A day spent at Mandai Wildlife Reserve also means a day spent sweaty (but happy). Thankfully, each of Mandai’s five wildlife parks including the new Rainforest Wild Asia has its own restaurants and snack kiosks where you can cool down and refuel. But such is the plight of a Starbucks addict: When the cravings hit, they hit you hard, and you can’t help but yearn for your go-to order of a signature frappuccino or cold brew. Well, turns out, the cult coffee chain also has branches in the area – yes, even in Singapore’s ‘wilderness’.
While there’s a Starbucks at River Wonders which looks inviting in its own right, we’re most enamoured with the Starbucks at Bird Paradise, which opened not too long ago in mid-2023 alongside the aviary. True to the theme of the area, this one’s designed to look like a cosy forest hut or cabin, and constructed using wooden beams for a rustic look.
These wooden features aren’t merely for the vibes; They’re created using recycled materials as part of the outlet’s eco-friendly design. Other environmentally friendly elements here include insulated glass panels to help keep things cool without having to blast on the air-conditioning at full strength, as well as water-efficient systems and a plant-based menu section.
Starbucks Bird Paradise happens to be one of the 6,000 Starbucks Greener stores around the world – outlets that are specially designed to lighten our carbon footprint and lessen any negative impact on the environment. Which is fitting, since Mandai Wildlife Reserve is big on sustainability as part of its mission.
On days where it’s not so hot out, it’s also nice sitting on one of the wooden benches at the porch and soaking in the greenery as you sip on an icy cold beverage. Kiddos can channel some of their energy at the mini playground in the compound, which includes climbing structures and a suspension bridge made out of wooden planks.
Here's the good news: You don’t need an entry ticket to Bird Paradise in order to enter this Starbucks as it's open to the public, so you’re free to pop by even if you’re visiting a different park, or simply staying at a treehouse pod in Mandai Rainforest Resort for a night. This is also a great pit stop for those exploring Mandai Boardwalk and other walking trails in the vicinity.
Starbucks Bird Paradise is located at 20 Mandai Lake Road, and opens daily from 8am to 7pm. For an equally pretty alternative in the heart of the city, check out the new Starbucks at Smith Street, Chinatown – a pastel two-storey shophouse unit with beautiful murals, a giant Merlion Bearista photo spot and exclusive menu items that you won’t find at other branches.
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