Mandai Parks Photography

NathanTheAsian

NathanTheAsian

Well-Known Member
Hi everybody, I'll be visiting Singapore in early October and have some questions regarding shooting at Mandai parks, mainly BP and NS.

I've been to NS before a few times, although I was quite young during my visits. The last time I visited was in 2022 when I was 13, just before I started photography. This will also be my first time shooting at night without a spotlight. These are my questions:
  1. I'll be bringing with me a Nikon D5300, 70-300mm f/4-5.6, 24-70mm f/2.8 and either a 50mm f/1.4 or 50mm f/1.8. Will these be sufficient for getting photos? Will I need a monopod or tripod?
  2. I know flash and white light is not allowed. Are red light torches okay?
  3. My current plan is to get there and do the tram ride early as possible while its still comparatively bright with the 70-300, and then 20:30 Creatures of The Night with the 24-70mm. Following that, the plan is to walk the loop from Fishing Cat to Tasmanian Devil changing between the 50mm and 24-70mm depending on conditions. Any flaws in this plan?
I've never been to BP before, so I'm not really sure what conditions will be like. These are my questions:
  1. I've read that shooting in Winged Sanctuary is quite difficult however previously I've had no issues at other places with wire-mesh cages. What are some tips you guys have for shooting here? I'll be spending most of my time in this area.
  2. Is the area between Sambisig and the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill cages likely to reopen by the time I'm there? One of the main reasons I'm visiting the park is for the hornbills as I've only been to Jurong when I was a toddler.
  3. Where do the Colugos in Heart of Africa like to hangout? Any tips to increase my chances of spotting/photographing them?
Any answers to these questions would be very helpful.
 
NathanTheAsian said:
  1. I know flash and white light is not allowed. Are red light torches okay?
  2. My current plan is to get there and do the tram ride early as possible while its still comparatively bright with the 70-300, and then 20:30 Creatures of The Night with the 24-70mm. Following that, the plan is to walk the loop from Fishing Cat to Tasmanian Devil changing between the 50mm and 24-70mm depending on conditions. Any flaws in this plan?
Any answers to these questions would be very helpful.
Click to expand...

Red Lights should be fine from the last time I checked with a Keeper at the Pangolin Trail. I tend to use it myself sometimes with the Pangos themselves

Your plan should be alright, though do expect the Hippo to be a no show for the first tram as they can be quite stubborn and will only come out later in the night. Some animals too may be asleep when you walk the trails however so that's a little thing to note

I don't know anything about camera gear so I'll be leaving those for the experts
 
NathanTheAsian said:
Hi everybody, I'll be visiting Singapore in early October and have some questions regarding shooting at Mandai parks, mainly BP and NS.

I've been to NS before a few times, although I was quite young during my visits. The last time I visited was in 2022 when I was 13, just before I started photography. This will also be my first time shooting at night without a spotlight. These are my questions:
  1. I'll be bringing with me a Nikon D5300, 70-300mm f/4-5.6, 24-70mm f/2.8 and either a 50mm f/1.4 or 50mm f/1.8. Will these be sufficient for getting photos? Will I need a monopod or tripod?
  2. I know flash and white light is not allowed. Are red light torches okay?
  3. My current plan is to get there and do the tram ride early as possible while its still comparatively bright with the 70-300, and then 20:30 Creatures of The Night with the 24-70mm. Following that, the plan is to walk the loop from Fishing Cat to Tasmanian Devil changing between the 50mm and 24-70mm depending on conditions. Any flaws in this plan?
I've never been to BP before, so I'm not really sure what conditions will be like. These are my questions:
  1. I've read that shooting in Winged Sanctuary is quite difficult however previously I've had no issues at other places with wire-mesh cages. What are some tips you guys have for shooting here? I'll be spending most of my time in this area.
  2. Is the area between Sambisig and the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill cages likely to reopen by the time I'm there? One of the main reasons I'm visiting the park is for the hornbills as I've only been to Jurong when I was a toddler.
  3. Where do the Colugos in Heart of Africa like to hangout? Any tips to increase my chances of spotting/photographing them?
Any answers to these questions would be very helpful.
Click to expand...
3. Good luck getting to the first tram, Night Safari is always crowded and everyone is trying to squeeze into the first tram. The queues for later trams are a little less chaotic. Theoretically you can skip Creatures of the Night show to have more time in the trails/queuing for the tram unless you want to see the raccoon dogs and albino raccoon

