Opened in 1994, Singapore’s Night Safari was the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. Set in 35 hectares of secondary rainforest in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, it lets you watch more than 900 animals, from Asian elephants and Malayan tigers to pangolins and fishing cats, in habitats softly lit to look like moonlight. It is one of Singapore’s most popular evening attractions and a great family outing after dark.
Plan your visit to Night Safari
- Tickets: from S$58 (adult) and S$41 (child aged 3–12) for international visitors; the tram ride is included
- Opening hours: daily 6pm–midnight, last entry 11:15pm (trails and tram from 7pm)
- Time needed: 2–3 hours
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History of Night Safari
The idea of a zoo that opens only at night was suggested in the 1980s by Ong Swee Law, then executive chairman of the Singapore Zoo. Rather than reversing the animals’ body clocks, the park simply opens in the evening, when nocturnal animals are naturally active.
The Night Safari opened on 26 May 1994 next to the Singapore Zoo. Its subtle lighting, designed to resemble moonlight, lets visitors see animals without disturbing them. The park has won Singapore’s Best Attraction Experience award many times and is now part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve with the zoo, River Wonders and Bird Paradise.
Attractions at Night Safari
- Safari Adventure Tram: A tram ride with commentary through the park’s geographical zones, from the Himalayan foothills to the Indian subcontinent and equatorial Africa. It is the easiest way to see the big animals such as elephants, rhinos and lions.
- Walking trails: Four trails let you explore on foot at your own pace:
- Leopard Trail: leopards, civets, porcupines and other forest animals
- Pangolin Trail: pangolins, otters and other Southeast Asian natives
- East Lodge Trail: animals of the African savannah and tropical forests
- Tasmanian Devil Trail: animals from Australia and New Guinea
- Creatures of the Night presentation: A popular show where keepers introduce nocturnal animals and their skills.
- Keeper talks and feeding: Scheduled talks and feeding sessions, including feeding the Indian rhinoceros, run through the evening.
Things to Do at Night Safari
- Ride the tram first: Take the tram early for an overview, then walk the trails for closer views.
- Walk the trails: The trails are quieter and give you time to spot shy animals like fishing cats and civets.
- Catch a show: Check the schedule for Creatures of the Night and keeper talks when you arrive.
- Book a guided tour: The Safari Adventure Tour takes small groups around by buggy with a guide.
- Take photos without flash: Flash photography is not allowed, as it disturbs the animals.
Night Safari – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
The Night Safari is open daily from 6:00pm to 12:00am, with last entry at 11:15pm. The walking trails and tram rides start at 7:00pm, so arriving around 6:30pm gives you time to eat first. Children under 3 enter free with a paying adult. Prices and hours can change, so check the official Mandai website before you go.
Night Safari ticket options
- Night Safari only: tickets on Klook or Tiqets
- Zoo by day, Night Safari by night: combo tickets on Klook or Tiqets
- Seeing several attractions? The Go City Singapore pass includes the Night Safari and Singapore Zoo.
Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
How Long to Spend at Night Safari
Plan on 2 to 3 hours at the Night Safari, enough for the tram ride, a show and one or two walking trails. Weekends and school holidays are busy, so book your ticket in advance and arrive early.
How to Get There
- MRT + Mandai Khatib Shuttle: Take the North-South Line to Khatib (NS14) and board the M2 Mandai Khatib Shuttle from Exit A. The ride takes about 20 minutes and costs S$2.50; it runs until midnight.
- Public bus: Bus 138 from Ang Mo Kio (NS16) or Springleaf (TE4), or bus 927 from Choa Chu Kang (NS4).
- Taxi or ride-hailing: About 30 minutes from the city centre. Taxi stands and ride-hailing pick-up points are at the Mandai carparks, which is useful when leaving late at night.
Arriving at Changi Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel.
Eateries Nearby Night Safari
The Night Safari has its own food outlets near the entrance, so you can have dinner before your visit:
- Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant: The main restaurant, styled like an old Malay kampung (village).
- Local and Asian Favourites: A food court with local dishes.
- Indian Cuisine: Curries and other Indian dishes.
- Grilled Delights: Satay and other grilled meats.
- Ben & Jerry’s: Ice cream for dessert.
Other Attractions Nearby Night Safari
- Singapore Zoo: The daytime zoo next door, famous for its open habitats and orangutans; many visitors combine the two in one day.
- River Wonders: A river-themed park with giant pandas and manatees.
- Bird Paradise: Asia’s largest bird park, also in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Singapore: staying near an MRT line makes the late-night trip back easy.
- Get a Singapore eSIM before you land, for maps and ride-hailing apps.
The Night Safari is one of Singapore’s most memorable experiences: a rainforest park where you can watch tigers, elephants, pangolins and fishing cats at the time of day when they are most active. With a tram ride, four walking trails and nightly shows, it suits families, couples and wildlife lovers alike.
Arrive around 6:30pm, eat at the park’s restaurants, and start with the tram once it begins at 7pm. If you have a full day, visit the Singapore Zoo next door in the morning and book a combo ticket to save money.
