Singapore to double park visitor numbers through 'quality real life experience' of nature

By Yusof Sulaiman l eTN Asia/Pacific

Singapore Tourism plans to transform its newly planned 30-hectare nature reserve park into Asia's top nature park.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has said it is planning to transform a 30-hectare site in the Mandai region into Asia's top nature spot to add to its present world-renowned Night Safari Park and Singapore Zoo.

Admitting Singapore's land-locked size cannot offer what some of its neighbors can offer in the region, Singaporean Trade and Industry Minister S. Iswaran, Minister said Singapore is instead offering an immersive experience. "We have to compete on the quality and nature of the experience," he said. "If you are looking for an immersive experience, tropical rainforest in a natural setting, I think we can do quite a bit."

The plans are seen as part of the tourism board's attempts to offer tourism products which will catch visitors in mid-flight or within the few hours free time in-between flights to enhance Singapore's role as the region's airline hub.

Two new attractions, a luxurious spa retreat and a new habitat for the breeding and display of the zoo's five cheetahs will be part of its new US$48 million master plan.

The country's Wildlife Reserves Department is also considering transforming the location into a luxurious spa retreat, in addition to an exotic river-themed development, where visitors can learn about freshwater habitat.

"They can experience a back-to-nature experience of tropical rainforest in natural setting only minutes away from the city center."

The STB added it is confident the new attractions will help to double visitor numbers to the park up to 5 million by 2015. "That's where the Night Safari park, Zoo and the Mandai Nature Park can play a part," added Iswaran.

Printable Version | published Nov 27, 2007

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