Night Safari Singapore Pt.01: What to Know Before You Enter!

🌙 Night Safari Singapore: What to Know Before You Enter! 🦁✨

Your ultimate guide to Singapore’s world-famous nocturnal wildlife park.

1. Introduction — Why Night Safari is a Must-Do in Singapore

Singapore is spectacular by day—gleaming skyscrapers, lush gardens, and bustling hawker centres—but when the sun sets, another kind of magic takes over. In the northwestern part of the island, far from the city’s glittering skyline, lies a world where the wild comes alive under the cover of darkness: Night Safari Singapore.

Opened in 1994, this one-of-a-kind park was the first nocturnal wildlife park in the world and has since become one of Singapore’s top attractions, drawing over a million visitors annually. Instead of seeing sleepy animals behind glass, you’ll witness over 900 animals from more than 100 species—most of them endangered—in their most active hours.

For first-time visitors, it’s more than just “a zoo at night.” It’s an immersive journey into natural habitats, where soft lighting, jungle sounds, and curated walking trails create an experience unlike anywhere else.

Whether you’re a family with kids, a wildlife enthusiast, a couple seeking a unique date night, or a solo traveler with a sense of adventure, the Night Safari is something you simply can’t miss.

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2. Where is Night Safari Singapore?

Location: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826

The Night Safari is part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which also houses the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise. It’s set within a lush secondary rainforest that borders the Upper Seletar Reservoir—far enough from city lights for the full nocturnal effect.

Travel Time from Key Locations:

• Orchard Road – 30 minutes by car/taxi

• Marina Bay Sands – 30–35 minutes by car/taxi

• Changi Airport – 35–40 minutes by car/taxi

• Sentosa – 35 minutes by car/taxi

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How to Get There

By MRT + Shuttle:

• Take the North-South Line to Khatib MRT Station (NS14).

• Board the Mandai Khatib Shuttle (SGD $1 per ride, 15 minutes).

By Public Bus:

• Bus 138 from Ang Mo Kio MRT.

• Bus 927 from Choa Chu Kang MRT.

By Taxi / Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, Gojek, TADA):

• Convenient, especially for families or groups.

• Fares range from SGD $22–$35 depending on time and location.

By Mandai Express Bus:

• From pick-up points like Bedok, Sengkang, Tampines. Pre-book online.

Driving & Parking:

• Parking is available near the entrance. Rates start at SGD $3/hour.

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3. Best Time to Arrive — 6:30 to 7:00 PM

The Night Safari opens at 7:15 PM, but arriving earlier can transform your night from “just okay” to “absolutely amazing.”

Why Arriving Early Works:

• Get Ahead of the Crowd: Avoid the 7:15 PM rush and enjoy shorter queues.

• Catch Early Shows: The Creatures of the Night Show tends to fill up fast.

• Prime Tram Seats: The front rows are the sweet spot for photography and close encounters.

If you can’t make it early, the second-best time is after 8:30 PM—crowds usually thin out, giving you more breathing space.

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4. First Impressions at the Entrance

As you approach, you’ll hear the rhythmic beats of tribal drums and see the glow of warm torches—instantly setting the mood for your night in the wild.
The entrance area isn’t just a ticket checkpoint—it’s your first taste of the Night Safari experience.

You’ll Find Here:

• Ticket counters & QR code scanners

• The main souvenir shop

• Dining options

• Restrooms and water refill stations

• Park information boards with showtimes & tram schedules

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5. Practical Essentials at the Entrance

🚻 Clean Toilets with Tissues Provided

Singapore’s public facilities are famously spotless, and the Night Safari is no exception. Tissues are provided, but visitors are encouraged to use them wisely—excess waste impacts the environment.

Facilities:

• Wheelchair-accessible restrooms

• Baby-changing stations

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🥤 Water Refill Stations — Bring Your Own Bottle

Singapore is hot and humid even after sunset. Avoid paying for bottled water by bringing your own reusable bottle—there are free refill stations at the entrance and near the food court.

Eco Tip: Every refill saves one plastic bottle from ending up in landfills.

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🍴 Food Court — Eat Before You Explore

The park’s food court serves a variety of cuisines to suit every palate.

Highlights:

• Local: Chicken rice, satay, laksa.

• Western: Burgers, pasta, pizza.

• Snacks: Popcorn, ice cream, sandwiches.

Eating before you enter ensures you can fully enjoy the park without rushing for food later.

