When it comes to wildlife experiences, few places in the world compare to the Singapore Zoo and its neighboring Night Safari. Set amidst lush rainforest, these world-class attractions offer a chance to see animals up close in naturalistic habitats—without cages or bars. It is one of the best family experiences in Singapore and a must-visit for nature and animal lovers alike.
- Singapore Zoo: A Rainforest Wonderland
- Top Highlights at the Singapore Zoo
- Singapore Zoo Essentials
- Night Safari: The World’s First Nocturnal Zoo
- The Experience at Night Safari
- Night Safari Essentials
- Getting There and Ticketing
- Why You Should Visit
Singapore Zoo: A Rainforest Wonderland
Opened in 1973, the Singapore Zoo has become one of the most respected zoological parks globally. Spanning 26 hectares, it houses over 4,200 animals from more than 300 species. Significantly, many of these species are endangered. The zoo’s hallmark is its “open concept” design, which means animals live in spacious, landscaped enclosures separated from visitors by natural barriers like moats and rocks instead of cages, thereby creating an immersive, safari-like experience.
Top Highlights at the Singapore Zoo
Visitors can easily spend a full day exploring the varied and engaging exhibits. Here are some of the most popular areas:
- Orangutan Island: The Singapore Zoo is famous for its free-ranging orangutans, who swing freely above the visitor paths. Watching these gentle, intelligent primates up close is a truly special experience.
- Elephants of Asia: Meet the zoo’s friendly herd of Asian elephants during their feeding or training sessions, where keepers share fascinating insights about their care and behavior.
- Wild Africa: Walk through a mini African savanna, which features zebras, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and white rhinos. This area proves extremely popular for both kids and photographers.
- Fragile Forest: Step inside a massive biodome filled with free-flying butterflies, lemurs, sloths, and tropical birds. Exploring this ecosystem feels truly immersive.
- Frozen Tundra & Reptile Garden: Get close to penguins, reptiles, and cold-climate species, which offers a nice contrast to Singapore’s tropical weather.
- Rainforest KidzWorld: Perfect for younger visitors, this area features pony rides, water play zones, and educational animal encounters.
Singapore Zoo Essentials
Planning your visit around the animal shows and feeding times enhances the overall experience. The park offers various ticket options, and multi-park passes are available, too.
- Tickets: Single park admission for the Singapore Zoo starts from SGD 48 for adults and SGD 33 for children aged 3–12.
- Opening Hours: The zoo operates daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Tip: Arrive early to catch the morning feedings and popular shows like the Rainforest Fights Back or Elephants of Asia presentations.
Night Safari: The World’s First Nocturnal Zoo
The legendary Night Safari sits right next to the Singapore Zoo. Established in 1994, it became the world’s first zoo dedicated entirely to nocturnal animals. It remains one of Singapore’s most unique attractions, offering a rare chance to see animals in action after dark.
Spread over 35 hectares of forest, the Night Safari houses over 900 animals from more than 100 species. Many of these creatures are naturally active only at night. The experience is both thrilling and peaceful, combining natural beauty with a touch of mystery.
The Experience at Night Safari
The park is carefully lit to allow visitors excellent viewing while maintaining a dark, natural environment for the nocturnal residents. Visitors generally combine a guided tram ride with walking trails.
- Tram Ride Through the Wild: Hop on a 40-minute tram ride that takes you through different zones, from the Asian rainforest to the African savanna. A guide narrates fascinating facts about the animals you see along the way.
- Walking Trails: After the tram, you can explore the park on foot via themed walking trails, which allow for a more intimate viewing experience. The Leopard Trail lets you see leopards, lions, civets, and porcupines up close. Additionally, on the Fishing Cat Trail, you watch these incredible hunters in action near the water, and the East Lodge Trail offers encounters with spotted hyenas and Malayan tigers.
- Night Show: Do not miss the Creatures of the Night Show, where you will see animals like Asian small-clawed otters and fennec foxes displaying their natural talents and interactive demonstrations with their keepers. Showtimes occur at 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, and 9:30 PM, with an extra 10:30 PM show on Fridays, Saturdays, and eve of Public Holidays.
Night Safari Essentials
Visiting the Night Safari requires a separate admission ticket from the Singapore Zoo.
- Tickets: Single park admission for the Night Safari starts from SGD 55 for adults and SGD 40 for children aged 3–12.
- Opening Hours: The park opens in the evening, operating from 7:15 PM until 12:00 AM, with the last entry at 11:15 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: Arriving around 7 PM allows you to catch the first tram and the opening show, maximizing your viewing time with the animals.
Getting There and Ticketing
Both the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari are located in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, about 30 minutes from downtown Singapore. These attractions are part of the larger Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which also includes River Wonders and Bird Paradise.
- How to Get There: Take the North-South Line on the MRT to Khatib Station, then board the dedicated Mandai Khatib Shuttle. Alternatively, a taxi or ride-share service like Grab provides a quick and convenient option, especially for families.
- Address: Mandai Wildlife Reserve, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826.
- Combo Tickets: Purchasing a multi-park Destination Pass for two or more parks offers significant savings over buying individual tickets. For instance, a 2-Park Combo ticket for the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari starts from approximately S$98.64 for a non-resident adult.
Why You Should Visit
The Singapore Zoo and Night Safari are more than mere attractions; they function as conservation landmarks that showcase the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom. You will leave with unforgettable memories and a new appreciation for wildlife and nature. Spend the day exploring the zoo’s vibrant habitats, then stay into the evening for the Night Safari’s magical twilight adventure. Together, they make for one of the most rewarding days you can have in Singapore.
