Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree review – A nature-inspired hotel

If you’re looking for a staycation that feels completely different from the usual city hotel, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree offers a refreshing escape surrounded by nature. Nestled beside Singapore’s wildlife parks, the resort isn’t just themed around the rainforest, it was thoughtfully designed to coexist with it.

A resort built around the rainforest

One of the most impressive aspects of the resort is the amount of thought that has gone into its conservation-led design.

Instead of clearing large areas of vegetation, the buildings were planned around the existing landscape to minimise the number of trees that had to be removed. As you walk through the resort, you’ll notice open-air corridors that encourage natural ventilation, earthy materials that blend into the surroundings, and thoughtful details inspired by the rainforest.

Some walls even feature imprints of tree bark, while selected benches were crafted from wood salvaged from trees that once stood on the site before construction began. These subtle design elements help create a resort that feels connected to its environment rather than separate from it.

Being surrounded by dense greenery throughout the property also gives the impression that you’re tucked away deep within a rainforest. It was honestly one of the most peaceful and relaxing staycations we’ve had in Singapore.

Our stay in the Sanctuary King Room

We stayed in the Sanctuary King Room overlooking the reservoir, and waking up to the tranquil water views was easily one of the highlights of our stay. The resort also offers rooms facing the rainforest if you prefer being even closer to nature.

Although we didn’t spot any wildlife from our room, we spotted birds outside our room, which added to the peaceful atmosphere.

The room itself felt bright and spacious thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows that filled the space with natural light.

Here are a few features we particularly enjoyed:

The shower with a view. This was easily our favourite part of the room. Showering while looking out towards the reservoir made the experience feel surprisingly therapeutic. If you prefer more privacy, the blinds can be lowered.
Windows that fully open. Unlike most hotels, you can open the windows completely to let in fresh air and enjoy the sounds of nature. The air-conditioning automatically switches off once the windows are opened, and insect mesh screens allow you to enjoy the breeze while keeping mosquitoes out.
Comfortable bathrobes designed for the climate. Instead of the usual thick, fluffy robes, the resort provides lightweight dark green bathrobes that are much more comfortable for Singapore’s tropical weather.

Breakfast at Planter’s Shed

Breakfast at Planter’s Shed offers a decent selection of both local and international dishes.

While it wasn’t the most extensive breakfast buffet we’ve experienced, there was enough variety to cater to different preferences. One item that stood out for us was the selection of spreads, particularly the hummus, which paired really well with the freshly baked bread.

Overall, the breakfast was satisfying and a pleasant way to start the day, even though it wasn’t the highlight of our stay.

Complimentary in-resort activities

One of the perks of staying at the resort is the range of complimentary wellness activities available for guests.

After breakfast, we joined the yoga and sound bath session held at the Banyan Tree Spa, and it was a relaxing way to ease into the morning while surrounded by nature. The resort also offers other complimentary and paid activities throughout the week, so it’s worth checking the activity schedule before your stay. Some sessions require advance booking.

Exploring Mandai Wildlife Reserve

If you’re planning to visit more than one wildlife park, staying at Mandai Rainforest Resort makes perfect sense.

The resort is just a short walk or shuttle ride from the attractions, allowing you to maximise your time without having to travel across Singapore.

During our 2D1N stay, we visited Night Safari and Bird Paradise. It had been years since our last visit to Bird Paradise back when it was Jurong Bird Park, and we were genuinely impressed by how much it has transformed. The park now features eight immersive walk-through aviaries that are home to more than 3,500 birds from over 400 species, creating a much more engaging and spacious experience for visitors.

If you’re planning a weekend exploring Mandai Wildlife Reserve or simply looking for a peaceful escape without leaving Singapore, this is easily one of the best staycations to consider.

If you’re planning a stay, there are currently a couple of attractive packages available. The National Day Getaway (7–10 August) includes daily breakfast, one park admission for two, and a National Day Special buffet dinner for two adults, while children aged 12 and below staying with a parent dine free.

Singaporeans and Singapore Residents can also enjoy the Your Wild Staycation package (from July 2026 onwards), offering up to 45% off the Best Available Rate on Rooms and Suites (excluding Treehouses). Treehouse stays come with up to 20% off, plus complimentary daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and a bottle of champagne upon arrival.

Location: 60 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729979

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Monice Cheung

A passionate baker at day and blogger at night, Monice’s life revolves around nothing less than food and cakes. Despite facing cakes all day, her true love is in fact sushi and steamboat. Her passion for food and travel has also sparked her initial interest in penning down her experiences on her personal blog – m0nice.com