More exciting attractions and a new nature cluster will be added to the Mandai area to make it a top nature destination in Asia, nestled in a tropical rainforest and freshwater setting.

Plans include a third animal attraction to complement the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, and a new nature themed attraction to be developed on a sprawling 30-hectare site in Mandai, with boutique hotel, dining and spa facilities which will provide a getaway for nature lovers and visitors from the modern urban lifestyle.

Minister of State for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran announced these new offerings when he opened the African Cheetah enclosure at the Singapore Zoo on Tuesday morning.

He said with these new attractions, visitors could in future spend a whole day or more just in Mandai.

To promote Mandai as a new nature destination, he said the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is planning to develop a cluster of attractions in the area.

As a first step, STB and the Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) are conducting a feasibility study to develop a third animal attraction which will recreate exotic river environments and allow visitors to explore and learn about endangered freshwater flora and fauna in natural habitats.

WRS is looking for a potential land area of about 10 ha, about the size of 14 football fields.

Separately, STB is working with the Urban Redevelopment Authority and NParks to identify a 30-ha site for a nature-theme attraction with a tropical setting in Mandai.

The site could also incorporate mixed-use concepts, ranging from luxurious retreats nestled in the tropical jungle, to spa treatments.

Mr Isawan added that WRS has drawn up a $70 million masterplan to add new facilities to the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari over the next five years.

He said with these added attractions, visitorship to Mandai could double from 2.5 million now to 5 million by 2015 for the entire tourism precinct.

"Mandai will become a unique nature destination, with its own identify, distinct from other established zones like Marina Bay, Sentosa and Orchard Road," said the minister.