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Night Safari Singapore: Our Reviews & How We Get There

Night Safari Singapore Reviews

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

Our night safari singapore reviews and impressions, safari ticket savings strategy, best time to visit night safari, night safari singapore map, catch the night safari tram ride early: a must-do experience, guide to walking trails, reserve early for show timings, dining option, photography tips, my suggested itinerary.

  • By MRT and Mandai Khatib Shuttle

Comparisons with Daytime Zoo Experiences

Related posts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Night Safari Singapore Tram

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.

Night Safari Singapore Walking Trail

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

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

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

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

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.

Creatures of the Night Show

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.

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.

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.

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

Buses and Taxi 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.

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.

Singapore Zoo and River Wonder

  • 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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As We Saw It

A Guide to the Singapore Night Safari: Worth It?

giraffe eating text says a night safari in singapore

Every city has certain must-see attractions, and Singapore is no exception. The first time we visited, we basically had to squeeze all the best things to see in Singapore into a day and a half.

Our friends were not impressed. “Next time, you have to go to the Singapore Zoo Night Safari!” they insisted. So peer pressure and thumbs-up TripAdvisor reviews talked us into visiting an attraction without knowing what to expect. The only thing we knew for sure was that we’d never hear the end of it if we didn’t make it to the Singapore Night Safari the next time we passed through the country.

After having visited twice, here’s our hard-learned travel guide to the Singapore Night Safari. Is it worth it? Read on to find out.

What is the Singapore Night Safari, anyway?

If you’re thinking that Singapore Night Safari is just another zoo, you’ve got another think coming. I mean, it’s not like going to the regular zoo at night. This is a separate attraction, right next to the Singapore Zoo, where they keep all the animals that do nothing but sleep while the sun’s out.

This is where you get to spy on those critters and see what they do after the gates close for the day.

If this idea intrigues you, read on. Maybe our review will help you determine if the Night Safari is worth your time and money.

Gharial looking at visitors

Why visit the Singapore Night Safari?

There are several reasons to visit the Singapore Night Safari: its unique nocturnal setting, diverse animal species, close encounters with animals through the tram ride and paths, and spectacular shows. Visits also support conservation efforts and educate visitors about the importance of protecting these animals.

#1 nightlife attraction in Singapore

When Night Safari opened in 1994, it was the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. The man who came up with the idea was a genius ( you can read his story here ). The Singapore Night Safari is considered a world-class attraction, and it welcomes more than 1.1 million visitors a year!

It has also become a significant conservation, rescue and research facility. Most encouraging of all, it has successfully bred a number of endangered species, including Malayan tigers, Asian elephants, fishing cats, Malayan tapirs and Asian lions.

The park’s lighting has been specially designed to be only as bright as the full moon, and since animals are used to that, they are awake and active. Visitors have to find their way around with only the “light of the moon” as a guide, but if you have ever gone camping, you will know that it is adequate.

As you might imagine, flash photography and flashlights are prohibited, not only for the well-being of the animals, but for the safety of others. Being suddenly blinded by an unexpected flash can really mess with your eyesight.

man looking at a sign with the Singapore night safari map

How to get to Singapore Night Safari

The Night Safari is next to the Singapore Zoo and River Safari, only a 30-minute drive from Marina Bay and Orchard Road.

Shuttle bus

The best way to get to the Night Safari is by MRT and shuttle bus. Take the MRT to Khatib Station (NS14) on the North South line. Use Exit A to catch the Mandai Khatib Shuttle to the Night Safari. The trip costs SGD $1 and takes about 15 minutes. Shuttles run every 10 minutes.

Another option is the Safari Gate shuttle bus , which runs between Suntec and the Night Safari. Tickets are $7 each way.

Public transportation

To get to the Night Safari by public transportation, take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio station (NS16). From the station across the street, take bus 138 to Night Safari.

Bus routes 138 and 927 both have a stop at the Night Safari.

Book an excursion

The most hassle-free way to visit the Night Safari is to book an excursion with a tour company. They will provide skip-the line tickets and hotel pickup and return, and you also get priority boarding on the tram. Learn more here.

Taxi/GrabCar

We’ve also taken a taxi to the safari and called GrabCar to take us home. (GrabCar is the Uber of Southeast Asia.)

While it’s more expensive than taking the MRT, a taxi/GrabCar offers the convenience of traveling door-to-door, on your schedule. Note that the cost is PER CAR,   not per person, so factor that in if you’re comparing prices.

  • Taxi:  Calculate your fare  here . I couldn’t find a GrabCar price calculator, but I’ve been told that taxi and GrabCar prices are comparable.

Night Safari entrance

As with most parks, the zoo entrance is lined with shops and food joints. There are a number of places to eat at the Night Safari at assorted price points.

The food court has a traditional  kampong  (village) ambiance, in keeping with the overall adventure theme you’d expect at a zoo. Most special diets can be accommodated because it has a nice variety of options, from tasty satays to noodle soups, fish and even burgers and beer.

Your food options include:

  • Jungle Rotisserie (roasted quarter chicken) – you can watch the Thrumbuakar performance from your seat.
  • Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant (buffet plus local a la carte options like chicken rice and laksa)
  • Safari Sizzles (hot dogs & fried snacks, plus both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
  • Zebra Cafe (soft serve frozen yogurt, snacks and drinks of all types)
  • Ben & Jerry’s (ice cream treats)
  • Casa Italia (32 flavors of gelato)
  • Mandai Mart (fruit cups and slushies)

Ulu Ulu Indian Buffet table has breads and assorted dishes.

For us, it was Ulu Ulu on both occasions, because Dan enjoyed their delicious Indian buffet that much the first time. This is one case where doing a bit of prior research would have paid off. We arrived early so we’d have more time for dinner, only to find out that they offer an Asian buffet first.

Just so you know, their Indian buffet starts at 8:30.

Zebra seats at Singapore Night Safari

Night Safari’s Zebra Cafe has some really fun chairs.It’s obvious that the interior designer was talented. We were surprised by the designer’s attention to detail –  even in the washrooms! They are designed with an open plan, with waterfalls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and lush landscaping that makes you feel like you’re washing your hands in a tropical garden. I’ve read that they won awards for them. (Umm … awards for bathrooms?)

IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT go to Singapore Night Safari expecting to get good photos. You won’t. Cell phone cameras are not equipped to capture good photos in limited light, especially when the subject is moving. A tripod and fast camera lens are essential for good photos, so if you have them, come prepared.

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Navigating the Night Safari

Singapore Night Safari is divided into seven geographical zones. There are four pathways that lead you through them all.

Tip: Remember to wear shoes with good traction. Some areas can be wet and it is easy to trip in the darkness.

More than 59 exhibits and 1,000 animals live here. Their enclosures are grouped into geographical regions, accessible via 4 walking trails and a tram tour.

Map of Night Safari exhibits

Our suggested itinerary

We’d suggest that you plan your evening around the two live shows they offer. Here’s a good itinerary:

  • 6:00 – Dinner
  • 7:00 – Enjoy the Thumbuakar fire show
  • 7:15 – Walk through the trails
  • 9:40 – Tram ride
  • 10:30 – Creatures of the Night show
  • 10:50 – Gift shop

Thumbuakar fire show

Pyromaniacs will really enjoy this spectacle. Fire breathing tribal warriors display their skill as they dance and perform their fiery stunts.

  • Where: Entrance courtyard (weather permitting)
  • Time: Daily except Wednesdays at 7pm, 8pm, 9pm (and 10pm on weekends and holidays)

Creatures of the Night

The Creatures of the Night Show is a great opportunity to take a break and be entertained at the same time. You’ll see the natural abilities of some of the most fascinating animals in the park. The show lasts 20 minutes but because it’s so popular, you should arrive 30 minutes ahead to ensure a good seat.

  • Where: Amphitheatre
  • Time: 7:30pm, 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 10:30pm (weather permitting)

Guided tram ride

Don’t miss the 40-minute guided tram ride with live commentary, because some of the animals can only be seen from the tram. Your knowledgeable tram guide will fill you in on the beasts and the 6 geographical zones as you drive through them all:

  • Himalayan Foothills
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • Equatorial Africa
  • Asian Riverine Forest
  • Nepalese River Valley
  • Burmese Hillside

Hyenas getting fed at the night safari in singapore

What you’ll see on your walk through the Night Safari paths

As you walk through the pathways, you will notice that there are no cages; all that stand between you and the wild animals are a moat and a low fence. There they are, only a little more than arm’s reach away, awake and doing what they normally would do in the wild.

  • Wallaby Trail – this Australasian-inspired trail includes an area where cute little wallabies hop back-and-forth across your path. (I almost tripped over one little guy, who wasn’t watching where he was going!) You can also enter a “cave,” complete with dripping water, to watch nocturnal cave critters.
  • East Lodge Trail – you can see wild African and Asian animals up close here, thanks to glass-fronted enclosures. Highlights include the splendid Malayan tiger and the devious spotted hyena.
  • Leopard Trail – the beautiful leopard has his own huge glass-fronted exhibit for your enjoyment. The trail also offers Mangrove Walk and Giant Flying Squirrel Aviary, two walk-through exhibits that allow you to experience creatures swooping around and above you.
  • Fishing Cat Trail – watch the fishing cat as it tries to reel in its fish dinner in front of your eyes.

In addition, the park has a special area for smaller critters, like reptiles, and each cage is small enough that it’s easy to find them. Even there, the caretakers were careful to create a natural environment for their well-being.

scorpions under a black light

Luxury experiences at the Night Safari

Singapore Night Safari offers private tours. You can book a VIP Safari Adventurer Tour , and a dedicated guide will take your group on a private tour of the park.