1. What are your ways of photographing through mesh? Can't think of a better way than putting my phone camera close to the hole and zooming in
2. Many of the hornbills are indeed between those two enclosures though I'm sure the area will be opened by the time you visit. If you want to see more hornbills, many of the African hornbills in Heart of Africa, Papuan hornbills in Wings of Asia and 3 species are in River Wonders
 
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NathanTheAsian said:
I'll be bringing with me a Nikon D5300, 70-300mm f/4-5.6, 24-70mm f/2.8 and either a 50mm f/1.4 or 50mm f/1.8. Will these be sufficient for getting photos? Will I need a monopod or tripod?
Click to expand...

Not too familiar with your Nikon gears, but I’ve seen some people still manage to get good photos with lenses that share your zoom lenses’ aperture range.

I normally use Fuji ASPC gears and only the 56mm f1.2 lens works for me (equivalent to ~85mm normal lens). The fuji zoom lenses with higher aperture (e.g. f 2.8) barely capture anything. I briefly tried Canon gears for 1-2 weeks, the 70-200 mm f 2.8 lens still works fine since the body has a better sensor. However, I need to crank up the ISO.

NathanTheAsian said:
My current plan is to get there and do the tram ride early as possible while its still comparatively bright with the 70-300, and then 20:30 Creatures of The Night with the 24-70mm. Following that, the plan is to walk the loop from Fishing Cat to Tasmanian Devil changing between the 50mm and 24-70mm depending on conditions. Any flaws in this plan?
Click to expand...

I will normally do it in the opposite order: trails > show (9.30pm) > tram ride, due to the following reasons:

1) On the trails, there are more keeper talks and routine feeding sessions in the first 2-2.5 hours.
2) There will be a HUGE queue for the tram ride when the park opens.
3) I also find that the later tram rides are slower and stop longer at some of the popular spots (e.g. lions). Thus, it’s easier to find good seats and more time to take the photos.

The downside to this plan is that for the first 30 minutes or so, some animals in the walking trails may still be in their sleeping dens.

You can also check the list of animals for the show and see whether it's worth your time or not. If you want to get a middle seat, you'll need to start queuing for the show at least 30(?) minutes earlier
 
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NathanTheAsian said:
I've never been to BP before, so I'm not really sure what conditions will be like. These are my questions:
  1. I've read that shooting in Winged Sanctuary is quite difficult however previously I've had no issues at other places with wire-mesh cages. What are some tips you guys have for shooting here? I'll be spending most of my time in this area.
  2. Is the area between Sambisig and the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill cages likely to reopen by the time I'm there? One of the main reasons I'm visiting the park is for the hornbills as I've only been to Jurong when I was a toddler.
  3. Where do the Colugos in Heart of Africa like to hangout? Any tips to increase my chances of spotting/photographing them?
Any answers to these questions would be very helpful.
Click to expand...

Echoing what @NATY said earlier, there are more hornbills outside the affected cages.

In Winged Sanctuary alone, the following cages are outside the affected area: Knobbed Hornbill, Wrinkled Hornbill, Papuan Hornbill, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Luzon Hornbill, Southern Rufous Hornbill. Parts of the cage for the Northern Ground Hornbill and Western Piping Hornbill should also still be visible from the steps next to it.

At Heart of Africa, you might be able to find these species: Crowned, Black-casqued, Trumpeter, Piping, Von der Decken, Northern Red-billed, West African Pied, Western Long-tailed Hornbills. There are Papuan and Luzon Hornbills in Wings of Asia. An Oriental Pied Hornbill should be present during the Hornbill keeper talk as well.

