Nocturnal Animals Up Close and Personal: A Guide to the Night Safari in Singapore
The Night Safari in Singapore is home to over 2,500 animals representing more than 130 species, many of which are threatened or endangered.
One of the park’s highlights is the Malayan tiger, a critically endangered species with fewer than 200 individuals remaining in the wild!
It’s also where the mysteries of the night come alive in the heart of the tropics. This guide will help you navigate the lush landscapes and diverse habitats of the safari. Prepare your binoculars now!
Things to Know
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road
Contact: +6562693411
Hours: Daily, Saturday, 7.15 PM–midnight
Fees:
Adult: S$56
Child: S$39
Senior: S$20
Accessibility: The park provides accessible facilities, including ramps, designated viewing areas, and stroller and wheelchair-accessible trams. Admission tickets include a complimentary tram service.
Amenities: Restrooms, first aid stations, gift shops, dining options, wheelchair rentals, rest and seating areas, photo services, lockers, water coolers
Pet-friendliness: Pets aren’t allowed on the park premises.
Parking: Visitors to the Night Safari can park at the multi-story car park located at the Singapore Zoo. The car park is shared by the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and River Safari. Parking fees apply.
How to Get to the Night Safari
By train and bus: To get to the Night Safari, take the MRT and catch a connecting bus to Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Here are some MRT stations and corresponding buses to take:
- Khatib (North-South Line) MRT, then the Mandai Khatib shuttle
- Choa Chu Kang (North-South Line) MRT, then the 927 bus
- Ang Mo Kio (North-South Line) MRT, then the 138 bus
- Springleaf (Thomson-East Coast Line) MRT, then the 138 bus
The Mandai Khatib Loop shuttle service runs daily from Khatib MRT Station (NS14) to the wildlife parks, with two drop-off points. Bus fare is S$3 for adults and $3 for children (ages 7 to 12).
By taxi: Taxis are available at the Mandai East Carpark (Car Park 2) taxi stand. All fares are metered. A S$5 surcharge applies to taxis departing from Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
By taxi alternatives/private hire cars: Book private hire cars from Grab, Gojek, TADA, or Ryde to/from Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Use the designated pick-up/drop-off point at Mandai East Carpark (Car Park 2).
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Night Safari is from 7.30 to 9.30 PM so you can catch the park’s presentations with talented performers and animals.
The nightly presentation called Creatures of the Night lasts 25 minutes, with showtimes at 7.30, 8.30, and 9,30 PM. Catch it at the Night Safari Amphitheatre.
Another presentation, Twilight Performance, lasts 5 minutes, with showtimes at 8 and 9 PM at the Night Safari Entrance Courtyard.
You can book seats at the booking portal starting two hours before each show. Please make sure your booking time aligns with your admission time.
What to Do
Hand-feed rhinos
You can hand-feed one-horned rhinos under the moonlit sky daily from 7.30 PM to 9 PM on the East Lodge Trail. Do note that participants have to be at least 1.2 metres tall for safety reasons (rhinos like munching on short people—kidding!).
A $12 add-on fee per food portion applies. There’s also a limited-time photography service if you want to show off your rhino-feeding skills on your social media.
Go on a guided buggy and walking tour
There’s a way to avoid the crowds and enjoy the Night Safari in an intimate setting, making the experience more enjoyable and less rushed. The private buggy and walking tour also provides exclusive insights into the care and conservation efforts of the animals, with behind-the-scenes information shared by your personal guide.
It’s customisable, too: the tour can be tailored to your interests, focusing on specific animals or areas you’re particularly keen to see.
Get to know animal quirks at Keeper Talks
Learn about the park’s wildlife directly from the keepers during interactive sessions. From them, you can hear fascinating animal quirks, including talks on the Asiatic lion (Fridays and weekends, 8 and 9 PM) and the white tiger (Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30 and 9:30 PM).
You can even catch some critter gossip and drama among the animals (we heard the penguins are particularly scandalous), if the keepers are willing to spill some spicy beans to the audience!
Learn to take impressive night photography
The Night Safari offers a unique chance to observe nocturnal animals in their natural habitat, but capturing photos in low light can be challenging. Some rare wildlife moments can happen faster than shutter speed.
Don’t fret because the website offers professional tips from Sony photographers to help visitors capture quality pictures of their wild adventures. They’re available to download for free!
Where to Eat
Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant
— Media from befreetour
Address: Night Safari, 80 Mandai Lake Rd
Contact: +6562693411
Hours: Daily, 6–11 PM
Price: $$$
Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant, located at the Night Safari plaza entrance (no ticket required), serves meat and vegan options. The menu features Indian, local Asian, and grilled dishes.
Vegetarian options include a tikka and naan set and a curry biryani rice set. You can also ask which dishes can be made vegan.
Pavilion Banana Leaf
Address: 20 Mandai Lake Rd, Mandai Wildlife WEST
Contact: +6569049876
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 11 AM–9 PM
Saturday to Sunday, 9 AM–9 PM
Price: $$
Pavilion Banana Leaf, a halal-certified eatery, uses authentic centuries-old South Indian recipes with local influences. The spacious, airy setting provides a view of lush greenery which can add to the dining pleasure.
My recommended must-tries here are the delectable half-fish head curry and the chicken biryani set. Portions are generous to share between two moderate eaters.
A&W Bird Paradise
Address: 20 Mandai Lake Rd, Bird Paradise
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Daily, 9 AM–8 PM
Price: $$
There aren’t a lot of dining options to provide convenient and delicious choices for those visiting the Night Safari, but I’m happy that A&W is available. On muggy nights, I especially enjoy its root beer float with root beer and vanilla ice cream in a frosted glass.
A must-try is the signature Mozza Burger, featuring two juicy beef patties, mozzarella, fresh vegetables, and chicken crisp.
Where to Shop
Night Safari Shop
— Media from sgpetbuddies
Address: Park entrance
Hours: Daily, 6.30 PM–midnight
Price: $$
I love bringing home plush toys of the unique night creatures from the Night Safari gift shop. It’s like I can recreate my own safari experience with the soft toys at home.
The store has plenty of eye-catching souvenirs that remind me of my visit. Plus, there are special animal-themed promotions, and every purchase supports wildlife conservation.
Sanctuary Shop
— Media from bonuttingtong
Address: Park entrance
Hours: Daily, 6.30 PM–midnight
Price: $$
If you want to explore a full range of Wildlife Sanctuary products, including consumables, apparel, and lifestyle accessories, visit the Sanctuary Shop which is open until midnight.
There are some nifty hand-crafted jewellery, themed apparel, and eco-friendly items like reusable bottles available here, which are perfect for gifting to animal lovers.