Ocelot resting at the night safari

Plan your trip

  • Hours:  Open daily from 7:15pm – 12.00mn daily (Last ticket sale at 11.15 pm).  Retail shops open from 5:00pm and restaurants open from 5.30 pm.
  • Cost:  Adult: S$45 | Child: S$30. Multi-park discounts are available.
  • Wheelchairs: Contact a guest relations officer to arrange a tram with wheelchair facilities. ( Here is a suggested itinerary for wheelchairs.)
  • For more of the nocturnal zoo, see our Night Safari photo gallery .

Also see our Singapore River Cruise review .

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Night shot of flamingos feeding . Thetext says a night safari in singapore

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Written by Linda

Linda is multilingual and has been to over 50 countries. Her insatiable love of travel, cuisine, and foreign languages inspired her to create As We Saw It, where she documents her trips, shares practical itineraries, and offers insider tips. She’s passionate about helping fellow travelers save time, money, and hassle, and loves to discover new places to explore.

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28 thoughts on “a guide to the singapore night safari: worth it”.

The night safari was awesome. We had an absolute whale of a time. The food was delicious as well.

So glad you enjoyed it! I’m guessing your answer to my question is that yes, it’s worth the expense.

Visit River Safari in Singapore for a wildlife experience themed around the world’s freshwater rivers. You’ll wander around eight river habitats, from the Yangtze to the Mississippi, to encounter animals of all types, including the beloved giant panda. Learn about the native animals and plants that are found around the world’s legendary rivers, and take a boat ride on the ‘Amazon River,’ if you wish (own expense). Hotel pickup and drop-off are included

River Safari is on our list because it’s Asia’s only river-themed wildlife park and it has the world’s largest collections of freshwater animals. The most interesting one is the Mekong giant catfish.

Wonderful post. Thanks for such detailed information. I am travelling in October with my family. My dad is hemiplegic so he will be in wheelchair. We want to cover both Singapore Zoo and River Safari. How much do we need to walk? Are the pathways easily wheelchair friendly? Is it like really very long walk combining both. Are the outside food allowed inside as I need to carry some homemade food for my father.

We’ve not visited the Singapore Zoo yet so we can’t tell you how accessible it is or how much walking you’ll do. The Night Safari has hills and some places have stairs so you might have to detour. We’d suggest checking the map on their website and planning a route to save some steps. As to outside food, there shouldn’t be a problem bringing it in.

Ahhh so cute!!! I love animals and I’m glad this zoo seems to be a good one that provides a good habitat for the animals. 🦓 🦒 🐅 I went to the Night Safari and it was awesome. These are awesome photos and great description. 🙂 Wonderful post. Thanks for such detailed information.

You are so welcome, Maria.

Short answer is NOOOOOOOO!!!!! Read TripAdvisor ‘terrible’ reviews to get the real picture, these are absolutely accurate. It is a tragedy of monstrous proportions. One of the worst things I did in my whole life.

Wow, it’s hard to believe an attraction could have been that terrible. Which things to do in Singapore would you recommeend?

Wow, this must be a Unique adventure for you. Wandering through the trails and finding animals in their natural surrounding is a bit exciting and Scary too. But they use proper protection so nothing to worry.

What we like most about the Night Safari is how easy it is to get close to the animals and feel completely safe. I hope we conveyed that in our article.

I haven’t been to the Night Safari in years – I think the fire show is fairly new, because I don’t remember it at all. It sounds great! The Creatures of the Night Show, though, left a lasting impression on me for all the wrong reasons: despite repeated requests to refrain from using flash photography in order to protect the animals’ eyes, I saw SO many camera flashes go off during those few minutes. Seeing that kind of blatant selfishness up close was really infuriating.

I completely agree! We had the same experience when on the tram, but thankfully the guide reminded people to turn the flash off.

Absolutely disappointed. Do not waste your money. Go see the zoo in the day light. Photos are not worth the effort. Half the animals cannot be seen. We just love zoos, but not this Night Safari. Go have breakfast with the Oranatangs instead.

Thanks for the recommendation to see the zoo in the daylight, Graham. I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy the Night Safari, but Breakfast with the Orangutans sounds like a keeper.

Singapore didn’t seem terribly expensive – when compared with other major cities – like Tokyo, London, Barcelona. Hotels and transportation are the ones that are quite high-priced.

For sure accommodation is pricey in Singapore, but the hawker stands make up for it with some of the cheapest restaurant food on the planet. Maybe the reason Singapore has a reputation for being expensive is because of the contrast, as its neighbouring southeast Asian nations are so dirt cheap?

We also missed the fire-breathing Thumbuakar performance – It was drizzling and they had to cancel the show.. We ended up taking the buggy as it was drizzling and had a very tough time taking any meaningful picture..

Practically have no photos which are not blurred 🙂

Our sympathies; we discarded almost all of our photos because of how badly they turned out. I’m just glad we had a few marginally acceptable ones to include in this story. 🙂

Looks like fun, but I would be in the same boat as Dan – I love getting great photos and when it’s hard to do I get so frustrated. I’m not the best at shooting in low light as it is (need more practice). The bathrooms sound lovely, and of course the food looks amazing! 🙂

It was. I’d like to visit again but might not find the opportunity. There are so many wonderful places in Singapore that we’ve not seen yet!

Sometimes you just have to enjoy your surroundings without your camera – it’s so freeing when you do! The night experience looks really interesting… and not surprising Singapore has some really cool washrooms 🙂

I think you’re right, but sure Dan loves his photography….

First of all, I love the cool chairs – I mean, who would not want to sit on a zebra!! The food looks delicious and it looks like a fun and enjoyable experience. I can understand why it is hard to photograph there as usually a tripod is needed to exceptional night shots but give yourselves a pat on the back for the ones you captured and included in this post!

Thanks, Constance. It was a lot of fun.

Awesome night safari! The food looks scrumptious (looks like our Indian platter).

It was some of the best Indian food we’ve had so far. But then, we’ve not been to India yet…

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Singapore Night Safari – tickets, prices, timings, Tram rides, shows

Night Safari Singapore

Singapore Night Safari is the World’s first nocturnal wildlife park.

During this Safari, which starts after dark, visitors get to explore a 35 hectares nocturnal Zoo on a 40-minute tram ride.

Even as the nocturnal animals roam around freely, the Tram winds its way through four wildlife trails with live commentary.

The Night Safari is divided into seven geographical zones.

The zones include the Himalayan Foothills, Indian Subcontinent, Equatorial Africa, Indo-Malayan Region, Asian Riverine Forest, Nepalese River Valley, and Burmese Hillside.

Visitors can see various animals, including tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, hyenas, zebras, and many more.

The animals are active at night, and visitors can observe them in their natural habitats under the moonlight.

This night-time journey into the wilderness attracts 1.3 million visitors annually. 

The Singapore Night Safari is a unique and exciting way to experience wildlife and learn more about the animals that call the world home.

This article explains everything you need to know before you buy Singapore Zoo Night Safari tickets.

  • Top Singapore Night Safari Tickets

# Night Safari with hotel pickup

Table of contents

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There are two ways to explore the Night Safari – by walk or by Tram. 

Visitors who have been to the Night Safari Singapore multiple times recommend you must do both. 

First, take the Tram, do the 40-minute ride to see everything there is, and then catch one of the walking trails.

The walking paths have enough lighting, and Park Rangers are placed at strategic points to assist. 

Tip:  Because of the darkness and the vegetation, there are lots of mosquitos and insects. Do carry insect repellent.

Types of Tram

Singapore Night Safari Free Tram

To explore Singapore Night Safari park, you can opt from two types of Trams – 

1. Free Tram with English commentary 2. Multi-language Express Tram

Night Safari’s Free Tram 

Access to this Tram comes free with all  Singapore Night Safari tickets .

There is a queue to get into this Tram, but the waiting time usually doesn’t exceed 15 minutes. 

The live commentary on this free Night Safari Tram is in the English language. 

Night Safari’s Express Tram

If you don’t want to stand in the queue or if you want the live commentary in a language other than English, you can book the Express Tram.

The Express Tram commentary is available in eight languages – English, Bahasa Indonesia, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Thai, and Vietnamese.

When you book the Express Tram at the venue, you must stand in a queue and shell out S$10 for every person (including kids). 

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Singapore Night Safari ticket

There are three ways to experience Singapore Zoo Night Safari. You can opt for – 

1.  Only Singapore Night Safari 2.  Singapore Night Safari with hotel pickup 3.  Singapore Zoo with Night Safari

All these tickets get you one ride on the Night Safari Tram and access to both shows – Creatures of the Night Show and Thumbuakar Performance.

After you book your Singapore Night Safari Entry ticket, you must choose from four time slots for your visit – 7.15 pm, 8.15 pm, 9.15 pm, or 10.15 pm.

Night Safari with hotel pickup

Since this is a nighttime activity, some visitors prefer to book the Singapore Night Safari ticket with transfers.

A local guide picks you up from your hotel, and after you have explored the world’s first night safari, drops you back. 

Pickup begins 30 or 45 minutes before the tour starting time, depending on your hotel’s location.

If you prefer, you can upgrade your experience by including a dinner.

Ticket Price

Adult ticket (13+ years):  S$148 Child ticket (3 to 12 years):  S$82 Infant ticket (up to 3 years):  Free entry

Because of the excellent public transport system in Singapore, it is easy to reach Singapore Night Safari. 

Many tourists think that Singapore Night Safari and Singapore Zoo are the same, but they are two different attractions.

However, they are close to each other. 

Night Safari’s entrance is adjacent to Singapore Zoo’s entry gate. 

Address:  80, Mandai Lake Road, Singapore, 729826.

To Night Safari by MRT

Five MRT stations of North South Line are around the Singapore Night Safari Park.

MRT stations near Singapore Night Safari

Connecting buses from these MRT stations can get you to the Night Safari Park. 

