Singapore Night Safari Family Guide: Tips, Tickets & Must-See Attractions
Singapore Night Safari was one of the main reasons we wanted to head back to Singapore and was a part of our 4 day family adventure. Unlike a regular zoo, where many animals are asleep, this is the first and only wildlife park of its kind in the world to focus purely on nocturnal creatures. It offers a unique opportunity to observe animals in their natural nighttime habitats.
Read on for a relaxed walkthrough of our family’s Night Safari visit, along with some practical tips for getting tickets and making the most of your evening.
Note: our night photos were pretty terrible! So Mandai Wildlife Reserve have kindly shared some official photos to use as part of this blog post.
Getting There and Ticketing
Transportation Options
Our family opted for a Grab ride to and from the Night Safari, which cost us approximately SGD $22 each way. This door-to-door service is super convenient, especially with children in tow. From the carpark, you can follow the clearly labelled signs to the park entrance. However, there are several other ways to reach the park:
- MRT and Bus: Take the North-South Line to Khatib MRT Station (NS14), then transfer to the Mandai Khatib Shuttle, which brings you directly to the Night Safari. The shuttle operates at regular intervals, and the ride costs SGD $2.50 per person.
- Mandai Shuttle: From the city center, you can catch the Mandai Express, a direct bus service to the park. Tickets can be purchased online or at designated bus stops. Cost is SGD $8 one way.
- Self-Drive: Parking is available on-site for those who prefer to drive.
For detailed information on transportation, visit the Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s official page.
Ticketing
We purchased our tickets online a day before our visit, which allowed us to bypass the ticketing queues upon arrival (they were long!). This proved advantageous, as the park’s opening time can be quite busy and tickets also provide you with an entry time. Booking in advance meant we could secure entry as soon as the park opened. Standard admission includes the tram ride (as many rides as you like), and prices are as follows:
- Adults: SGD $47.60
- Children (Ages 3-12): SGD $33.15
- Senior Citizens (Ages 60 and above): SGD $20
Discounts are available for Singapore residents and WildPass holders, as well as multi park tickets. For the latest pricing and promotions, check the official website for details.
Your Perfect Night Safari Itinerary
When we first stepped into the Night Safari, the entrance felt a bit chaotic with the crowds gathered around the tram line, the amphitheatre, and the nearby restaurants, with plenty of people just standing around looking unsure of where to go next.
It was busy, a little disorienting, and honestly, not the most relaxing way to start the night. Which is exactly why a bit of planning goes a long way. This guide will help you skip the overwhelm, avoid the worst of the queues, and enjoy a smoother, more memorable evening.
1. Start with the Walking Trails
Most visitors head straight for the tram ride, leading to long queues early in the evening. Instead, we began our adventure on the walking trails, which were serene and less crowded. This allowed us to observe the animals at our own pace and enjoy the tranquility of the park. We were able to see all the trails (and do rhino feeding) in just under two hours.
2. Reserve Seats for the ‘Creatures of the Night’ Show
The ‘Creatures of the Night’ show is a highlight you won’t want to miss. Reservations open two hours before each showtime and can only be made on-site by scanning a QR code outside the amphitheater. The earlier slots (7:30pm and 8:30pm) were already filled by the time we got to the amphitheatre so we aimed for the 9:30pm show.
Tip: if you scan the QR code and have the page open on your phone, you can start the trails and secure your spot once it opens exactly 2 hours before the show. Saves you waiting around!
3. Plan Your Dining
Dining options within the park are limited and can become crowded as the evening progresses. We recommend having dinner before arriving, purchasing an ice-cream for the trails and bringing along snacks if travelling with kids.
4. Finish with the tram ride
Later in the evening, the lines for the tram are short and there is more space on the seats to stretch out and get a better view of the animals on both sides of the tram.
Exploring the Park: Trails, Trams, and Shows
Walking Trails
The Night Safari features four distinct walking trails, each offering unique wildlife encounters:
- Tasmanian Devil Trail: See tasmanian devils, wallabies and a man made cave full of stalactites. Our highlight was seeing the kiwi bird – which we never managed to see while in New Zealand!
- East Lodge Trail: Features a white tiger and sloth bears rubbing up against trees. The babirusas and river hogs are interesting to watch, but our highlight was the aardvark having never seen one before.
- Pangolin Trail: This trail features the most animals so is a great one to visit if you only have time for one. How funny are pangolins to watch! We also loved the armadillos, slow loris, civets and brazilian porcupines.
