New glamping experience in Mandai starts in August, here's what Colugo Camp has to offer

Three parks, two tours, one stay — that's Colugo Camp in a nutshell.

The new permanent campsite, located in the eastern cluster of Mandai Wildlife Reserve, is looking to offer guests a different way to reconnect with nature and appreciate wildlife.

Previously, trips to attractions in Mandai, like the Singapore Zoo or Night Safari, typically ended after just a few hours.

But with Colugo Camp, guests can now enjoy an overnight glamping experience in any of their 20 safari-style tents, with each tent accommodating up to four guests.

Base itineraries consist of a minimum 2D1N stay, with prices starting from:

• $550 for two pax
• $700 for three pax
• $800 for four pax

Guests can also extend their stay at the same nightly rate.

The camp will be open to the public on selected days from Aug 8 onwards, and AsiaOne got a sneak peek of what guests can expect during a media preview on Thursday (July 24).

Clement Tan, Mandai Wildlife Group's deputy vice president of sales and experience development, kicked things off by sharing that Colugo Camp is part of a broader transformation at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

He said: "There are many more [attractions] to come, two more indoor attractions [such as] Exploria and Curiosity Cove, Rainforest Wild Africa along with the second permanent campsite, Crocodile Camp.

"All these will be introduced in the upcoming months."

Specifically, he noted that Colugo Camp will only broaden stayover options available to visitors while also appealing to a wider range of visitors and occasions.

The glamping experience

At the media preview, the breakfast served mirrored what guests will enjoy during their stay.

The international buffet featured scrambled eggs, baked beans and turkey bacon while those looking for local delights can enjoy a hearty plate of nasi lemak.

Generally, the breakfast items were decent without being particularly mind-blowing.

A standout, however, was the wildlife-friendly Owa Coffee. Grown in Central Java, shade coffee is grown to ensure the preservation of forest canopies and its inhabitants like the endangered Javan Gibbon.

Even as a non-coffee connoisseur, I found the Coffee Latte satisfying and the experience was made better by knowing the cuppa's environmental backstory.

Meals are served at the communal dining hall, which comfortably seats up to 80 guests. The space also doubles up as a chill-out area where guests can unwind before and after their daily activities.

Each 20 sq m tent offers scenic views and is equipped with a queen-sized bed, a bunk bed, fans and air-conditioning. So there shouldn't be any worries about dealing with the uncomfortable tropical heat! 

The warm wooden tones and nature-inspired motifs also add to the ambiance.

Something to note is that the tents do not come fitted with refrigerators so pack accordingly. 

Shared toilet and shower facilities (with family and wheelchair-friendly options) are located nearby, with basic toiletries such as shampoo, shower gel and hair dryers provided.

A Mandai Wildlife Reserve facilitator mentioned that lucky guests may even encounter native wildlife like the long-tailed macaques and baby wild boars during their stay.

Your best chance of coming across them would be around sunset so do keep a lookout as you head to the Dining Hall for your evening meal.

Apart from meals in the form of dinner, supper and breakfast, the standard 2D1N stay also includes admission to the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and an exclusive early entry to River Wonders.

The free-and-easy entry to the zoo begins upon check-in in the evening. After an early dinner, guests are taken on a facilitated visit to Night Safari: Creatures of the Night, which includes a chartered Safari Adventure Tram with live commentary.

A late-night bite back at the Dining Hall follows, before guests head back to their tents for some shuteye.

The next morning begins bright and early (don't forget to catch the sunrise) and guests can enjoy an exclusive entry to River Wonders, which includes a guided tour of the park.

At the media preview, my colleagues and I had the opportunity to experience this guided tour, which we found educational and engaging.

Whether it was learning about electric eels or simply watching manatees float by, the experience was brought to life by an enthusiastic facilitator who definitely made the tour fun and informative.

Ending one's stay with a guided tour was also a great way to close off one's Colugo Camp experience.

Not only are you likely to walk away from the entire experience feeling refreshed, you might also have picked up a thing or two about the natural environment and the animals who call it home.

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Upcoming camp dates: Starting Aug 8, refer to their website for more info

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amierul@asiaone.com