Singapore: Night Safari Entry Ticket

Singapore’s Night Safari is often touted as a must-see attraction, boasting the title of the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. With over 900 animals and a commitment to breeding threatened species like tigers and elephants, it promises a unique experience after sunset. We’ve looked into what travelers are saying and what you can reasonably expect from a visit, whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a different kind of evening activity.

You’ll love the chance to see animals in their nighttime habitats, the opportunity for some stunning wildlife viewing, and the option to enjoy a meal at Ulu Ulu Restaurant outside the park entrance. The park’s reputation as a top Singapore attraction is backed by the Tourism Board’s recognition and impressive visitor numbers—over 1.3 million annually.

However, potential visitors should be aware of some logistical and value-related concerns. Many reviews mention long waits, confusing booking procedures, and questions about whether the experience justifies the cost. This tour best suits travelers who prioritize seeing nocturnal animals and don’t mind a bit of hustle to get there.

Key Points

• Unique Nighttime Experience: See a wide variety of animals active after dark, many of which are threatened species.
• Convenient Access: Easily reachable via MRT and bus or by car/taxi, with clear directions.
• Cost and Value: Priced at $47.98, but reviews suggest it might be expensive considering the overall experience and potential waits.
• Long Queues & Waits: Expect significant lines, especially for the tram ride, with some visitors waiting over an hour.
• Limited Food Options: Food isn’t included, but dining at Ulu Ulu Restaurant offers a relaxing option outside the park.
• Entertainment & Education: Features like Creatures of the Night and Twilight Performances add extra layers to the visit, although schedules are limited.
• Authentic Wildlife Encounters: Some reviews highlight close-up moments, such as a keeper feeding a rhino just feet away.
• Mixed Reviews: While some find it worthwhile, others feel it’s overrated and costly, especially considering transportation and wait times.

Getting There and Entrance Details

Reaching the Night Safari is straightforward. The most convenient route involves taking the MRT on the North-South (Red) line to a station with connecting buses that drop you right outside the park. If you prefer driving, it’s about a 30-minute ride from downtown Singapore—note that parking is available but not included in the ticket price.

The ticket cost is $47.98 per person, which on paper seems reasonable, especially since it includes admission. But, as some reviewers point out, the total expense can rise significantly with transportation costs or if you opt for additional activities or meals.

Booking and Entry Experience

Booking through the official system appears to be a common source of frustration. Reviewers describe the process as confusing, with some struggling to download e-tickets or find available time slots. One guest mentioned that they couldn’t download their ticket and had to be escorted through the gate by a helpful staff member—indicating some issues with the online system.

It’s recommended to arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled time to avoid missing out, especially during busy nights or peak hours. Once inside, you’ll notice that the park is large, and there are scheduled short performances, such as “Creatures of the Night” at 7:30 pm, 9:00 pm, and 10:00 pm (Fri, Sat, and eves of public holidays). The Twilight Performance at 8:15 pm and 9:15 pm adds to the evening’s entertainment, although they are brief, around five minutes each.

The Main Attractions: What’s on Offer?

Night Safari Walks

The core of the experience is the night walk through the expansive park, designed to mimic the natural habitats of nocturnal animals. Visitors can expect to see animals such as tigers, elephants, tapirs, and many more in environments recreated to resemble their natural surroundings. Some reviews emphasize how remarkable it is to see animals active at night, with one noting that it’s “long and slow but worth it,” especially when observing animals in their habitat.

Tram Ride

The tram ride is often highlighted as the primary way to cover much ground quickly. It’s an open-air tram that glides through different zones, offering views of animals from a safe distance. However, the ride is often criticized for its brevity—lasting only 20–25 minutes—and for the long waits reported by many visitors, sometimes exceeding an hour. One reviewer described it as “horrible,” with minimal animal sightings, but praised the experience of seeing a rhino being fed up close on the walking trail.

Animal Encounters & Feeding

Some guests have noted rare moments of intimacy, like a zookeeper feeding a rhino just a few feet away, which adds a special touch to the visit. These moments, however, seem to be unpredictable and depend heavily on timing and luck.

Dining Options

While food isn’t included in the ticket, many choose to unwind at Ulu Ulu Restaurant, located outside the safari entrance. The restaurant offers a chance to relax after the walk or tram ride, with a menu that many reviews describe as tasty and well worth the visit, especially if you want a break from the walking.

Authentic Insights from Visitors

One reviewer, John_K, found the booking process frustrating, with confusing time slots and difficulty downloading tickets, but appreciated the staff’s helpfulness. Another, Jack_m, felt that the tram was underwhelming, citing minimal animal sightings and high transportation costs, suggesting that the overall value might be lacking unless you’re very keen on seeing animals in a nocturnal setting.

