Exploria at Mandai Wildlife Reserve: Everything you need to know

How It Works

The journey starts at Our Interconnected World, Exploria's central hub. It's anchored by a stunning four-metre LED globe called the Biopool that gently pulses like a living heartbeat, and yes, it's as mesmerising as it sounds.

Every visitor interaction sends visible light pulses to the globe, which responds in real time to the collective energy in the room. It's a clever way of driving home Exploria's core message: that small individual actions, taken together, create real impact.

Don't miss The Planet Awakens, the signature light and sound show that kicks off here. Synchronised projections, dynamic colours, and rhythms fill the space and set the tone for what's ahead.

Before you dive into the five worlds, you'll get a recyclable RFID wristband. This is where Exploria gets really fun.

The wristband lets you create a digital avatar, activate interactive installations, and earn species badges as you explore. There's even a live scoreboard in the exit tunnel that tracks your progress, and your profile stays active for a full year.

So yes, there's a competitive element, and yes, you'll want to come back to collect more badges.

Pro tip: Connect to Exploria's free Wi-Fi as soon as you arrive. You'll need it to download your digital photos from the Memory Hook photo stations scattered throughout the five worlds. Also keep an eye out for Hidden Gems, subtle surprises embedded in the physical environment that you unlock by tapping your wristband at specific spots.

The Five Worlds of Exploria

Each world in Exploria is a self-contained environment with its own surprises, interactives, and vibe.

‍

Realm of the Giants

This is the blockbuster zone. Walk among life-sized prehistoric creatures brought to dramatic life through monumental installations and augmented reality windows, complete with sound effects and floor vibrations that really sell the scale.

The centrepiece is The Giants Show, an eight-minute, 360-degree standing theatre experience that sweeps you through 500 million years of evolution, from the rise of Earth's earliest giants to their dramatic extinction.

It's visceral, it's cinematic, and we found ourselves going "whoa" out loud numerous times during the show.

‍

Bitdeer AI Extreme Frontiers

Ever wondered what it's like to stand in a 40°C desert? You'll find out here.

This zone transports you to some of the planet's harshest environments through virtual expeditions and simulator rooms.

One room recreates the arid habitat of the Namaqua chameleon (yes, they actually heat it to 40 degrees), while other experiences take you alongside polar bears on melting Arctic ice and demoiselle cranes migrating at altitude.

‍

Infinite Wonderland

A lush celebration of rainforests and coral reefs, this world layers multi-sensory details to reveal the extraordinary biodiversity hiding in plain sight.

Hanging foliage simulates a rainforest canopy at the "Sounds of the Forest" section, where you walk through vegetation brought to life by a symphony of animal calls.

Wildlife appears to emerge from dense foliage and vibrant reefscapes, spotlighting species that typically stay well hidden in these complex ecosystems.

A fun activity here is the hunt for camouflage wildlife in the walls. Touch your wristband to the hidden animals and they'll light up.

‍

Micro Worlds

Everything you can't see with the naked eye gets blown up to breathtaking proportions here.

Interactive glass orbs and projection domes magnify hidden microbial and invertebrate ecosystems such as plankton, insect colonies, fungi, bacteria, and even viruses.

It's wildly photogenic (those glowing orbs are made for Instagram) and surprisingly compelling once you realise just how much invisible life is quietly keeping the planet running.

‍

World of Darkness

Arguably the most eerie (in a good way). Set in caves and deep ocean environments, this zone is all about life without light.

Navigate labyrinths of mysterious passageways where reactive screens hide creatures adapted to total darkness including bioluminescent vampire squids, eyeless yeti crabs, and blind cave fish. The atmosphere is otherworldly and quite captivating.

Before you go: Practical Tips

Wear Comfy Shoes: Exploria is big. 10,000 sqm across multiple worlds. You'll be on your feet for 60–90 minutes minimum, so plan accordingly.

Connect to Wi-Fi: Exploria has free Wi-Fi, and you'll need it for downloading photos from Memory Hook stations and checking your badge progress.

️Get a WildPass First: The WildPass digital membership is free for local residents and gets you discounted admission across Mandai, a no-brainer.

Note for Young Kids: Under-3s enter free. Some zones have dim lighting and loud sound effects, so use your judgement. The attraction is wheelchair accessible.

Who Is It For?

Exploria is officially pitched at teenagers and young adults. But the science storytelling and visual spectacle run deep enough to captivate adults too.

Families with kids roughly aged 7 and up will get the most out of it. For younger children, the nearby Curiosity Cove playscape might be a better fit, and conveniently, it's right next door.

Nature enthusiasts, science buffs, and anyone who appreciates high-quality immersive experiences will find Exploria well worth the visit. And because it's fully indoors, it's a great rainy-day option.

The Verdict: A Bold New Reason to Visit Mandai

Exploria is a genuinely ambitious addition to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. It manages to be educational without being preachy, interactive without feeling gimmicky, and visually stunning throughout.

The five worlds each offer something distinct, and the RFID gamification layer adds a playful sense of purpose that keeps you moving and exploring.

If you've been looking for something fresh and immersive to do in Singapore, this deserves a spot at the top of your list!