Re: Colugo

I’ve only managed to spot them once, near the transitional building towards Wings of Asia.
 
honeybadger said:
You can also check the list of animals for the show and see whether it's worth your time or not. If you want to get a middle seat, you'll need to start queuing for the show at least 30(?) minutes earlier
Click to expand...
To be honest the animal list is not too exciting for me, however the last time I saw the show was back in the old amphitheatre so I am yet to experience this new version. From recordings I've seen on Youtube this new show certainly looks interesting but I'm not really sure if its worth the time queuing so I doubt I'll watch it.
 
NathanTheAsian said:
Hi everybody, I'll be visiting Singapore in early October and have some questions regarding shooting at Mandai parks, mainly BP and NS.

I've been to NS before a few times, although I was quite young during my visits. The last time I visited was in 2022 when I was 13, just before I started photography. This will also be my first time shooting at night without a spotlight. These are my questions:
  1. I'll be bringing with me a Nikon D5300, 70-300mm f/4-5.6, 24-70mm f/2.8 and either a 50mm f/1.4 or 50mm f/1.8. Will these be sufficient for getting photos? Will I need a monopod or tripod?
  2. I know flash and white light is not allowed. Are red light torches okay?
  3. My current plan is to get there and do the tram ride early as possible while its still comparatively bright with the 70-300, and then 20:30 Creatures of The Night with the 24-70mm. Following that, the plan is to walk the loop from Fishing Cat to Tasmanian Devil changing between the 50mm and 24-70mm depending on conditions. Any flaws in this plan?
I've never been to BP before, so I'm not really sure what conditions will be like. These are my questions:
  1. I've read that shooting in Winged Sanctuary is quite difficult however previously I've had no issues at other places with wire-mesh cages. What are some tips you guys have for shooting here? I'll be spending most of my time in this area.
  2. Is the area between Sambisig and the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill cages likely to reopen by the time I'm there? One of the main reasons I'm visiting the park is for the hornbills as I've only been to Jurong when I was a toddler.
  3. Where do the Colugos in Heart of Africa like to hangout? Any tips to increase my chances of spotting/photographing them?
Any answers to these questions would be very helpful.
Click to expand...


Before I got my current Camera and lens this month, I used to shoot with Nikon D5600 so I'm guessing D5300 would be fine. I suggest you use a 70-300mm, however, in NS, I always tend to use my phone so I am not really sure of the lighting issues.

I believe red light torches are ok. I actually use a normal flashlight for when I'm looking for Colugos at NS. Have been successful every time. Mandai Park Staff has given permission for me to do this. I advise Leopard Trail, on exposed trees. Sometimes you can see their silhouette under the moonlight before you even point the flashlight.

I strongly advise you DO NOT ride the tram in the beginning. Instead, I have found a great route with minimal crowds. While you may miss some of the animals while it's still bright, it will enhance your visit.

1. Arrive early around when it gets dark
2. As people start cramming into the trams, go from the Tasmanian Devil Trail > East Lodge Trail > Leopard Trail > Fishing Cat/Pangolin Trail.
3. Ride the tram Around 10-11 when everyone is starting to leave. There will be almost no one on, and you can have a relaxing photography session.

Winged sanctuary is pretty challenging. Try to get the focus right, and if you have to use Manual focus. There are also some pretty bad lighting conditions, so be careful of that.

For the Colugos in BP, they are usually seen hanging out near the building between HOA and WOA.

Good Luck! I will also be visiting in October!
 
Dr. Wolverine said:
3. Ride the tram Around 10-11 when everyone is starting to leave. There will be almost no one on, and you can have a relaxing photography session.
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Unfortunately my six year old brother will most likely be with me, so I doubt I'd be able to stay that late.

Current plan for me is Night Safari day 1 since I'll be coming into Singapore at 6 am so I'll have time to rest. Day 2 probably Zoo and then River Wonders by myself since my parents aren't too keen on zoos and my other two siblings will probably want Universal Studios. Day 3 will be Bird Paradise with them where I'll probably split off and do my own photography things.

