SINGAPORE | A Nocturnal Ride at the Night Safari

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Moving by Tram at Singapore's Night Safari

The air was cool and the sound of the night filled the open-aired tram as it slowly crept through the darkness of the open jungle. Cameras hoisted on tripods aimed at the darkness of the forest walls stood ready as the Singapore Night Safari guide soothingly sauntered on about the creatures of the night we were about to encounter.

Giraffes at Singapore's Night SafariThe evening opened and lights mimicking the illumination of the moon filled a clearing habitated by towering long-necked creatures; giraffes. I was still a kid the last time I saw these animals and the conditions they were in were so far from what I was witnessing now. Back then, they were caged in an enclosure, surrounded by concrete walls.

One of the oldest Elephants at Singapore's Night SafariIt was so different from Singapore’s Night Safari where the animals are showcased on vast surroundings similar to the creatures’ habitat. There are no cages holding them, no fences impeding their movement and absolutely no concrete structures containing them. Their territories are so natural looking I kept wondering how the zookeepers manage to isolate one species from the next considering some of them are carnivorous.

Grazing Carabaos at Singapore's Night SafariA group of carabaos grazing on a wooded area came into view and the answer came. Moats designed to look like streams, hot wires made to resemble twigs and natural barriers. The open concept implemented by the safari was so perfectly executed that I probably wouldn’t have noticed them even if they were staring me in the face.

A Rhino at Singapore's Night SafariSingpaore’s Night Safari is the first ever night zoo in the world. More than a thousand animals compromising of hundreds of species inhabit its open-type spaces. They’ve got hyenas, leopards, flying squirrels, hog badgers and lions freely roaming the area which replicates a humid tropical rainforest.

A Group of Deers at Singapore's Night SafariThe night enveloped the tram again and I noticed some whisperings behind a row of shrubberies. People were actually walking almost right beside the animals! Three walking trails are available for the more adventurous tourists, taking visitors for a more personal view of the Night Safari. These are of course completely safe and I would’ve taken the trail myself if not for the time constraints.

The Entrance to the Night Safari's Tram StationA Hyena crazily laughed as another whip of cool breeze swished through the trees. The tram moved forward through the darkened trail and the safari ended. Much too soon, much too soon, I wanted more. It didn’t register that it took more than an hour to complete the ride through the 40-hectare sanctuary.

Bongo Burgers at Singapore's Night SafariThe night however was not yet done and the best way to cap the evening was to shop and dine at the many colorful booths located on the zoo’s entrance. Souvenir shirts, caps, keychains, toys; they’ve got everything covered.

Bongo Burgers at Singapore's Night SafariBongo Burgers aptly fitted the bill for our cravings. The patties are massive, the French fries were crisply golden and the flavor did not disappoint. Like the explorers of long gone eras, it was the perfect way of finishing an evening after a night of foraging through the jungle of Singapore’s Night Safari.

* PLEASE PARDON THE BLURRY AND NOISY PHOTOS AS IT WAS SO HARD TO TAKE PICTURES DUE TO THE DARKNESS OF THE ENVIRONMENT :P

Singapore's Night Safari



Location Map Singapore

Singapore Night Safari
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road 729825, Singapore
Telephone: (+65) 6269-3411
Email: infocounter.zoo@wrs.com.sg
Open Hours: 7:30 PM - 12:00 MN Daily
Rates: Click Here

GPS Coordinates: 1.403835,103.787112
View Location on Google Maps: Click Here


THIS SINGAPORE TRIP IS MADE POSSIBLE BY:
AIRASIA PHILIPPINESNOW FLYING DIRECTLY TO SINGAPORE
HOTEL AND TRAVEL PACKAGE BY AIRASIAGO
SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

       THREE DAYS IN SINGAPORE TRIP ITINERARY & SUMMARY
       MANILA – CLARK – SINGAPORE | PERANAKAN LUNCH AT BLUE GINGER RESTAURANT | THE FLOWER DOME AT GARDENS BY THE BAY
       ABOVE AND BELOW GARDENS BY THE BAY’S CLOUD FOREST | FLYING HIGH AT THE SINGAPORE FLYER
       A NOCTURNAL RIDE AT THE NIGHT SAFARI | NIGHTS AT THE ROYAL PLAZA ON SCOTTS HOTEL
       AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE RIVER SAFARI’S GIANT PANDAS | LUNCH AT SENTOSA’S TASTES OF ASIA
       AN EVENING WALK AT THE ORCHARD ROAD | ELECTRIC NIGHTS AT THE MARINA BAY | HAWKERS HUNT FOR A FREEZING BOWL OF CHENDOL
       STARBUCKS GLOBAL ICON CITY MUG PLUS A FEW MORE | SINGAPORE – CLARK

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10 comments

  1. First time I seeyou use High ISO..
    The photos still look great..
    The noise gives it more character,
    and the animals all look like they are bath in a good light. :)

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    1. Thanks Francis, no choice eh, I boosted the ISO to the max, ISO25,000!

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  2. How much was the ticket? I've been to SG 3x but never yet to the night safari. I think it was the price that stopped me from going haha

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    1. We were toured for free Aleah but I included a link to their rates below the article :)

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  3. Nice! We've been to the SG Zoo countless of times but never the night safari yet. And we're just 15 mins away from there! Hehehe! =)

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  4. LAAKAD PILIPINAS!!!!! Your night shots are amazing!!!

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    Replies
    1. Haha thanks Shugah! Biased ka lang siguro parang di naman eh hehe :P

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  5. I like the concept of the night safari... It really looks like the animals are in their natural and real habitat - good for them!

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    1. I agree Ian, so far from the sorry state of our zoos here in the country...

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