Stay at Singapore’s newest nature resort. Our Mandai Rainforest Resort review covers rooms, family facilities, pools, dining and proximity to the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.
Singapore might be famous for its glittering skyline and luxury hotels, but the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree offers something completely different.
Instead of city views and rooftop bars, this unique resort places you right in the middle of nature, surrounded by lush rainforest and just steps from Singapore’s famous wildlife parks.
But is it worth staying here? And is it a good option for families visiting Singapore?
I checked in to find out.
From the moment I stepped into the lobby, it was clear this wasn’t your typical family-friendly Singapore hotel.
The space feels open and airy, with natural breezes flowing through the building and greenery incorporated throughout the design.
Even the lighting features resemble cascading plants, reinforcing the sense that you’re deep in the rainforest rather than inside a hotel.
The resort has been designed with sustainability in mind. Architecture inspired by biophilic design encourages airflow and natural light, while greenery blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces.
There are also some impressive environmental initiatives behind the scenes. Trees removed during construction were repurposed into furniture and fittings throughout the resort, rainwater is reused for flushing systems, and rooftop solar panels help power the property.
There’s even an in-room display where guests can monitor their own energy usage.
But enough about the technology! I’m here to explore the resort.
Click here to check prices and availability for the Mandai Rainforest Resort.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love the Resort
- You can experience a completely different side of Singapore surrounded by nature.
- The Singapore Zoo and Night Safari are only a short walk away.
- The Banyan Tree spa is one of the best places in Singapore to unwind.
- It’s the kind of place where you genuinely slow down and relax.
Hotel Location
Mandai Rainforest Resort sits within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Singapore’s 126-hectare wildlife and conservation hub.
This location makes it incredibly convenient if you’re planning to visit Singapore’s wildlife attractions.
The Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and River Wonders are all about a 10-minute walk away via a sheltered walkway. Other parks within the reserve, including Bird Paradise and Rainforest Wild Asia, can be reached easily by shuttle bus.
If you’re staying here as part of a Singapore holiday, it’s about a 30-minute taxi ride from the city centre, depending on traffic.
Rooms at Mandai Rainforest Resort
The resort has 338 rooms and suites, ranging from standard guest rooms to spacious family rooms and the resort’s iconic treehouse suites.
I stayed in a Sanctuary King Room, located on the fourth floor with peaceful views over the reservoir. The room is calm and soothing, decorated in earthy tones with natural stone and timber finishes that reflect the surrounding rainforest.
A mural featuring local plants and wildlife adds another lovely connection to nature.
One feature I particularly loved was the window-side lounging area. Normally I’m the type of traveller who’s always out exploring, but here it was easy to slow down and simply enjoy the view.
Sliding doors with insect screens allow you to open the room to the sounds of the forest – cicadas and birds included.
Even the bathroom feels connected to the outdoors, with large windows overlooking the greenery outside.
Family Rooms
Families travelling with younger children will appreciate the family rooms, which include queen-size bunk beds and a cosy reading nook below. It’s a clever design that makes the room feel fun, while being practical for kids.
Treehouse Suites
The most eye-catching accommodation here, however, is the treehouse suites.
These pod-shaped structures sit elevated above the forest floor and are designed to resemble seed pods from the outside.
Inside, they feel spacious and luxurious, with large soaking tubs, rainforest showers, and private balconies where you can relax and take in the surrounding greenery. They’re definitely one of the most unique places to stay in Singapore.
The only downside? They’re more suited to couples than families.
Click here to check prices and availability for the Mandai Rainforest Resort.
Hotel Facilities
One of my favourite spots at the resort is the rooftop swimming pool.
Overlooking the reservoir, it’s a beautiful place to cool off after a morning visiting the nearby wildlife parks. The pool includes a shallow section for children, plenty of loungers, and a lap lane for those who want a proper swim. Drinks and snacks can be ordered poolside via QR code.
Guests staying in the treehouse suites also have access to two smaller, more private pools. Their nest-like design was inspired by birds’ nests and they’ve already become a popular photo spot with the world’s Instagrammers.
For anyone wanting to stay active, there’s also a well-equipped gym on site, along with a studio offering classes such as pilates. After a long day walking around the wildlife parks, the gentle pilates session I joined was the perfect way to stretch and unwind before dinner.
Kids Club
Families travelling with younger children should definitely check out the Ranger’s Club kids club.
Designed for children aged 4–11, it includes both indoor and outdoor play areas, a small library and plenty of games and activities. It’s a great place for kids to burn off some energy while parents sneak off for a little relaxation.
Banyan Tree Spa
The resort is also home to a Banyan Tree Spa, famous for its holistic treatments.
The spa pods themselves are beautifully designed, inspired by the shape of a pangolin, and they look incredibly inviting.
Unfortunately for me the spa was fully booked during my stay – which probably tells you how popular it is – so if you’re keen on a treatment, it’s worth reserving in advance.
Click here to check prices and availability for the Mandai Rainforest Resort.
Food & Drink
There are two main restaurants at the resort: Planter’s Shed and Forage.
Planter’s Shed
Planter’s Shed is the resort’s all-day dining restaurant, serving buffet breakfast and dinner, as well as an à la carte lunch menu.
Breakfast offers a wide selection of dishes, from Asian favourites to Western classics. Kids will be thrilled to discover treats like donuts, chocolate fondue and ice cream, while parents might appreciate the champagne!
Dinner is also buffet-style with a mix of Asian and Western dishes, making it easy for families to find something everyone enjoys. I overheard some excited kids celebrating their discovery of mac and cheese, while I headed straight for the satay.
The staff were also incredibly accommodating. When one young guest realised the aglio olio had chilli in it, the chef happily prepared a milder version just for her.
For lunch, I ordered the Nasi Goreng Kampung from the à la carte menu and it was excellent.
Forage
The resort’s signature restaurant, Forage, overlooks the reservoir and offers a more refined dining experience.
Open for breakfast (for treehouse guests), lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, the restaurant focuses on a seasonal harvest-to-table menu.
I visited in the evening and opted for the eight-course tasting menu with wine pairing. Each dish highlighted locally sourced ingredients, with some produce even grown in the resort’s rooftop edible garden.
Chef Marcus Tan personally greeted diners after service, which was a lovely touch.
Note that Forage is adults-only and the resort currently doesn’t offer babysitting so dinner here might be a challenge if you are visiting with young kids.
Nearby Dining
If you’re looking for something more casual, Mandai’s Dining Alley is just a short walk away and offers options such as sushi, noodles and pizza.
A Note About the Bar
One thing I did notice during my stay is that the resort currently doesn’t have a dedicated bar area. Drinks can be ordered at the pool or in the rooftop lounge during the day, but in the evening the only option is to sit near the bar section of Planter’s Shed.
It would be wonderful to see an outdoor bar added in the future – somewhere to enjoy a cocktail while soaking up the rainforest atmosphere.
Click here to check prices and availability for the Mandai Rainforest Resort.