Khatib MRT : Mandai Khatib Shuttle Choa Chu Kang MRT : Bus No. 927  Ang Mo Kio MRT : Bus No. 138 Woodlands MRT : Bus No. 926* Marsiling MRT : Bus No. 926*

*Bus No. 926 operates only on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Bus to Singapore Night Safari

If you plan to visit Singapore Zoo Night Safari from Bedok, Sengkang, or Tampines, the  Mandai Express Bus service  is the best option.

The Mandai Express operates on weekends, school, and public holidays as well.

The adult ticket costs S$3 while kids between 3 to 12 years of age pay only S$1. 

To get to the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, other bus service  Safari Gate Buses are also convenient.

Driving to Night Safari

Singapore Night Safari is 30 minutes’ drive from the city center. 

You can choose to travel via Central Expressway (CTE) or Pan Island Expressway (PIE).  Get Directions

Taxis also follow the same route. 

Car Parking

The Night Safari shares its parking slot with the Singapore Zoo. 

There are two parking areas – one is a covered car park while the second is an open-air parking space. 

Cost of parking

The parking charges at Singapore Night Safari work out cheaper if you are carrying a cash card.

First 10 minutes: Free Next 1 hour: S$3 per hour Every additional hour: S$2 per hour

The maximum parking charges for a car get capped at S$10. 

If you pay by cash, parking your car will cost you S$10 for the day.

Jurong bird park to Night Safari, Singapore

Some tourists plan Jurong Bird Park in the morning and Singapore Night Safari later in the day. 

After exploring Jurong Bird Park, you can do the Night Safari because it starts from 7.15 pm and instead of walking you can explore the nocturnal Zoo on a Tram. 

SAExpress coaches run between the Bird Park and Night Safari.

The bus leaves Jurong Bird Park’s coach park at 4.45 pm and reaches Singapore Night Safari at 5.15 pm. 

This gives you ample time to grab something to eat, stand in the queue, and get in for Singapore Zoo’s Night Safari at 7.15 pm.

From Thursday to Sunday, Night Safari Singapore opens at 6.30 pm and closes at midnight. It also remains open on Public Holidays and on the eve of a Public Holiday.

The last entry into the Night Safari Park is at 11.15 pm.

The wildlife attraction remains closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The ticket counters open early at 5.30 pm and close by 11 pm.

The best time to visit Singapore Night Safari is 7.15 pm, which is the first time slot.

That’s when the gates open, and you can be one of the first to get in. 

This is the best slot because it helps you time your attendance at the shows, pick the Tram ride, and plan your dinner to perfection.

After you purchase your Singapore Night Safari tickets, you will get an email with instructions to select a time slot for your visit. You can choose from 7.15 pm, 8.15 pm, 9.15 pm, or 10.15 pm.

And on the day of your visit, you must be at the Night Safari Park’s entrance at the time mentioned on your tickets. 

Once inside the Night Safari Park, everybody rushes for the Night Safari Tram ride. As a result, there are long queues for the Tram. 

After the Tram ride is over, they all rush for the shows, crowding them too. 

That’s why we recommend you do precisely the opposite. 

Once you enter at 7.15 pm, go straight to the Creatures of the Night Show at the outdoor amphitheater.

The official time for this animal show is 7.15 pm, but since the visitors are just walking, you get a few minutes to settle down. 

Creatures of the Night Show lasts 25 minutes, after which you can get back to the Entrance Courtyard to watch the 7-minute long Thumbuakar Performance. 

The second Thumbuakar Performance of the day is at 8 pm, which means you may have to wait for 10 minutes or so before the show begins.

By 8.15 pm, you will have seen both the shows and will be all set for the Tram Ride. 

Even though there are long lines for the Tram Rides, the crowd management is efficient, and within 15 minutes, one can board the Night Safari Tram. 

Tip:   Buy Singapore Night Safari tickets online to save yourself at least an hour of waiting time. 

Most visitors spend around three hours at Singapore Night Safari.

Within three hours, you can go on the Safari Tram ride, walk one of the animal trails, see Creatures of the Night Show and Thumbuakar Performance, and also have dinner.

If you are in a hurry, you can skip the Trail walk and dinner and explore Singapore Night Safari in about two hours. 

The Singapore Night Safari has two shows, both of which are popular with tourists. 

Since both these Night Safari shows are in massive demand, we recommend you reach the venue 15 minutes before they start. 

Thumbuakar Performance

This show welcomes you to the Night Safari. 

Pyro warriors demonstrate their fire-twirling and flame-throwing skills to the beat of jungle drums.

This fire show happens at the Entrance Courtyard, and the objective is to get you all revved up for the Wild Night Safari experience. 

The fire eaters perform thrice on weekdays and four times on weekends. 

Weekdays: 6.45 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm Friday, Saturday and eve of Public Holidays: 6.45 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm, 10 pm Duration: Approx. 7 minutes

Creatures of the Night show

Creatures of the Night is Singapore Night Safari’s signature show. 

Otters, Binturongs, Civets, Heyna, and other animals display their natural talents during this interactive show.

Singapore Night Safari show

This Night Safari show happens in the big outdoor amphitheater amidst the rainforest. 

Weekdays: 7.15 pm, 8.30 pm, 9.30 pm Friday, Saturday and eve of Public Holidays: 7.15 pm, 8.30 pm, 9.30 pm, 10.30 pm Duration: Approx. 25 minutes

*Shows are weather permitting. If it rains, they can get canceled. 

Keeper chit chat is an interactive session with a wildlife expert who handles the animals.

You can opt to attend these sessions before or after your Tram ride through the 35 hectares of Singapore Night Safari.

Session with Lion’s Keeper

Location: Lion Lookout, along the Leopard Trail Timings: 8 pm and 9 pm on Friday, Saturday and eve of Public Holidays

Session with Tiger’s Keeper

Location: Malayan Tiger Exhibit along East Lodge Trail Timings: 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm on Friday, Saturday and eve of Public Holidays

Session with Pangolin’s Keeper

Location: Pangolin Exhibit along Fishing Cat Trail Timings: 8.30 pm, daily

Session with Wallaby’s Keeper

Location: Wallaby exhibit along Wallaby Trail Timings: 9 pm, daily

Session with Tasmanian Devil’s Keeper

Location: Tasmanian Devil Exhibit Timings: 8 pm, daily

The Night Safari has four trails – 

Fishing Cat Trail

Leopard trail, wallaby trail, east lodge trail.

The Singapore Night Safari map comes in handy if you decide to walk one (or many) of these trails.

Singapore Night Safari Map

Even if you decide to stick to the Tram, the Night Safari map will still help you reach the shows and find visitor services such as washrooms, restaurants, etc.

Almost a thousand animals from 100 different species inhabit the 35-hectare Night Safari Park.

Animals at Singapore Night Safari

Since more than 40% of these animals are in danger of being extinct, the Park also practices captive breeding of these species. 

When you go down this trail (either by the Tram or by walk), you get to see the nightly routine of animals such as Leopards, Lions, Civets, Porcupines, etc. 

You also get to see two fantastic walk-through exhibits with flying foxes and flying squirrels on the Leopard Trail.

Some of the other animals you are likely to spot on this trail are Eagle Owl, Giraffe, Fruit Bat, Golden Cat, Otters, Tarsier, etc. 

The Fishing Cat Trail simulates the jungles of Singapore, which host animals such as Fishing Cat, Binturong, Pangolin, etc. 

The Pangolin in Night Safari was a hit and run victim who has now recovered except for a small limp.

When your Night Safari Tram passes through this trail, you can see animals such as Barking Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Indian Gharial, Mousedeer, Striped Hyena, Small-clawed Otter, etc. 

This Night Safari Trail is accessible from the East Lodge Tram Station.

It connects the Leopard Trail to the Wallaby Trail and leads you to the section of Night Safari where animals of the savannah (Africa) and the tropics (Asia) live side by side.

Some of the animals you can spot here are Sloth Bear, Bongo, Babirusa, Anoa, Serval, Spotted Hyena, Malayan Tiger, etc. 

If you decide to walk this trail, don’t miss the chit chat with Zoo Keepers of Malayan Tigers, at 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm every Friday and Saturday. 

This Night Safari trail lines up wildlife from Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea. 

The Wallaby Trail has been landscaped in the form of Australian deserts to make it as authentic as possible.

Besides the Wallaby, some of the animals you will spot here are Possum, Sugar Glider, White-lipped Python, etc. 

There are four food outlets at the Singapore Night Safari. 

1. Ulu Ulu Safari restaurant 

Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant is located at the Night Safari’s Entrance Plaza and is open from 5.30 pm to 11 pm. 

The restaurant resembles a charming village and is a perfect place to start or end your Night Safari.

You can order a la carte or opt for either the Asian or the Indian Buffet.

Ulu Ulu Asian Buffet

The Asian Buffet is designed to remind you of the traditional villages of the area. 

You can choose to eat your Asian Buffet within the cozy restaurant or dine alfresco (out in the open). 

Price: S$ 45/adult and S$ 34/child (Age 6 to 12 years) Timing: 5.30 pm to 8.15 pm daily

Ulu Ulu Indian Buffet

If you prefer an Indian touch to your dinner, opt for the Indian Buffet at the Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant.

The Indian Buffet works out better if you are a late eater because it is available till late. 

Price: S$ 29/adult and S$ 19/child (Age 6 to 12 years) Timing: 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm daily

2. Jungle Rotisserie

The alfresco Jungle Rotisserie restaurant is at the Entrance Courtyard and offers a ringside view of the Thumbuakar Performance, where fire eaters get on the stage.

To top it, the restaurant offers some of the best smoky meat around. 

It is open from 5.30 pm to 11 pm daily.

3. Safari Sizzles

Safari Sizzles is located at the Entrance Plaza of the Night Safari and is open daily from 5.30 pm to midnight.

