Bird Paradise

The lavish successor to the much-missed Jurong Bird Park, Bird Paradise gathers more than 3,500 birds of over 400 species into eight vast, walk-through aviaries, each recreating a habitat — from a thundering African rainforest waterfall to the wetlands of South America. Rather than peering into cages, you walk among free-flying lorikeets, hornbills, flamingos and penguins, often close enough to touch (though you shouldn't). Time your visit around the two free-flight presentations, where birds swoop just over the audience. Plenty of shade and a tram make it manageable in the heat. It's the newest of the Mandai parks and easily a half-day on its own.