Kind of unrelated, but does anyone have recommendation for kopitiams/hawker centre near orchard road? Normally when I'm in Singapore I stay around Katong so kind of uncharted territory.
 
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NathanTheAsian said:
Kind of unrelated, but does anyone have recommendation for kopitiams/hawker centre near orchard road? Normally when I'm in Singapore I stay around Katong so kind of uncharted territory.
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Are you staying in Katong area or "Town" (Central)? Personally I don't venture to town that often (no matter how many times friends and family drag me thru Orchard I ALWAYS get lost), but, besides everyone's favourite tourist trap Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell, there's Albert Centre, Newton Food Centre, Tiong Bahru Market, and Golden Mile.

If Katong area then my usual haunts when I am there will be Haig Rd, Old Airport Rd, Dunman Rd. East Coast Park if I'm cycling past the area at night for a pit stop.

If your family is open I think it's definitely worth checking out other spots on the island as well, Changi Village is decent, plus right next to it is the ferry terminal if you ever decide to want to visit rustic Pulau Ubin (about a 10-15 minute boat ride away).
 
Unfortunately, given the high likelihood of heavy thunderstorms during my visit next week, it looks like I'll have to abandon my plans. I got caught in a thunderstorm last year at SZ and had to leave after Fragile Forest, so it sucks that the weather once again has other ideas for me. Super disappointed about missing out on BP after waiting so long to visit, particularly in regards to the hornbills, turacos and pheasants, but metal railings and wooden boardwalks in the aviaries probably aren't the best idea in a thunderstorm, nor is walking around at night in one either.

A big thank you to everyone who pitched in with advice and answers to questions. I’ll definitely keep all these tips in mind for when I’m in Singapore again, hopefully with better weather.
 
May I know where do you get the information about heavy thunderstorms? Based on Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) website - the daily forecast until next Wednesday is "Late morning and early afternoon thundery showers".

Assuming the prediction is correct and if it matches your schedule, you can still enter the parks from opening hours and come back after the rain subsides. Most areas in River Wonders are also sheltered so it can be a good place to spend during rain.

Regardless whether you go to the Mandai parks or not, you can check the NEA website for rain clouds - will be useful for your Singapore trip.
 
honeybadger said:
May I know where do you get the information about heavy thunderstorms? Based on Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) website - the daily forecast until next Wednesday is "Late morning and early afternoon thundery showers".

Assuming the prediction is correct and if it matches your schedule, you can still enter the parks from opening hours and come back after the rain subsides. Most areas in River Wonders are also sheltered so it can be a good place to spend during rain.

Regardless whether you go to the Mandai parks or not, you can check the NEA website for rain clouds - will be useful for your Singapore trip.
Click to expand...
I'll be flying in on the Wednesday and then leaving Friday night. If I do decide to go to any parks it will probably be BP just based off how long I've been anticipating it, and if I can't stay long probably just WS, HOA and WOA. If nothing else I could maybe bird around the Botanic Gardens for a short while during rain breaks since it's quite close to where I'll be staying.
 
Decided to bite the bullet and go to BP despite the "thundery showers" predicted by NEA and every other weather place I checked. Got there around 10:30 (thanks to some uncooperative younger brothers) so missed out on the HOA and WOA feeding times and the entire visit was quite rushed so I didn't get to see as many species as I would have liked to. No colugos either.

On the plus side however, I did get to photograph all the hornbills I wanted to and some of my other targets, and the clouds definitely made WS a lot easier to shoot in due to absence of harsh sunlight. Thanks to everyone who pitched in and answered my questions/queries.
 
