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The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and National Parks Board (NParks) have announced plans to develop Singapore’s Mandai suburb, already home to the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, into a nature-themed attractions precinct for education and recreation.

The agencies released a joint statement on Friday (5th September), a day after Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told Channel NewsAsia of plans for a "bigger and better" Singapore Zoo, as part of a larger makeover of Mandai that could happen by 2020.

Association of Singapore Attractions (ASA) is backing the creation of a nature-based resort, with Chairman Kevin Cheong stating "we should not look at the Mandai area as just a place to visit. It should be a must-see, must-stay, and stay overnight.

“People can stay, live in nature for two or three days and that can prolong the length of their stay in Singapore.

“That would generate repeat visitorship to other precincts in Singapore."

Cheong added the redeveloped Mandai should not just cater to visitors, but Singaporeans as well, explaining “when I say wildlife resorts, I don't mean a five-star resort, I don't mean living it up in luxury, I mean going back to nature.

“Our residents (could) become not just visitors, but advocates for nature, advocates for our attractions, telling their friends from overseas to visit Singapore and experience their favourite parts of Singapore. That is true tourism."

Singapore Second Minister for Trade and Industry S Iswaran said various Government agencies have been studying how the area can be enhanced as an entire precinct, in ways that preserve Mandai's natural charm.

Minister Iswaran stated “it's not just about gated attractions such as the Zoo or the Night Safari (but) it is also about creating public spaces, green spaces, that more Singaporeans can enjoy.

“There is a lot of potential for that in the area, by virtue of the fact that it is contiguous with the reservoir and the natural setting that it has."

Nanyang Polytechnic Hospitality and Tourism Management Lecturer Shirley Tee told Channel News Asia of the growing interest in nature-based activities in Singapore, advising “because of the stress of life that everybody has now, there is this need to escape from your daily routine, go back to nature and let your mind relax and be at peace.

“That is something I think a lot of tourists would look forward to - a place where you have enjoyment, but can also be relaxed.”

Prime Minister Lee had said the Mandai development will be green and enhance the existing nature reserve without infringing it. He also mentioned ongoing talks with nature groups that are expected to help improve and refine the plans for the area.

While the The Nature Society (Singapore) is concerned about the impact the development will have on Mandai’s environment and wildlife, the group hopes a middle ground can be found.

Nature Society President Dr Shawn Lum explained "what we can't sugarcoat is we will lose habitat.

"But in terms of the net benefits of the whole project, in terms of changing perceptions towards nature, getting kids excited about wildlife, increasing the people's sense of wonderment at nature, if these things can all be accomplished and the thing will synergise existing attractions and existing NGO efforts, it could be something quite special."

NParks said it will guide the development so that it is sustainable and sensitive to the natural environment.

An Environmental Impact Assessment will also be done to avoid or mitigate any impact on the nature reserves and reservoirs.

Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) - the holding company of Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and Singapore Zoo - said the planned expansion of the zoo will focus on its mission of conservation, biodiversity and maintaining the area's environmental sustainability.

WRS Chairman Claire Chiang states "’edutainment’ has always been our mission and I think this is one opportunity to create a Singapore with that focus.

“With that sort of exchange among experts and with all our biodiversity experts in the region, this is yet another new development that is going to make a mark in the global perspective on sustainability."

4th August 2014 - SINGAPORE RIVER SAFARI LAUNCHES NEW CRUISE ATTRACTION

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