They serve an excellent selection of gourmet hot dogs, fried snacks, chapati rolls, and alcoholic thirst quenchers.

4. Ben & Jerry’s

This is where all the ice cream lovers stop before or after their Night Safari. 

Since the weather is usually hot and humid, almost everyone lands up at Ben & Jerry’s. 

It is open from 5.30 pm to midnight, daily.  

Visitors have lots of interesting questions about these two attractions.

They are almost always trying to find out if Singapore Zoo and Singapore Night Safari are the same attractions, and if not what are the differences.

No, they are two different tourist attractions adjacent to each other.    Singapore Zoo is a daytime attraction, like all other Zoos.    Singapore Night Safari is a night-time attraction, which showcases nocturnal animals.  Buy Tickets !

It is hard to take sides here because both are award-winning, world-class tourist attractions.    Since they are so different, they can’t be an either-or decision.    If you are traveling to Singapore with kids or have the time on hand, it is best to see both.

Singapore Zoo opens at 8.30 am and closes at 6 pm, while the Singapore Night Safari opens at 6.30 pm and closes at midnight.    And they are within walking distance of each other.   There are two ways to visit the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari on the same day –    Option 1 This is the best approach when you are traveling with kids or elders.   Buy Singapore Zoo tickets online  (to avoid wasting time in ticketing lines), and be at the Zoo when it opens at 8.30 am. Spend 4-5 hours exploring, and then get back to your hotel and rest.   Come back at 6 pm and line up to get into the Night Safari gates, which opens at 6.30 pm    Option 2 If you are all adults or you have older kids, it is best to see both attractions one after the other.   Be at the Singapore Zoo by 1 pm, and explore it till 5 pm.    Since you have an hour and 30 minutes before the Singapore Night Safari opens, you can sit down and relax at one of the restaurants and recharge yourself.    Once the Night Safari gates open at 6.30 pm, you start your second wildlife experience of the day. 

If you can choose only one (for whatever reason!), we recommend the Singapore Night Safari.  Buy Tickets !   Inaugurated in 1994, it is the World’s first Night Safari ever.    It has been 25 years since and only two more Night Safaris have come up in rest of the World – Taiping Night Safari (in 2003) and Chiang Mai Night Safari (in 2006).    In comparison, there are more than 10,000 Zoos in the World.

There are lots of differences between the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari. We list them below –   Time:  Singapore Zoo is a daytime attraction, while the Night Safari is a night-time attraction. Weather:  If you don’t go early in the day, Singapore Zoo can get hot and humid. In sharp contrast Singapore Night Safari is much cooler. Duration:  You need at least five hours to explore the Zoo, whereas you can explore the Night Safari in three hours or less. Exploration:  At the Zoo, you get to explore the animals at your own pace. At the Night Safari, the exploration happens at the Tram’s pace. Crowd:  Since the Zoo is open for longer hours the crowd seems spread out and the Night Safari seems crowded because it is only open for five hours per day. Animals:  At the Singapore Zoo, you get to see all the animals, while at the Singapore Night Safari, you can only see the nocturnal animals Cost:  At approximately S$48 for an adult ticket the Zoo is cheaper than the Night Safari, where the tickets are priced at S$50. Photos:  At the Singapore Zoo, you can take photographs, but you can’t during the Night Safari because it is dark and flash is not allowed.

Sources # Mandai.com # Visitsingapore.com # Tripadvisor.com # Wikipedia.org The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Nishtha Nogia

Nishtha Nogia loves to explore new places with family and friends. She travels to weave stories packed with fun, surprises, and laughter. For her, traveling is all about hogging local cuisines, interacting with people, and creating lifelong memories. She has a travel bucket list ready and is waiting to start ticking them one by one. Favourite Cities: Seoul, Paris, New York, and Istanbul.

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Night Safari

Nocturnal visits.

Embark on an adventure after dark at the Night Safari, an open air zoo that houses over 2,500 creatures of the night.

singapore zoo night safari how long

How long it takes to finish the safari ride? I am on tight schedule so want to know if I visit this place, how much time is required to spend here ?

singapore zoo night safari how long

We recommend attending creatures of the night show as soon as you arrive and tram ride afterwards. The tram ride will not see all of the displays up close and you will need to walk to other sections if you want to see all displays/attractions.

singapore zoo night safari how long

2-3 hours at least. Once inside for your session you have to queue to get on the open bus that takes you around the zoo. This took nearly an hour. We watched the show first. Maybe it would have been better to go on the bus first. In saying that we were ushered towards the show area.

singapore zoo night safari how long

The tram ride is about 45 minutes but most people spend a lot longer once the ride finishes walking back over the trails.

singapore zoo night safari how long

Tram rides happen in specific time slots. Each round takes about 35 minutes. Creatures of the Night shows too have specific time slots. The walks on trails would depend on the walkers’ time management abilities. Please check time slots and decide.

singapore zoo night safari how long

Can I cover complete night safari from tram in what time ?

singapore zoo night safari how long

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Wanderers of the World

Singapore Night Safari: Know Before You Go

Do you love animals and walking in nature?  Do you ever wonder what creatures of the night get up to while you’re sleeping? Does your imagination ever run wild with dreams of new travel experiences and close encounters?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above then a trip to the Singapore Night Safari is a must for you!

During our visit to the Singapore Night Safari, we discovered a lot of things we wish we’d known before visiting. And now here we are to share our tips and experiences with you. I hope you find them helpful.

About Singapore Night Safari

Singapore Night Safari (sometimes called Mandai Night Safari) was first thought of in the 1980s and officially opened in 1994. It’s the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park and consistently wins awards for its innovative ideas.

Attracting around 1.3 million visitors every year, the park covers a whopping 86 acres of rainforest. 

There are around 900 animals from 100 different species to see with around 41% of those being endangered. From lions and tigers to elephants and hippos, there’s a lot for you to see. 

But perhaps the most important thing about the Night Safari is that it’s an ethical attraction.

The park has single-handedly bred threatened species, such as Malayan tigers, Asian elephants, fishing cats, Malayan tapirs and Asian lions to name just a few, to help prevent total extinction.

Night Safari, alongside other top places to go in Singapore like the Singapore Zoo , Bird Paradise (formerly Jurong Bird Park) and River Wonders (formerly River Safari) are all managed by the Mandai Wildlife Group. This organisation is on a mission to “provide meaningful and memorable wildlife experiences with a focus on protecting biodiversity in Singapore and the region.”

Furthermore, the wildlife reserve’s owners routinely listen and act on the guidance set out by local animal welfare organisations such as Acres .

As an example, back in 2005, Acres identified issues with the animal shows at the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari. After providing feedback, changes were made at the zoos, prompting Acres to say : “We hope that other zoos and parks will follow the example set by the Singapore Zoo.”

Please note that t he Singapore Night Safari is NOT within Singapore City. It can be found near the Mandai district, Singapore Zoo and the Upper Seletar Reservoir, which are all approximately 16 miles from downtown Singapore. 

Glow in the Dark Stalagmites

Singapore Night Safari Review: Our Barebones Honest Feedback

Before we get into our Singapore Night Safari tips and top things to know before you go, you might be wondering whether it’s really worth it.

Below is our quick and honest Singapore Night Safari review – we’ll think you’ll like our answer!

Before visiting, we’d seen a few bad reviews online but this didn’t detract from its overall four-star rating . 

We loved the idea of being able to see animals we wouldn’t normally see – and they would even be awake. We couldn’t wait .

And we WERE NOT AT ALL disappointed!

Quite the opposite – it was one of the top highlights of our Singapore itinerary and of our entire honeymoon!

Because we followed some advice we read before our trip, we missed out on long queuing times and hoards of people. 

Instead, we felt like we had free reign of the park, and at times, it often felt like we were wandering around a tropical and wild rainforest as opposed to just a tourist attraction!

Towering trees surrounded us, crickets noisily chirped all through the night and the occasional rustle from the undergrowth made us jump a few times.

And all of this was in addition to seeing so many incredible animals.

Have you ever seen a clouded leopard chilling on a tree branch? What about a fishing cat searching for its prey in the water? And have you ever experienced bats whipping past your head at breakneck speeds?

Clouded Leopard inside Singapore Night Safari

All of this and more is possible at the Singapore Night Safari. Can you tell we were completely and utterly impressed?

But for your visit to be just as incredible as ours was, it pays to know a few things in advance. Here’s everything we think you need to know before you go… 

Top Tips For Visiting Singapore Night Safari

All of our Night Safari tips below are based on our own experiences and what we noticed during our visit.  We’ve also updated this blog post since our visit to record what’s changed since then.

We hope you find our tips helpful but just shout if you have any other questions about anything we have or haven’t covered. Just leave us a comment at the end of this blog post and we’ll reply ASAP.

Tip #1. Book tickets online to reduce queuing times and disappointment

Do you need to book the Singapore Night Safari online in advance? 

No – but it comes highly recommended by the park itself, as well as by us and every other blog we’ve read about it. 

Booking tickets in advance online from the official Night Safari website reduces the amount of time you’ll spend queuing – and helps to avoid disappointment.

You’ll be able to join the queue at the entrance gate straightaway with either a printed ticket or e-ticket on your mobile without having to pick any tickets up first.

The Night Safari is also a hugely popular attraction, so to avoid disappointment (each entry time has a maximum number of visitors allowed in), it’s best to book in advance. 

We booked our tickets the month before arriving and there were only 300 tickets left for the 7.15pm entry time – so it pays to plan ahead!

Tip #2. Arrive early for the fire show and to reduce queuing times

We wanted to ensure we had as much time as possible to see everything so we chose the earliest entry time of 7.15pm. 

Being organised travellers, we arrived early (at around 6.40pm) and joined the queue straightaway. 

