*Update: Jurong Bird Park has since relocated to Bird Paradise at Mandai
In celebration of 10 years of bird conservation, entry to Jurong Bird Park from 6 Sept to 15 Sept is FREE for all local residents. This includes PRs and FIN holders as well!
But as we know, nothing is exactly free in this world. 🌚
Certain sections of the park will still charge a nominal entry fee ranging from $2 to $4. The minimal entry fee, as compared to the normal ticket prices, seems like a pretty good deal to us.
For many Singaporeans, most of us would have embarked on our ‘Journeys to the West’ with our school mates and teachers in primary school. Places like Science Centre, Discovery Centre, Snow City or Jurong Bird Park come to mind when we mention the west.
Those good old days back in school. Here’s our chance again – before the Bird Park moves to its new premises in Mandai in the year 2020, why not take a short break to spend some quality time with your loved ones at no extra cost while reminiscing about your precious childhood memories? 😉
And if you’re a tourist visiting during this period? Don’t worry – you will be able to visit all the attractions in the park without any additional fee as long as you get yourself an admission ticket.
Plan Your Coupons Wisely
During these 10 days of free entry, any fee-paying attraction in Jurong Bird Park will only be accepted in the form of coupons. We’ll let you know where to get them later.
Coupons will be sold in denominations of $2, but a minimum purchase of $10 is required. Keep in mind that these coupons can only be used during the 10-day period, so make sure to plan your coupons wisely. (Do note that in normal circumstances, one would be able to visit these attractions at no additional cost with the purchase of an admission ticket)
We visited Jurong Bird Park and here’s our take on the various attractions worthy of your coupons.
Feed The Lories at Lory Loft
If you only can afford to do one thing at Jurong Bird Park, this is it.
As one of the must-sees attractions in Jurong Bird Park, Lory Loft offers fun for the entire family. Feeding costs an additional $2 but in all honesty, it is worth the money.
The birds here are extremely friendly and they will approach you even if you do not have food. The birdkeeper told us that the red lories have the tendency to land on your arm if you feed them.
You can try spotting all the different species of lories while walking around this two-tiered feeding tower, and even feed some lories while walking along a suspended bridge.
Total Expected Cost per Person: $4
Free Alternative: Jungle Jewels
If you’re saving your coupons for other attractions, another free alternative would be Jungle Jewels. This is also a free-flight walk-in aviary, however, unlike the Lory Loft, you won’t be able to feed the birds here.
You do get to see more fascinating species of birds up close here and interact with them at the Jungle Jewels as well.
Take a Learning Journey at the Breeding and Research Centre
A trip to any wildlife reserve park in Singapore will not be completed without learning something! See how eggs are incubated here, how the baby birdies are being taken care of, and how food for the birds are prepared.
There are several rooms good for exploring –  the nursery room, incubation room and weaning rooms. You may even get to see some of the hardworking bird breeders in action! This is the perfect place to bring your kid and for them to acquire more knowledge.
Meet One of The World’s Rarest Blue Macaws Â
Parrot Paradise is one of the gated areas during this 10-day free access period. However, the good news is – you don’t have to pay anything to meet some of the world’s rarest blue macaws and the Spix’s macaws, which are believed to be extinct in the wild.
Located right beside Tram Station 4, the enclosure holding the blue macaws is open for public. If you wish to catch a glimpse of other different coloured macaws or parrots, you can pay $2 to enter the area. At 1.30pm, there is also a Blue Macaw Keeper Chit Chat session.
Free Alternative: New Addition to Jurong Bird Park – Philippine Eagle
A breed of peculiarity and majesty, the Philippine Eagle is one of the largest eagles in the world. A sad fact: The Philippine eagle is critically endangered and only 180 to 500 individuals remain in the wild. The current pair of Philippine eagles at Jurong Bird Park was introduced back in June.
With a body length of 1m, you’ll be shocked by the scale of this bird. Even from far, we could hear families in awe of the bird.
Baby King Penguins at Indoor Penguin Coast
Three new king penguins hatched recently at Jurong Bird Park and we are now able to view them in the indoor penguin coast.
However, as the baby penguins are still unable to swim, they are kept behind an enclosure. It can be quite tough to get a good view of these happy feet.
Total Expected Cost per Person: $2
Free Alternative: Outdoor Penguin Coast
If you refuse to pay $2 to watch the baby penguins, you can also head to the outdoor penguin coast to look at some other penguins. Here, there are no glass panels acting as a barrier. So close and so cute.
Jurong Bird Park’s Icon: Waterfall Aviary
Home to one of the largest man-made waterfalls, the waterfall aviary is also another highly recommended attraction one must visit in Jurong Bird Park.
Snap a photo for keepsake at the foot of the waterfall or be bewildered by the dances of the peacocks and turacos. There’s a feeding session held at the waterfall aviary at 10.30am (weekends only) and 2.30pm.
Total Expected Cost per Person: $2
Other Noteworthy Attractions
Make sure to catch the Flamingos wading at the Flamingo Pool or visit some of the birds at The Wetlands. If not, get ready for some water activities and spend your day relaxing with the kids at Birdz of Play ($4).
What to Expect
The early bird catches the worm. Being early would help one save a lot of time.
During this 10-day period, what you expect is most probably reality – huge crowds and long lines. The start of the September holidays would also mean that a lot of families could be possibly heading down. Do expect fewer parking spaces and traffic delays around the area. F&B stores would probably be swarmed, so we strongly advise packing your own lunch and snacks before heading down. And if you’re looking at some quality bonding time with your loved ones, there are also various scenic areas in the park perfect for picnics.
Where To Get Coupons
The coupons are available for purchase at the ticketing counters, rental services area, Lory Loft, Wings of Asia as well as Birdz of Play.
What We Recommend
There are a total of three $4 gated areas and five $2 gated areas during this 10-day period. We urge everyone to watch a show if time permits and spend the remaining coupons at either the Waterfall Aviary or Lory Loft. Otherwise, feel free to visit the complimentary attractions!
For coupon holders, it is highly advisable for you to use up your coupons first before heading to the free attractions.
Sample Route
- Kings of the Skies Show @ 10 am OR High Flyers Show @ 11 am
- Lunch
- Parrot Paradise with Blue Macaw Chit Chat Session @ 1.30 pm
- Waterfall Aviary Feeding @ 2.30pm
- Lory Loft Feeding
In the midst of travelling from one point to another, you can also get to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the other attractions as well.
Estimated Total Cost: Between $10 to $12
The queues might be scaring you off, but we would say chirp up, have fun and visit the Bird Park if you could.
