5 Nature-Inspired Experiences at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

by Coleen Leong

A “Wildlife Sightings” sign is the last thing you’d expect to see in a Singapore hotel. Unless you’re a guest of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, nestled within the 126-hectare Mandai Wildlife Reserve, home to five wildlife parks, in Singapore’s northern region.

Surrounded on all sides by thick rainforest that border Upper Seletar Reservoir, Singapore’s first Banyan Tree resort was designed around numerous mature trees (look out for a 12-metre-tall Rain Tree at the entrance), while the wings of the resort have been elevated from the ground to allow native wildlife like macaques, squirrels, monitor lizards, snakes and wild boars to roam freely.  

The luxe resort, designed by award-winning international design consultancy WOW Architects to seamlessly blend in with the surrounding forest scape, has 24 hovering treehouses with private patios, and 314 rooms and suites housed in a five-storey building. 

Boasting biophilic design elements and built with sustainability in mind, the resort has incorporated energy-saving measures like a well-ventilated open-air lobby that’s furnished with benches and tables crafted from repurposed wood; naturally-ventilated rooms with windows that fully open; ambient room temperatures set to a minimum of 24°C to mirror the cool atmospheric temperatures of tropical rainforests; and flushing systems that are powered by collected rainwater. 

Every room is also equipped with an interactive panel that shows power consumption levels and offers gentle reminders when usage exceeds recommended levels. These mindful touches have led Mandai Rainforest Resort to becoming the first-ever resort to achieve Singapore’s Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy (SLE) resort status.

Offering more than a luxurious stay, the resort is a gateway to a unique rainforest retreat where you can connect with nature, discover the wonders of wildlife and even rediscover your wild side. 

We highlight five nature-inspired experiences that you can look forward to during your stay at the 4.6-hectare five-star resort. 

1. Enjoy a tranquil escape amidst nature in a luxe treehouse

Wake up to the sounds of nature and bask in the tranquility of the lush green surroundings in the Mandai Rainforest Treehouse or Mandai Sanctuary Treehouse. Located at both ends of the resort, these seed pod-shaped treehouses are elevated on pillars, and appear to “float” above the forest canopy, offering serene views of Upper Seletar Reservoir and the rainforest. 

Catch captivating sunset or sunrise views and unwind on the private patio, or enjoy a relaxing soak in the bathtub.

For more scenic soaks, head for one of two Instagrammable bird’s nest-shaped pools that feature a unique egg-shaped opening. Both pools are accessible only to Treehouse guests.

The Treehouses are connected to the resort’s main building through raised boardwalks which are surrounded by trees and frequented by wildlife. 

2. Luxuriate in cosy rooms with reservoir, rainforest or garden views

Spread across the five-storey main building are rooms and suites, outfitted with ceiling fans and clad in soothing earth tones of cream, brown, grey and white with refreshing green and orange accents, and stone floor tiles. 

Walls of rooms are adorned with captivating murals painted by local artist Donna Ong that depict the various layers of the forest as well as native wildlife like the lesser mouse deer, white-collared kingfisher, grey-headed fish eagle and Sumatran flying dragon.

If your kids are with you, book the Family Retreat, Family Sanctuary or Family Rainforest room which comes with a cosy bunk bed and lounge area that are guaranteed to be a hit with the little ones!

All bathrooms sport double green sinks and are stocked with toiletries from Banyan Tree’s new Bergamot and Spearmint collection which are inspired by the lush Mandai landscape. Suite bathrooms come with bathtubs so be sure to pack your favourite bath bombs for relaxing soaks.

The sofa by the window is the perfect spot for soaking up calming views of the reservoir, rainforest or garden while sipping on Monogram tea or Nespresso coffee. There’s also a hot and cold water dispenser and sustainable sugarcane flasks are provided for you to fill up water sustainably. 

To emulate the cool temperatures of rainforests in the tropics, the room air-conditioning system will not go below 24°C, and when the window is open, the air conditioner will automatically turn off to conserve energy. 

3. Experience relaxing, picturesque moments on the rooftop

For picturesque views of Upper Seletar Reservoir and the surrounding forest, head up to the rooftop on level 5. 

It houses an infinity pool, complete with half-submerged white loungers, an edible garden, a soon-to-open bee hotel, and a deck for self-guided wellness activities like yoga, stretching, or mindful breathing.  

The deck is also a great spot to catch the sunrise and sunset, as well as to enjoy a peaceful stargazing experience when night falls.   

For bird lovers, the rooftop is perfect for spotting Mandai’s feathered friends like the White-Throated Kingfisher, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Black-Naped Oriole, Olive-Backed Sunbird, and the elusive Bulbul. If you didn’t pack your binoculars, borrow one from the Concierge.

4. Experience the wonders of wildlife at surrounding wildlife parks

Surrounded by five wildlife parks – Bird Paradise, Night Safari, Rainforest Wild Asia, River Wonders and Singapore Zoo – the resort is the perfect gateway to enriching wildlife encounters. The resort is within walking distance of Night Safari and Singapore Zoo through the sheltered Liana Walkway.

Start your day with Breakfast in the Wild at Singapore Zoo, where you can enjoy an Asian and Western buffet spread in the company of charming orangutans, vibrant macaws, inquisitive tamandua, boisterous coatimundis and zen-like reptiles. Alternatively, spend your morning at Bird Paradise and observe birds at their most active, and interact with the keepers through the Wild Walk programme.

In the afternoon, meet the giant pandas at River Wonders or spot gregarious François’ langurs at Rainforest Wild Asia. When night falls, head to Night Safari to spot a myriad of nocturnal animals along walking trails or on the guided tram, and watch the amazing natural talents of creatures like the binturong, fennec fox, raccoon dog, Malay fish owl and Indian crested porcupine at the Creatures of the Night show. 

The resort offers stay packages like the Mandai Wildlife Reserve Destination Stay Package which includes a pass to explore all five wildlife parks, daily breakfast at Planter’s Shed and Breakfast in the Wild for two persons, and a $50 nett resort credit which can be used at Banyan Tree Spa, Banyan Tree Gallery, F&B venues, as well as for laundry services, extra bedding and in-resort activities. 

There’s also a Wild Adventure Stay Package if you only have time to explore one wildlife park, and a Wild Escape: Breakfast and Park Experience which includes daily breakfast at Planter’s Shed on the first morning and Breakfast in the Wild at Singapore Zoo for 2 persons on the second morning, plus a one-day admission ticket to Singapore Zoo.

5. Unwind with a rejuvenating treatment at Banyan Tree Spa

Get ready for some serious relaxation at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa. The spa is known for its Asian-inspired holistic treatments and rejuvenating massages that are designed to restore balance and well-being to the body and mind. 

The spa building houses three treatment rooms, and a stone’s throw away are three one-of-a-kind treatment pods that sport a dark wood exterior that is inspired by the protective keratin scales of the Sunda pangolin. 

For the ultimate head-to-toe pampering, try the signature Royal Banyan treatment which features a coriander cucumber cleanse, a warm herbal pouch massage and a jade face massage to improve blood circulation and ease muscle aches.

Or create your own spa experience by combining a body, back or foot massage with a body scrub or body conditioner. 

Photos courtesy of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree