If your idea of paradise is to be surrounded by animals of all kinds, this one’s for you.
We all know the Zoo, the Bird Park, the Night Safari, and the River Safari. Let’s be honest, you can only visit these places so many times before you get bored of it.
Here are 7 lesser-known places in Singapore for you animal lovers to get up close and personal with some cute (and some less cute) critters. From rabbits to goats, to tortoises, you’re sure to find your spirit animal in one of these animal enclaves.
A word of warning though: some of these critters aren’t as cute and fluffy as the ones you may have in mind…
1. The Animal Resort
It seems like gone are the days when animals could run and roam freely around our homes.
The Animal Resort brings a taste of that back with its little zoo with a kampong twist!
Frolic among the fowl that trail after you and peck at your feet, as you throw them animal feed. It’s all good fun if you’re not afraid of the gaggle of honking geese that can come chasing after you for food.
You can also buy carrots to feed the retired racing horse, Pin Number. A little corner houses rabbits and guinea pigs you can pet, a favourite among the little ones.
The farm also features some more unusual birds such as quails, a friendly cassowary and even a Marabou Stork.
The Animal Resort
Address: T81 Seletar West Farmway 5, Singapore 798061
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm daily
Admission: Free
Contact no.: 64821160 / 91271323
Website
2. Hay Dairies
Make friends with goats at Hay Dairies!
Walking down the enclosures, these amicable and curious animals will poke their noses through the bars to nudge your hand, as if to say “hello”.
You can feed them too! The goats here are pretty pampered, fed with Alfalfa Hay from the United States and special feed from Australia.
You can watch the daily milking session here from 9am till about 10.30am–not a bad reason to wake up early in the morning.
Remember to buy a few bottles of fresh goat milk on your way out! This is the only place in Singapore where you’ll find farm fresh goat milk.
Hay Dairies
Address: No. 3 Lim Chu Kang, Agrotech Park Lane 4, Singapore 718859
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed, Sun: 9am – 4pm; Farm is closed on Tuesdays
Admission: Free
Contact no.: 6792 0931
Website
3. The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum
These slow and chill guys are our spirit animal for sure.
The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum lets you enter a rare world of turtles and tortoises.
You’ll be surrounded by 200 turtles and tortoises of more than 60 different species.
Be entertained by the funny antics of the Terrapins and Soft Shells roaming freely through the park. You can also pet and hand feed some of them! If you are in luck, you might even witness eggs hatching.
The founders of this museum rescue and rehabilitate the rarer species. These include “Double Happiness”, a two-headed, six-legged turtle that was nursed back to health after she was found in critical condition.
It is a common Chinese belief that turtles and tortoises represent longevity. So come soak up the good fortune with these zen creatures!
The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum
Address: 1 Chinese Garden Road, Singapore 619795
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm daily
Contact no.: 6268 5363
Website
4. Farmart Centre
For a nature paradise and getaway from the hectic city life, try Farmart Centre!
Their simple setup and rest-and-relax activities will give you a glimpse of the kampung spirit.
Its “Weekend Animal Corner” lets everyone interact with the small animals. Experience the feeding of goats, rabbits, bullfrogs, tortoises, and many more.
You can also sign up for one of their interesting and educational farm tours. You’ll be taken around and introduced to all the different farm animals around the Kranji area!
Don’t leave before having a good lunch of Traditional hot wok Zi Char, Hot Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings, Otah Otah and Malay Satay!
Farmart Centre
Address: 67 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699008
Opening Hours: Food Outlets: Sun – Thu: 10am – 10pm; Fri, Sun, PH: 10am – 12am
Admission: Free
Contact no.: 67670070
Website
5. Mainland Tropical Fish Farm
If calming sea creatures are more your thing, the endless rows of koi ponds at Mainland Tropical Fish Farm will be a treat.
It’s a great place to indulge in a bit of fishing or fish feeding!
Buy a pack of fish food from the shop and watch the pretty koi gather eagerly for a bite. Or try your hand at longkang fishing and prawn fishing.
Dip your feet at the fish spa for a ticklish, yet relaxing experience. Or simply gaze at the scores of ornamental fish on display and admire nature’s handiwork.
Should you decide to take home a finned friend, you’ll find everything you need for its well-being right here!
Mainland Tropical Fish Farm
Address: No.1 Pasir Ris Farmway 1, Singapore 519352
Opening hours: 8.30am – 7pm daily
Admission: Free
Contact no.: 62873883, 65843643, 65812550
Website
6. Jurong Frog Farm
You’ll hear them before you see them.
These outspoken creatures at Jurong Frog Farm are sure to greet you as you enter their home!
It’s a learning experience too, as the ‘Frogologists’ believe. Education of the farming industry is important for Singaporeans to be brought back in touch with the land.
Gone are the days when farms were old school and backwards. This farm has a mascot, Gabbe King, who is a hit with kids. You’ll recognize him and his trademark yellow gumboots, as he’s seen on the walls of the farm premise.
Being surrounded by thousands of fat, gleaming bullfrogs, croaking a melody from their water-fountained vats is surely an experience you won’t forget!
Jurong Frog Farm
Address: 51 (Plot 56) Lim Chu Kang Lane 6 Singapore 718864
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 9am – 6pm (reserved for booked tours and pick up of purchases); Sat, Sun, PH: 9am – 5.30pm
Admission: Free
Contact no.: 6791 7229
Website
7. Oh’ Farms Butterfly Lodge
Don’t forget that insects are animals too!
Butterfly lovers will love Oh’ Farms Butterfly Lodge, a place that houses around 20 local butterfly species.
This butterfly-friendly flight cage allows visitors to observe and enjoy the butterflies in a landscaped garden environment.
The habitats are carefully designed to allow the butterflies to fly freely and go about their daily business with as little interference as possible. Nectar collecting and flower pollinating is all very important stuff.
You’ll also learn about the ecology and conservation of butterflies, and appreciate the diversity and beauty of Singapore’s butterfly fauna.
Come marvel at the beauty of these flying jewels as they flit just by your ear!
Oh’ Farms
Address: 14A, Bah Soon Pah Road, Singapore 769970
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 8am – 5pm; Closed on Sundays & PH
Contact no.: 67538011
Website
Who doesn’t love animals?
They’re adorable, chill and do the cutest things, without a care in the world. Let yourself be surrounded by some furry, scaly, and slimy friends at these animal havens!
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