Night Safari Singapore: Our Reviews & How We Get There

In our Night Safari Singapore reviews, my wife and I share our personal experiences from our visit to the zoo, detailing what we enjoyed and what we didn’t.

Plus, I’ll guide you on how to get to Night Safari Singapore using MRT and bus, making your trip smooth and straightforward.

For me, this zoo is a top night activity in Singapore for its unique glimpse into the nocturnal animal world.

Let me share more about this zoo and the things you should take note before visiting. Let’s get started! 😊

What is Night Safari Singapore

Night Safari Singapore is the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. Housing over 900 animals from approximately 100 species, it offers two main experiences: a tram ride or a walking trail.

On the tram, you can see a variety of animals like Malayan tigers and White African lions, each in their element under the cloak of night.

If you choose to walk, expect close encounters with creatures like sloth bears and Asian otters.

The journey is made even more memorable with captivating animal show, where the nocturnal talents of these creatures are displayed, adding an extra layer of wonder to your visit.

Our Night Safari Singapore Reviews and Impressions

Time We Visit:

We visited the Night Safari Singapore during the earliest time slot at 7:15 PM. I highly recommend doing the same because you get to see the animals in much better light.

Our Tram Ride Journey:

We began our adventure with the tram ride. It’s a great way to get up close with the animals, although taking good photographs from the moving tram can be a bit challenging.

Animal Show Experience:

After the tram ride, I recommend checking out the Creatures of the Night show at 8:30 PM. It’s not only entertaining but also really informative, giving you a fascinating glimpse into the world of nocturnal animals.

Walking Trails Feedback:

Finally, we explored the four walking trails. It’s a chance to see different species of animals, many of them are active at night.

While some animals are easily visible, others are harder to spot. It requires a bit of patience, but taking your time to observe the animals is definitely worth it.

How Much Time We Allocated for the Park Visit:

We spent around 3 hours exploring the park, and it was time well spent.

There’s so much to see and experience, so I recommend setting aside at least this much time to fully enjoy the Night Safari.

Overall Experience:

We thoroughly enjoyed the Night Safari Singapore as a unique zoo experience. It’s a fantastic place to spend an evening, and adding it to our Singapore 5-day itinerary was a choice I’m happy about.

Also, a useful tip: don’t forget to bring a water bottle. You can refill it at the free water dispensers near the washrooms, which is both convenient and eco-friendly.

Thing We Didn’t Like:

There are some mosquitoes at the Night Safari, so I highly recommend bringing mosquito repellent. This small preparation can make your experience much more comfortable.

Safari Ticket Savings Strategy

When you buy tickets at the Night Safari’s on-site counter, the regular prices are SGD $55 for adults and SGD $38 for children aged 3 to 12.

But here’s a tip: book the Night Safari tickets online here to enjoy special pricing. We did this and it was a smooth process.

You’ll receive e-tickets in your email, which you can simply show on your phone for a convenient and easy park entry.

Best Time to Visit Night Safari

For the best experience at the Night Safari Singapore, aim for the earliest admission time at 7:15 PM.

Going early helps you see the animals more clearly, as it’s less dark. This also gives you plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

Additionally, more animals are active during this time, increasing your chances of seeing high-energy animals in action.

The park is open from 7.15 PM until midnight, with the last entry at 11:15 PM.

Entry Time Slots: 7:15 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:15 PM, 8:45 PM, 9:15 PM & 9:45 PM

Night Safari Singapore Map

To effortlessly navigate Night Safari, I suggest downloading the zoo map here. This will make it easier for you to explore the park using just your smartphone.

It’s not advisable that you use a hardcopy map because it can be very hard to see and read it at night.

Catch the Night Safari Tram Ride Early: A Must-Do Experience

To make the most of your visit, I suggest having dinner early and lining up at the entry gate by 6:30 PM. This lets you catch the earliest tram ride at Night Safari and cut down on waiting times.

While it’s tough to take good photographs from the moving tram, the upside is that you can fully immerse yourself in observing and enjoying the animals. It’s a unique opportunity to see them up close without distractions.

Guide to Walking Trails

The Night Safari Singapore offers 4 walking trails that allow you to see the animals up-close. These are Leopard Trail, Fishing Cat Trail, East Lodge Trail, and Tasmanian Devil Trail.

Each trail comes with a variety of animals. So, you just have to pick the trail that you are interested in.

1. Leopard Trail

The Leopard Trail lets you see nocturnal animals in action. You’ll spot popular cats like Sri Lankan leopards, clouded leopards, golden cats, civets, and lions.

But it’s not just about cats; as you walk further, you’ll also encounter porcupines, eagle owls, giant flying squirrels, and fruit bats.

2. Fishing Cat Trail

On the Fishing Cat Trail, you’ll find predators like striped hyenas and fishing cats. These animals are highly alert and strategic in hunting their prey. Keep your eyes open to catch their impressive moves.

