Where does SBS Transit Bus Service 138 go, and what interesting places can you visit? The full Bus 138 begins at Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange, travels through Upper Thomson and Springleaf MRT, follows Mandai Road and enters Mandai Lake Road to serve Bird Paradise and Singapore Zoo before looping back. You can use it for a ticketed wildlife-park visit, a short Springleaf Nature Park walk or a carefully planned visit to Upper Seletar Reservoir Park.

The most useful distinction is Mandai Wildlife EAST versus WEST. Mandai’s official visitor directions separate Singapore Zoo stop 48131 for Mandai Wildlife EAST—including Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari—from 48111 Opp Bird Paradise and 48119 Bird Paradise for Mandai Wildlife WEST, including Bird Paradise and Rainforest Wild Adventure WEST. The bus visits these stops in a particular order; choosing the wrong one can add walking and confusion.

Quick summary: SBS Transit 138 runs 54009 Ang Mo Kio Int → 56091 Springleaf Stn Exit 3 → 57011 Opp Springleaf Nature Pk → 48089 Upp Seletar Resvr → 48111 Opp Bird Paradise → 48131 S’pore Zoo → 48119 Bird Paradise → 56099 Springleaf Stn Exit 2 → 54009 Ang Mo Kio Int. It is approximately a 27.2km loop. The lettered services 138A, 138C and 138M do not all go between Ang Mo Kio and the wildlife parks.

Service 138 quick facts and route variants

• Operator: SBS Transit; Ang Mo Kio Int (54009) to the Singapore Zoo area via Mandai Road and back.
• First/last at Ang Mo Kio: 6.00am and 11.45pm daily. These are terminal origin departures, not guaranteed late departure times at a Mandai visitor stop.
• Mandai Wildlife WEST: 48111 Opp Bird Paradise when heading towards Zoo; 48119 Bird Paradise on the return from Zoo.
• Mandai Wildlife EAST: 48131 Singapore Zoo, used for the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari and other EAST venues.
• Springleaf MRT: 56091 Exit 3 Mandai-bound, 56099 Exit 2 returning.
• Springleaf Nature Park: NParks lists a six-hectare public park open 24 hours. The park is not part of a paid Mandai attraction.
• Upper Seletar Reservoir Park: NParks places the park along Mandai Road Track 7, not inside the 48089 roadside bus shelter.
• 138A: a limited weekend and public-holiday short bus from Springleaf Exit 3 to Singapore Zoo; not a full Ang Mo Kio origin.
• 138C: a limited weekend/holiday return from Singapore Zoo towards Springleaf Exit 2; does not reach Ang Mo Kio.
• 138M: a local Ang Mo Kio loop via Courts Ang Mo Kio and the polyclinic corridor, not a wildlife bus.
• Current Night Safari: timed admission, 6pm to midnight, last entry 11.15pm; published Fishing Cat exhibit refurbishment closure from 7 Oct through 31 Dec 2026.

Where to alight: actual stops, precincts and entrances

The bus-stop codes come from SBS Transit’s published sequence; Mandai and NParks confirm the precincts or park entrances. A roadside stop does not grant attraction entry or ensure an accessible or short pedestrian path. Verify the selected visitor venue and return stop before travelling.

Where to go	Correct bus stop	Last-mile decision
Ang Mo Kio MRT and interchange	54009 Ang Mo Kio Int	North South Line NS16; select full 138 rather than 138M.
Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 housing corridor	54469 Opp Blk 649, 55121 Opp Blk 604 outbound	Residential errands and appointments, not tourist attractions.
Springleaf MRT	56091 Springleaf Stn Exit 3 outbound; 56099 Exit 2 returning	Thomson–East Coast Line TE4 and limited 138A/138C connections.
Springleaf Nature Park	57011 Opp Springleaf Nature Pk outbound; 57019 Springleaf Nature Pk returning	Public riverside nature trails and observation; use park entrance and weather guidance.
Upper Seletar Reservoir corridor	48089 Upp Seletar Resvr outbound; 48081 Opp Upp Seletar Resvr returning	Park access via Mandai Road Track 7 requires a separate walk and route check.
Mandai Wildlife WEST approach	48111 Opp Bird Paradise	Bird Paradise and Rainforest Wild Adventure WEST, at 20 Mandai Lake Road.
Mandai Wildlife EAST	48131 S’pore Zoo	Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari, and other EAST experiences at 80 Mandai Lake Road.
Mandai Wildlife WEST return	48119 Bird Paradise	The bus has passed the Zoo and is returning towards Springleaf/Ang Mo Kio.
Mandai Road return	48021 Aft Mandai Lake Rd	Roadside stop, not a park entrance or transit interchange.
Returning to Ang Mo Kio	57019 Springleaf Nature Pk, 56099 Springleaf Stn Exit 2, 54009	Choose actual return connection and stop-specific live arrival.

