Ever dreamed of exploring a wildlife paradise under the moonlight? Singapore Night Safari offers exactly that unique adventure! As the world's first nocturnal wildlife park, this extraordinary attraction lets you witness the fascinating behaviors of nocturnal animals in their natural nighttime environment.
What Makes Singapore Night Safari Special?
Singapore Night Safari opened in 1994 and has since welcomed over 50 million visitors, becoming one of Singapore's most iconic attractions. This 40-hectare park houses nearly 900 animals from approximately 100 species, with an impressive 41% classified as threatened.
What makes it truly special is the opportunity to observe these animals when they're most active – at night!The Night Safari has been recognized as Singapore's best attraction by the Singapore Tourism Board 13 times, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit
The Night Safari is open from 7:15 PM to 12:00 AM daily, with the last entry at 11:15 PM. For the best experience, arrive right when the gates open at 7:15 PM. This allows you to time your visit perfectly to catch all the shows, enjoy the tram ride without long waits, and plan your dinner at a convenient time.
Most visitors spend around three hours at the Night Safari, which gives you enough time to experience all the main attractions, including the tram ride, walking trails, shows, and dinner.
Ticket Options and Prices
You can purchase several ticket options for the Night Safari:
- Standard Night Safari Ticket with Tram Ride: From $46 per person, includes park entry and the 40-minute tram ride with English commentary.
- Combo Tickets: Save money with combo packages that include Night Safari plus other attractions:
- Night Safari + Singapore Zoo: Saves approximately $7
- Night Safari + River Wonders: Saves approximately $3
- Night Safari + Rainforest Wild ASIA: Discounted price for day and night experiences
- Premium Experiences:
- Night Safari Ticket + Dinner Buffet at Ulu Ulu Restaurant: Includes park admission, tram ride, show access, and an Asian/Indian dinner buffet
- Night Safari Ticket + VIP Buggy Tour: A 2-hour private buggy and walking adventure with an English-speaking guide, mocktails, and exclusive animal encounters
- Mandai Park Hopper Packages: Save up to 15% with packages that provide one-time access to multiple parks (Bird Paradise, Night Safari, Singapore Zoo, and Rainforest Wild ASIA) over 5 days, with free shuttle service between parks.
To avoid disappointment, book your tickets online in advance and select your preferred timeslot on the Mandai Wildlife Reserve website.
Getting There
Singapore Night Safari is located at 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826, within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Here are the best ways to get there:
- By Public Transport: Take the MRT to a nearby station and hop on a connecting bus to Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
- By Shuttle Bus: Take the Mandai Khatib Shuttle from Khatib MRT Station.
- By Private Transfer: Book a private transfer service for convenient door-to-door transport. This is especially recommended for families or those who prefer comfort after a night of exploration.
Exploring the Night Safari
Tram Safari Experience
The 40-minute tram ride is the centerpiece of the Night Safari experience. This guided journey takes you through six geographical zones: the Himalayan foothills, Southeast Asian rainforest, Indian subcontinent, Equatorial Africa, Burmese jungle, and the eucalyptus forests of Australia.
During the ride, you'll spot fascinating nocturnal creatures like Asian elephants, Malayan tigers, sloth bears, spotted hyenas, fishing cats, and Asian rhinoceros. The tram provides live commentary, enhancing your understanding of the animals and their habitats.
Walking Trails
For a more intimate wildlife experience, explore the Night Safari's four walking trails:
- Fishing Cat Trail: Simulates a trek through Singapore's jungles, featuring hunting predators like the fishing cat and giant anteater.
- Leopard Trail: Home to the largest collection of Southeast Asian wildlife, including the magnificent leopard.
- East Lodge Trail: Showcases a unique crossroads of Africa and Asia, with animals like servals and Malayan tigers.
- Tasmanian Devil Trail (previously called Wallaby Trail): Features Australian marsupials, including the Tasmanian devil.
Experienced visitors recommend first taking the tram to get an overview of the entire park, then exploring one or more trails on foot to get closer to the animals that interest you most.
Must-See Shows
The Night Safari offers two popular shows that shouldn't be missed:
- Creatures of the Night Show: An educational and entertaining 30-minute presentation at the Night Safari Amphitheatre, showcasing the natural talents and behaviors of nocturnal animals. Shows typically run at 7:30 PM, 9:00 PM, and 10:00 PM (the last show is only available on Fridays, Saturdays, and eve of public holidays).
- Twilight Performance: A captivating 5-minute fire performance at the Night Safari Entrance Courtyard. Shows start at 8:15 PM and 9:15 PM.
It's recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes before showtime to secure good seats, as these performances are very popular.
Dining Options
After working up an appetite exploring the park, you can enjoy dinner at the Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant, located outside the safari entrance. For a complete experience, consider the Night Safari Ticket + Dinner Buffet package, which includes an Asian and Indian dinner buffet along with your park admission.
Tips for an Optimal Experience
- Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking in tropical weather.
- Bring Bug Spray: Since you'll be exploring outdoor areas at night, insect repellent is recommended.
- Camera Settings: Adjust your camera for night photography, but remember that flash photography is prohibited as it disturbs the animals.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your visit.
- Plan Your Route: If you have limited time, prioritize the tram ride and Creatures of the Night show, then explore one walking trail that interests you most.
- Avoid Rainy Evenings: While the tram has a roof, the walking trails are more enjoyable in dry weather.
- Start with the Tram: Begin your visit with the tram ride for an overview before exploring specific areas on foot.
- Arrive Early: Getting there when the park opens helps you avoid crowds and gives you time to experience everything.
Special Experiences and Conservation Efforts
The Night Safari is not just an entertainment venue but also a conservation center. It spearheads global breeding initiatives for threatened species including the Malayan tiger, clouded leopard, sloth bear, Malayan tapir, Sunda slow loris, and barn owls. It was also the first zoological institution to successfully breed the critically endangered Sunda pangolin in human care.
During your visit, you might meet Bintang, the baby tapir star and the first male tapir calf born at the Night Safari. The park also houses the Southern Three-banded Armadillo exhibit at the Explorer Outpost along the Fishing Cat Trail, one of its newest attractions.
Conclusion
Singapore Night Safari offers a truly unique wildlife experience that combines education, conservation, and entertainment. By allowing visitors to observe nocturnal animals in their active state, it provides insights into behaviors rarely seen in traditional zoos. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for an educational adventure, or a tourist seeking a distinctly Singaporean experience, the Night Safari delivers an unforgettable night out.
The combination of the guided tram ride, immersive walking trails, entertaining shows, and up-close animal encounters makes this attraction well worth including in your Singapore itinerary. Just be sure to book your tickets in advance, arrive early, and prepare for an evening of wonder in the wild.
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