Why You Must Visit Singapore’s Night Safari: A Magical Night in the Wild

🌙 Night Safari Singapore: A Wild Nocturnal Journey Through Nature

Located next to the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, and a pioneering concept that brings the nighttime animal kingdom to life. Since its opening in 1994, it has welcomed millions of visitors who come to experience the thrill of watching animals behave as they would in the wild—under the stars.
 

With over 900 animals from 100+ species spread across seven themed zones, Night Safari offers a unique blend of education, conservation, and adventure. From tram rides through open habitats to immersive walking trails, it’s an unforgettable way to encounter wildlife after sunset.

📍 Location & Getting There

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826

Getting There:

MRT to Khatib Station, then Mandai Khatib Shuttle

Public bus services

Taxi or Grab

Ample parking for private vehicles

🚪 Opening Hours: 6:30 PM – 12:00 AM (last entry at 11:15 PM)
🎟 Recommended Visit Duration: 3–4 hours

🌍 What Makes Night Safari Unique?

Unlike traditional zoos that close at dusk, Night Safari invites you to explore when animals are most active—after dark. Using special low-lighting techniques that mimic moonlight, the park lets visitors observe nocturnal animals in naturalistic environments without disturbing them.

🌙 No cages. No spotlights. Just you, the wild, and the stars.

🎯 Zones and Attractions at Night Safari

1. Tram Safari Experience

The signature ride at Night Safari is the 35–40 minute tram tour that takes you through seven geographical zones:

Himalayan Foothills

Indian Subcontinent

Equatorial Africa

Indo-Malayan Region

Asian Riverine Forest

Burmese Hillside

Nepalese River Valley

🦏 What You’ll See:

Asian elephants bathing at night

Malayan tigers prowling

Spotted hyenas, sloth bears, and red dholes

Graceful giraffes, zebras, and antelopes

🎧 Audio guides available in multiple languages to enhance the ride.

2. Walking Trails

Want to get up close and personal? Choose from four walking trails to explore hidden corners and animal encounters missed by the tram.

🌲 Fishing Cat Trail

Highlights: Fishing cats, Indian gharials, binturongs

Features a stream and dense vegetation

Great for observing small mammals and aquatic hunters

🌿 Leopard Trail

Highlights: Leopards, golden cats, porcupines, and civets

Elevated walkways for better viewing

Popular with big cat lovers

🍃 East Lodge Trail

Highlights: Spotted hyenas, servals, and African wild dogs

Focuses on African predators and nocturnal hunters

Features themed African architecture

🐘 Wallaby Trail

Highlights: Wallabies, possums, and sugar gliders

Immersive experience resembling the Australian Outback

Kid-friendly and interactive

🎭 Creatures of the Night Show

This 20-minute live animal presentation is a crowd favorite. It showcases the natural behaviors of otters, binturongs, wolves, and more.

🕒 Showtimes: 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM, and 10:30 PM
📍 Location: Amphitheatre near the park entrance
🎟 Included with admission. Arrive early for the best seats.

🧒 Family-Friendly Features

Night Safari is great for families with children, offering stroller rentals, interactive exhibits, and plenty of hands-on fun.

🐾 Junior Explorers Program

Let your kids become mini wildlife rangers with educational activities, stamp hunts, and quizzes along the trails.

🍧 Ice Cream and Snacks

Kid-friendly snacks and desserts available at Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant and local food kiosks.

🛍 Dining & Shopping

🍽 Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant

Dine on local Singaporean delights such as satay, laksa, chicken rice, and biryani in a rustic jungle setting.

🛒 Night Safari Gift Shops

Souvenirs include plush animals, eco-friendly goods, books, and apparel. Many are themed after popular animals like the tiger or elephant.

🦉 Wildlife Conservation at Night Safari

Managed by Mandai Wildlife Group, Night Safari plays an active role in wildlife conservation and endangered species breeding. It’s part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, alongside the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise.

🌿 Key Programs:

Breeding of threatened nocturnal animals

Habitat conservation awareness

Rescue and rehabilitation partnerships in Asia

Educational campaigns on biodiversity and poaching

📆 Best Time to Visit

Weekdays: Avoid weekends for fewer crowds

Dry season (Feb–Aug): Less chance of rain disrupting your visit

7:00–10:00 PM: Optimal time to see active animals

☔ Pack an umbrella or raincoat just in case—it’s still a tropical jungle!

🎟 Ticket Prices (as of 2024)

🎫 Pro Tip: Buy tickets online in advance for bundle deals and preferred entry slots.

📸 Instagrammable Moments

Entrance gate with flaming torches

Elephants under moonlight on tram route

Creatures of the Night Show action shots

Jungle paths lit by lanterns

Reflection pond near Fishing Cat Trail

📷 Don’t use flash—it can harm the animals.

🧳 What to Bring

Bug repellent

Reusable water bottle

Comfortable walking shoes

Camera with night settings

Light jacket (it can get cool after rain)

🚫 Visitor Tips & Etiquette

No flash photography: It disturbs animals

Stay quiet: Avoid scaring nocturnal creatures

Respect boundaries: Do not feed or touch animals

Keep trails clean: Use recycling and trash bins provided

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who Should Visit Night Safari?

✔ Families
✔ Animal and wildlife lovers
✔ Couples on a romantic night out
✔ Eco-conscious travelers
✔ Adventure seekers
✔ Photographers (especially with night gear)

🧭 Summary Table

🌟 Final Thoughts: Why Night Safari is a Must-Visit in Singapore

The Night Safari is not just a zoo—it’s a sensory journey into the wild. Where else can you roam through a jungle at night, listen to animal calls, and witness rare creatures in their natural rhythm?

Whether it’s your first time in Singapore or your tenth, Night Safari offers a refreshing, unforgettable experience that appeals to all ages. It’s a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and excitement—making it a standout attraction among Singapore’s world-class tourism offerings.