How Bus 138 gets you to Mandai without making every attraction one stop

Bus 138 is an unusually clear destination route. It starts in the Ang Mo Kio town centre, goes along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 and Upper Thomson Road, then passes Springleaf MRT. It travels on Mandai Road, enters Mandai Lake Road and serves the two wildlife visitor precincts before returning. The bus does not stop on demand at any road point between these published shelters.

The public visitor precinct has grown considerably, so the old instruction ‘take the zoo bus to Mandai’ is incomplete. In 2026 there are several ticketed parks, public spaces, galleries and adventures in different areas. Mandai Wildlife EAST and WEST are not interchangeable entrances; the selected attraction determines the alighting stop.

The transport route is not an admission pass. Tickets, timed events, feeding sessions and adventure activities have their own rules, fees and access limitations. A traveller should decide on the attraction, check the selected entry location and then use the bus stop appropriate for that particular visitor precinct.

Travellers starting in Punggol must arrange a connection to an actual 138 stop. Bus 138 does not leave Punggol Interchange or Punggol Coast. Depending on the starting block and travel time, a train or another Mandai shuttle might be more sensible than routing everyone through Ang Mo Kio.

For a family, a meaningful visit could be one wildlife park rather than every park on the map. Choose a manageable activity, a rest point and the actual return. Being able to identify where to alight is more useful than a long catalogue of animals without directions.

Mandai EAST: Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari and the new East venues

Mandai’s own transport instructions identify 48131 S’pore Zoo as the EAST public bus stop. The visitor address is 80 Mandai Lake Road. Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari, Rainforest Wild Adventure EAST and other public destinations are located within this broader visitor precinct. A particular activity’s entrance must still be found through current wayfinding.

A family arriving for Singapore Zoo should follow its published ticket, opening and park access information. A family arriving for Night Safari must instead plan around an evening opening and a time-slot booking. Both use the same general bus stop, but they are not the same experience or timetable.

Visitors who want Rainforest Wild Adventure should know that its EAST and WEST sections have different entrances. The operator lists the daily East attraction window around 9am–6pm with last entry at 5pm. A single bus ride to 48131 does not prove that every adventure activity is included or suitable for a child’s age and mobility.

Some facilities are visible on the Mandai map but not walk-in attractions at any hour. The safest approach is to use the official attraction map and ask staff about the appropriate entrance. Do not enter restricted areas, animal habitats or working service facilities outside visitor routes.

After visiting, use the 48131 public bus stop and inspect live departure information. The bus proceeds via Bird Paradise on its return. If the group has limited energy, another authorised shuttle or pickup point may be more comfortable than insisting on walking across both precincts.

Mandai WEST: Bird Paradise and Rainforest Wild Adventure WEST

Mandai Wildlife WEST is at 20 Mandai Lake Road, not the Zoo’s 80 Mandai Lake Road visitor address. The bus travelling towards the Zoo calls at 48111 Opp Bird Paradise; the return trip after the Zoo calls at 48119 Bird Paradise. Those two stops should be saved separately when arranging the visit and departure.

Bird Paradise is a ticketed bird park. Its current visitor page lists an opening period around 9am–6pm daily and 5pm last entry. A family can select an aviary circuit, read habitat descriptions and observe animals without attempting every attraction in one day.

The bird exhibits are not a guaranteed performance. Wildlife is affected by weather and behaviour, so a useful learning activity is to understand an animal’s habitat and conservation story rather than promise a precise bird will appear for a photograph. Follow staff guidance and respect barriers.

