[Staycation Review] Is Mandai’s 2D1N All-Inclusive Colugo Camp Glamping Experience Worth It?

Nestled within the eastern cluster of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Colugo Camp offers a permanent glamping experience that promises an all-inclusive immersion into nature.

Having experienced its 2D1N tour and accommodation package, we found the positioning to be rather unique.

It is designed for those seeking adventure without forgoing comfort, bundling accommodation, meals, and park admissions into one streamlined itinerary. There is nothing else close to this in terms of travel offerings and the best way to describe the pricing and experience is a cross between an all-inclusive cruise ship vacation and glamping.

The adventure begins with a 3:00 pm check-in at the camp, which features 20 spacious safari tents, each a fairly comfortable 20 square metres.

Most tents offer scenic views of the reservoir, and inside, the warm wooden tones and nature-inspired motifs create a cosy retreat equipped with a queen-sized bed, a bunk bed, portable air-conditioning, and fans.

We found the tents could get quite warm during the day under the hot sun, but the cooling system ensures the night is comfortably chilly.

A key highlight, the views during sunset and sunrise from the camp area were truly magical and there is a pair of deck chairs outside all the tents to enjoy this.

If you are lucky, you can even catch some deers and other wildlife grazing the forested surroundings.

After settling in and enjoying a welcome drink at the communal dining hall, we headed to the Singapore Zoo for a free-and-easy exploration.

Dinner was served back at the camp’s dining hall, a satisfying Asian buffet with options like Grilled Chicken Teriyaki and Seafood Fried Rice.

The convenience continued into the evening with a facilitated visit to the Night Safari. A major perk was the reserved seating for the Creatures of the Night presentation, skipping the need to queue.

We also enjoyed a chartered tram ride with live commentary, making the experience feel exclusive and well-organised.

The day concluded with a light supper back at camp.

The next morning, after a hearty international breakfast buffet at the dining hall, we checked out of our tents at between 10 to 11:00 am.

The itinerary seamlessly continued with an early, guided tour of River Wonders, followed by another benefit with reserved show seating. The guided tours throughout the stay were incredibly helpful, providing fascinating insights we might have missed on our own.

A key observation was the camp’s thoughtful design for inclusivity. A guest in our group who used a wheelchair was well taken care of with no hiccups, thanks to wheelchair-friendly tents and accessible shared facilities.

While the idea of communal bathrooms might seem daunting, they were a short walk away, consistently clean and sanitary. Private family bathrooms are also available, and refillable drinking water dispensers are located nearby.

While the initial price of the package, starting from $550 for two, may seem steep, it becomes more reasonable when everything else is factored in. The cost includes admission to three wildlife parks (Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and River Wonders), all guided tours and chartered trams, reserved show seating, and all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 2. Complimentary parking is provided for one entrance and exit.

Although there are many food options at the nearby Food Alley, the catered meals were more than sufficient, reducing the need for extra spending.

Overall, Colugo Camp successfully delivers a hassle-free and immersive nature getaway. It provides an unique experience of staying overnight at the Mandai Reserve area, providing a curated, comfortable, and genuinely memorable adventure right in the heart of Singapore’s wildlife haven.

Colugo Camp is open for year-round bookings. For more information or to make a booking, visit the official website.