And boy, are we glad we did! 

We not only got the chance to see the Thumbuakar Fire Performance at 6.45pm, but we were even let into the park early at 7pm – that’s less than 20 minutes of queuing time!

Other Singapore Night Safari timings include 8.15pm, 9.15pm and 10.15pm.

The Fire Show at Singapore Night Safari

Tip #3. Don’t miss out on the walking trails!

You’ll be sorely disappointed if you think that the Night Safari tram takes you to every single animal enclosure. It doesn’t. You’ll see more on two feet than you will on four wheels.

So make sure you don’t skip the walking trails – they are so much fun and you’ll see a lot that you would miss out on by only using the tram service.

There are four walking trails in total: the Fishing Cat Trail, East Coast Lodge Trail, Leopard Trail and the Wallaby Trail. 

My husband and I walked at a leisurely pace around every single trail and it took us around two hours in total.

Tip #4. Skip the trams and take to foot first

We had read various reviews and blogs that recommended skipping the tram and walking around the park on foot first. It turns out that this was EXCELLENT advice!

Just as we were setting out on foot at 7pm, we saw hundreds of people queuing for the tram.

So not only did we miss out on extra queuing time (we got the tram later on at 9pm and there was no one in front of us), but we also got a chance to walk around the park practically by ourselves.

We saw less than a dozen other guests while we were on foot and only a handful of staff who we met while crossing roads.

It was simply INCREDIBLE to feel like we had the park to ourselves – just us and the animals!

Leopards inside Singapore Night Safari

Tip #5. Don’t miss out on the tram later though!

But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go back to do the tram ride later on.

The Night Safari tram runs at scheduled times throughout the night and allows you to see some animals and parts of the park that walking alone cannot offer, such as elephants, male lions and free-roaming deer.

But almost everyone heads for the tram first resulting in long wait times.

Instead, head out on foot first and get the tram later – we can almost guarantee you that there will be no queues after 9pm!

Tip #6. Don’t expect to get amazing photos of the animals

As this is a park dedicated to nocturnal animals, they’ve done a great job of keeping the lights low to mimic moonlight – and flash photography is strictly forbidden.

You’ll need to squint and keep your eyes peeled for the animals at times, but this also means you shouldn’t expect to get amazing photos unless you have professional camera equipment.

We just about managed to get a few good shots of the animals with Scott’s old Huawei phone, which has a decent night mode… but as you can see, they’re still not exactly epic shots.

That said, you’ll probably find it therapeutic to simply put your phone away and look at the animals without any pressure to fill up your Instagram feed .

Fruit Bat inside Singapore Night Safari

Tip #7. Squint hard and look everywhere… the animals could be lurking anywhere!

Although some of the animals choose to sit front and centre within their enclosures, others sometimes shy away into the shadows.

But if you take the time to look and squint into the darkness, then you should be able to see most if not all of the animals.

And once you’ve found one, its mates probably aren’t too far away from it!

Tip #8. Remember to use your Night Safari map

The Night Safari covers 86 acres of rainforest. 

Although the walking trails are well signposted and nicely laid out for you to follow, you could run the risk of missing out on seeing something if you don’t use your Night Safari map !

Screenshot of the official Night Safari map

Tip #9. Take plenty of water and snacks

Singapore has a very humid climate. If you’re not used to it, then it feels like you’re walking around in a permanent sauna or oven – and there is no relief from the heat even after the sun goes down.

And as the Night Safari is set within a rainforest, its humidity is doubled!

Take plenty of water and snacks with you to keep your energy and hydration levels up.

And if you’ve chosen to follow our advice of taking to the walking trails at the Night Safari then you can fill up your water bottles in the many water fountains dotted around the park. Just find any toilet facility and there will be a water fountain somewhere next to it .

Tip #10. Invest in a battery-powered handheld fan

Although there are powerful fans dotted around some of the enclosure huts, there’s a fair amount of walking to do out in the humid Singapore air.

A battery-powered handheld fan like this one from Amazon is perfect for taking in your backpack ready to be used when you just need a few minutes break from Singapore’s humidity – and they often cost less than a tenner.

The Night Safari tram is also a great relief from the heat. It’s open on all sides so you get a very welcome breeze as it whips around to each attraction.

Tip #11. Pack your umbrella, coat or waterproof poncho

Singapore is known for its sudden downpours of rain. They come with little to no warning – especially at night when you can’t see the clouds – and quickly flood areas in a matter of minutes.

So make sure you pack an umbrella, coat or waterproof poncho in case you suddenly get caught in the rain!

Tip #12. Wear comfortable shoes and light layers

As mentioned before, the park is dimly lit. There are also a few uneven paths, as well as steps and slopes, so a comfortable pair of shoes is a must.

We’d suggest wearing a comfy pair of trainers that are lightweight and breathable.

And as Singapore is so humid, it also pays to wear lightweight clothes and pack a jacket, coat or umbrella in case it rains.

Tip #13. Set aside four to six hours for your visit

The duration of your visit to the Night Safari in Singapore will vary based on whether you’re travelling with children or anyone with accessibility issues and what you choose to do while you’re there.

But we’d suggest setting aside four to six hours for your visit.

We followed every single walking trail at a leisurely pace and it took us around two hours in total. The Night Safari tram takes 40 minutes (not including wait times).

Please note that these timings don’t include queuing times or time spent getting to the park.

Fishing Cat inside Singapore Night Safari

Tip #14. There are a variety of ways to get to the Night Safari

The Singapore Night Safari can be found at 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore, 729826.

From public transport options to taxis, there are several different ways to get here depending on what works best for you and how much time you want to spend getting from A to B.

Using public transport to get to the Night Safari

The nearest MRT station is Khatib on the North-South line. You’ll likely need to get two trains if coming from Singapore City. This is a great option if you already have a rail card or tourist pass .

There’s a shuttle operating between Khatib MRT Station and the Night Safari, which costs just S$2. It runs every 15-20 minutes with the last shuttle back to Khatib at midnight. 

Cash isn’t accepted on the bus; you have to buy your ticket at the Night Safari Coach Bay upon your return. This sounds strange and it’s something that took the bus driver two attempts at communicating to us as we just didn’t understand.

If you’d rather just pay a one-off fee to get to the Night Safari then there are several direct buses from Singapore City, which include the Safari Gate Bus, Singapore Attractions Express and StarIsland Travel Bus. Details of costs and timings can be found here .

Driving to the Night Safari

If you’re driving to the Night Safari then please note parking charges apply. The first hour is S$3 with additional hours costing S$2 each up to a maximum of S$10 per car.

A taxi from Singapore City to the Night Safari (or vice versa) will cost around S$15 to S$25 depending on the time. All taxis are metered though so you don’t need to haggle over pricing. 

To ensure you get a taxi when you need one, it’s better to call in advance or book via the Grab mobile app . Uber isn’t used in Singapore but Grab works in the same way.

Tip #15. Pay for the Night Safari shuttle upon your return

If you want to catch the Khatib MRT shuttle bus to the Night Safari then you pay for the shuttle upon your return if you don’t have an EZ-link or NETS FlashPay card.

You’ll get your ticket at the Night Safari Coach Bay before boarding the return shuttle, which will cost you S$2 per adult. This ticket covers the first shuttle you got and the second one you’re about to take.

If you’re unsure about anything, just ask the shuttle driver when you first get on and he or she will point to a sign that indicates payment on return from the Night Safari park itself.

Apologies to the driver who took two attempts to tell us this when we visited – we were very confused at the time! 😉

Tip #16. Singapore Night Safari isn’t the same as Singapore Zoo

Something that often confuses visitors is whether the Night Safari and Singapore Zoo are the same thing and just operating at different times.

Let’s get this settled once and for all: they are COMPLETELY separate attractions!

They’re located right next to each other (it takes just 5 minutes to walk between the two entrances), but they operate at different times, offer different animals and attractions and have separate entry fees.

Tip #17. Don’t miss Rainforest Lumina at Singapore Zoo (now sadly closed)

Rainforest Lumina at Singapore Zoo

Sadly, Rainforest Lumina had its final season in 2022 , so it’s no longer possible to see it. This is such a shame because it was amazing!

During a 45-minute walking trail, we followed lights, sounds and virtual animals . We even had the chance to play various games throughout our visit .

Despite this attraction being closed, we decided to keep this section in our blog post, so you can see how it once looked. I have to say, though, I truly hope they launch it again one day because it was an incredible experience.

Inside Rainforest Lumina at Singapore Zoo

Well, there you have it! Our top Singapore Night Safari tips to know before you go, so you can have just as incredible an experience as we did! Have you got any questions about anything we either have or haven’t covered? Excited to visit and just want to shout it from the rooftops? Then leave us a comment below as we’d love to hear from you!

Are you looking for more things to do in Singapore? Check out our 4 day itinerary for ideas!

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Singapore Night Safari: Know Before You Go

Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

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Very insightful review! Just wondering, how dark can the walking trail be?

I’m glad you found our review helpful! 😀

So, we visited in September 2019 and were walking the trails between roughly 7-9pm. Although they’ve kept the trails fairly dark, we didn’t feel like we needed a torch or anything. I also have a feeling this probably wouldn’t have been allowed anyway as flash photography is also prohibited.

However, all of the animal enclosures have dim lights so you can see what’s going on inside, there are lights dotted around the trail here and there and also lights throughout little picnic areas (and where the toilets, vending machines, water fountains, etc are), which altogether, felt like enough light. Especially given it was twilight at the time for us and our eyes got used to the dark pretty quickly.

I hope this helps, but just shout if you have any other questions!