In contrast, JOE_B highlighted the experience as worthwhile for the opportunity to see animals in their natural nocturnal behaviors, describing it as “especially good” and “well worth it.” Meanwhile, Natalie_A expressed disappointment at long lines, stating she waited over an hour in sweltering heat just for the tram ride, which she felt was too short given the wait.

A particularly negative review from Thomasina_A called the tickets a “scam,” criticizing the booking system and the mismatch between advertised and actual available times. These varying insights underscore the importance of managing expectations and being prepared for logistical hurdles.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Book early: The experience is often booked about 6 days in advance, so plan ahead if you want to secure a preferred time slot.
• Arrive early: Aim to get there at least 45 minutes before your scheduled entry to avoid delays, especially during weekends or holidays.
• Prepare for waits: Queue times for the tram and entry can be lengthy, so bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and be patient.
• Consider transportation costs: While public transport is straightforward, some reviews suggest that it might be cheaper than taxis or Grab. Factor this into your budget.
• Bring your camera: There are many photo opportunities, especially during feeding or close encounters, but lighting can be tricky.
• Check performance times: If you want to catch the Creatures of the Night or Twilight performances, plan your visit around their schedules.

Is the Night Safari Worth It?

This experience offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see nocturnal animals in environments designed to mimic their natural habitats. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, eager to see animals active at night, or want an engaging, family-friendly outing, the Night Safari can be quite rewarding. The chance to observe feeding sessions and close encounters adds to its appeal.

However, the experience’s value hinges on your patience and expectations. If you’re looking for a seamless, short adventure with minimal wait times, you might find the queues and logistical issues a bit frustrating. The tram ride’s brevity, combined with the reported long waits, can make it feel less than worth the ticket price for some.

For budget-conscious travelers, consider whether transportation and additional costs push the total expense beyond what you’re comfortable paying. And if you prefer a more straightforward zoo visit, or dislike crowds, this might not be the ideal choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour best suits those who:

• Prioritize wildlife viewing, especially of nocturnal animals in a spacious, naturalistic setting.
• Are comfortable with crowds and waiting times.
• Want to combine a dinner or relaxed meal at Ulu Ulu Restaurant after the walk.
• Are interested in educational performances like Creatures of the Night.
• Don’t mind short durations for the tram ride and are okay with potential logistical hurdles.

On the flip side, travelers who dislike long queues, brief rides, or uncertain ticketing might want to explore alternative options or plan for additional time and patience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Night Safari suitable for young children?
Yes, children between 3 and 12 years old require an admission ticket, but children under 3 can enter for free. The park offers an engaging experience for families, though parents should prepare for possible waits and the dark environment.

How do I get tickets for the Night Safari?
Tickets are purchased through the official booking system, which is recommended to secure your preferred time slot. However, some reviews mention that the booking process can be confusing and that tickets might not always be available immediately.

What is included in the ticket?
The ticket includes entry to the Night Safari park. Food and drinks are not included, but you can enjoy a meal at Ulu Ulu Restaurant outside the entrance.

Are there any performances I should plan to see?
Yes, there are scheduled short performances like Creatures of the Night, available at 7:30 pm, 9:00 pm, and 10:00 pm on certain nights, and a Twilight Performance at 8:15 pm and 9:15 pm.

What is the duration of the experience?
Expect around 4 hours total, including walking, tram ride, and optional performances. The tram ride itself lasts about 20-25 minutes, but wait times can extend this.

Is transportation included in the ticket?
No, transportation is not included. Visitors are responsible for their own travel, with options including public transport, taxis, or self-driving.

Can I buy food inside the park?
Food is not included in the ticket, but the Ulu Ulu Restaurant offers dining options outside the safari entrance, which many visitors find convenient for a break.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a light jacket or umbrella if needed, and a camera for capturing wildlife moments. Prepare for crowds and long waits at peak times.

Is the experience worth the cost?
While the ticket price is $47.98, reviews point to mixed perceptions of value—some find it worth the experience of seeing animals at night, while others feel the long lines, short tram ride, and additional costs reduce its overall value.

The Singapore Night Safari is undeniably a captivating concept—an opportunity to see animals active after dark in a thoughtfully designed environment. It’s suited for wildlife lovers and families eager for a different kind of adventure. However, logistical challenges, long waits, and questions about whether the experience justifies the price mean it’s best approached with patience and realistic expectations.

If you’re prepared for some hustle and can appreciate the chance to observe nocturnal creatures in their habitat, this tour can be quite rewarding. But if you prefer a more streamlined, shorter visit or are sensitive to crowds, you might want to consider other options or plan your visit during less busy periods.

In any case, the Night Safari remains a distinctive way to spend an evening in Singapore—offering a blend of education, entertainment, and wildlife that few other places can match.