Omg I feel so stupid, so the husband asked me if the Bird Park was still in Jurong and I am like duh no, it is in Mandai. Ah crap, it is still in Jurong (feel so stupid). I don't know if it is because I have low expectations, but there were some really pretty features at Bird Park that left a deep impression on me. The last time I went there was like a good decade back, there were quite a bit of changes.
This time round, we went with the extended family because I wasn't feeling the best, so more help is always appreciated (tips for parents!) Unlike the previous family trips, we didn't last as long "in the wild". It was really because of me (sobs) more than my little boy.
Now that Covid restrictions has been lifted, we even managed to get seats to the bird show and some nice, maskless photos at the end. I was pretty stoked because this is the first time after a long while (I just couldn't book any at the zoo). The parrots were so talented! But my son wasn't too impressed by the flying birds and cried to get out of the show halfway. Initially, we did consider purchasing some bird feeding tickets but because kiddo didn't react too well, we decided to give it a pass this time round.
In terms of the toilet, I find that they are not as kid-friendly as those in the zoo. My kid ended up going to the ladies and standing at the side (with tons of other kids and Mummies) as we changed their diapers. Food options were slightly more varied, but stock supplies were low. I wanted a pasta but because it was OOS, I had to be satisfied with an ice-cream, which my kid unabashedly chomp off half.
The cages at the Bird Park does make it really difficult to bird-watch. I have no idea why, but the cages are green in color which camouflage with the leaves. The anatomy of birds are pretty much the same so I sort of got bored after a while. Our kiddo as usual miss the whole point and was more interested in the greenery, with occasional cries and points when he spots a bird. Basically, every bird he sees is called a bird apart from the cockerel which he correctly identified.
The terrain is also filled with a lot more slopes. Thank god, tram ride is free! My kid thoroughly enjoyed those rides and call it the cho-cho train. Parents, do remember to bring your stroller. At areas where the strollers were not allowed, the kiddo had his doting uncle/ grandma who was always eager to carry him around.
We didn't visit every place but some areas not to be missed include the penguin arena (there is aircon and you can see the penguins swimming around), my son love those little creatures. Also, at the Treetops cafe, there was this link bridge with lots of birds feeding activities. It is really awesome!
Presenting my favorite spot - the manmade waterfall. Initially, I thought it was just some lame photo spot. But it is an uncaged area with birds wandering and flying around. I somehow felt one with nature. I love how jungle-like and uncurated it is. I don't think the photos did any justice to the place, but this is truly a spot not to be missed.
I can't remember if Bird Park was always like this or if this was a new addition along the years. But it truly blew me away and made the trip very worth. I would say that this spot beats the zoo hands-down. :) By the way, the children's play area is still closed :(
