A TikTok video showing a Singapore Zoo employee’s early morning commute from Johor Bahru has struck a chord online, offering a glimpse into the daily routine behind one of Singapore’s most visited attractions.
Posted on 15 April by Fikry Azman (@akenyagami), the clip documents his journey from Gelang Patah in Johor to the Singapore Zoo—all before his shift begins at 8AM.
A Journey That Starts Before Sunrise
The video opens at 6:20AM, with Fikry tying his shoes at his doorstep in Gelang Patah. Minutes later, he is seen queuing at a petrol station, captioned “6:43AM RnR Gelang Patah Johor,” before making his way toward Singapore.
By 6:55AM, he arrives at Tuas Checkpoint, joining a stream of motorcyclists crossing into the country for work. The footage captures a familiar scene—rows of riders waiting to clear immigration in the early morning rush.
At 7:25AM, Fikry is already on foot, heading towards the zoo grounds. The final moments show him preparing for the day ahead—tidying up in front of a mirror, filling his water bottle, and walking into the zoo at 7:48AM.
“One year work at Singapore Zoo and Alhamdulillah for everything,” he wrote in the video’s caption.
‘I’m New to the Wild’ — But Not Really
In the clip, Fikry is seen wearing a bright yellow badge that reads “I’m New to the Wild,” prompting questions from viewers.
One commenter asked why he was still wearing the badge despite working there for a year. Fikry later clarified that the footage was taken earlier in his employment.
The small detail didn’t distract from the bigger picture—many viewers were more curious about how he secured a job at the zoo and whether others could follow a similar path.
Curious Viewers Ask About Jobs, Tickets, and Even Perfume
The comment section quickly filled with practical questions.
Some asked about ticket prices, to which Fikry responded:
“$49 adult for single park, $34 for child. If working in Singapore, there’s a 10% discount on weekends and 20% on weekdays.”
Others were more specific—like whether strong perfume is allowed at the zoo. One user referenced past signage advising against it.
Another commenter replied light-heartedly:
“Just don’t bathe in perfume. A light spray is enough.”
Appreciative comments also took the spotlight in the comments section.
From starting his day looking at animals to helping Singapore, positive comments were hard to miss.
Mandarin-Speaking Zoo Worker Surprises Netizens
In a separate video that also gained traction, Fikry is seen speaking Mandarin with a visitor while on duty—something that caught viewers off guard.
The exchange, filmed casually, shows him communicating in simple but confident Mandarin, drawing praise from commenters.
“Power… how long did it take you to become fluent in this kind of Chinese?” one user asked.
While Fikry did not detail his learning journey, the clip highlights a reality for many frontline workers in Singapore: picking up languages on the job to better serve a diverse mix of visitors.
A Glimpse Into a Familiar Routine
Fikry’s videos may appear simple, but they reflect a routine shared by many cross-border workers who travel daily between Johor Bahru and Singapore.
The early start, the checkpoint queues, and the long commute are part of a rhythm that often goes unseen by the public.
Online, however, his story resonated. Some pointed out the convenience of working near Mandai, while others expressed admiration for the consistency it takes to keep up such a schedule.
In the end, it wasn’t just about getting to work—it was about the quiet discipline behind it.
And for many watching, that was the part that stayed.
Watch the videos here:
@akenyagami One year work at Singapore Zoo and Alhamdulillah for everything ✨ #fyp #foryoupage #bismillahfyp
@akenyagami Almost terbelit lidah 🥹 #fyp #foryoupage #bismillahfyp #fypmalaysia
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