I’ll be back in Singapore for just one day next week and plan to revisit Bird Paradise. My last visit in September was a bit of a disaster—I was sick as a dog, running on three hours of sleep, and I missed the feeding times for Heart of Africa and Wings of Asia. This time, I’m hoping to make the most of it and was wondering if anyone has tips on where/when I’d be most likely to see the following species:
Heart of Africa:
  • Blue-breasted kingfisher
  • White-cheeked turaco
  • White-crested turaco
Wings of Asia:
  • Copper pheasant
  • Blue-eared pheasant
Lory Loft:
  • Green-naped pheasant pigeon
  • Lesser bird-of-paradise
Songs of the Forest:
  • Mikado pheasant
  • Satyr tragopan
  • Crested wood partridge
Any information regarding any of these species would be greatly appreciated :)
 
NathanTheAsian said:
I’ll be back in Singapore for just one day next week and plan to revisit Bird Paradise. My last visit in September was a bit of a disaster—I was sick as a dog, running on three hours of sleep, and I missed the feeding times for Heart of Africa and Wings of Asia. This time, I’m hoping to make the most of it and was wondering if anyone has tips on where/when I’d be most likely to see the following species:
Heart of Africa:
  • Blue-breasted kingfisher
  • White-cheeked turaco
  • White-crested turaco
Wings of Asia:
  • Copper pheasant
  • Blue-eared pheasant
Lory Loft:
  • Green-naped pheasant pigeon
  • Lesser bird-of-paradise
Songs of the Forest:
  • Mikado pheasant
  • Satyr tragopan
  • Crested wood partridge
Any information regarding any of these species would be greatly appreciated :)
Click to expand...

Blue-breasted kingfisher - I spotted it once perching on the tree, near the hut that is located between the weaver's nest and the flamingos. It was early in the morning - immediately after the park opens. Some have seen it near the larger feeding platform (the one where they conducted feeding session). I think it was also spotted in the area near the highest(?) hut as well. It's really hard since it's only 1 single specimen.

Blue-eared pheasant - I only saw it 3x: 2 of which was during the early bird access (8am access) that they are trialling for park members. 1) Near the rice paddy, next to the black-necked stork (middle of the day); (2) On the staircases inside the bamboo path; (3) Came out from the forest area and strolled around the rice paddy.

Lesser bird-of-paradise - they are at Mysterious Papua, not Lory Loft. :D

Saw it twice in the open: near the Lory Loft area (see attached illustration).The immature one, I spotted hanging around near the holding cage (If you are coming from the Australian Outback aviary, the holding cage is on your left).

Satyr tragopan & Crested wood partridge - I saw them in the open clearing areas - the ones nearer to the Amazonian Jewel.
 

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NathanTheAsian said:
Any information regarding any of these species would be greatly appreciated :)
Click to expand...


Blue-breasted Kingfisher:

Best found (and usually only found) at opening time. Typically found by the Greater and Lesser Flamingo Pond (Allegedly either down by the fenceposts or the tree beside the shelter hut) or around the the Starling Feeding area. Best to double check with keepers and staff during the feedings.


Copper pheasant
Blue-eared pheasant

For these 2 I can only recommend around closing time, especially for the Blue-Eared Pheasant. Keepers will usually feed the birds then and that's when the Blue-Eareds appear.


Lesser Bird-of-Paradise

Sheer luck but keep a lookout for their calls, they're especially most active during and after a rain. During that time sometimes they'll even be by branches extremely close to guests. For once, you'll want to wish it rains so make sure to have an umbrella ready! Rain in general is also what gets the birds more active



Satyr tragopan

Last time I saw it was around the holding areas at around 3pm-3.30 ish. They're extremely shy and will hide in the bushes near the area and usually will not come down for the feedings. If spotted by said area, try to make as little noise as possible, keep your eyes on them and be ready to stalk them for a while


That's unfortunately all I can do to help, I wish you the best in your visit again
 
NathanTheAsian said:
  • White-cheeked turaco
  • White-crested turaco
  • Green-naped pheasant pigeon
  • Mikado pheasant
  • Crested wood partridge
Any information regarding any of these species would be greatly appreciated :)
Click to expand...

1), 2)both turacos can be seen at the 2 feeders that lead to the Saddle-billed Stork paddock

3) the pigeons can be found at the perimeters of the aviary. you can often spot them through the mesh next door at SOF

4) no Mikado Pheasants in the collection

5) a huge army of them can be seen at the pebbly clearing where the Mousedeer info sign is
 
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