Banyan Group celebrates the grand opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort, its 100th property, alongside the launch of the Rainforest Festival. Explore key highlight
Banyan Group and Mandai Wildlife Group celebrated a major milestone in Singapore on 26 November with the official opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. Officiated by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the grand opening marked not only the debut of the world’s first rainforest resort within a capital city’s wildlife destination, but also Banyan Group’s symbolic homecoming with its 100th resort globally.
Located at the heart of Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the new resort combines regenerative design, immersive nature experiences and Banyan Tree’s signature wellbeing philosophy—reinforcing Singapore’s vision of becoming a City in Nature.
A Grand Opening Rooted in Culture, Sustainability and Community
The celebration opened with a musical showcase by emerging talents from the Wolfgang Violin Studio, setting the tone for an immersive programme focused on nature, creativity and social impact.
Guests explored the resort’s guided sustainability tour, which highlighted:
- Biodiversity corridors supporting native wildlife
- Eco-conscious architecture designed to minimise footprint
- Nature-led guest experiences, from trails to wellbeing sessions
The event also offered a preview of the inaugural Rainforest Festival, featuring:
- The Discovery Trail
- The curated Banyan Gallery Showcase of global crafts
- The GREEN-HOUSE HangOut, a sustainability-focused weekend market
- A visit to Curiosity Cove, Singapore’s largest indoor nature-inspired playscape, located just steps from the resort
Nearly 100 beneficiaries from President’s Challenge programmes joined the preview, with more than 2,000 beneficiaries to be hosted throughout the festival week.
Celebrating Banyan Group’s 100-Resort Milestone
The grand opening also marked a reflective moment for Banyan Group. The premiere of The Journey, a 12-minute short film, traced the brand’s evolution—from a single property in Phuket to a global hospitality and wellbeing leader.
Following the screening, an intimate “In Conversation” session with Founder and Executive Chairman Ho Kwon Ping and Co-Founder Claire Chiang shared personal stories behind the brand’s growth, innovation, and commitment to regenerative tourism.
Spotlight on Singapore’s ‘City in Nature’ Vision
A highlight of the day was the City in Nature dialogue, introduced by Ho Ren Yung, Deputy CEO at Banyan Group. The discussion explored how regenerative design, nature-positive development and cross-sector stewardship can shape future urban environments.
Moderated by Dr Mark Watson, Group Director of Sustainability and Impact at Banyan Group, the panel featured:
- Dr Cheng Wen-Haur, Mandai Wildlife Group Deputy CEO & Chief Life Sciences Officer
- Dawn Lim, Executive Director, DesignSingapore Council
- Wong Chiu Man, Co-Founder, WOW Architects
Their perspectives underscored Singapore’s leadership in blending nature with city living—and how Mandai Rainforest Resort amplifies that vision.
A Night of Appreciation and Performances
The celebrations concluded with an appreciation dinner honouring partners and collaborators. Hosted by emcee Paul Foster, the evening featured an impressive lineup of performers:
- Min Lee and young musicians from Wolfgang Violin Studio
- Singer-songwriter Shazza
- Vocal group MICappella
- Cultural Medallion recipient Dick Lee, whose nostalgic rendition of Home ended the night with warmth and pride
Rainforest Festival Opens to the Public
Running 27 November to 3 December 2025 (10am–6pm daily), the inaugural Rainforest Festival invites guests to experience:
- Discovery trails
- Artisanal craft showcases
- Daily wellbeing sessions
- Nature walks and creative workshops
- Yoga and movement classes
- Family-friendly activities
Weekend visitors can enjoy the GREEN-HOUSE HangOut, showcasing ten local sustainable brands, plus live performances by Wolfgang Violin Studio, Joie Tan, Jack & Rai, MICappella, and Heart Songs by Gabrielle Mendoza. Beans & Beats will curate Sunday’s music line-up.
Giving Back Through the President’s Challenge
In support of the President’s Challenge, all ticket proceeds will be donated and matched dollar-for-dollar by Banyan Group.
Additionally:
- 20% of proceeds from selected paid experiences and SG60-exclusive Banyan Gallery merchandise will be donated
- Donations will be matched by the Government under SG60 Matching Grants
Ticketing
- Weekdays: S$10
- Weekends: S$15
- Free: Children under 4 (with adult), resort guests, and participants of paid resort or Mandai Wildlife Reserve experiences
Festival-goers also enjoy discounts at Rainforest Wild Asia, Bird Paradise, Curiosity Cove, selected retail outlets, Planter’s Shed, Banyan Tree Spa and Banyan Tree Gallery.
Silver Generation Weekday Retreat
To commemorate the opening and SG60 celebrations, the resort is introducing a Silver Staycation for guests aged 60 and above, valid for stays until 30 April 2026.
The weekday retreat (Sunday–Thursday) includes:
- Daily breakfast for two
- Advance purchase savings
- Complimentary Family Room upgrade for grandparents travelling with grandchildren (subject to availability)
- S$100 nett resort credit, redeemable at Forage, Planter’s Shed, Banyan Tree Spa, in-resort experiences or park admission tickets arranged via the concierge
At a Glance: Mandai Rainforest Resort & Rainforest Festival
- Banyan Group’s 100th resort and Singapore homecoming
- First-ever rainforest resort within a capital city wildlife destination
- Grand opening officiated by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam
- Launch of inaugural Rainforest Festival (27 Nov–3 Dec 2025)
- All festival ticket proceeds donated to President’s Challenge
- Sustainability, biodiversity and regenerative design at the core
- Curiosity Cove: Singapore’s largest indoor nature-inspired playscape
- Silver Staycation offer for seniors (valid to 30 Apr 2026)
