The launch was officiated by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who inaugurated the resort’s Wishing Wall and announced the opening of the inaugural Rainforest Festival, now open to the public.
Located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the new resort is the first-ever accommodation set inside a world-class wildlife and nature precinct in a capital city. As part of the opening ceremony, guests enjoyed a tour highlighting the resort’s sustainable design, biodiversity corridors and nature-led experiences. The preview also included key festival highlights such as the Discovery Trail, artisanal showcases at Banyan Gallery, and the GREEN-HOUSE HangOut sustainable weekend market.
Attendees also visited Curiosity Cove, Singapore’s largest indoor nature-inspired playscape. Close to 100 beneficiaries from the President’s Challenge were part of the preview, with more than 2,000 beneficiaries invited throughout the week.
The day continued with the premiere of The Journey, a short film reflecting on Banyan Group’s path from its beginnings in Phuket to its 100th global milestone. An ‘In Conversation’ session with Founder Ho Kwon Ping and Co-Founder Claire Chiang offered deeper insight into the group’s legacy and impact.
A special City in Nature panel discussion explored Singapore’s vision for urban sustainability, featuring conservation and design leaders including Dr Cheng Wen-Haur from Mandai Wildlife Group, Dawn Lim from DesignSingapore Council and WOW Architects’ Wong Chiu Man. The session was moderated by Banyan Group’s sustainability head Dr Mark Watson.
The celebrations concluded with an appreciation dinner featuring performances by Min Lee, Wolfgang Violin Studio talents, Shazza, MICappella, and Cultural Medallion recipient Dick Lee, who closed the night with a heartfelt rendition of “Home”.
Rainforest Festival Now Open to Public
Running from 27 November to 3 December 2025, the inaugural Rainforest Festival features discovery trails, craft showcases, family workshops, wellness activities, yoga, nature walks and more.
The weekend’s GREEN-HOUSE HangOut will spotlight homegrown sustainable brands and musical acts including Jack & Rai, MICappella, Joie Tan and Gabrielle Mendoza. Beans & Beats will take over the stage on Sunday.
All festival ticket proceeds support the President’s Challenge, with Banyan Group matching dollar-for-dollar. Additional donations from paid experiences and SG60 merchandise will also be matched by the Government under the SG60 Matching Grants.
Festival Ticket Prices:
-
Weekdays: S$10
-
Weekends: S$15
-
Free entry for children under four, in-house guests and participants of paid Mandai experiences.
Special Silver Weekday Retreat for Seniors
In celebration of SG60 and the grand opening, the resort introduced a Silver Staycation package for guests aged 60 and above, valid until 30 April 2026. The retreat includes breakfast for two, advance purchase savings, a complimentary Family Room upgrade (subject to availability), and a SG$100 resort credit redeemable for dining, spa, and in-resort experiences.
The launch of Mandai Rainforest Resort and the inaugural Rainforest Festival marks a significant step in strengthening Singapore’s position as a City in Nature, offering visitors immersive, sustainable and community-focused experiences.
Follow BOTT on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
Subscribe BOTT Channels on WhatsApp & Telegram to receive real time updates