Besides these, you’ll also see binturongs, pangolins, Asian otters, and more!

3. East Lodge Trail

The East Lodge Trail blends African and Asian wildlife, showcasing animals from both tropical and grassland environments.

Here, you’ll find Malayan Tigers, serval cats, sloth bears, and spotted hyenas.

Also, keep an eye out for unique species like babirusas, anoas, and bongos. If these animals fascinate you, this trail is a must-visit.

4. Tasmanian Devil Trail

The Tasmanian Devil Trail offers a unique chance to see wallabies, often with babies in their pouches.

This area, focusing on wildlife from Australia, New Guinea, and New Zealand, features charming animals like sugar gliders, barn owls, and possums.

You can also spot the impressive white-lipped python here.

Reserve Early for Show Timings

To fully enjoy your Night Safari experience, don’t miss the “Creatures of the Night” show at the Night Safari Amphitheatre.

The show runs at 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, and 9:30 PM. On Fridays to Sundays, there’s an additional show at 10:15 PM.

This show puts a spotlight on some amazingly talented animals. You’ll be entertained by owls, civets, and fennec foxes, each showcasing their adorable antics.

Remember, you can only book seats 2 hours before each presentation. So, it’s crucial to plan ahead and reserve early to ensure you get a spot.

Dining Option

You can enjoy dinner at Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant, located right next to the Night Safari entrance.

Designed in a rustic village style, the restaurant serves a variety of dishes, ranging from local specialties to international cuisine.

It’s an ideal spot for a quick snack or a leisurely meal, surrounded by the sounds of nocturnal wildlife.

Photography Tips

When visiting Night Safari Singapore, it’s crucial to remember that flash photography is not allowed. This is to protect the animals, as bright flashes can startle and disturb them.

For night photography, here are some tips:

• Use a High ISO Setting: This helps your camera capture more light, making it easier to photograph in low-light conditions.
• Experiment with Exposure: Longer exposure can capture more details but requires a steady hand or support.
• Be Patient: Night photography requires time and patience. Wait for the right moment to capture the animals in their natural behavior.

My Suggested Itinerary

For a better and more convenient trip to Night Safari, check out my recommended itinerary below. It’s designed to help you fully experience and enjoy every moment of your visit.

• 6:30 PM – Queue up at the entry gate of Night Safari
• 7:15 PM – Enter Night Safari and hop on the tram ride
• 8:30 PM – Watch Creatures of the Night show (25 Minutes Show)
• 9:00 PM – Stroll along Fishing Cat Trail, Leopard Trail, East Lodge Trail and Tasmanian Devil Trail

How to Get to Night Safari Singapore

Even if there’s no MRT station that takes you directly to Night Safari Singapore, no need to worry! You can easily reach the place from the MRT station then by bus.

1. By MRT and Mandai Khatib Shuttle

The best way to go to Night Safari is by MRT and Mandai Khatib Shuttle especially for first-time visitors.

Take the MRT to Khatib Station, then head for Exit A to board the Mandai Khatib Shuttle to Night Safari. The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs SGD $2.

The shuttle operates from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM, with services running every 10 to 20 minutes.

Kindly take note that the Mandai Khatib Shuttle only accept EZ-link or NETS Flash card and it didn’t accept cash.

2. By Bus 138

If you’re staying close to Ang Mo Kio area, you can board the bus 138 go to Night Safari. The bus fare is SGD $1.72 (if pay by EZ-link or NETS Flash card) and SGD $2.50 (if pay by cash). The one-way trip will take around 39 minutes.

If you’re paying with cash, it’s advised to use the exact fare, as no change will be provided.

To get on the bus 138, go to Ang Mo Kio bus terminal, which is connected to Exit C of Ang Mo Kio Station.

The bus 138 runs every 6 to 17 minutes from 6:00 AM to 11:45 PM.

3. By Taxi

If you want a comfortable way to get to Night Safari, then you can take a taxi. To save some money, you can take a taxi from the Exit A of Khatib Station and it costs around SGD $13.

Comparisons with Daytime Zoo Experiences

• Singapore Zoo: Vibrant and traditional, it features a variety of animals in a lush, open environment with natural sunlight.
• River Wonders: Specializes in aquatic and riverine animals, showcasing a mix of land and water creatures.
• Night Safari: Focuses on nocturnal animals. It’s quieter, with a mysterious atmosphere, and animals are viewed under subtle lighting. The tram ride provides a guided tour through different zones, a feature unique to Night Safari.

In Summary:

Singapore Zoo and River Wonders offer a traditional zoo experience with a diverse range of animals.

Night Safari is perfect for exploring the nocturnal wildlife world, offering a serene and interesting experience.

We’ve come to the end part of our reviews of Night Safari Singapore. I hope that you find this helpful when planning for your itinerary.

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