Rainforest Wild Adventure WEST is a different visitor activity in the same WEST precinct, with its own admission, activity rules and daily window. If a programme includes climbing or a more demanding physical activity, verify eligibility and supervision beforehand. A public stop and the wider precinct address are only the starting point.

A person who wants to visit both EAST and WEST can compare Mandai’s official inter-precinct shuttle and walking connection, or public Bus 138. The best choice depends on the actual ticketed visit, heat, children, time and mobility needs. Do not assume the two attraction gates are one building.

Night Safari in November 2026: a time slot and a late return

The official Night Safari page currently lists admission from 6pm to midnight, with 11.15pm last entry. Guests must choose an available time slot. Trails and the safari tram generally begin around 7pm. This makes the evening itinerary different from the typical daytime Singapore Zoo or Bird Paradise plan.

Mandai’s current notice also says the Fishing Cat exhibit on Pangolin Trail is closed from 7 October to 31 December 2026 for refurbishment. That is one exhibit, not the closure of Night Safari itself. A parent should check such specific attraction notices when a particular animal or trail is the central reason for a visit.

Late transport deserves its own check. The last published 138 bus from Ang Mo Kio is at 11.45pm, but that is not the same as the last bus leaving the wildlife reserve. If the park closes at midnight, a family must not assume that public Bus 138 will still be arriving at 48131 at the desired time.

A sensible night plan includes a timed ticket, travel margin, a clear return stop, an accessible fallback home and enough rest for children. Someone arriving internationally may also need to consider changing transport options late at night. Bus 138 is useful, but its mere existence cannot guarantee a departure after the park closes.

Use public areas, follow staff directions and agree on a meeting point. The thrill of an evening wildlife walk should not create pressure to rush across roads or enter restricted grounds when trying to catch a bus.

Springleaf MRT and Springleaf Nature Park: a free outing on the same service

Full Bus 138 passes 56091 Springleaf Stn Exit 3 on the way to Mandai and 56099 Exit 2 returning. The Thomson–East Coast Line connects here. The same road corridor serves 57011 Opp Springleaf Nature Pk and its opposite-side return stop 57019 Springleaf Nature Pk.

NParks identifies Springleaf Nature Park as a six-hectare riverside park, open 24 hours. It supports a modest walk, photography and observation of birds and plants. The official directions mention a 550-metre walk from Springleaf MRT along Upper Thomson Road, demonstrating why a park name on a nearby stop should not be taken as proof of a zero-length approach.

A family not buying wildlife park tickets can still enjoy a legitimate outdoor visit. Choose a short permitted path, stop to observe the river and identify a plant or bird without touching it. The park’s wide bird population is a reason to be observant, not a promise of a wildlife sighting.

NParks lists accessibility features and asks visitors to remain on designated paths. A group of over 30 people may need a permit. In bad weather, avoid entering forested areas; a 24-hour opening label does not establish that every path is safe in storms or darkness.

Some 138A departures from Springleaf can supplement weekend travel to the Zoo, but their operating window is limited. A family going for a short nature walk should not assume those buses provide an all-day return to Ang Mo Kio.

Upper Seletar Reservoir: the roadside stop and the rocket tower are not the same location

The loop calls at 48089 Upp Seletar Resvr on Mandai Road and later 48081 Opp Upp Seletar Resvr on return. NParks, however, locates the actual public park along Mandai Road Track 7, which branches from the main road. A sightseeing guide should not invent a short or level walk from the bus stop straight to the rocket-shaped lookout tower.

Upper Seletar Reservoir Park includes approximately 15 hectares of vegetation and public lookout areas. NParks describes an 18-metre rocket-shaped observation tower built in 1969 and scenic views of the water. The public park is generally open 24 hours, but specific visitor structures can have maintenance or access restrictions.

For a family, a modest reservoir walk and one viewpoint may be enough. A long exploration of all roads and entrances can add unnecessary distance and exposure to heat. Choose the exact entrance from the current park map and check whether the path is suitable for strollers and mobility aids.

