Looking for a nature retreat but can’t quite get out of the country? You might like to consider heading north and no, we are not talking about Malaysia. Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, the first Banyan Tree property in Singapore and the group’s 100th resort worldwide, is unveiling the inaugural Rainforest Festival, a seven-day programme designed to bring guests closer to nature through wellbeing activities, conservation-focused experiences and immersive cultural showcases.
Running from 27 November to 3 December 2025, the festival transforms the resort grounds into an open, living space where biodiversity, creative expression and community come together. It is the first event of its kind curated by Banyan Group and one that reflects its long-standing ethos of regenerative travel and “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People.”
A Homecoming for Banyan Tree and a New Chapter for Mandai
Operated by Banyan Tree and owned by Mandai Wildlife Group, the new Mandai Rainforest Resort holds a unique position in Singapore’s hospitality landscape. It is the country’s first Super Low Energy resort, purpose-built to immerse travellers in the heart of nature through biophilic architecture, rainforest-inspired design and experiences shaped around conservation and ecological learning.
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
The Rainforest Festival goes far beyond a traditional grand-opening celebration. It is also a philanthropic initiative supporting the President’s Challenge, with all festival ticket proceeds donated and matched dollar-for-dollar by Banyan Group. A further 20 per cent of revenue from curated paid experiences — offered jointly by Mandai Wildlife Group and the resort — will also be donated, along with additional support under the SG60 Matching Grants.
Festival admission is priced at S$10 on weekdays and S$15 on weekends, with free entry for children under four, in-house guests and participants of any paid festival experience.
On site, visitors can explore discovery trails, rainforest-themed installations and artisanal showcases highlighting local craftsmanship, responsible sourcing and circular creativity. Complimentary refreshments and tastings add to the exploration, making the festival an accessible day out for families, nature lovers and culture seekers.
Weekend Line-Up: Markets, Music and Sustainable Makers
On 29 and 30 November, the festival expands into a full weekend affair. The GREEN-HOUSE HangOut showcases 10 homegrown sustainable brands with eco-conscious crafts and rainforest-inspired DIY workshops — a pocket-sized edition of Singapore’s largest sustainable lifestyle event.
GREEN-HOUSE Hang-Out
Live performances will animate the Festival Stage, with a lineup featuring Wolfgang Violin Studio, Joie Tan, Jack & Rai, Gabrielle Mendoza and MICappella on Saturday, followed by a Beans & Beats takeover on Sunday. The atmosphere promises a spirited mix of music, movement and community set against Mandai’s lush greenery.
Curated Wildlife Encounters and Behind-the-Scenes Access
A major highlight of the Rainforest Festival is its collection of limited-capacity paid experiences, each bundled with a complimentary same-day festival ticket. These experiences offer rare access to animal care teams, wildlife experts and back-of-house facilities.
Bird Paradise Backstage Pass – Avian Healthcare
Key experiences include:
- Bird Paradise Backstage Pass: Avian Healthcare — A guided visit to the avian hospital, nutrition centre and breeding facilities.
- Penguin Encounters — A private, close-up session with penguins at Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove.
- Bird Discovery Tour — A private walk through signature habitats at Bird Paradise, ending with reserved seating at Wings of the World.
- Wild Wonders @ Singapore Zoo (ZooSchool) — A day camp for children aged 5 to 12 with missions, challenges and animal encounters.
Festival-goers will also enjoy 30% off admission to Bird Paradise, Rainforest Wild Asia — Asia’s first adventure-based zoological park — and the upcoming Curiosity Cove, a 4,600-sqm indoor playscape.
Nature, Wellness and Culinary Experiences at the Resort
Within the resort, additional paid experiences highlight the region’s biodiversity and Banyan Tree’s culinary creativity.
Rooftop Golden Hour High Tea Escape at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
- Animal Diversity Workshop — A hands-on ecology session led by Ms Luan Keng.
- World of Birds Workshop — An introduction to bird ecology using preserved exhibits.
- Thai & Peranakan Culinary Journey — A special four-hands buffet by Chef Alex Siah and Chef Tipaporn Phianthong.
- Rainforest Mixology Showcase — Nature-inspired cocktails and mocktails made with botanicals from the resort’s edible garden.
- Rooftop Golden Hour High Tea — A serene afternoon tea with sweeping views over Upper Seletar Reservoir.
Event Details at a Glance
Dates: 27 November – 3 December 2025
Hours: 10am – 6pm daily
Venue: Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, 60 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729979
Tickets: S$10 (weekdays) | S$15 (weekends) | Free for children under 4 (with adult), in-house resort guests and participants of any paid tours, ecology sessions or culinary experiences.
For more information, visit banyantree.com/rainforest-festival.
