Singapore Night Safari

Singapore Night Safari offers an unusual twist on the usual zoo visit — it’s the world’s first nighttime zoo, where the animals are active after dark. Located in Singapore’s lush Mandai Wildlife Reserve, this experience is a must for travelers wanting to see wildlife from a fresh, nocturnal perspective. For $52.52 per person, you get roughly a couple of hours of nighttime animal encounters, including options for a tram ride, walking trails, and live animal shows. The experience is designed to combine education and entertainment, making it suitable for families, animal lovers, or anyone curious about the animal kingdom’s nightlife.

Two things we particularly love about the Night Safari are its unique setting and the multi-sensory shows. Seeing animals like Malayan tigers and flying squirrels in their natural nighttime behaviors, under a special lighting that mimics their environment, offers a different kind of thrill. Plus, the Creatures of the Night show, where owls, bats, and flying squirrels demonstrate their abilities, adds a fun, interactive element. The second highlight? The tram ride that takes you through seven geographical zones, offering a broad view of animals that are most active when the sun goes down.

One potential drawback? The price might seem a little steep for some, especially considering the non-refundable booking policy. Plus, if you’ve booked through third-party sites like Viator, there’s a chance of encountering issues such as delays or ticketing problems, which some past visitors have experienced. It’s worth considering whether you’re comfortable with less flexibility if plans change at the last minute.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy nighttime adventures, wildlife enthusiasts eager to see animals in their active hours, and families looking for an engaging outing after sunset. If you appreciate the idea of observing animals in a different light—literally—this is an experience that can add a memorable twist to your Singapore trip.

Key Points

• First-of-its-kind experience as a nocturnal zoo with over 900 animals.
• Combination of tram rides and walking trails offers varied perspectives and closer animal encounters.
• Live shows like Creatures of the Night entertain and educate about animal senses and behaviors at night.
• Advance booking is recommended, especially for popular shows to reserve seats.
• Operates nightly from 7:15 pm to midnight, giving ample opportunity for evening visits.
• Price point is reasonable for a unique wildlife experience, but watch out for non-refundable tickets.

A Closer Look at the Singapore Night Safari

Visiting the Night Safari is like stepping into a different world. As the first zoo of its kind, it was opened in 1994, breaking the mold of traditional daytime zoos. Instead of viewing animals through glass in bright daylight, you’ll explore their nighttime habitats with subtle lighting that mimics moonlight. This creates a more authentic environment for the animals—and a far more intriguing experience for you.

Planning Your Visit

The safari operates daily from 7:15 pm to midnight, with the tram running every 15 minutes. This frequent schedule makes it easy to hop on and off during your visit. The general plan involves either a tram ride or a self-guided walk along themed trails. The tram cover seven geographical zones, each designed to replicate the animals’ natural habitats, offering you a broad perspective on the diverse creatures that come alive when darkness falls.

The walking trails allow you to get closer to some animals—perfect for snapping pics or simply absorbing the sights and sounds in a more relaxed manner. The Creatures of the Night show, scheduled at specific times (7:30 pm, 9:00 pm, 10:00 pm), showcases animals like owls, flying squirrels, and others demonstrating their nocturnal abilities. To ensure a seat, you’ll want to reserve your spot two hours ahead, which can be done online.

What You’ll See and Do

The tram ride is the core of the safari experience. As it glides through different zones—like the Himalayan foothills or the African savannah—you’ll spot animals such as Malayan tigers, elephants, and hyenas. The experience is immersive, and you’ll love the way the lighting emphasizes the animals’ behaviors in their nighttime activity periods.

For those who prefer a more intimate encounter, the walking trails are an excellent option. There are four themed paths, each offering opportunities to observe animals up close—sometimes just a few feet away. As one reviewer pointed out, the experience of seeing animals like flying squirrels in the dark offers a different perspective on their habits, which is both insightful and awe-inspiring.

The Shows

The Creatures of the Night show is a highlight. Visitors have raved about how these animal demonstrations reveal fascinating insights into how creatures see and hear in the dark. It’s a lively, informative session that lasts about 30 minutes, with seats that need to be reserved early. The Twilight Performance at 8:15 pm and 9:15 pm is a shorter, five-minute segment that adds a bit of extra entertainment.

Food and Facilities

Food options at the Night Safari are generally well-reviewed, with plenty of choices to keep you energized for the evening. The park is near public transport, making it accessible without a car, which is a big plus for travelers relying on urban transit.

The Realities Based on Reviews

While many visitors enjoy the experience, some have faced frustrations. A common complaint involves booking issues, especially with third-party vendors like Viator. One visitor noted, “Paid in full 5 months ago, had no contact with Viator, and arrived at the zoo without tickets.” This highlights the importance of securing tickets directly through trusted channels or being prepared for last-minute payments.

Another reviewer commented on how well thought out the safari is, especially the combination of tram and walking trails. They said, “Great experience seeing the beautiful animals in the dark,” emphasizing the value of both viewing options.

How to Make the Most of Your Night Safari Visit

• Buy your tickets early and consider direct purchase to avoid potential issues like delayed or missing tickets.
• Plan your timing around the shows, especially if you want to see Creatures of the Night; reserve seats in advance.
• Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing—it can get humid, and some walking trails are uncovered.
• Try both the tram and walking trails for a comprehensive experience—each offers different animal encounters.
• Bring a camera with good low-light capabilities, but be mindful of flash restrictions to avoid disturbing the animals.
• Arrive early to secure a good spot for shows and to explore the park at a leisurely pace.

The Sum Up

The Singapore Night Safari is a rare chance to see wildlife at their most active time—after sunset. It offers a mix of guided tram adventure, self-guided trails, and engaging animal shows, all set within a lush, naturalistic environment that mimics the animals’ nocturnal world. The experience is especially compelling for those who love animals, enjoy unique settings, or simply want a different kind of outing after dark.

While the pricing is reasonable for such an exclusive environment, travelers should be aware of the booking policies and potential hiccups with third-party vendors. Still, if you plan ahead and arrive prepared, this safari can be a highlight of your Singapore trip.

For families with kids, animal enthusiasts, or night owls, this tour delivers authentic wildlife encounters that you won’t find during the day. It’s a chance to see animals in a new light—literally—and to learn how they survive and thrive in the dark. An evening well spent, providing both education and entertainment in one unforgettable package.

FAQ

Is the Night Safari suitable for children?
Yes, children between 3 and 12 years old can enjoy the experience, and kids under 3 can enter free. The park offers engaging animal shows and the tram ride, making it a family-friendly outing.

Can I do both the tram ride and walking trails?
Absolutely. The tram and trails are designed to complement each other and give different perspectives on the animals. Many visitors find doing both enriches the experience.

What time does the park close?
The park operates nightly from 7:15 pm until midnight, with the last tram departing shortly before closing. Shows like Creatures of the Night are scheduled at specific times, so check the schedule when you arrive.

How do I reserve seats for the shows?
Seats for Creatures of the Night and other performances must be reserved two hours in advance via the booking portal on the park’s website. Early reservation is recommended to avoid missing out.

Is the experience worth the price?
Most visitors agree that for the chance to see animals active in their natural nighttime behaviors, the price is reasonable. However, be cautious with third-party bookings, as some reviews report booking issues.

What should I bring or wear?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera with low-light capability are advisable. Don’t forget to carry some water and possibly a small flashlight for walking trails.

In the end, whether you’re an animal lover, a night adventurer, or simply seeking something different from your usual zoo visit, the Singapore Night Safari offers a memorable, educational, and fun experience under the stars. Just plan your tickets and timing carefully, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a wild world that comes alive when the moon rises.