- Leopard Trail: Here you’ll see leopards and can walk through enclosures with flying foxes and civets scurrying above overhead.
Tram Ride
The 40-minute tram ride offers a guided tour through various geographical zones, bringing you up close to larger animals like elephants, tapirs, and deer. Sitting on the right side provides the best views.
Unless you’re a pro with night photography, getting clear photos can be really tricky. The lighting is low and the tram doesn’t stop for long. I tried and decided it was better to just put the camera down and make the most of this once off experience (Should have done so earlier – I have a very disappointing camera roll of memories!)
Some animals, like the elephants, Malayan tapirs and deer are only visible from the tram and you won’t see them on trails. So sit back and enjoy.
‘Creatures of the Night’ Show
This interactive show features a variety of nocturnal animals showcasing their natural behaviours. We enjoyed being entertained by a playful fox that reminded us of a mischievous puppy. The porcupines also added a dose of cheeky humour to the performance and the white raccoon was a one of a kind sight that couldn’t be seen elsewhere in the park. There was also opportunity to see the owls rotate their heads 270 degrees. I think this show changes quite often so you never know what surprises await you!
Dining Options Within the Night Safari
Dining is in the form of a food court, with several stalls selling a variety of local and regional dishes in a rustic, open-air setting. There were some delicious Indian meals, Singaporean dishes and satay available, just to name a few, as well as ice-cream for keeping cool.
Even with these dining options, we highly recommend eating before you arrive and packing some light snacks, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Our biggest regret was not having dinner beforehand—after two hours of walking the trails, we had a very hungry and grumpy little one on our hands.
By the time we got to the dining area after the 9:30pm show, most food stalls were either sold out or closing, despite official hours stating they were open until 11 PM. The satay stall had a 30-minute wait, and the only meal left was a single dish from the Indian stall. Unfortunately, our overtired child then refused to eat, making for a challenging end to an otherwise incredible night.
Must-Do Experience: Rhino Feeding
One of the absolute highlights of our visit was the rhino feeding experience. This special encounter costs SGD $12 per person and must be booked online in advance. We highly recommend purchasing a ticket for each family member, as sharing is not allowed.
Our local zoo’s rhinos are typically elusive, often facing away from visitors and hiding at the back of the enclosure, so getting up close and personal with one pretty unique. The zookeepers shared some interesting facts about them while we hand fed these massive creatures. If you’re visiting the Night Safari, we strongly suggest adding this to your itinerary – it’s absolutely worth it! Note that slots are limited and it finishes at 9:00pm so you will need to head to the trails early.
Final Tips for an Enjoyable Visit
To make the most of your Night Safari adventure, keep these tips in mind:
- Arrive Early: If possible, book the earliest available time slot. Entry sometimes begins slightly before the official opening time.
- Start with the Walking Trails: Avoid the initial tram queues and enjoy a quieter, more immersive experience.
- Reserve Your Show Seats Early: Scan the QR code upon arrival to secure a spot at your preferred showtime.
- Plan Bathroom Breaks: Facilities are only available at the entrance and the midpoint of the trails—plan accordingly.
- Bring Mosquito Repellent: We forgot and ended up paying SGD $11 at the gift shop after being bitten multiple times.
- Stay Hydrated: Water refill stations are available throughout the park—bring a reusable bottle.
- Respect the Animals: The park is designed for the animals’ comfort, not ours. The lighting is intentionally dim, and flash photography or bright torches should never be used.
- Be Flexible: The Night Safari takes longer than expected. We originally thought we’d be done earlier but only left at 11:15 PM. This may have also been due to our dinner situation!
Why Visit the Night Safari?
Unlike a traditional zoo where many animals are asleep, the Singapore Night Safari is designed specifically for nocturnal creatures, offering a rare glimpse into their active behaviors. It remains the only year-round nocturnal wildlife park in the world, making it super special and worth putting on your Singapore itinerary.
From spotting a kiwi bird to witnessing a white raccoon—a rare sight—the variety of wildlife encounters made our visit extra special. The tram journey through multiple habitats, the engaging Creatures of the Night show, and the interactive rhino feeding all added to an unforgettable night.
If you’re planning a visit, follow our itinerary and tips to make the most of your evening and skip the worst of the crowds. And if you’re looking for more ideas to round out your time in the city, check out our 4-day Singapore itinerary with kids—the Night Safari was just one part of an action-packed trip.
