Singapore Night Safari

One thing that is always interesting to see in every country, is how they set up and run their zoos. What regulations they have or do not have, how close you can get to the animals and the overall experience. We have been to several different zoos over the years but the Singapore Night Safari still sticks out with us to this day.

You order your tickets in advance online, they are $62.35 SPD/each ( $62.78 CAD/each) and schedule the time you would like to start your evening. Once you have received your tickets, you are set for the evening. You cannot enter before the time you specified, but once you have entered you can stay as late as you want or until close.

We started our evening at 7:30 pm, by this time it had cooled off a bit and we had enough time to grab a bite to eat before going into the zoo. We were told in advance by Ryan’s Uncle that there are two ways to park. The first one being a 2.5 km walking trail and the second being a trolley ride, both showing different animals.

When we arrived we spoke to a gentleman working the gate and asked which he would recommend doing the walking trail or the trolley. He told us both! Start with the walking trail and then once you’re tired do the trolley. Sitting on the trolley was a great way to end the entire experience, we followed this advice and started walking.

Night Safari Map.

Photo Credit: V.Gray

If we can't find paper maps of the area, we always snap a picture so we don't miss anything. The worst is finding out after that you missed something really cool because you didn't know about it or have a map. We started on the yellow trail, following the red trail, keeping to the right to the orange trail and finishing off on the pink back to the trolley station.

Walking the trail at the Safari.

Photo Credit: R.Cowie

The trail is paved and well lit the entire way. If you have to cross the trolley tracks (roadway) there are officials standing on one side with little lanterns that guide you across and make sure you don't take the trolley tracks "by mistake” or get in the trolley’s way. The trolley ride goes by the lions, elephants etc all the big animals. The walk trail has some of the big ones too but shows off some of the smaller animals and creatures living in glass terrariums.

We saw everything from deer, small cats, turtles, snakes, the usual animals at any zoo. However this walk got really interesting when we got on the red path and found there was a small section tucked away behind the lake, which read Indian Rhino. As I mentioned, it was a bit further back on the trail and there were no other animals around this section, but we took the walk back anyway.

Nothing could have prepared us for the encounter we were so lucky to have. As we approached we found the three zoo keepers feeding this massive Indian Rhino and no one else around but ourselves. We got the coolest 30 minutes interaction one on one feeding and petting this gentle beautiful giant.

Feeding the Indian Rhino.

Photo Credit: R.Cowie

We lost track of time at this exhibit. It wasn't until a group joined us, we realized we had been there for 30 minutes. Knowing we had just gotten a once in a lifetime opportunity we quietly left the area, leaving the newcomers to experience what we had just been so lucky to get one on one. We told Ryan's Uncle about this experience when we returned back to his condo, he said he had never heard of anyone getting to do that and they go yearly with young children.

We finished this memorable walk through the Safari coming through the tunnels where the wallaby's encampment is and other animals I am not fond of were living (snakes, spiders etc). This brought us back to the ticket booth area and the line up to get on the trolley. We waited 5 - 10 minutes max before getting onto our trolly. The trolley ride was around 30 minutes. The trolly took us around to see the hippos, lions, bears, rhinos, deer and of course some elephants.

We couldn't get any really great pictures on the trolley ride, as it was darker and harder to get a good focus. The trolley does take you through gated areas where you cannot walk from the trail. It is worth taking the time to do and it is included in your ticket price. 

When the ride is over you get off in front of and are forced to walk through the restaurant and gift shops. If you take young children be prepared there are some very adorable stuffed animals that we almost fell victim to.

Singapore really has their transportation down to a fine art! The buses run every 30 minutes back into the city and it is $1 SPD /each ( $0.99 CAD/ each) to ride on comfy individual seats. The stops mostly align with the train station entrances too, which allows you to easily get on the train back to the downtown or Orchard Gardens core.

This was a really fun and easy night out in Singapore. If you are in the area and have time, this is well worth the trip. People go yearly because exhibits are changing and growing, if you are an animal lover or just want something different to see, this is worth every Singaporean dollar spent.

Cheers!

Hanging out with an Indian Rhino.

Photo Credit: A very nice zookeeper

**Please note that all opinions and views expressed in this post are my own, from my own experiences. If you would like to see more pictures follow me on Instagram @vikki.gray **