Cove left me feeling calm and contemplative, stepping into the Crimson Wetlands had the opposite effect. I literally gasped at how expansive and colourful it was. The entrance cleverly conceals just how enormous the space is, so the reveal was surprising.

This zone is a welcoming riot of colours. Crimson, rose, coral, flame; hues you’d normally only see in a sunset, living and breathing and moving all around us. A towering waterfall anchors the enclosure, while wetland habitats stretch out in every direction. 

Here, you’ll find scarlet ibises perched just above eye level, roseate spoonbills wading through the pools, American flamingos standing in elegant clusters, and macaws, hidden within the cliffs, vivid and loud. 

I would have happily spent more time in this single zone, although part of my reservations really stemmed from the sweltering weather. Overall, there’s indeed something magical about being surrounded by that much colour and life.

3. Learning and Laughing at the PropNex Sky Amphitheatre: Wings of the World Show

Nostalgia hit the moment we walked in. My sister and I have such fond childhood memories of standing up with hula hoops at the old Jurong Bird Park shows, waiting for a parrot to swoop down and fly through. That particular brand of guest interaction is gone now, but what’s replaced it is still wonderful.

Instead of the beloved Ke Ren Lai (Guest is Here) parrot performance, we were treated to a charming Happy Birthday rendition. What really set this show apart, though, was how much of it is dedicated to conservation. The trainers weaved in Bird Paradise’s mission to protect threatened bird species, and the birds themselves did the rest: dancing, fluttering, and speaking (yes, speaking!) with total confidence.

Big John, we’ll miss you!

Tip: Catch the last show of the day if you can, the lighting is softer and the atmosphere feels more intimate.

Final Thoughts

Bird Paradise is more than a nostalgia trip. The scale of effort poured into the new facility, from the habitats and theming to the conservation messaging, is extraordinary. It’s family-friendly while offering more than enough to keep solo travellers and couples thoroughly absorbed for a full afternoon. The conservation efforts are commendable, and I’d recommend putting this place on your itinerary for both locals and tourists alike.

Getting there: Bird Paradise is located at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Singapore.
Address: 20 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729825
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Daily (Last Entry 5:00 PM )

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