When I first heard about luxury treehouses opening in Mandai, I was instantly intrigued. I mean, who hasn’t dreamt of escaping in a treehouse at some point? The only catch: as an Eastie, Mandai always feels like a bit of a trek. If I were going to venture all the way there, I knew it had to be worth it. That’s how I found myself checking into the newly opened Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree.
I didn’t splurge on the treehouse suite this time (next trip, maybe), but from the moment I arrived, I was swept away. The whole place feels like stepping into another world – funny to say, but you really do forget you’re still in Singapore. Gone are the HDB flats, fancy glass towers and endless traffic – instead, it’s birdsong over car horns, and forest canopies instead of skyscrapers. As Banyan Tree’s first-ever resort in Singapore, it’s been hyped up for months, but here’s what I truly think.
Word to the wise: those signs about the local wildlife aren’t just for show. Keep your snacks to yourself, properly dispose rubbish, avoid locking eyes with curious macaques, and you’ll be just fine.
Why stay at Mandai Rainforest Resort?
Nestled within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Mandai Rainforest Resort is designed for those who want a breather from the city without hopping on a plane. But don’t me wrong – the resort is less about convenience and more about experience. The whole point of staying here is to be one with nature – to slow down, breathe in the forest air, and swap your usual city views for endless green.
From the moment I arrived, I felt like a VIP – bermuda-wearing staff handed me a welcome drink, pressed a chilled towel into my hand and whisked my suitcase straight to my room. It was luxe, but with as you further explore the resort, you’ll come to realise its eco-conscious side and how thoroughly it’s thought out.
Spot the barks on the exterior walls – each one moulded to mirror the shape of the trees that once graced the land where the resort now stands. Step inside, and the murals in every room take the theme further. Commissioned from a local artist, they trace the forest’s elevation, rising from the forest floor on the second level to treetop heights on the fifth, reflecting the natural growth of the trees. It’s a clever way the resort lets you feel one with nature.
Even the water is pumped back into the reservoir, and the lights are dimmed and angled inwards to not disturb the wildlife.
What are the rooms like at Mandai Rainforest Resort?
There are 338 guest rooms, including 24 treehouses for those who want the full 360-degree treetop escape with five-star comforts. My room was the Sanctuary Double Double a serene cocoon of muted tones, with two comfy double size beds. Fun fact: each floor’s mural reflects a different level of the forest – the ground, the canopy, the treetops. It’s subtle, but it makes you feel connected to the nature around you.
It’s the little touches that make a difference here. A handy umbrella is tucked away for spontaneous, rain-or-shine adventures. The bathroom is cleverly designed with a shower and toilet on opposite sides, two sinks in between, and enough space to avoid the usual elbow-bumping. There’s both a fan and air-conditioning, but the eco-conscious system automatically switches off the AC and lets the fan take over the moment you slide open the doors of the ceiling-to-floor window – which, by the way, double as a makeshift balcony. Even with the fresh air streaming in, a discreet mosquito mesh keeps the bugs firmly out.
Each guest also gets a refillable water bottle made from sugar cane fibres. You take it everywhere, including the zoos. It’s a small but powerful reminder that switching to greener habits doesn’t have to feel like a chore.
Where to eat and drink at Mandai Rainforest Resort?
The resort keeps it cosy with two dining spots. Forage is the fancy one – a specialty restaurant serving a ‘Trust the Chef’ menu built around seasonal produce, some of which is harvested from the resort’s rooftop garden. Then there’s Planter’s Shed, the all-day dining restaurant where breakfast and dinner buffets come alive with live cooking stations and roving service. Expect a variety of cuisines too, from local favourites like kaya pau, otah bun, satay to Western delights like pizzas and pastas.
And if you want a truly wild breakfast? Book Breakfast at the Wild at the nearby Singapore Zoo. Nothing beats sipping your morning coffee and having your morning prata or nasi lemak with penguins, parrots, and of course, orangutans.
What are the facilities like at Mandai Rainforest Resort?
First stop: the rooftop pool that overlooks the glittering Upper Seletar Reservoir. If you can, drag yourself out of bed at sunrise. Watching the Mandai forest turn golden is something you’ll never forget.
Of course, there’s also the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, where treatments draw on natural ingredients like turmeric and ginger. The real indulgence? Having them in a treehouse-style setting, where every massage and scrub feels steeped in otherworldly calm. And after a long day of walking the wildlife parks, a signature massage here is exactly what your muscles will thank you for. You can also browse the Banyan Tree Gallery, filled with locally inspired crafts and keepsakes – a nice touch if you want a memento that’s more meaningful than a fridge magnet.
The resort’s thoughtful touches continue with the Rangers’ Club – a bright, playful space in the basement where little adventurers aged 11 and under can roam free with toys and a cosy reading nook. There are also educational workshops and hands-on nature sessions to ignite curiosity and gently instil eco-habits into mini-explorers. And that’s not all – there’s also an outdoor playground for plenty of fun under the sun.
What’s the area like around Mandai Rainforest Resort?
This is where Mandai shines. From the resort, you’re a short walk to the iconic Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Night Safari. Bird Paradise and the new Rainforest Wild Asia are a shuttle ride away – free and fuss-free. Whether you want to wander slowly or tick off every park in a day, the resort makes it easy. And unlike staying in town, you don’t have to battle peak-hour traffic just to get back to your room.
Why you should book a stay at Mandai Rainforest Resort?
Because it’s more than just another luxury hotel – it’s an invitation to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with nature, all without leaving Singapore. Whether you’re waking up in a treehouse, spotting monkeys from your balcony, or watching the sunrise from the rooftop pool, it feels like a reset button for city life.
And when you’re ready to rejoin the buzz? Downtown Singapore is just a 30-minute drive away. But honestly, you might not want to leave. Book your stay here.