This was my second visit to the Night Safari, and the previous one was 10 years ago. More significantly, perhaps, is that I went to the Night Safari 10 years ago as one of a dozen properties I visited on an overseas trip to get ideas for Moonlit Sanctuary. So now Moonlit has been open for 7 years, it was worthwhile to go back and reflect a little.
The entry plaza has certainly grown since I was there last, it covered a vast area with quite a variety of gift shops and food outlets. The food was very expensive, and unremarkable. Next time I'll know to eat early in town before heading off.
The tram was much as I remembered it. The ride seemed to be themed alot more towards Asian species and habitats, which I thought was a good idea. There was still an African corner, but to my mind the big African "game" animals are probably better seen in daylight open-range type zoos.
But of course my main interest was the walking trails, where you can get close to many different species of small mammals. It did not disappoint, and I was delighted with the experience again. Most notable for me was the walk-in aviary containing giant flying squirrels. Watching them glide was a delight, and it confirmed my desire to do something similar with our yellow-bellied gliders. Just need the money!
Also notable was the walk-though flying fox enclosure, and it was possible to get really close to them. It was fun pointing them out to other visitors standing literally inches away from them! I think we could do something similar for a reasonable price.
Hanging around and standing quietly waiting for gaps between boisterous family groups I managed to see pretty well everything. The only species I regret missing out on was the clouded leopard.
On reflection, I do think our (Moonlit's) model of escorted groups gives a better overall visitor experience, and allows closer contact with the animals, but then we don't try and exhibit anywhere near the number or variety of species (nor deal with anywhere near the number of visitors).
I didn't get to see the show, and am very disappointed about that. Purely bad planning on my part, I should have gone there first. Absent was the advertised tribal show, I guess the stars were still guests of the Government, as per a previous post!
My impression was that there were more local families than when I first visited the Night Safari. 10 years ago I was told that locals tended to go to the day zoo, and the Night Safari was mainly a tourist thing. If this has changed, that's a good thing.
So what did I learn for next time?
1. Eat early in town
2. Get there earlier, and go straight to the show
3. Then spend the rest of the evening enjoying myself.
The Night Safari was still much the same as 10 years ago, and still very, very, good. Surely an essential part of any visit to Singapore.
Michael Johnson
Moonlit-Sanctuary -
The entry plaza has certainly grown since I was there last, it covered a vast area with quite a variety of gift shops and food outlets. The food was very expensive, and unremarkable. Next time I'll know to eat early in town before heading off.
The tram was much as I remembered it. The ride seemed to be themed alot more towards Asian species and habitats, which I thought was a good idea. There was still an African corner, but to my mind the big African "game" animals are probably better seen in daylight open-range type zoos.
But of course my main interest was the walking trails, where you can get close to many different species of small mammals. It did not disappoint, and I was delighted with the experience again. Most notable for me was the walk-in aviary containing giant flying squirrels. Watching them glide was a delight, and it confirmed my desire to do something similar with our yellow-bellied gliders. Just need the money!
Also notable was the walk-though flying fox enclosure, and it was possible to get really close to them. It was fun pointing them out to other visitors standing literally inches away from them! I think we could do something similar for a reasonable price.
Hanging around and standing quietly waiting for gaps between boisterous family groups I managed to see pretty well everything. The only species I regret missing out on was the clouded leopard.
On reflection, I do think our (Moonlit's) model of escorted groups gives a better overall visitor experience, and allows closer contact with the animals, but then we don't try and exhibit anywhere near the number or variety of species (nor deal with anywhere near the number of visitors).
I didn't get to see the show, and am very disappointed about that. Purely bad planning on my part, I should have gone there first. Absent was the advertised tribal show, I guess the stars were still guests of the Government, as per a previous post!
My impression was that there were more local families than when I first visited the Night Safari. 10 years ago I was told that locals tended to go to the day zoo, and the Night Safari was mainly a tourist thing. If this has changed, that's a good thing.
So what did I learn for next time?
1. Eat early in town
2. Get there earlier, and go straight to the show
3. Then spend the rest of the evening enjoying myself.
The Night Safari was still much the same as 10 years ago, and still very, very, good. Surely an essential part of any visit to Singapore.
Michael Johnson
Moonlit-Sanctuary -
