SINGAPORE — It’s the world’s first ever nocturnal zoo and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore, which is why the Night Safari needs no introduction. But what is the best and smartest way to see what wakes up when the sun goes down?

Firstly, arrive at 9pm. “Many visitors try to beat the crowd by reaching way before the gates open at 7.15pm. The problem is that’s what everyone else is thinking, including the throngs of tour groups,” a spokesperson from Wildlife Reserves Singapore said.

“To make the most out of your evening, don’t be afraid to go against the grain. Reach the Night Safari at 9pm instead, when most of the crowd has left. This is when the park quietens down to a twilight symphony of cicadas and frogs, and visitors can peacefully embark on their nocturnal adventure.”

Another rookie mistake is to hop on the tram straightaway. The trick? Walk first, tram later.

After watching the Creatures of the Night Show (which is held four times on the hour starting at 7.30pm), take a leisurely stroll on the four interlinked walking trails (Fishing Cat Trail, Leopard Trail, East Lodge Trail and Wallaby Trail) before boarding the tram. This helps you avoid the mad rush as everyone scrambles for the best seats on the trams.” Another plus point is that after you’re tired out from the walking,” he said. “A relaxing cruise around the park on the tram will be a welcome treat.”

What makes the Night Safari such a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the Singapore city is not just the close encounters you can have with the likes of the Asian elephants, Asiatic lions and Malayan tigers; it also helps you calm down. So stop and take a few extra minutes at each exhibit when on the walking trails and be patient.

Don’t expect to spot the animals as easily as when you are at the Singapore Zoo, but when you do, it’s worth it. And don’t forget to stop for a chat with friendly zookeepers who, like those wonderful nocturnal creatures, can be spotted during the taken feeding sessions or walking past you along the trails as they check on their animals’ well-being throughout the night.

As devoted caretakers of the animals, they don’t just feed the animals, but also spend most of their time with them. Some of them have even watched their furry, feathered and scaly wards grow up. These keepers are often more than happy to share not just information on the animal species, but intimate stories and personal experiences they’ve had with each individual animal.

Of course, the usual park survival gear — insect repellent, a small towel, a handheld fan and even a small umbrella (for our erratic tropical island weather) — is a must. And the Night Safari’s new time-based admission, put in place last December, also helps in planning ahead. This new feature allows guests to go online and choose the day and time they want to visit from the comfort of their home.

Most important tip of all has to be on photo-taking — or not, as the case may be.

“Unless you have a powerful camera that can take great photos in dim lighting, trying to capture photographs of these nocturnal critters can get frustrating and mar your wild experience,” said the spokesperson. “When you visit Night Safari, tuck that phone back into your pocket, allow yourself to be transported into a world of mysterious creatures of the night, and just enjoy the moment.”

The Night Safari, which is located at 80 Mandai Lake Road, opens at 7.15pm (last admission is at 11.15pm). Ticket counters open at 5.30pm and admission is at S$42 (adult), S$28 (child), and S$18 (senior citizens). It also has a March school holidays promotion for local residents until March 31 — it’s 50 per cent off admission tickets if you enter at 9.15pm onwards. For more info, visit http://www.nightsafari.com.sg/