SOTC Blog

How many times have we watched nocturnal animals on television and hoped to see them up close in person? The Night Safari in Singapore allows you to do just that, in nature’s own glory. LetsGo gives you a sneak-peek into the Night Safari. Here you can look a one-horned rhinoceros in the eye or hear the howls of a pack of striped hyenas.

There are 1,200 animals of over 100 exotic species to look for. Strike out on your own along the walking trail or relax in a tram ride – whichever you choose, the Night Safari is a wild adventure not to be missed.

1.The zoo and the animals

Nocturnal houses aren’t unheard of. These houses reverse the day-night cycles of the nocturnal animals so that they are active in the day time instead. However, Singapore’s Night Safari is an open air zoo that is open to public only in the night.

The Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal zoo and also Singapore’s premier tourist attractions. The idea of a nocturnal zoo was first mooted in the 1980s by the former Executive Chairman of the Singapore Zoological Gardens, Dr. Ong Swee Law. The Night Safari opened on May 26, 1994. This open air zoo is located on 40 hectares of rainforest situated adjacent to the Singapore Zoo. The Night Safari is home to as many as 1040 animals of close to 120 different species. Almost 29% of the animals are from the endangered category of animals. Some of the animals one can find at the zoo are Indian rhinoceros, lions, cheetahs, wild boars and different varieties of snakes and other reptiles.

2.Tram through the park

One of the main attractions at the Night Safari is the 40 minute tram ride through the dense shrubbery. The Park is divided into regions such as the Himalayan Foothills, Nepalese River Valley, Indian Subcontinent and Equatorial Africa among others. These regions feature animals specific to the region in reality. Each region has similar vegetation and landscape as the original regions, not only making the area conducive for the animals, but also giving the tourists a feel of being in a certain region in reality.

The tram ride starts from the Himalayan Foothills where tourist can witness the animals such as the bharal, markhor and the Himalayan griffon vulture. The tram then enters the marshlands and the low lying areas representing the Nepalese River valley where can observe the wonders of sambars, rhinoceros, the golden jackals and pelicans. Next is the Indian Subcontinent region displaying the varied species of animals including the barasingha, sloth bears and Gir lions.

The Equatorial African region features next on the journey. One can expect to see the bongos, Cape giraffes in this region. The tram then travels across the Indo-Malayan Region. Indonesia’s rich biodiversity is on display as tourists grab a sight of animals such as the regal Malayn tiger and babirusa, the Malayan pig deer.

In the Asian RIverine Region, the tram often halts to let the Malayan tapir cross the tram line. This region especially lets one be spellbound by being able to enjoy the splendor of tropical animals just a few feet away. The Asian elephant and red dhole can be seen in this region. The last region is the Burmese Hillside Region. This steep and rugged highlands is the home to animals such as the thamin and gaurs.

3.Walk the way

A safari is incomplete without walking trails through the forest. Night Safari doesn’t disappoint here either. It offers a delightful feast for the sense through four interlinked trials. The Leopard Trail brings you face-to-face with the spotted feline while it indulges in its daily activities such hunting.

The Fishing Cats Trail is another enthralling one. While on this trial you are sure to be enthralled by hunting activities of the Fishing Cats. Be sure to keep an eye for pangolins, Indian gharials and the Malayan flying fox, the largest bats in the world.

The Forest Giants Trail, as the name suggests, takes the visitors to the forest giants, some of which have been around for several years. This trails focuses on the flora of the region with emphasis on the native plants.

The East Lodge Safari spans over the Equatorial African region and the Indo-Malayan region. Spotted hyenas, bongos, babirusas and last but not the least, the Malayan tigers make this trail totally worthwhile.

4.Other attractions

The Night Safari has a number of other highlights. There are cultural performances, performances by animals and sessions of animal photography.

Thumbuakar: For the visitors of the Night Safari, the Management has arranged for a cultural program called Thunbuakar. This show features fir-eaters, ethnic dancers and other fire stunts. Shows are staged three times a day.

Creatures of the Night: The Creatures of the Night is an interactive animal presentation. The show is a 20 minute programme that features various nocturnal animals such as owls, civets and raccoons. Visitors can get up close and personal with the animals as well. This show is highly recommended by the Night Safari Management. The show occurs thrice daily on weekdays and four times on weekends. Seating is on first come first served basis.

Animal Photography: At Night Safari’s Photo mount visitors can get photographs with some nocturnal creatures; either taken by professionals or themselves. At a nominal rate, one can enjoy an experience with the animals and photograph them as well.

5.Dine in the wild

The Night Safari is home to a couple of fine dining restaurants. Ulu Ulu Safari offers a rustic ambience. One can also board the Gourmet Safari Express to enjoy delicacies on the move under the starry nights.

The Night Safari is a unique concept where one can see animals in their natural habitat and pursuing their natural habits. When in Singapore, be sure to visit the Night Safari for a rare moment with nature’s wonderful creations.

Enjoy Singapore tours with SOTC’s Singapore tour packages.