If you do go, I hope you have a fab time. The Night Safari was truly one of the highlights of our honeymoon so we can’t help but rave about it! 🙂

Speak soon, Justine

Map

Night Safari vs Singapore Zoo

Singapore Zoo and Night Safari are both rated highly by expert writers. On balance, Night Safari scores slightly higher than Singapore Zoo. Night Safari comes in at #3 in Singapore with recommendations from 6 sources like Frommer's, Fodor's and Michelin Guide.

Night Safari

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Madman's Journey

Best Singapore Zoo Itinerary (1-Day Trip)

zebra sg zoo, singapore zoo itinerary

Visiting the Singapore Zoo a decade ago and again in 2022 made me realize it’s an evergreen spot – you’ll never get bored of it. Like most of Singapore’s tourist spots , a lot has changed with the zoo, it’s bigger with the River Wonders addition.

While I paid much more this time at SGD $44 just for the Singapore Zoo (it’s SGD $50 as of 2023), I recommend it regardless of its price. Here goes my Singapore Zoo Itinerary for a 1-day trip! To those who haven’t been to this zoo before, River Safari is its latest edition.

Use this table to navigate this Singapore Zoo Itinerary.

Table of Contents

Is SG Zoo worth visiting?

Absolutely, there’s no second thought about it! The Singapore Zoo is one of the most visited places in Singapore and shouldn’t be missed out on. It’s an expensive ticket at SGD $50 per adult today, but it’s the experience you pay for.

It comes among the top 10 zoos in Asia on various sites and the best part is that it’s an open zoo! Most animals here aren’t in cages. Instead, they’re in large natural enclosures with moats around and hardly a-meter fences. Some animals like peacocks walk around you as you eat at the cafeteria.

macaw singapore zoo, singapore zoo itinerary

As it costs a lot for just a ticket to the zoo, I’d recommend going for the multi-park or Park Hopper passes to get the best value for your tickets. Get your tickets from trusted sites like Klook for the best discounts. Here’s the best deal I found:

Singapore Zoo Itinerary: Things to Know

Best Time to Visit SG Zoo. The Singapore or Mandai Zoo timings are 8:30 am – 6 pm. Plan your SG itinerary so that you get there early before noon or anytime on the weekdays. With the zoo being absolutely vast, it takes a good five hours to walk through and peek at the animals here.

Thus it’s best to begin your tour at least around lunchtime (12 – 1 pm). The Mandai Zoo was my first stop on my SG trip before crashing at a Spacepod . It was already 11:30 am by the time I got there. So I had lunch quickly and began my wander around 12. Gladly, I could glimpse at almost all the animals and attend a few shows as well.

Another post for you to read: Perfect SEA Aquarium Singapore Blog

singapore zoo itinerary one day

Zoo Ticket Prices and Offers

The SG Zoo ticket price starts at SGD $50. Instead of booking a single ticket, I’d recommend booking the multi-park tickets where you get to visit two parks (Singapore Zoo and another) for many reasonable rates.

Multi-park Ticket Prices (As of August, 2023)

  • SG Zoo / River Wonders / Jurong Bird Park: S$88 adult / S$60 child (Choose any two)
  • Night Safari + Any one of the above: S$96 adult / S$66 child
  • All 4 theme parks (Parkhopper Plus): S$118 adult / S$90 child

The best part about multi-park tickets is that they have a 7-days validity. So you can visit one park a day and the next within the following week. However, each parking ticket is only valid for one-time entry.

Where to book your tickets: While the official Mandai Zoo site allows smooth booking, I’d recommend booking through trusted sites like Klook for discounts and future offers for other attractions.

Being a Klook partner, our readers tend to get better prices. Don’t miss out on any deals and get your SG Zoo tickets today! Here are some splendid deals I found for you on Klook:

mandai zoo guide, singapore zoo guide

How to get there?

Address : 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore, 729826

The Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Night Safari are all at the same spot at the mentioned address above. Jurong Bird Park is the only faraway theme park.

The cheapest way (and how I got there myself) to the SG Zoo is by taking the Khatib Mandai Shuttle. Get to the Khatib MRT Station NS14 (the Red Line) and step out to the bus stop. Walk towards the left end of the bus stop and you’ll find the Mandai reserve posters around.

The Khatib Mandai Shuttle arrives every 10 minutes at the stop and costs S$1 for a one-way trip straight to the zoo. Use the EZ-link or NETS Flashpay cards for your ride. You can return to the Khatib MRT station back with the same shuttle from SG Zoo.

Another post for you to read: Chinatown Singapore Guide

singapore zoo mandai shuttle

Singapore Zoo Itinerary for the Park

Get your SG Zoo map as soon as you get in. You’ll find these at the entrance and all around the park. If you didn’t get one, all the posted maps have a QR code where downloading the map on your phone is an option. This is the first thing I did when I got in, wary about missing anything at the zoo.

singapore zoo map

There’s no hard and fast on where to begin, but as long as you cross all paths, it should be fine. At one point, I realized I’d missed out on a path on the other end of the park. Luckily, all visitors have access to the trams and I got to visit most animal sanctuaries.

Another post for you to read: Marina Bay Singapore on a Budget

Treetops Trails

This was my first stop as it was the closest trail upon entering the zoo.

Made up of neat wooden bridges where at first you’ll find nothing. But when you look carefully above, you’ll find the main feature here – the Siamang Primate swinging!

There’s also the Malayan Gharial here, but I didn’t get a chance to see it. I was busy watching the Siamang swing.

treetops trail singapore zoo

I didn’t have to stress my eyes, they were right before my eyes chattering and lazing on the sands by their tiny river! Their glass display is perfectly at the intersection of two paths, and I chose to walk toward the Babirusas

While returning back in the evening from the other path, I couldn’t help but have another glance at the cute otters!

Another post for you to read: Singapore River Cruise Blog

Anoa, Babirusa, and Hippos

Walking on the left path, you’ll find the Anoa (a dwarf buffalo breed), Babirusa, and Hippos. The Anoa and Babirusa are hard to have a closer look at.

Not to mention, I thought the Babirusa was a statue when they were just sleeping. The hippos, however, are a wonderful sight. Its facts all over the walls and the hippos themselves camouflaged among the large smooth rocks in the water are fun to watch.

hippos singapore zoo

Australasia

The Australasia part was all about Kangaroos – the tree kangaroo, wallaby and so. This place had a double-door entrance to have a peek at them.

What I loved most was how there were no cages in sight. The large mammals hopping with their large hind feet before it was extraordinary. There was a screen here that explained the marsupial’s baby’s premature growth in the mother’s pouch.

Tigers and Rift Valley of Ethiopia

I was unsure if I’d get a glimpse of the tiger but there it was! It lay lazing on the grass right after its moat. Then I moved through the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia finding varieties of primates here. The meerkats were the most interesting of all as they stared at people from their tiny island.

meerkats singapore zoo

There were the Hamadryas Baboons with large pink butts and a LOT of them, the De Brazza’s Monkey, and the Douc Langur that looked like they had pants on as they moved high on their ropes! Make sure to look down at the large fishes at the Garden Pavillion when walking over the tiny wooden paths.

I remember catching sight of the Colobus Monkey (the peculiar black and white coated ones) but I couldn’t get a shot of it.

Visiting the SG Zoo? Get your tickets on Klook from here for the best deals!

primate kingdom singapore zoo

‘Rainforest Fights Back’ Shows at SG Zoo

I was just in time for the Rainforest Fights Back show in the Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre. All shows are inclusive on the tickets for visitors and all are pretty amazing. It reminded me of Jurong Birds Park with the Macaws here. Don’t miss out on the shows if possible.

When I visited the Rainforest Fights Back, not many people were there, but the show was amazing. It began with small monkey breeds walking down the ropes, and pigs, followed by Macaws and other birds swooping over the audience!

There was also a white snake that they asked for a volunteer to hold. At the end of the show, I got closer looks at the Macaw as the trainers fed them and also the snake as it lay on its wooden board.

rainforest fights back sg zoo

Other shows to attend:

  • Splash Safari (Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre)
  • Animal Friends (KidzWorld Amphitheatre)

Elephants of Asia

Right after the Amphitheatre are the Elephants of Asia. There weren’t any large elephants here, but I got a close look at them. With the enclosure in a semicircle, there were many viewpoints for the elephants no matter where they were.

Unlike other places I’d seen elephants, I loved watching the elephants free here without anything strapped to their legs. One was having the time of its life scratching its head to a fake log.

Feeding the elephant is an option here, but like all feeding sessions at the zoo, it costs extra and you’ll need to book your slots here.

Another post for you to read: Universal Studios Singapore Guide

elephants sg zoo

Take a Tram Ride!

While the tram is perfect for a slow open drive through the park, use the tram only to get to the attractions. You’ll miss out a lot if you get around with just the tram – walking gives the best experience of the zoo.

The tram is inclusive for visitors. I used the tram after exiting the Elephants of Asia as I had to get to another side of the zoo. And so I went! The tram’s open on the top as well with a voice immersing us in the animal exhibitions we passed.

Wild Africa

Getting off the tram, the Wild Africa part is actually wild with cheetah, white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, leopards, and majestic lions!

However, it’s a sleepy part of the zoo where it’s quiet and most animals sleep and graze throughout the day. Yet I found myself staring at rhinos and cheetahs with awe. They were all so close!

Another post for you to read: Perfect Batam Travel Guide

rhino singapore

The most exciting was the lion that slept no more than a few meters away from us beyond the glass enclosure! Other animals here were the naked mole rats in their burrows (I found them personally scary though), the red river hog, and the Madagascar Fossa. Oh, and there were meerkats here again!

singapore zoo lion closeup

Reptopia (Reptile Garden)

Walking under the heat throughout, the Reptopia was a relief with the dark air-conditioned center. The relief ended when I started walking past snakes camouflaged in branches, mushy frogs staring back at me, and exotic lizards like the Northern Caiman Lizard.

