Banyan Tree Mandai Rainforest Resort - A stay that's out of the ordinary!

If you are looking to stay at a towering skyscraper with malls attached to it and tons of facilities as far as the eye can see, then this review is not for you. If however, you are interested to know what is a hotel doing in the middle of the Mandai reserve, an area many Singaporean sons are familiar with during their National Service rite of passage, then read on to discover more of my experience at Banyan Tree Mandai Rainforest Resort. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that Banyan Tree’s ethos and commitment to sustainability is not just a philosophy but a living, breathing part of every detail—from the eco-conscious design of the lodgings to the thoughtful practices that honour the surrounding rainforest. One such thoughtful practice is the dimming of lights in the lobby and surrounding areas when dusk falls so as to minimise light pollution. We are in the middle of a nature reserve after all and the wildlife surrounding us needs to sleep too! At the end of the day, note that we are no longer at Orchard Road with its bright lights and endless traffic. Another thoughtful (though some say debatable) practice is the control of room temperature such that it can at best attain a minimum of 24oC. During my stay, I would say that it was comfortable enough for me to sleep through the entire night. However, I do understand that some guests may have a lower tolerance of heat, especially when faced with Singapore’s tropical climate in the warmer months of June to September. Perhaps the management can consider adjusting the minimum room temperature lower during those ‘summer months’ to allow guests to cope with the warmer temperatures? Personally, I enjoyed having the overhead fan in the room, not so much as to cool the room (although it most certainly could), as I like a constant circulation of air in the room as much as possible. Most hotels that I’ve been to do not have an overhead fan in the room and so, I felt that it was a nice touch to have one at the resort. Another feature that I appreciated was the provision of a water purifier in every room. Singapore’s tap water, while known to be safe and clean to drink directly, may cause uneasiness to some if they had to. The machine not only helps to further purify the water but it also eliminates the need for plastic and glass-bottled water. To me, that’s more power to the environment! As stewards of the environment, if we do not take care of the place we call home, who’s going to do it for us? The dedication to preserving the environment while offering luxury is truly inspiring. There is no need to live like Tarzan & Jane in order to co-exist with nature. One of the highlights of my stay was the serene rooftop infinity pool, where I found myself enveloped between the lush canopy and the open sky. It was a magical space to unwind, offering a sense of tranquility that seamlessly blended indulgence with the raw beauty of the rainforest.