Northstar

NEWSLINE | HOT IDEAS Jul-Aug 2017 9 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS • MCMAG-ASIA.COM DINING IN THE WILD At Night Safari, the world's rst nocturnal zoo, groups are guaranteed a good time as they embark on exciting after-dark encounters with elusive nocturnal creatures like the shing cat, ying fox and free-ranging Bennett's wallaby. The park also oers two signature dining programmes for a multi-sensory wildlife adventure: On the award-winning Gourmet Safari Express (15-72 pax; S$199+ or US$143.90+ per adult), groups are treated to a four-course dining experience, complete with free-ow beverages, onboard a moving tram. The three- hour session is peppered with live commentary by the tram guide, who regales diners with tales of the park's nocturnal residents as the tram journeys to exotic lands such as the 'Himalayan Foothills' and 'Equatorial Africa'. Later, guests are treated to the 'Creatures of the Night' show where they meet the animal stars face to face. An Evening in the Wild (25-40 pax; S$199+ or US$143.90+ per adult) begins with a cocktail reception at Ankole terrace, as guests are welcomed by the symphony of nature, starring cicadas and frogs alongside the majestic herd of Ankole cattle. Later, a tram whisks guests to six geographic regions in the after-dark world where they come face to face with nocturnal creatures. As they drop o at the East Lodge, a glittering path of fairy lights opens to a lavish air-conditioned tipi tent, in an elusive campsite by the lake, where a three-course gourmet dinner – including dessert and free-ow wine – is accompanied by a performance of ery stunts executed by re dancers. Every guest goes home with a complimentary souvenir to remember the night by. The Jungle Book Words Lee Xin Hui Wildlife Reserves Singapore oers fun dining experiences and exotic venues that let groups escape to the embrace of nature. Inside the Tipi on an Evening in the Wild VERDANT VENUES In addition to unique dining experiencs, Wildlife Reserves Singapore also has lush event spaces that oer organisations a welcome respite from the concrete jungle and bring guests close to nature, said Isabel Cheng, chief marketing ocer, Wildlife Reserves Singapore. Jurong Bird Park's Flamingo Lodge is an oasis surrounded by lush greenery and anked by amboyant aminos capering about a charming lake. The Lakeview Ballroom holds up to 240 for an elegant banquet with a view. For an intimate focus group or seminar, select The Classroom at River Safari, which comes equipped with air-conditioning, a sound system, project and screen, as well as a patio for team-building activities. intimate sunset soirees or opulent dinner functions are best held at Singapore Zoo's Pavilion by the Lake, which takes up to 120 for a banquet and oers a view of the tranquil Seletar Reservoir. A space that wears its animal theme well is the 220-seat air-conditioned Forest Lodge, imbued with oor-to-ceiling glass panels, earthly room tones and furniture decked out in African Safari prints to exude a warm resort-like ambience.

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