A Fishing Cat Fishing

I dare to say the Singapore Night Safari offered tourist a once in a life time experience – viewing animals at night.

Whenever we mentioned about the word ‘Safari’, almost immediately, people will link their thoughts to Africa – the animal’s kingdom. However, in Africa, we can only get as close as it be during the day. What about the night?

“Hey, you can afford to miss others but not the Singapore Night Safari. You will regret for life…!” boasted Clifford. A solution to Africa night safari…

My initial reaction was mixed; skepticism, doubtful, hesitating, reservation and mistrust.

I am not really an animal lover. Honestly, all zoos are almost identical and similar in nature. And of course, what seems to be a doubtful tour changed my perception of animals having kept in captivity. I am pleasantly surprised…

The Singapore Night Safari exhibited almost 1000 animals in 8 geographical areas. It is an entire open air zoo set in a tropical forest. The place can be explored by foot trails or by tram.

Animal Show at Night Safari

It is interesting to know that the night animals are illuminated by artificial light that replicate the moonlight. It is dim enough not to disturb the animals habitat and bright enough to see the night movement of the animals. Simon Corder the lighting expert who lit up The Phantom of the Opera musical in London was consulted – a wonderfully created special light for the trails.

Other than the lighting effect, the animals are put apart by natural barriers rather than cage. Really, there is not much of separation between tourist and the animals. I must really take my hat off to those who have cleverly designed the night safari…

Python clinging on a man

The night started off with a hot, flashy and entertaining tribal dance, featuring fire eating display and blowpipe performance once you stepped foot into the safari.

And of course you can head straight to the night show ‘creature of the night ’. And we did just that! The show was simply amazing. You will be thrilled and shocked by the whole performance. Depending on where you are seated, a python can appear just right under your nose! But rest assured…no harm will happen to you. Animals on display include pumas, owls, and snakes…But one word of advised, arrive early if you want seats for the show.

There are several food and beverage outlets in the Singapore Night Safari. This includes the Ben and Jerry Scoop (ice-cream shop), the Bongo Burgers and Ulu Ulu safari restaurant.

An Owl on Alert

After the show, I decided to hit to the trail. Along the way, I could hear the howls of pack hyenas and even the roar of the lion and growling of the tiger from a distance…frightening. It was eerie to walk at night in the trails and with animals around you and seeing them being so active. I could feel the sweaty palm of my little son’s hand each time he heard the calling of the animals. The grip tightened when we came close to the enclave of the lion dens.

My eyes soon get used to the darkness and we are able to see many animals walking around… I was even only centimeter away from a huge tiger, separated only with a glass between us. No other place on earth will allow me to go so close to a tiger. It was indeed very fascinating and an unusual experience for me. But, the trail can be long to some. I would only recommend walking the trail to those who are fit and game for it.

We were told that walking allows us to see certain section of the park which tram will not allow us to see. And this would include the leopard trails and the fishing cat trails.

An Alligator -
Living fossil from the Age of Reptiles

The tram ride was another very fascinating experience and a relieved for my wife and children after the tiring trail walk. Of course you are advised not to use flash camera…but some of the usual suspects were put to shame (the tram will stop, lights lighted up on the section of the tram as a warning to the use of flash photography) …but the ride continued. The wild animals are free to roam and you can get really close to the animals just right beside you. The tram travels through a section of the Singapore Night Safari that is not accessible by foot.

The guided tram is about 40 minutes ride along the 3km of road and stopping constantly to admire the many animals (deer and tapirs can get very close to the tram) along the way. Some animals get so close you could almost even touch them.

Two horny leopards

One most embarrassing moment caught on film, we saw two horny leopards mating just beside the viewing glass panel. It really took us by surprise – the close proximity of the act. In the heat of those intense moments, the leopards have ignored the presence of the visitors. I thought to myself – they are really exhibitionists!

With the stars and artificial light illuminating, and with the crickets, owls, toads, frogs and even the roar of the lions forming a symphony of animal orchestra, the Singapore Night Safari belongs to the animals. It’s a magical experience not to be missed.

How to get there.

Visitors to the Singapore Night Safari can take the MRT to Choa Chu Kang Station (NS4), then board SMRT Bus 927 which takes you all the way to the night safari zoo. Or take the MRT up north to Ang Mo Kio to transfer to bus 138 which will also take you directly to the night safari zoo. Alternatively, the easiest option is to hail a cab.