Wildlife sightings are unpredictable and should never be encouraged by feeding macaques or entering vegetated areas outside public paths. Respect the surrounding nature-reserve ecology, don’t leave litter, and avoid crossing restricted sites connected with Mandai’s other road-side land uses.

The park can be a separate outing rather than an obligatory stop on a wildlife-park day. A family who has already spent hours at Zoo or Bird Paradise may prefer to return comfortably rather than add a difficult roadside walk at the end.

The lettered Bus 138 services: 138A, 138C and 138M are not one route

The full Service 138 leaves Ang Mo Kio and returns to its starting point after visiting Mandai. 138A is a weekend and public-holiday short visitor trip from Springleaf Stn Exit 3 (56091) to S’pore Zoo (48131). Its published morning and midday departures are not a guarantee of an all-day service.

138C serves the reverse part of the visitor market: it starts at 48131 S’pore Zoo, passes Bird Paradise and Mandai Road, and finishes at 56099 Springleaf Stn Exit 2. The official page lists weekend/holiday afternoon operating windows. It is useful for returning to the Thomson–East Coast Line but not a through ride back to Ang Mo Kio.

138M is something else. The official SBS Transit page describes a short local loop from Ang Mo Kio Interchange via Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6, the polyclinic and Courts Ang Mo Kio, then back to the interchange. It does not travel along Mandai Road or to any wildlife park.

This distinction is especially important at a crowded interchange or on a late return. Seeing ‘138’ at the start of the number is not enough. Confirm the entire label, displayed destination and the precise stop you need. One letter can determine whether a bus reaches a zoo or stops after a few residential blocks.

If an unsuitable bus has been boarded, use an authorised stop or endpoint to reassess. No one should ask a driver to stop on a busy Mandai road outside the published stops. A family travel plan is more useful when it avoids those mistakes before departure.

An actual itinerary for a family with children: choose one Mandai experience

An outing should start with the desired experience, not the bus route. If a child is interested in birds, Bird Paradise at WEST may be a complete destination. If the group wants a daytime general wildlife visit, Singapore Zoo at EAST may be more suitable. If an older child wants a rainforest adventure, check the activity’s eligibility and booking details.

Do not assume each attraction has the same price, operating hours or public entrance. Mandai’s ticket packages can combine some experiences, but the combination chosen by a particular family determines what is included. Public bus fares are separate and vary with the actual distance and passenger concession status.

Leave time for the walking and wayfinding after alighting, as well as meal and rest breaks. A destination may look close on an overview map but involve additional internal walking. For older adults or visitors using mobility aids, verify the appropriate assisted route or public shuttle rather than insisting on covering everything on foot.

One meaningful educational moment is enough: read one habitat sign, ask an animal welfare or conservation question, and explain the answer using the official park information. A day can be memorable without ticking off every park on Mandai Lake Road.

At the end, compare the available public Bus 138 with Mandai’s own Khatib shuttle and other permitted transport. The right journey home is the one the actual group can manage safely after the visit.

The return plan is part of the day, not an afterthought

From Mandai Wildlife EAST use the published 48131 S’pore Zoo stop. From WEST, check 48119 Bird Paradise on the route’s returning side, or other valid Mandai instructions. After leaving the Mandai precinct the bus uses Mandai Road, Springleaf station and then Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 before reaching the interchange.

Someone travelling to an MRT station might choose Springleaf instead of remaining on the bus to Ang Mo Kio. But the station exit-side road crossing and the last onward train are separate questions, particularly at night. Use the current journey planner and actual stop-specific departures rather than guessing them from the origin timetable.

Mandai offers other public connections, including a Khatib MRT shuttle and Bus 927 from Choa Chu Kang. These are different services with different fare and operating conditions. Compare them on the day, particularly if the group intends to stay at Night Safari close to closing time.

If a venue is unexpectedly closed or a timed activity has been cancelled, an outing can be shortened rather than replaced by an unrelated attraction several bus stops away. A backup can simply be an open public dining location, a short nature visit or a return home.

A successful Bus 138 day is one in which the family reaches the correct EAST or WEST entrance, enjoys one appropriate activity and understands how to get home without unnecessary panic or unsafe shortcuts.

