Night Safari

The world's first nocturnal zoo. Ride a tram and walk trails through the night to see more than 900 nocturnal animals. It's the signature attraction of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

Night Safari opened in 1994 and was the first zoo in the world designed specifically for nocturnal animals. It sits within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve in northern Singapore, next to the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Bird Paradise. The park is home to more than 900 animals of over 100 species, shown in habitats lit with soft lighting that mimics moonlight.

How to visit: start with the 7:30pm show Creatures of the Night (about 20 minutes, queue ahead). Then take the 40-minute tram ride (Chinese audio narration is available on some sessions) through the Asian River Forest, Himalayan Foothills and other zones to see Asian elephants, rhinoceroses, spotted hyenas and Malayan tapirs. Finally, walk the four trails: Fishing Cat Trail, Leopard Trail, Eastern Plains Trail and Tasmanian Trail, for close-up views of clouded leopards, flying foxes and pangolins.

Admission is about S$55 for adults. A combo ticket with the Singapore Zoo or River Wonders is better value. Entry is by timed slot (for example 7:15pm, 8:15pm, 9:15pm), so book your slot on the official website in advance.

Suggested plan: spend the afternoon at the Singapore Zoo (lunch at Ah Meng restaurant costs around S$10, or try the buffet), then move to Night Safari at dusk. This is the classic one-day itinerary.

Getting there: take the MRT to Khatib station and transfer to the Mandai Express bus (about 20 minutes, S$1.50). Alternatively, a taxi from the city takes about 30 minutes (roughly S$25–30). Return buses can have long queues in the evening, so Grab is a good option.

Tips: flash photography is not allowed. Bring insect repellent and a light jacket. On rainy days most animals hide, so the experience is less rewarding.

Night Safari

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby