In a welcome nod to Singapore’s evergreen charm and a gentle reminder that genuine wonder need not be streamed or downloaded, Banyan Group is ramping up its inaugural Rainforest Festival with a suite of curated, paid experiences designed in partnership with Mandai Wildlife Group and the brand-new Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree.
The festival, running from 27 November to 3 December 2025, isn’t merely a celebration of the new resort’s grand opening. It’s a full-blown tribute to biodiversity, sustainable design, well-being, and good old-fashioned giving back — a quality the travel industry could use more of.
And in a move destined to warm hearts as quickly as Singapore warms humidity levels, 20 per cent of proceeds from all paid experiences will be donated to the President’s Challenge, on top of Banyan Group’s own contribution and its dollar-for-dollar matching of all festival ticket sales. For a festival built around the rainforest, the generosity is refreshingly evergreen.
Wild encounters with purpose
Festival-goers can expect far more than the usual selfies with foliage.
Festival-goers will receive exclusive discounts on admission tickets to the upcoming Curiosity Cove, Rainforest Wild Asia and Bird Paradise.
Mandai Wildlife Group is rolling out behind-the-scenes tours, opportunities to meet seasoned wildlife experts, and close-up encounters with the park’s iconic residents. From the vibrant aviaries of Bird Paradise to the upcoming indoor wonderland of Curiosity Cove, guests can peek into the workings of Singapore’s most famous nature-based attractions — and support charity while they’re at it.
Meanwhile, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree will offer ecology-focused activities, culinary journeys, and wellness-driven dining crafted to showcase the rainforest’s rich cultural and environmental stories. Think sustainability meets Singaporean hospitality, with a Banyan twist.
As a welcome sweetener, anyone booking a paid experience will also receive a complimentary same-day Rainforest Festival ticket. Because nothing says “we appreciate your support” like giving people more reasons to explore.
Exclusive perks for festival week
Visitors holding festival tickets will enjoy an exclusive 30 per cent discount on admission to three major attractions:
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Rainforest Wild Asia – Asia’s first adventure-based zoological park
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Bird Paradise – home to more than 3,000 birds
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Curiosity Cove – a 4,600sqm indoor playscape opening 21 November
Ticket availability is limited, and in true Singapore fashion, early booking is wise if one hopes to avoid queue-induced despair.
Additionally, festival attendees can enjoy up to 10 per cent off selected dining and retail outlets operated by Mandai Wildlife Group across the destination.
A homecoming worth celebrating
The Rainforest Festival also marks the official launch of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, Banyan Group’s 100th resort worldwide. This symbolic milestone marks the globally recognised hospitality brand’s return to its Singapore roots.
In keeping with its ethos, Banyan Group is steering the festival toward philanthropy. All general admission ticket proceeds will go directly to the President’s Challenge, benefitting 60 programmes across 52 charities and social service organisations. The Government will further amplify the impact by matching eligible donations under the SG60 Matching Grants scheme.
It’s a compelling combination: world-class wildlife experiences, environmental learning, and the timeless satisfaction of giving back.
Festival essentials
The Rainforest Festival runs from 27 November to 3 December 2025, from 10 am to 6 pm daily at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree.
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General Admission:
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Weekdays: S$10
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Weekends: S$15
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Free for children under four (with adult), in-house resort guests, and participants of paid tours or experiences
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Festival info and tickets: https://www.banyantree.com/rainforest-festival
With curated encounters, charity-driven initiatives, and Banyan Group’s signature blend of nature-forward hospitality, this year’s Rainforest Festival looks set to become one of the region’s most meaningful end-of-year celebrations, a chance to step into the wild, reconnect with nature, and rediscover what travel can be when the industry gives back.
By Soo James – (c) 2025
Read time: 4 minutes.
About the Writer
There’s nothing predictable about Soo James, and that’s precisely her charm. Of Malaysian descent, she set down academic roots at the University of New South Wales, majoring in Arts, before veering off into the unlikeliest of places: IT. It mightn’t sound romantic, but somewhere between data strings and deadlines, Soo found a fascination with how people and words connect.
What began as a curiosity soon turned into a craft. Over time, her writing slipped effortlessly into travel blogs and lifestyle features, each piece marked by her dry wit and a mind that notices the small, telling details others might miss. She writes with a traveller’s eye and a local’s heart, grounded, observant, and quietly amused by the world’s contradictions. Today, at Global Travel Media, Soo’s words do what travel should always do: take readers somewhere new, even if only for a few minutes.
