When I was staying at the swanky new Mandai Rainforest Resort, I couldn’t help but notice its humbler, wood-panelled neighbour across the way – a cluster of glamping-style tents with a sign that read “Opening soon.” Naturally, curiosity got the better of me. A few months later, I finally found myself unzipping my tent flap at Singapore’s newest sleepover spot in the wild.
Opened on August 8 this year, Camp Colugo is Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s latest stay-and-play experience – a permanent eco-campsite sitting in the eastern cluster near Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and River Wonders. Here, you’ll find safari-style tents, hearty buffets, guided wildlife encounters, and yes, the chance to wake up to deer grazing beneath your deck.
Why stay at Camp Colugo?
Because this isn’t just glamping – it’s glamping with purpose. The camp blends comfort with conservation, encouraging guests to be mindful of the wildlife they share the space with. With only 20 tents – each fitting up to four guests – it feels intimate yet social, like the grown-up version of your favourite school camp.
Every stay includes access to three major parks, including Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Night Safari, complete with a VIP experience and guided tours. Oh, and did I mention the staff are absolute gems? Warm, funny, and full of fun facts – the kind of campmates you’d want to swap stories with.
What are the tents like at Camp Colugo?
Each 20-square-metre tent comes kitted out with a queen bed, a bunk bed, a work set-up and all the creature comforts – air-conditioning, two fans (one ceiling and another standing), and free Wi-Fi. The décor leans into warm woods and nature-inspired prints, giving you just enough rustic vibes without actually having to rough it.
It’s not without its quirks, though. The tropical heat can be relentless even with the air-con and fans on full blast, and you’ll find yourself playing a daily game of “to zip or not to zip” with the windows – the former keeps things cool, but blocks that glorious view. The shared showers and toilets are clean and close by, though less so if your tent’s perched further which is not ideal for the weak-bladdered.
Minor grievances aside, waking up to the sound of birds and spotting a sambar deer, wild boar or white-bellied sea eagle from your tent deck more than makes up for it.
Where to eat and drink at Camp Colugo?
Food here is communal and hearty. All meals are included in your stay, and are served at the dining hall. With its timber beams and relaxed buzz, it’s the camp’s social heart – part mess hall, part hangout zone.
