Singapore Zoo (Mandai)

Regularly named one of the world's best zoos, Singapore Zoo pioneered the 'open concept', housing its 4,000-plus animals in lush habitats separated from visitors by moats and streams rather than bars. Set within the forested Mandai Wildlife Reserve, its highlights include free-ranging orangutans swinging overhead, the Fragile Forest walk-through dome and a much-loved Breakfast in the Wild beside the apes. It shares the reserve with three sister parks — Night Safari, River Wonders and Bird Paradise — so many visitors buy a combined pass and make a full day (or day-into-night) of it. Go early to catch the animals at their most active before the midday heat.