Singapore: Night Safari Entry Ticket

The Singapore Night Safari is often billed as a must-see attraction, and with good reason. It’s the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, offering a chance to observe nearly 900 animals in their natural habitats after sunset. While some travelers find it a magical experience, others raise concerns about the cost and organization. We’ve reviewed the details, reviews, and what you can realistically expect—so you can decide if this night-time adventure fits your travel plans.

What we like about it? It’s a rare chance to see a wide variety of animals from threatened species, the park’s setting is lush and immersive, and it’s consistently recognized as Singapore Tourism Board’s top attraction. However, some reviewers mention long queues and logistical hiccups, which can impact the overall experience. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast who values authentic encounters and aren’t bothered by crowds or waiting times, this tour offers genuine value.

Ideal for families, animal lovers, or those seeking a unique evening activity, but less so if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer seamless, quick experiences.

Good To Know

• Unique nocturnal experience: Witness animals active at night, which is rare and captivating.
• Good value for money: When compared to other zoo visits, the price is reasonable, considering the variety of animals.
• Logistics may be tricky: Long queues and confusing time slots are common complaints.
• Accessible via public transport: Easy to reach with MRT and buses, or by taxi/self-drive.
• Limited food options: Food and drinks are not included, but there’s an outside restaurant for a meal.
• Shorter tram rides: The tram offers a quick safari ride, but multiple reviewers found it too brief and crowded.

What is the Night Safari Experience Really Like?

Overview of the Night Safari

The Night Safari is a special kind of zoo—designed to showcase animals during their active hours after dark. It’s located roughly a 30-minute drive from the city center, accessible easily via MRT and connecting buses, or by taxi or self-drive. This makes it a fairly convenient evening outing, especially if you’re staying in central Singapore.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Arrival and Entry
Your adventure begins with your pre-booked ticket, which costs around $47.98. The ticket includes access to the park, but not transportation or food. Notably, some reviews mention difficulty in booking slots or downloading tickets, so arriving early and verifying your entry time is wise. The parks open from 7:15 pm until midnight, with last entry at 11:15 pm, giving you plenty of time to explore.

How to Get There
The most straightforward way is via public transport—taking the MRT on the North-South line and transferring to buses that go directly to the park. If you prefer, taxis or self-driving are also options, with the journey taking about 30 minutes from downtown.

The Evening Show & Short Performances
Once inside, you’ll find two scheduled performances: Creatures of the Night at the Amphitheatre and Twilight Performance at the entrance courtyard. These brief shows, lasting about 5-30 minutes, are designed to entertain and educate, and many visitors find them a helpful introduction to the park’s inhabitants.

The Animal Encounters and Viewing Areas

The core of the Night Safari experience lies in its immersive habitats and guided tram rides. Visitors often find the walking trails peaceful and more rewarding than the tram, with reviews highlighting that the tram ride was surprisingly short and sometimes crowded. One reviewer noted, “The tram was horrible. The number of animals visible was minimal,” but added that the walking trail’s closer encounters, like a keeper feeding a rhino just three feet away, made the visit memorable.

Highlights include:

• Encounters with threatened species like tigers, elephants, tapirs, and markhors.
• The chance to observe animals in a setting designed to mimic their natural environment.
• The park’s focus on breeding rare and endangered species, adding an educational element.

Value of the Ticket and Additional Costs

The ticket price of roughly $48 offers a reasonable entry point considering the park’s reputation. But reviews warn about extra expenses—transportation costs aren’t included, and some found that public transit could be cheaper than the recommended Grab taxis. Food and drinks are also not included, though there’s a restaurant outside the safari entrance where you can enjoy a meal, adding to your trip’s overall value.

Logistical Challenges

While the experience promises a lot, some reviews reveal frustrations. The booking system can be confusing, especially with limited time slots, leading to long waits—sometimes over an hour, as a reviewer described. Crowds can add to the wait, and the tram ride, while fun, is shorter than expected (about 20-25 minutes).

One visitor called the experience a “scam” because of ticket issues and the timing of their reservation, which underlines the importance of verifying your booking details and arriving early.

What Do People Say?

• “The evening walk was very relaxing,” notes one reviewer, but the confusing queue system and difficulties downloading tickets marred their experience.
• “Long queues and wait times made it less enjoyable,” laments another, particularly for the tram ride.
• Conversely, a visitor appreciated seeing animals at night and found the experience “well worth it,” especially for families wanting a different kind of zoo visit.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This Night Safari is perfect for families with children, wildlife lovers, and those craving an unusual evening adventure. The chance to see animals like rhinos, tigers, and elephants active at night truly is special. If you’re willing to endure some logistical challenges and long waits, you’ll find the experience engaging and worthwhile.

However, if you prefer seamless, quick visits or have limited time, this may feel a bit frustrating. Also, the focus on outdoor exploration means it’s less suitable for those with mobility issues or who dislike waiting in crowds.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a genuinely different perspective on wildlife, especially with animals active after sunset. Being able to observe rare species in a setting that mimics their natural environment adds a layer of authenticity few zoos can match. For animal enthusiasts and families seeking a memorable night out, the value is undeniable.

On the flip side, the logistical hiccups and the high possibility of waiting in line can detract from the overall enjoyment. It’s not the most polished experience, but it’s authentic and educational, which many travelers find appealing.

If you’re prepared to navigate some crowds, plan your timing carefully, and are interested in a close encounter with wildlife, this tour stands out as a unique activity in Singapore.

FAQs

Is the ticket included in the tour price?
Yes, the admission ticket is included in the price you pay, but transportation and food are not.

How do I get to the Night Safari?
It’s easiest via MRT on the North-South line and connecting buses or by taxi/self-drive. The park is about a 30-minute trip from central Singapore.

What are the park’s opening hours?
The park is open daily from 7:15 pm until midnight, with last entry at 11:15 pm.

Are there scheduled performances at the park?
Yes, there are Creatures of the Night shows at 7:30, 9:00, and 10:00 pm (Fri, Sat, and eve of public holidays), plus brief Twilight Performances at 8:15 pm and 9:15 pm.

What should I expect from the tram ride?
The tram offers a quick safari tour, but reviews suggest it’s often crowded and lasts only about 20-25 minutes—some find it underwhelming compared to the walking trails.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there’s a restaurant outside the safari entrance if you want to dine.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 3-12 need an admission ticket, and those under 3 can enter for free. It’s a family-friendly activity, especially if you enjoy wildlife viewing.

In summary, the Singapore Night Safari provides a special peek into nocturnal animal life—an experience that’s both educational and adventurous. While it does have some organizational flaws and can involve long waits, the chance to see rare animals are well worth considering for wildlife fans and families alike. Just plan ahead, arrive early, and enjoy the evening’s surprises.