Top 5 Wheelchair Accessible Attractions in Singapore

Image courtesy of Leonid Yaitskiy via Flickr

In recent years, Singapore has made a concerted effort to become one of the most wheelchair accessible destinations in Southeast Asia. In addition to specialized shuttle services for people in wheelchairs, the entire Singapore Metro system is designed to be accessible. And if you’re looking for accessible places to stay in Singapore, you’ll have no problem finding ideal accommodations. Plus, many of the most interesting, beautiful, or awe-inspiring attractions in and near the city have been designed or re-designed with accessibility in mind. Here are five of the best.

 

1. Singapore Zoo

 

Image courtesy of _paVan_ via Flickr

Image courtesy of _paVan_ via Flickr

 

Singapore Zoo offers visitors the chance to explore a lush environment surrounded by rainforest and it is home to more than 2,800 animals from over 300 species. Beyond the beautiful scenery, the zoo is especially well known for having many walk-through exhibits that allow visitors to come closer to the animals than almost anywhere else. There’s even a special breakfast program where you can enjoy an international buffet in the company of the zoo’s family of orangutans. And with 90% of the park being wheelchair accessible, including dedicated seating in several of the show and exhibit areas, you can feel free to explore this incredible attraction with ease.

 

2. Singapore Flyer

 

Image courtesy of Vibin JK via Flickr

Image courtesy of Vibin JK via Flickr

 

If the Singapore Zoo is a showcase of amazing nature and biodiversity from close up, the Singapore Flyer provides the opposite perspective: a bird’s eye view of the city’s skyline and surroundings. The height of a 42-story building, it’s the largest observation wheel outside the United States—and 30 meters taller than the iconic London Eye. Each observation capsule has enough space to accommodate a sizable group of guests, including up to five guests in wheelchairs, and attendants are available to make sure boarding goes smoothly no matter what your needs are. Along with special exhibits and dining opportunities, it’s an excellent and memorable choice for an outing.

 

3. Jurong Bird Park

 

Image courtesy of _paVan_ via Flickr

Image courtesy of _paVan_ via Flickr

 

Jurong Bird Park is Asia’s largest bird park, boasting a collection of over 5,000 birds from 400 different species. Many of its exhibits include paths for guests to pass through, right inside the bird habitats. You can visit the world’s largest walk-in aviary, with over 600 birds to see flying freely through lush surroundings capped off by a 30-meter waterfall. Jurong Bird Park is also home to the world’s biggest aviary dedicated specifically to Australian lorikeets, where visitors can carry a cup of nectar as they pass through and marvel as the birds feed right from their hands. Like the Singapore Zoo, the majority of the park is wheelchair accessible and most of the shows and exhibits include dedicated viewing areas for guests in wheelchairs.

 

4. Asian Civilizations Museum

 

Image courtesy of fabcan via Flickr

Image courtesy of fabcan via Flickr

 

The Asian Civilizations Museum provides the opportunity to learn about the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Asia. Though the museum has an emphasis on the history and art of Singapore’s ancestral culture, it also offers exhibits on numerous other Asian artistic and cultural traditions. Spread through three levels, guests can explore a fascinating breadth of ancient and contemporary art from all over Asia. The museum compound includes wheelchair accessible ramps, elevators, and restrooms, to ensure that all its visitors can enjoy the exhibits on display.

 

5. Night Safari

 

Image courtesy of Christian Stocker via Flickr

Image courtesy of Christian Stocker via Flickr

 

The world’s first nocturnal zoo, the Night Safari hosts nearly 2,500 animals from more than 130 species. The zoo showcases animals in their naturalistic nighttime habitats, which include representations of seven different geographical zones from across the world. In addition to touring the park and seeing the animals up close from special trams, guests can also enjoy shows including performances by both people and animals. The park offers guests in wheelchairs the same accommodations as the Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park, with 90% of the paths being paved and wheelchair accessible. Also, some of the trams are designed with wheelchairs in mind, though the park’s website recommends contacting a guest relations officer to make sure one is available.

 

In the past, Singapore has had problems with accessibility, and some attractions have yet to catch up with the city’s recent efforts to be inclusive. But with a little research—for example, this list—you can ensure that your adventures in this beautiful and modern place are memorable for all the right reasons.