Expat Writer Sylvia Fernandes visited Singapore Zoo to experience the signature breakfast programme over the weekend and this is what she had to share. "Imagine my excitement as I parked the car at Singapore Zoo. This morning was going to be one I had never experienced before. Having Breakfast in the Wild surrounded by a bunch of animals."
A mother of all animals, my friend Nerissa was with me. A seven minute walk to the ticket booth we passed swans swanning around. Now I realised where the word came from, for they truly knew how to bask in the sun and swim at leisure.
As my excitement heightened at seeing orang utans, we meandered through forest to the sound of birds and monkeys calling. This cool morning made me reminisce the nature walks I had done in the past. Clean air amidst nature was so rejuvenating.
Expat Writer Sylvia Fernandes with Nerissa Low Visiting Singapore Zoo For Breakfast Experience
At Ah Meng Bistro, a buffet breakfast awaited. A smorgasbord of different styled eggs, there was also a wide range of local food - mee siam, roti prata, porridge and much more. I was not in the mood for breakfast though. Too excited at the prospect of seeing animals in their habitat.
Our table fronted the wild and announcements indicated that animals would be brought out at 9am. The beastly-looking iguana so tame and demure in the hands of the ranger. We had a chance to pat it while it sat unmoved on a tree trunk.
Then a parrot to show its mane as the ranger activated a bunch of moves it could show off. So cute we were captivated. Another announcement that a door was opening to release what looked like an ant eater, a tapir. Wow!
Orang utans were already showing themselves. Doing a few moves swinging on trees then resting on the platform, they were divine. Surely every heart melted just watching them kiss. I could have watched them all day.
The experience went on for 90 minutes ending with a fabulous opportunity to touch some animals and get close to others for a picture. Children were squealing with delight, full of questions for very knowledgeable parents.
We felt full in our tummies and hearts. Breakfast in the Wild for a mere $45 was such a steal, so highly recommended for families with children and adults too. Brought back after a hiatus of many years, this makes for a perfect outing and gift to those who love animals.
Read on to find out the full details....
After a two-year hiatus brought on by the pandemic. Rebranded as Breakfast in the Wild, a ‘wilder’ experience is in store while you indulge in a hearty spread of local and international flavours. The all-new experience includes a 30-minute presentation featuring animals including charismatic orangutans, vibrant macaws, inquisitive tamandua (also known as the Lesser Anteater), boisterous coatimundis and zen-like reptiles.
Singapore Zoo's iconic dining programme has its roots as Breakfast with Ah Meng, which launched in 1982, with the late Ah Meng, Singapore’s well-loved Sumatran Orangutan who became a global icon. Over the years, the programme evolved into Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife, before re-emerging as Breakfast in the Wild in October this year.
The wild and delightful moments are complemented by a scrumptious feast, thoughtfully created with ingredients that are friendly to wildlife and the planet. Food items are cooked with sustainably sourced palm oil, and enjoy the taste of wildlife-friendly OWA coffee which uses beans grown by farmers in the natural shade of trees in Java, Indonesia. The menu has also intentionally omitted beef because of its high environmental impact.
There is a free-and-easy interaction area and photo points to meet with the animals and their care team, and capture snapshots for keepsake. Bring home a piece of the wild experience from the Retail Kiosk opposite Ah Meng Terrace, where professionally taken photos can also be purchased.
Breakfast in the Wild is available from 9.00 am to 10:30am on weekends and public holidays. Catch up with the animals and their keepers between 9.30am and 10.00am. Tickets are priced at $45 for adults and $35 for children aged six to 12, while children below the age of six would need to be accompanied by one adult each.
A separate Singapore Zoo admission ticket is required to enjoy the breakfast experience. Friends of Wildlife, Friends of Wildlife Plus and Friends of the Zoo enjoy a 20 percent discount.
Advanced bookings of at least three days are encouraged and can be made here. Walk-ins are possible, subject to table availability. Seating is also on a first-come-first-served basis so be sure to get there bright and early.
More details and booking here.
a. 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
w. www.mandai.com/en/singapore-zoo.html
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