Night Safariis a unique experience billed as "the world's first wildlife park built for visits at night". Through the use of special lighting techniques, over 1000 nocturnal animals can be observed in their nightly activities. Park is open daily from 7:30pm to midnight.
Getting there:for the cost conscious, the night safari can be reached by taking the red line to Ang Mo Kio station and then catching bus 138. The whole journey takes around 1hr-1.15 leaving from Raffles Place station; however you do get to see some of 'suburban Singapore' on the bus ride. Leaving around 4.45pm will get you to the park around 6pm, enough time to grab a quick bite to eat before entering the park. For those looking to spend a bit more, 'Singapore Attractions in the City' offers a $4 bus direct bus from various pick up points around Orchard Rd. City Tours also offers round trip tours to the Night Safari. Alternatively, a taxi should cost around $15-$20 (depending on surcharges).
At the Night Safari: there are three key things to do at the Night Safari:
(1) The Creatures of the Night Show: a great show that introduces you to animals you would not normally see at traditional daytime zoo shows. The first showing is at 7.30pm when the park opens, and tends to be very popular (presumably the tour groups like to get the show done so they can finish up the park quickly). For those looking for a more relaxed experience, you may wish to catch a later showing at 8.30pm or 9.30pm. If you want to get the show done first, look out for the tour groups starting to line up at the entrance around 6.20pm, and get in line (unless you're happy to sit near the back of the show arena). Tip: those sitting in the first few rows have a greater chance of being picked to be a volunteer during the show (one child and one adult needed).
(2) The Night Safari Tram: for an extra $10 ($5 using a Singapore Airlines boarding pass discount if a full priced ticket is purchased) you can ride the tram around the park. This is well worth the extra money, as it gets you in front of the majority of the attractions with minimal effort. The tram has a guide in front narrating the various exhibits, and while you may drive past a couple and miss the animal in question, you can always go back if you really wanted to see that dingo or deer. There is a tram station half way through the route where you can get off and explore the upper part of the park. The tram ticket allows you to get back on and complete the tram route round to the park entrance. It is worth getting off the tram at the midway station as this is the easiest way to complete the Leopard Trail (see below).
(3) Walking trails: there are three walking trails (assuming the tram is taken to see the remainder of the park) - the Leopard Trail, the Fishing Cat Trail and the Forest Giants Trail. Of these, the Leopard Trail is the best - it provides you with the ability to get up close and personal with various night critters including bats and flying squirrels. The Fishing Cat Trail is also interesting as it takes you past a number of exhibits. The Forest Giants Trail is not really worth the effort; it's only point of interest is taking you over a "bridge of suspense" which is a swing bridge about 15 metres long. If you're rushing for time; this is worth a miss.
There is also a cultural display near the main park entrance (Borean Tribal Performers) which, if you choose to eat dinner during your park visit, you will likely see. However, if you get to the park early they may do a brief intro walk and dance around the park entrance, in which case you can get a viewing in (if you're pushed for time).
Getting home: in theory, leaving the park by 10-10.30pm should give you enough time to catch public transport all the way back to your hotel. However, after spending an evening at the park, you may wish for a shorter trip, in which case the Singapore Attractions in the City $4 bus to Orchard Rd / Little India is your best bet. You will need to buy a ticket from the booth outside the Night Safari before getting on the bus. You can call ahead to check the scheduled times (http://www.bushub.com.sg/additionalContent.asp?ContentID={B8D39D23-A308-4025-8134-CFB5FBFD3D2E}). The bus will take you back to Orchard Rd where you can easily catch a taxi / a subway train to your final destination.
Visiting the Singapore Night Safari is a magical experience not to be missed. The website http://www.nightsafari.com.sg/index.html provides all the details you will need to learn about what the park has to offer. For anyone coming to Singapore and looking for something unique and different, this is the place to go.