Some I didn’t even know existed like the snake-necked turtle and the fish with legs! The most blood-curdling part was the outdoor section (Reptile garden) with giant lizards, large-beaked birds, orangutans on branches right over my head, and ducks and tortoises on the deck sides.

Another post for you to read: Best Things to Do in Genting Highlands for 2 Days

sg zoo reptoplia

Fragile Forest

This was a sweet part of the zoo that started with butterflies flying all over. While we weren’t allowed to touch them, they could still come and sit on us… and some did!

There were birds with pretty crests that walked on the paths, parrots, cute mousedeers, and peacock pheasants. Upon the bridge, kids were also petting the friendly lemurs! All the animals are friendly here thus making it my favorite part of the zoo.

mandai zoo fragile forest

Chimpanzee and Macaques

Towards the end of the zoo were the Celebes Crested Macaques that appeared to have perfect haircuts 24/7 and chimpanzees that sat together like a family. I stood and pondered what they discussed.

singapore zoo itinerary

On the other side of the path was the Rainforest KidzWorld with the carousel. Here there were usual farm animals like goats and rabbits, so it doesn’t matter if you don’t visit it. However, there is a KFC here if you’re hungry.

kidzworld carousel singapore

African Penguins and Ah Meng Restaurant

Walking back, I went through the remaining bits of the zoo. I stopped at the African penguins and the large swans (I hope they’re swans). The African penguins, unlike most penguins, don’t need a cold environment and walked comfortably at a normal temperature.

They were fun to watch as they dove in the waters. Coming back, I walked through the infamous Ah Meng Restaurant. The restaurant was closed at the time. Fun fact, Ah Meng is the name of a Sumatran Orangutan illegally smuggled from Indonesia but was later given shelter at the SG zoo.

Another post for you to read: Indonesia Visa for Indians: A Detailed Guide to Scoring One

african penguins singapore zoo

Singapore Zoo Quick Tips

That concludes my Singapore Zoo Itinerary. Towards the final bits, Singapore Zoo is popular internationally for its exhibits. So all kinds of people visit it. Here are some tips to go smoothly about your trip, keeping in mind all kinds of travelers:

  • Keep a whole day for the Singapore Zoo . No kidding, it takes a full day to visit the zoo. Moreover, it’s an hour’s journey from the city center if you’re taking the MRT and shuttle. If you have a tight schedule, at least keep a good 6 hours including transport.
  • Keep your bag light! I just had an average backpack but it still felt heavy to walk with.
  • Plan your zoo tour keeping the show slots in mind . The zoo is large and takes time to get around. To attend the shows, note the timings and get there 10 minutes early – make use of the tram if needed.
  • Buy your feeding session tickets beforehand . To those interested in feeding the animals, it typically starts at S$8-10 per food portion. Book your add-on passes on the Mandai website.
  • Wagons and wheelchairs at SG Zoo . For toddlers, strollers are allowed in. The SG Zoo also facilitates wheelchairs for the disabled and elderly. Renting wagons for older kids is also available on the official site.
  • Refreshments at the zoo . Water dispensers are available around the SG Zoo. For soft drinks and orange juice, you’ll find vending machines near the rest areas and restaurants.
  • Where to eat? You can plan to eat at the Ah Meng Restaurant between 10 am – 4:30 pm inside the restaurant. There’s also a cafeteria with a number of restaurants at the entrance of the zoo.

singapore zoo lions

Protip for Budget Travelers

Eating at the zoo wasn’t on my plan. Being on the lookout for a cheap place, I found an average yet perfect budget-friendly food stall – the Khatib Foodshop. I had dinner here while returning from the zoo on Khatib Shuttle and lunch while I was on my way to the River Safari.

You’ll find this at the Khatib MRT station right at its entrance. I got a decent chicken rice meal for S$2.5 – $3.5 back then. Right beside the Foodshop is 7-Eleven if that’s your type of food.

plants sg zoo

Tailpiece to Singapore Zoo Itinerary

That sums up the Singapore Zoo Itinerary. After eating at the Khatib Foodshop, I checked into my backpackers’ hostel in Lavender by 7 pm. It was a splendid full day trip and quite a tiring one – my legs were paining with all the walking. In the end, the whole trip was worth it.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your SG Zoo trip as well. Let me know how it goes, I’ll be more than happy to listen! And last but not least, I believe my readers should have a better experience than I did with my itineraries. I built a travel checklist to keep your trip in order.

Sign up and download your copy of my personalized checklist below. Happy traveling!

cheetah singapore zoo

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Exploring River Wonders: Tickets, Must-Do Activities, and Tips

BY Pelago by Singapore Airlines

22 MAY 23 . 4 MIN READ . GUIDES

River Wonders Tickets

Why should you go to River Wonders ? Well, this park stands out as the first and only river-themed wildlife park in  Asia .

1. What is River Wonders best known for?

Between  Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s   Singapore Zoo  and  Night Safari Singapore sits River Wonders. Formerly called River Safari Singapore, this theme park recreates the landscapes of iconic rivers worldwide: Amazon, Congo, Nile, Ganges, Mekong, and the Yangtze.

Here, travellers can meet a stunning variety of marine and land creatures. River Wonders is home to  400 plant species and   over 6,000 animals , including giant pandas, monkeys, river otters, manatees, and piranhas.

When people think of Singapore, fun-filled encounters with river safari animals might not be the first thing that pops into their heads. Give it a chance, though; it can be a highlight of your trip. After all, there’s much to see in this aquatic park.

2. What are the top attractions in River Wonders Singapore?

Image Source

A paradise for wildlife lovers, this theme park lets you meet exotic species from different countries.

Thousands of animals are found in the theme park’s different zones. But where to start? Well, here are some of the top activities you can mark on  the River Wonders map .

And here’s a map-based itinerary of the River Wonders if you’re having trouble thinking of where to start!

Top things to do in River Wonders

once upon a river

1) Marvel at magnificent African rivers:  Make your way through the Congo and Nile Rivers to see jaw-dropping creatures like the African dwarf crocodile and the predatory Goliath tigerfish.

2) Explore Asia’s iconic waterways:  Move on to the Ganges, Mekong, and Yangtze Rivers, where you’ll be stunned by massive marine animals like the giant freshwater stingray, Mekong giant catfish, and Chinese giant salamander.

3) Say hello to adorable pandas:  Head to the  Giant Panda Forest  for close encounters with giant pandas and red pandas. The stars of this exhibit are undoubtedly the famed giant panda trio of Kai Kai and Jia Jia and their cub Le Le. Jia Jia and her little cub aren’t always around for tourists to see, but there are plenty of other pandas to fawn over here

giant panda forest river wonders singapore

4) Enjoy the Once Upon a River show:  You don’t always get the chance to watch pythons, pelicans, and other animals onstage but you can do so at this show. Expect the  Once Upon a River presentation at River Wonder to be about 20 to 30 minutes long. Guests must book their seats online two hours before each show.

5) Set sail on the Amazon River Quest:  Travellers can join hop on a captivating cruise to meet Amazon natives, including jaguars, Brazilian tapirs, giant anteaters, and capybaras. Keep in mind that River Wonders admission tickets do not include this cruise.

river safari boat ride

6) Check out the Amazon Flooded Forest:  check out giant river otters in this massive freshwater aquarium. Look for manatees, electric eels, red-bellied piranhas, and other exotic animals.

7) Dine with giant pandas:  Panda enthusiasts can reach out to the park via email and book a unique  Panda-Mania Tour  for a personal wildlife guide, VIP seats for the Once Upon a River show, and a four-course meal in a private dining area. Eating with the giant pandas just behind a glass panel is a one-of-a-kind experience!

Check out our full guide to all the River Wonders shows you can enjoy.

3. How much do tickets cost?

Take note that the River Wonders ticket price excludes special activities like the Amazon River Quest. Children below two years old enjoy free entry but must be accompanied by adults at all times.

Prices for tickets online may vary. Please click here for updated prices.

Tourists should be aware that  you can only buy tickets online now . That means no walk-in purchases. So, make sure to buy your River Wonders tickets in advance.

4. How long to spend at River Wonders?

Set aside three to four hours to explore the various zones. A few hours should be ample time to see everything in the aquatic park, even with the River Wonders show and boat ride in your itinerary.

Plan your visits around the River Wonders during daily opening hours between 10am and 7pm . The last entry is at 6pm, but it’s best to visit well before closing to maximise your trip.

Amazon River Quest and  Squirrel Monkey Forest  are open daily from  11am to 6pm . Giant Panda Forest also closes at  6.15pm . If you want to check out the  Once Upon a River  performance, pick your time slot from either  11.30am, 2.30pm, or 4.30pm .

5. How do I get to River Wonders Singapore?

Nestled inside Mandai Wildlife Reserve, River Wonders is about a 30-minute drive from Singapore’s city centre if you’re taking a private car. Travellers can also take a taxi or ride-hailing service directly to the park.

If you prefer commuting, hop on the North-South MRT Line until Khatib, Choa Chu Kang, or Ang Mo Kio MRT Stations. From any of these MRT stations, you can take a connecting bus to River Wonders. The Mandai Shuttle is also a good option from Khatib Station to the theme park.

Tourists from the heartlands can commute by riding the Mandai Heartlands Express on weekends and holidays. There are pick-up points at Bedok, Sengkang, and Tampines – find out more  here .

Getting to River Wonders by Bus/MRT

Getting to river wonders by mandai shuttle.

You can also get to River Wonders by hopping on the Mandai Shuttle from Khatib MRT station. Buses arrive every 10 minutes during operating hours and every 20 minutes between 11am to 2pm, and the one-way fare is both SGD $1 for both adults and children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i wear to river wonders singapore.

Although travellers typically roam the park at a leisurely pace, it’s still best to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll spend hours on your feet. We also recommend wearing sun protection, like sunscreen and visors. Insect repellant is advised.

