RAINFOREST WILD ASIA: Realising an Immersive Rainforest Experience
In March 2025, Singapore unveiled its fifth wildlife park – Rainforest Wild ASIA. More than a traditional zoo, the 13-hectare Rainforest Wild ASIA is an adventure-based zoological park inspired by the landscapes of a Southeast Asian rainforest, where biodiversity, storytelling, and immersive design converge in a living ecosystem. Conceived as part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s broader rejuvenation efforts, the project brings to life a vision that combines immersive design with ecological storytelling.
A Collaborative Beginning: A Vision Years in the Making
The vision for Rainforest Wild ASIA began taking shape long before development commenced. Its realisation was the result of a deeply collaborative effort. From the early stages, CPG Consultants (CPG) worked closely with Mandai Wildlife Group (MWG) on the design and development of this groundbreaking rainforest park. The formal collaboration began in 2017, when CPG joined MWG’s design team to carry the vision forward. However, the roots of the concept go back even further—CPG had played a key role in the initial ideation phase, having been appointed to develop a masterplan for two plots of land in the Mandai area. This masterplan laid the foundation for what would eventually become Rainforest Wild ASIA.
From the initial conceptualisation of a rainforest park in Singapore to the schematic design, tender documentation and construction supervision, CPG’s collaboration with MWG has been thoughtfully planned to ensure that the park’s design harmonises with its surrounding natural environment. Working alongside partners such as CLR Design Group, Grant Associates, and Stretchmark, the team ensured that every built element complemented the park’s natural and cultural narrative, and that the overall vision was brought to life.
“From the outset, our goal was to capture the essence of a rainforest experience and connect visitors with the rich biodiversity of Southeast Asia. We want to create a space that was not only visually captivating but also deeply educational, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that would inspire awe and foster a deeper appreciation for nature”
Reimagining the Wild: Immersion Through Interpretation
Rainforest Wild ASIA is a bold reimagining of naturalistic experiences, with much of the attractions designed to evoke wonder at Southeast Asia’s tropical rainforests through immersive, multi-sensory encounters. At the heart of the park’s vision is a desire to foster deep emotional and ecological connections. From the start, CPG’s design intent was to go beyond visual likeness, and instead, create spaces that feel like the rainforest.
The park invites visitors to experience nature across multiple dimensions and scales. Guests begin their journey and choose their path – from elevated walkways, moving through the treetops and canopy layers, or descending onto forest treks on the rainforest floor. Along the trail, visitors may spot and have chance sightings of Southeast Asia’s iconic wildlife in immersive rainforest environments. Malayan sun bears foraging at the Watering Hole, majestic Malayan tigers patrolling forest glades, François’ langurs navigating the Karsts, and Malayan tapirs ambling through shaded clearings—all set within habitats that are inspired by their natural ecosystems. For thrill-seekers, the Canopy Jump is an unmissable highlight. It is an adrenaline-pumping plunge into the forest that offers a fresh perspective on scale and space within the park. This sense of adventure is carefully balanced with moments of quiet reflection and wonder.
Among the park’s most dramatic features is The Cavern, a 220-metre-long subterranean zone inspired by the majestic Mulu Caves of Sarawak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drawing on insights from a site study trip to Borneo, the design team created a space that captures the mystery, acoustics, and atmosphere of Southeast Asia’s cave ecosystems. Visitors are guided through a sequence of chambers with atmospheric lighting, immersive soundscapes, and species that thrive in darkness, including cave racers, Asian black scorpion, and Madagascar hissing cockroach.
“The Mulu Caves gave us a vocabulary, through providing us with knowledge of the textures, scale, and sense of discovery. But our role was to translate that into something meaningful and memorable for a Singapore setting. The result is not a replica, but a new story that evokes the spirit of the rainforest underground.”
Stewardship of Nature and Culture
Located on rehabilitated village land, the project also required ecological sensitivity. CPG led landscape restoration efforts, conserving mature trees, integrating native flora, and retaining heritage features such as clusters of durian trees, a nod to the area’s cultural memory. These efforts enhance not only biodiversity but also the visitor’s emotional connection to the land.
Building on a Legacy of Iconic Parks
Rainforest Wild ASIA joins a portfolio of landmark green spaces shaped by CPG, including Gardens by the Bay, Jurong Lake Gardens, and Bidadari Park. Rainforest Wild ASIA marks a new chapter. It is one that challenges the boundaries of what built environments can achieve in promoting conservation, cultural storytelling, and human-nature connection.
With this newest addition to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Singapore not only welcomes a new wildlife park, but affirms its commitment to nature-led placemaking. And at the heart of it, CPG continues to help shape spaces that are sustainable, soulful, and deeply rooted in place.
*All image credit goes to Mandai Wildlife Group