Three easy-to-use outings

Bird Paradise and a manageable bird-learning morning

Board full Bus 138 at Ang Mo Kio or Springleaf, alight at 48111 Opp Bird Paradise, then follow WEST visitor signs to 20 Mandai Lake Road. Confirm Bird Paradise ticket and hours, choose a few aviaries and plan the return from 48119.

Singapore Zoo or River Wonders at the EAST precinct

Ride 138 to 48131 S’pore Zoo. Choose the specific EAST attraction and use its official park map, admission and accessibility guidance. Make the rest and return part of the plan, rather than assuming all Mandai attractions share one entrance.

A free Springleaf nature walk

Use 57011 or 57019 as appropriate for the direction to Springleaf Nature Park. Follow public paths, observe plants and birds from a distance and return by a verified bus or Springleaf MRT connection. The park’s 24-hour access is not an extension of the wildlife parks’ opening times.

Frequently asked questions

Where does Bus 138 go?

From Ang Mo Kio Interchange through Springleaf, Mandai Road and both Mandai Wildlife visitor precincts, then back to Ang Mo Kio.

Which stop is for Bird Paradise?

48111 Opp Bird Paradise travelling in, or 48119 Bird Paradise after the Zoo on the return.

Which stop is for Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari?

48131 S’pore Zoo serves Mandai Wildlife EAST, where those attractions are located.

Does 138 serve Rainforest Wild Adventure?

It serves the EAST and WEST wildlife precincts, but you need the specific adventure zone’s entrance and ticket.

What is Bus 138A?

A limited weekend/holiday short bus from Springleaf Exit 3 towards Singapore Zoo; not from Ang Mo Kio.

What is Bus 138C?

A limited weekend/holiday return from Singapore Zoo to Springleaf Exit 2, not all the way to Ang Mo Kio.

Does Bus 138M reach Mandai?

No. It is a short Ang Mo Kio local route via Courts and the polyclinic corridor.

Does Bus 138 go to Springleaf MRT?

Yes, the outbound and returning bus call at different station-exit-side stops.

Can I use Bus 138 to reach Upper Seletar’s rocket tower directly?

No. Stop 48089 is on Mandai Road while the public reservoir park is accessed through Mandai Road Track 7; plan the final walk.

Does Bus 138 start in Punggol?

No, its origin is Ang Mo Kio Interchange. Punggol travellers need a first connection.

Is Springleaf Nature Park open late?

NParks lists it as a 24-hour public nature park, subject to safe conditions and designated-path rules.

Does Night Safari require a timeslot?

Yes. Check current Mandai entry conditions, selected timeslot and appropriate late return transportation.

Can I see the Fishing Cat exhibit in November 2026?

Mandai lists a refurbishment closure from 7 October through 31 December 2026 for that specific exhibit.

Can I change between Mandai EAST and WEST?

Mandai publishes public walking and shuttle options. Choose an appropriate one based on your ticket, time and mobility needs.

How can I check the late last bus from the Zoo?

Use the actual 48131 stop’s current live arrival and operator information, not the 11.45pm Ang Mo Kio terminal time.

Official sources and related bus guides

• SBS Transit 138 full route, stop list and terminal hours
• SBS Transit 138A Springleaf-to-Zoo short trip
• SBS Transit 138C Zoo-to-Springleaf short trip
• SBS Transit 138M short Ang Mo Kio loop
• Mandai EAST/WEST getting here and exact stops
• Mandai Night Safari and November 2026 visitor notice
• Mandai Bird Paradise visitor hours
• Mandai Rainforest Wild Adventure EAST/WEST visitor guidance
• NParks Springleaf Nature Park access and hours
• NParks Upper Seletar Reservoir Park and Track 7

Read the different Bus 171 Mandai Road and Bukit Panjang guide if you want a service that passes Mandai Road but does not enter Mandai Wildlife Reserve. For Punggol to Ang Mo Kio see Bus 136.

Editorial verification: 2 November 2026. This independent article uses official bus, Mandai and NParks information, not real-time arrivals or guaranteed attraction admission. Opening hours, bus variants, event notices and accessibility can change. Recheck current sources for the specific travel date.