Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari are two of Singapore’s premier wildlife attractions, renowned for their unique open-concept enclosures and immersive experiences. They are located in the same area and offer visitors a chance to experience wildlife during both the day and night.

Singapore Zoo:

The Singapore Zoo is famous for its naturalistic habitats and lush rainforest setting. It houses over 2,800 animals from more than 300 species, including some rare and endangered animals. Known for its open exhibits, the zoo offers an up-close look at wildlife in spacious enclosures designed to mimic their natural environments.

Interesting Areas in Singapore Zoo:

1. Wild Africa: Home to majestic animals like lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras. The White Rhinoceros exhibit is particularly impressive.
2. Fragile Forest: A biodome that replicates a rainforest environment, where visitors can encounter free-roaming animals like lemurs, flying foxes, and birds.
3. Elephants of Asia: This exhibit features a herd of Asian elephants in a large habitat, with daily shows that highlight their intelligence and connection to their mahouts (handlers).
4. Primate Kingdom: A dedicated space for primates, including gibbons, macaques, and orangutans. The orangutan exhibit is one of the most iconic, where the animals roam freely on overhead trees.
5. Frozen Tundra: The home of Inuka, Singapore’s first polar bear, is now a showcase for Arctic animals like wolverines and raccoons.
6. Treetops Trail: A forest canopy walk where visitors can see tree-dwelling creatures like monkeys and tropical birds.

Dining in Singapore Zoo:

• Ah Meng Restaurant: Named after the famous orangutan Ah Meng, this is the zoo’s main restaurant offering a range of local and international cuisine.
• Ah Meng Bistro: A smaller café offering quick bites like sandwiches, pastries, and coffee.
• KFC: For a more familiar option, there’s also a KFC within the zoo.
• Forest Lodge: A dining hall that serves buffet-style meals during events or private functions.

Events at Singapore Zoo:

• Animal Shows: The zoo offers daily animal shows, including:
  • Splash Safari Show: Featuring sea lions demonstrating their natural abilities.
  • Elephants at Work and Play: A performance that showcases the strength and intelligence of the elephants.
  • Rainforest Fights Back: A show that highlights the importance of rainforest conservation, featuring a variety of animals.
• Breakfast with Orangutans: A unique experience where visitors can dine in close proximity to the zoo’s famous orangutans.
• Zoo Camps: Overnight camps for kids and families where participants can experience the zoo after dark, learn about conservation, and get involved in hands-on activities.
• Seasonal Events: Special programs during school holidays and events like Earth Day or Halloween.

Night Safari:

The Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal zoo, offering visitors the chance to see more than 900 animals in their nighttime environments. The park is divided into several geographic zones and features a mix of walking trails and tram rides through the exhibits.

Interesting Areas in Night Safari:

1. Fishing Cat Trail: A walking trail where you can observe nocturnal animals like fishing cats, binturongs, and otters in action.
2. Leopard Trail: A highlight of the Night Safari, featuring sleek leopards in naturalistic enclosures. You can also see flying squirrels and slow lorises.
3. East Lodge Trail: This zone features animals from Africa and Asia, including the Malayan tiger and hyenas.
4. Tram Ride: The main attraction of the Night Safari is the tram ride, which takes you through seven geographic regions, including the Himalayan Foothills and the Indian Subcontinent. The commentary during the ride provides interesting facts about the animals and their nocturnal behavior.
5. Creatures of the Night Show: A nightly performance that highlights the natural behaviors of nocturnal animals like owls, raccoons, and wolves.

Dining in Night Safari:

• Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant: The main dining venue in the Night Safari, this restaurant offers a wide range of Asian and Western dishes in a rustic, safari-themed setting.
• Bongo Burgers: Located near the entrance, this casual dining spot serves burgers, fries, and drinks.
• Ben & Jerry’s: A popular dessert spot offering ice cream to satisfy your sweet tooth after the safari.

Events at Night Safari:

• Safari Adventure Tours: Private, guided tours that offer a more in-depth look at the nocturnal animals, with additional opportunities for up-close encounters.
• Evening Shows: In addition to the “Creatures of the Night” show, there are occasional special performances or cultural shows to entertain guests.
• Seasonal Events: Like the zoo, Night Safari also hosts special themed events during holidays like Christmas or Halloween, offering unique decorations, light shows, and night trails.

How to Get There:

• By MRT: Take the North-South Line to Khatib MRT Station (NS14), where you can then transfer to the Mandai Khatib Shuttle that goes directly to the zoo.
• By Bus: You can also take buses like 138, 927, or 171 that stop at Mandai, where the zoo and Night Safari are located.
• By Car: Ample parking is available if you’re driving.

Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: The zoo is best enjoyed during the day to fully appreciate the exhibits, while the Night Safari opens after dark (typically 7:30 PM) for a completely different experience.
• Plan Ahead: Both attractions are expansive, so plan your visit to cover key highlights and animal shows.
• Combo Tickets: Consider purchasing combo tickets if you plan to visit both the zoo and Night Safari for a discounted rate.

Both the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari offer unique, immersive experiences where visitors can connect with wildlife in a natural and engaging setting.