Where to eat inside the wildlife park?

Besides the unique Panda-Mania dining experience, River Wonders food choices include Mama Panda Kitchen  and  Starbucks .

Can you do Singapore Zoo and River Wonders on the same day?

Yes. Given that River Wonders, Singapore Zoo , and Night Safari sit next to each other, it’s possible to visit all three parks in one day. A good itinerary is stopping by Singapore Zoo and then River Wonders. In the evening, move on to the Night Safari for a peek at the nocturnal world.

What is the difference between Night Safari and River Wonders?

Look out at the river-themed park for iconic river landscapes and animals in and around the waters at River Wonders.

Meanwhile, Night Safari places the spotlight on nocturnal animals. It’s a popular nighttime attraction in Singapore with a guided tram ride and a famous night show. Enjoy encounters with majestic creatures like the white lion, Asian elephant, Nile hippopotamus, and Malayan tiger.

Are River Wonders and River Safari the same?

Yes. River Safari changed its name to River Wonders in 2021 to better reflect the captivating journey of travellers through different freshwater habitats.

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singapore zoo night safari how long

IMAGES

  1. Explore Animals in the Night Safari at Singapore Zoo

    singapore zoo night safari how long

  2. Singapore Night Safari

    singapore zoo night safari how long

  3. The Appeal of Night Safari in Singapore

    singapore zoo night safari how long

  4. NIGHT SAFARI (Singapore)

    singapore zoo night safari how long

  5. Night Safari In Singapore: An Electrifying Experience!

    singapore zoo night safari how long

  6. Explore Animals in the Night Safari at Singapore Zoo

    singapore zoo night safari how long

VIDEO

  1. Singapore Zoo In Night Safari

  2. Singapore Zoo night safari

  3. Singapore tour

  4. Night Safari Singapore Zoo. 😍 #travelvlog #singaporezoo #nightsafari #viralshorts #viralvideo #night

  5. Night At The Zoo

  6. 🇸🇬Night Safari.Singapore#singapore #travel #holiday #nightsafari #zoo #animals #deer

COMMENTS

  1. Night Safari

    The Zoo really needs a whole day set aside for it so arriving at Singapore at 2pm plus time to get there (via your hotel or not) immediaylt shortchanges the Zoo. The Night Safari after a full day at the Zoo is risking a poor Night Safari experience as the Zoo can easily drain you and you need to be fresh enough to give the Night Safari the ...

  2. Night Safari Singapore: Our Reviews & How We Get There

    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.

  3. Plan Your Visit

    Organisations registered with National Council of Social Service (NCSS) As a homegrown brand, Mandai Wildlife Reserve believes that locals should have the opportunity to enjoy the wildlife attractions under our care — Bird Paradise, Night Safari, River Wonders and Singapore Zoo.We want to give back to the nation that has supported our attractions for the past four decades.

  4. A Guide to the Singapore Night Safari: Worth It?

    The best way to get to the Night Safari is by MRT and shuttle bus. Take the MRT to Khatib Station (NS14) on the North South line. Use Exit A to catch the Mandai Khatib Shuttle to the Night Safari. The trip costs SGD $1 and takes about 15 minutes. Shuttles run every 10 minutes.

  5. Singapore Night Safari

    If you plan to visit Singapore Zoo Night Safari from Bedok, Sengkang, or Tampines, the Mandai Express Bus service is the best option. The Mandai Express operates on weekends, school, and public holidays as well. The adult ticket costs S$3 while kids between 3 to 12 years of age pay only S$1.

  6. Night Safari

    Night Safari. The world's first nocturnal wildlife park. Plan Your Visit. Park Advisory Show. Guests visiting Singapore Zoo and River Wonders are not required to select a time slot. For Night Safari, guests must select a time slot for a better experience. From 8 February 2024, admission to Bird Paradise will no longer require booking of timeslots.

  7. Night Safari: All You Need To Know About The Shows, Trails ...

    Hit the Night Safari, River Safari, and Singapore Zoo all in one day. Before the Night Safari starts, why not take the rest of the day to explore both the River Safari and the Singapore Zoo to maximise your trip to Mandai! Plan your visit such that you're able to head straight to the Night Safari right after 7pm, after exploring the other two ...

  8. Explore Animals in the Night Safari at Singapore Zoo

    As dusk falls, the shutters open at the Night Safari, welcoming you into a world of nocturnal creatures and their mysterious habitats. Your eyes will take a while to adjust to the darkness here, but once they do, you'll be greeted by close to 900 animals from over 100 species in this world's first nocturnal wildlife park. 41% of these ...

  9. Night Safari, Singapore

    The Night Safari, Singapore is the world's first nocturnal zoo located in Mandai, Singapore.One of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, it forms a part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, consisting of the Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise and River Wonders and the upcoming Rainforest Wild Park.. The concept of a nocturnal park in Singapore was suggested in the 1980s by the former ...

  10. Night Safari

    How long does Singapore Night Safari take? Visitors should plan to spend at least 3-4 hours in the Night Safari to fully experience all the exhibits and activities. The tram ride alone takes about 40 minutes to complete. ... While both the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari are part of the same park, the Singapore Zoo is a traditional day zoo, open ...

  11. How long it takes to finish the safari ride? I am...

    2-3 hours at least. Once inside for your session you have to queue to get on the open bus that takes you around the zoo. This took nearly an hour. We watched the show first. Maybe it would have been better to go on the bus first. In saying that we were ushered towards the show area. over a year ago.

  12. Animals & Trails

    Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Mandai Bird Paradise, Mandai River Wonders, Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Wildlife Reserves Singapore are copyrighted by and/or trade marks of Singapore Zoological Gardens (and/or its affiliate(s)) in Singapore and/or other countries, as the case may be.

  13. Tips For Visiting Night Safari Singapore

    It's possible to enjoy a day at the Zoo (another must-visit) or River Safari and then head over to the Night Safari. The Night Safari is open from 7:15 p.m. until midnight. Singapore Zoo and River Safari close before the Night Safari opens. During that downtime, rest by grabbing a bite to eat at the fast-casual restaurants in front of the ...

  14. Singapore Night Safari: Know Before You Go

    There are a variety of ways to get to the Night Safari. The Singapore Night Safari can be found at 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore, 729826. From public transport options to taxis, there are several different ways to get here depending on what works best for you and how much time you want to spend getting from A to B.

  15. Singapore Zoo vs Night Safari

    Singapore Zoo and Night Safari are both rated highly by expert writers. On balance, Night Safari scores slightly higher than Singapore Zoo. Night Safari comes in at #3 in Singapore with recommendations from 6 sources like Frommer's, Fodor's and Michelin Guide.

  16. After Dark Fun at the Night Safari: Tickets, Tips, & Things to Do

    Opened in May 1994, the Night Safari (also known as Mandai Night Safari) is regarded as the world's first nocturnal wildlife park.It is part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve along with the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise.. The Night Safari is home to over 100 species of animals including lions, elephants, hippos, leopards, and other nocturnal creatures.

  17. how long to spend at zoo?

    When you arrive at the Zoo - purchase a pass that includes entry to the Night Safari with tram ride. If you are planning on going to the Bird Park there is a 3-park pass as well. Between 5.30pm and 6 start making your way to the zoo exit - if you're really hot, the KFC there is very well air conditioned (but can be full by 6pm).

  18. Presentations

    Seat bookings for the Creatures of the Night presentation can be made on our Booking Portal from 2 hours before each presentation. Presentation. Location. Timing. Creatures of the Night. (Approx. 25 mins) Night Safari Amphitheatre. 7:30pm, 8:30pm & 9:30pm. Book Seats.

  19. Best Singapore Zoo Itinerary (1-Day Trip) : Madman's Journey

    Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore, 729826. The Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Night Safari are all at the same spot at the mentioned address above. Jurong Bird Park is the only faraway theme park. The cheapest way (and how I got there myself) to the SG Zoo is by taking the Khatib Mandai Shuttle.

  20. Night Safari Tickets in Singapore

    Excludes admission ticket to Night Safari. Creature of the Night will be available at 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:30 pm, and available at 10:15 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and eves of PH. Creatures of the Night (Approx. 30 mins) @ Night Safari Amphitheatre 7:30pm, 9:00pm, 10:00pm* (*Fri, Sat & eve of PH only). Guests MUST NOT leave the amphitheatre while ...

  21. Singapore Zoo and River Safari

    The Night Safari part of Singapore Zoo opens at 19:15, and the park closes around midnight. If you want to see the animals in daylight, you should instead visit the Singapore Zoo (opening hours: 08:30 - 18:00), or you can, of course, visit both the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.

  22. Getting Around

    Get to Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife WEST with the below options: By Mandai Khatib Shuttle. Hop on Mandai Khatib Shuttle from Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari to Mandai Wildlife WEST Bus Bay. Rides are free of charge. By Public Bus. Take Bus 138 or 927 from Singapore Zoo bus stop to Mandai Wildlife WEST and alight at the next stop.

  23. Exploring River Wonders: Tickets, Must-Do Activities, and Tips

    SGD 39.9. Between Mandai Wildlife Reserve's Singapore Zoo and Night Safari Singapore sits River Wonders. Formerly called River Safari Singapore, this theme park recreates the landscapes of iconic rivers worldwide: Amazon, Congo, Nile, Ganges, Mekong, and the Yangtze. Here, travellers can meet a stunning variety of marine and land creatures.

  24. Singapore Zoo's new and special births

    SINGAPORE — Singapore's four main wildlife parks saw a baby boom with 970 births across 128 species in 2023. This is the highest number of babies the Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, Night Safari, and River Wonders have collectively produced since 2013, Mandai Wildlife Group said in a media release on Wednesday (20 March). Among the new additions, 29 species are listed as threatened under the ...