Mandai Rainforest Resort, run by Banyan Tree, is set to open in April 2025. This eco-friendly resort promises a unique experience in the lush greenery of Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve. The resort offers stunning views of the Upper Seletar Reservoir, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
The resort’s design focuses on sustainability, making it the first-ever Super Low Energy (SLE) resort in Singapore. It uses smart control strategies, passive infrared occupancy sensors, and passive displacement ventilation to save energy. Guests can enjoy a luxurious stay that is also kind to the environment.
Initial Plans and Delays Due to COVID-19
The Mandai Rainforest Resort was originally slated to open in 2023, but various challenges led to its construction and development delays. The ambitious design and commitment to sustainability required meticulous planning and execution, which extended the timeline. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted the project, affecting supply chains, construction schedules, and workforce availability. Despite these setbacks, the developers utilized the delay to refine the resort’s design and enhance its sustainability features, ensuring it will set a new standard for luxury and eco-friendly hospitality when it opens in 2025.
Enhancing Visitor Experience Through Eco-Friendly Tourism
The Mandai Rainforest Resort is envisioned to elevate the visitor experience by offering luxurious accommodations seamlessly integrated with the natural surroundings of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. The resort aims to give guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in nature while fully enjoying top-tier comfort. Central to this vision is promoting eco-friendly tourism, with the resort setting a new standard for sustainable hospitality. The resort demonstrates that luxury and sustainability coexist by incorporating energy-efficient technologies and locally sourced materials. Through this approach, the Mandai Rainforest Resort enhances the guest experience and serves as a model for other hospitality providers, inspiring a shift toward more sustainable practices in the industry.
Accommodation at Mandai Rainforest Resort
Standard Rooms
The Mandai Rainforest Resort offers various accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets. The standard rooms are elegantly designed with modern amenities and comfortable furnishings. These rooms provide a cozy space for guests to relax after a day of exploring the wildlife reserve. Each room has high-speed internet, a flat-screen TV, and a mini-bar.
Deluxe Suites
For a more luxurious experience, the resort’s deluxe suites offer spacious living areas and premium facilities. These suites feature plush bedding, a separate living area, and a private balcony with stunning views. The deluxe suites also come with extra amenities like a Nespresso machine, a rain shower, and a bathtub.
Pod-Shaped Treehouses
The pod-shaped treehouses are one of the most unique accommodation options at the Mandai Rainforest Resort. These structures blend seamlessly with the natural environment, offering guests an immersive nature experience. The treehouses have modern amenities, including air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a comfortable bed. The pod-shaped design allows for panoramic views of the surrounding forest.
Location and Setting
Nestled in Mandai Wildlife Reserve
The Mandai Rainforest Resort is located in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a perfect spot for nature lovers and wildlife fans. This location allows guests to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and visit various attractions within the reserve. The resort’s location ensures a blend of luxury and nature, making it an ideal getaway from city life.
Overlooking Upper Seletar Reservoir
One of the best features of the Mandai Rainforest Resort is its view of the Upper Seletar Reservoir. This beautiful setting provides a calm backdrop for the resort. Whether you’re dining or relaxing in your room, the serene views of the reservoir will leave a lasting impression. The resort’s design includes large windows and outdoor spaces to help guests fully enjoy their surroundings.
Sustainable Design and Technology
Super Low Energy (SLE) Resort
The Mandai Rainforest Resort is the first-ever Super Low Energy (SLE) resort in Singapore. This means the resort is designed to save energy and be environmentally friendly. The resort uses various energy-saving technologies and practices to operate with minimal environmental impact.
Smart Control Strategies
The resort uses smart control strategies to optimize energy usage. These strategies include advanced sensors and automation systems to monitor and control lighting, heating, and cooling. By adjusting these systems based on occupancy and environmental conditions, the resort can reduce its energy consumption while keeping guests comfortable.
Passive Infrared Occupancy Sensors
The resort also uses passive infrared occupancy sensors to save energy. These sensors detect when guests are in a room and adjust the lighting and temperature accordingly. When a room is empty, the sensors automatically turn off the lights and adjust the temperature to save energy.
Passive Displacement Ventilation
Another key feature of the Mandai Rainforest Resort’s sustainable design is its use of passive displacement ventilation. This system uses natural airflow to cool and ventilate the building, reducing the need for air conditioning. By using natural air movement, the resort can maintain a comfortable indoor climate while minimizing its environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly Design and Operations
Use of Chilled Water for Cooling
The Mandai Rainforest Resort uses chilled water for cooling instead of traditional air conditioning units, significantly reducing its energy consumption. This innovative approach to cooling is just one of the many ways the resort is leading the way in sustainable hospitality. By using chilled water, the resort can maintain a comfortable indoor climate while minimizing its environmental impact.
Energy Conservation Measures
In addition to using chilled water for cooling, the Mandai Rainforest Resort has implemented various energy conservation measures to further reduce its environmental footprint. These measures include the use of energy-efficient lighting, smart control systems, and passive displacement ventilation. By optimizing energy usage and reducing waste, the resort is able to operate more sustainably and environmentally responsibly.
Environmental Impact
Minimizing Carbon Footprint
The Mandai Rainforest Resort is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint through sustainable design and operations. The resort’s energy-efficient technologies and practices help to reduce its overall energy consumption, while its use of locally sourced materials minimizes transportation-related emissions. By prioritizing sustainability, the resort is able to offer a luxurious experience that doesn’t come at the expense of the environment.
Supporting Local Wildlife Conservation
The Mandai Rainforest Resort also supports local wildlife conservation efforts, contributing to the preservation of the natural habitat. The resort works closely with conservation organizations to protect the diverse wildlife of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve and promote sustainable tourism practices. By supporting these efforts, the resort is able to give back to the community and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of the area.
New Attractions and Activities
Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Free Boardwalk Along Upper Seletar Reservoir

One of the highlights of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is the free boardwalk along the edge of the Upper Seletar Reservoir. This scenic walkway offers stunning views of the reservoir and the surrounding greenery, providing a peaceful and relaxing experience for visitors. The boardwalk is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a morning jog, allowing guests to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the area.
Rainforest Wild: A New Wildlife Park
The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is also home to Rainforest Wild, a new wildlife park that offers unique animal encounters and educational experiences. The park features various exhibits showcasing the diverse wildlife of the region. Guests can learn about the different species and their habitats, as well as the conservation efforts being undertaken to protect them.
Outdoor Adventures
Bird Watching and Wildlife Spotting
The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a perfect destination for bird watching and wildlife spotting. Guests can observe various bird species, as well as other animals such as monkeys, deer, and reptiles. The resort offers guided tours and educational programs, allowing guests to learn more about the local wildlife and their habitats.
Nature Trails and Hiking
The Mandai Rainforest Resort offers access to various nature trails and hiking paths for those who love the outdoors. These trails wind through the lush greenery of the wildlife reserve, providing a perfect opportunity to explore the area’s natural beauty. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, the resort’s nature trails offer something for everyone.