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🛍️ Souvenir Shops — Take a Piece of the Night Home

The gift shop at the entrance is your go-to for exclusive Night Safari merchandise:

Popular Picks:

• Plush toys of your favourite nocturnal animals

• T-shirts & caps with the Night Safari logo

• Eco-friendly tote bags

• Animal-themed mugs & magnets

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📱 Download the Mandai App Before You Go

The Mandai App is your pocket-sized guide to the Night Safari.

Features:

• Digital ticket storage

• Live tram timing updates

• Interactive park maps

• Special promotions and bundles

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6. Tickets & Booking Tips

Standard Ticket Prices:

• Adults: From SGD $55

• Children (3–12 years): From SGD $39

• Seniors (60+ years): From SGD $20

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Booking Tips for Tourists:

• Buy Online: Cheaper than at-the-gate prices.

• Bundle Deals: Combine Night Safari with Singapore Zoo or Bird Paradise for discounts.

• Mandai Membership: Great for long-term stays or repeat visits.

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7. The Famous Tram Ride — How to Maximise the Experience

The 40-minute guided tram ride is the highlight for many visitors. You’ll pass through seven zones representing different regions of the world, from the Himalayan Foothills to Equatorial Africa.

Tram Tips:

• Arrive at the queue early if you want front-row seats.

• English trams are more popular; Mandarin trams have shorter queues.

• Go after 8:30 PM for minimal waiting.

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8. Shows & Walking Trails

🎭 Creatures of the Night Show

An entertaining 20-minute showcase featuring the skills of nocturnal animals like civets, binturongs, and otters.

Showtimes:

• 7:30 PM

• 8:30 PM

• 9:30 PM (peak periods)

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🥾 Walking Trails — Explore at Your Own Pace

• Fishing Cat Trail: See these skilled hunters up close.

• Leopard Trail: Spot leopards and slow lorises.

• East Lodge Trail: Encounter hyenas and Malayan tigers.

• Wallaby Trail: Experience the Australian outback.

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9. Top Animals to Look Out For

1. Malayan Tiger – Critically endangered predator native to Southeast Asia.

2. Clouded Leopard – Known for its stunning coat and stealthy moves.

3. Fishing Cat – Expert swimmer and fisher.

4. Wallaby – Smaller cousin of the kangaroo.

5. Giant Flying Squirrel – Can glide up to 100 meters.

6. Binturong – Smells like popcorn (seriously!).

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10. Photography Tips

• No Flash Allowed – It can stress animals.

• Use low-light camera settings or night mode on your phone.

• Look for lit enclosures to get the best shots.

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11. Responsible Tourism & Rules

• No feeding animals.

• Stay quiet—loud noises scare nocturnal species.

• Dispose of waste properly.

• Stick to designated paths.

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12. Weather & What to Wear

• Lightweight, breathable clothing.

• Comfortable walking shoes.

• Insect repellent.

• Poncho or small umbrella in rainy months (Nov–Jan).

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13. Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Singapore Trip:

• Day 1: Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay

• Day 2: Sentosa Island

• Day 3: Night Safari

5-Day Family Trip:

• Add Singapore Zoo & River Wonders to your Night Safari day.

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14. Budgeting for the Visit

Sample Budget for 2 Adults:

• Tickets: SGD $110

• Food: SGD $30–$40

• Souvenirs: SGD $30

• Transport: SGD $20–$35

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15. Nearby Attractions

• Singapore Zoo – Daytime wildlife park.

• River Wonders – River-themed animal park with pandas.

• Bird Paradise – Avian paradise with free-flight aviaries.

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16. Night Safari FAQ

Is it kid-friendly? Yes, but keep an eye on toddlers in dark areas.
Wheelchair accessible? Yes, with ramps and accessible trams.
Can I take videos? Yes, but without flash or bright lights.

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17. Final Thoughts

Night Safari Singapore isn’t just an attraction—it’s a memory you’ll treasure. Whether you’re hearing the call of a lion in the dark, watching a fishing cat in action, or gliding quietly through the forest on the tram, the experience is magical from start to finish.

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📌 Quick Info Recap

• Location: Mandai Wildlife Reserve

• Hours: 7:15 PM–12 AM (Last entry: 11:15 PM)

• Best Arrival: 6:30–7:00 PM

• Tickets: From SGD $55 adults, SGD $39 kids

• Must-Do: Tram Ride, Creatures of the Night Show, Walking Trails