Most visitors know Sentosa for its beaches, theme parks, and oceanfront resorts—but just a short ride away lies an experience that flips the concept of a typical wildlife visit. The Singapore Night Safari, located in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, offers a striking contrast to Sentosa’s daytime buzz. It introduces travelers to a side of Singapore where the animals don’t sleep when the sun goes down. Instead of sunbathers and roller coasters, you’ll find leopards, hyenas, and fishing cats thriving under artificial moonlight.
For anyone extending their Sentosa itinerary to see more of what the island and surrounding city offer, the Night Safari adds a rare nocturnal twist to the journey. It’s not a zoo. It’s not a show. It’s a walk (and ride) through 35 hectares of nighttime wilderness, built to show what most travelers never get to see: how wildlife behaves after dark.
What Makes the Night Safari Different?
- World’s first nocturnal wildlife park
- More than 900 animals, 100 species
- Located within Mandai Wildlife Reserve
- Awarded Best Attraction 13 times by the Singapore Tourism Board
- Home to endangered species like the Malayan tiger and Sunda pangolin
The Night Safari isn’t just about passive viewing. It’s structured to encourage participation, education, and awareness about the lives and habitats of animals typically unseen by daylight visitors.
Tram Safari: Wheels Through the Wild
The 40-minute Tram Safari is the park’s core experience. The open-sided tram rolls through six carefully themed zones, designed to reflect ecosystems ranging from the Himalayan foothills to equatorial Africa and Southeast Asia. Each segment uses subtle lighting, ambient sound, and open terrain.
Zones You’ll Pass Through:
- Himalayan Foothills – Watch bharals and markhors adapt to rocky slopes.
- Indian Subcontinent – Spot striped hyenas, sloth bears, and barasingha.
- Equatorial Africa – See hippos, zebras, and giraffes in wide-open grasslands.
- Indo-Malayan Region – Observe endangered leopards and deer species.
- Asian Riverine Forest – Look for fishing cats and otters along riverbanks.
- Nepalese River Valley – Elephants roam quietly among dense greenery.
The commentary provides context without overselling. It’s both factual and unobtrusive, allowing the natural soundscape to dominate.
Walking Trails: Closer, Quieter, Wilder
For visitors who want proximity without barriers, four walking trails wind through different environments. Each is designed to put the viewer within the same space as the animals—no cages, just carefully placed natural boundaries.
Key Trails:
- Fishing Cat Trail – Watch elusive fishing cats hunt silently in shallow waters.
- Leopard Trail – Stand within meters of leopards, fruit bats, and porcupines.
- East Lodge Trail – Cross paths with Malayan tigers and red river hogs.
- Wallaby Trail – Stroll through a recreated Australasian outback setting.
One moment you’re beside a tapir, the next under a canopy filled with fruit bats. Every step carries possibility.
Creatures of the Night Show
This 25-minute presentation features nocturnal animals showcasing their natural behaviors with the help of keepers. It’s interactive, runs several times a night, and manages to remain respectful to the animals involved.
Expect performances from:
- Binturongs showing off their scent-marking skills
- Civets displaying their climbing and food-finding instincts
- Otters completing tasks tied to environmental messages like recycling
Seating is limited, and booking in advance is wise.
Tickets and Timing
- Opening Hours: After sunset; usually from 6:30 PM to midnight
- Tickets: From S$41 per adult
- Booking: Online in advance is recommended, especially for showtime slots
- Multi-park Passes: Available for access to other Mandai parks (e.g., Singapore Zoo, River Wonders)
Those who plan ahead not only secure better slots but also reduce wait times during peak hours.
How to Get There
The park is in Mandai, a lush green zone in northern Singapore. While it’s not immediately central, access is smooth.
Transport Options:
- Mandai Khatib Shuttle – Direct, affordable, frequent
- Public buses and MRT – Multiple lines connect to nearby stations
- Taxi or rideshare – The most direct option for families or groups
The area is signposted clearly, and drop-off points are structured for high traffic.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Arrive Early: Use the pre-entry time to dine or browse nearby attractions
- Wear Walking Shoes: Trails involve uneven ground and dim lighting
- Bring Insect Repellent: Dense foliage means mosquitoes are active
- Use the Mandai App: Maps, show reminders, tram schedules, and animal guides in one place
- Keep Flash Off: Photography is allowed, but flash disrupts animals and other guests
Each tip increases your odds of spotting rare behavior—like a pangolin climbing or a hyena scent-marking its territory.
Conservation at the Core
The Night Safari supports over 40% of its species through conservation breeding programs. Animals like the Malayan tiger, clouded leopard, and Sunda pangolin are not just housed—they’re protected. The park collaborates globally to manage genetic diversity, safe habitats, and rewilding efforts.
Visitors fund real action. Every tram ride, trail walk, and souvenir purchased contributes to research, breeding, and habitat protection.
Design Without Disruption
Lighting within the Night Safari is engineered to mimic moonlight. It allows humans to see, but without disturbing the animals’ behavior. Enclosures are open-concept and use:
- Cattle grids to prevent movement across zones
- Moats instead of walls
- Natural foliage as camouflage and privacy
This design removes the visual noise of fences and enclosures. The animal remains the focus.
Final Thoughts
The Singapore Night Safari offers an after-dark experience that stands apart from the city’s polished skyline and vibrant daytime attractions. For those staying around Sentosa or the lively stretches of Orchard Road, it’s a chance to see another side of Singapore—one that trades neon lights for moonlit paths and city crowds for quiet animal encounters. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, the Night Safari adds dimension to any itinerary, connecting the urban with the wild in a way only Singapore can.
