Thrillophilia Review: Ahmad’s Family Journey through Singapore Night Safari
“The jungle awakens at night… and so did they.”
Some trips are planned for escape, while others are for bonding. But a few are just moments families chase to hold onto the feeling of joy and togetherness.
On the evening of April 2025, that is exactly what Ahmad and his family found in Singapore. A memorable family experience at the Singapore Night Safari, all made possible by Thrillophilia.
There were six in total—Ahmad, his wife, their two children, and Ahmad’s parents. Ahmad had read about this being the first nocturnal wildlife park in the world, home to thousands of animals. But experiencing it firsthand was another story entirely.
Into the Heart of the Jungle by Tram
As they entered the park, the lanterns along the path gave a calm and magical feel.
They boarded the tram that would take them on their night-time journey through seven themed zones. Ahmad’s youngest sat beside him, eyes wide and nose practically glued to the glass whenever something moved in the shadows.
They spotted elephants cooling off near the water and zebras munching quietly on grass. A massive anteater also moved through the brush, fascinating them in such a natural setting.
The tram’s guide spoke softly, pointing out hidden wildlife like the Malayan tapir and barasinghas and telling stories about their habits and conservation efforts. Even Ahmad’s father said quietly, “Nature does not perform like this in the city.”
For the first time in a long while, the family was all focused on the same thing: a living, breathing jungle right in front of them.
Exploring the Trails on Foot
After the tram ride, the family continued the journey on foot. They began with the Fishing Cat Trail.
They saw a fishing cat curled up by a stream while waiting for a flash of silver to pass by. A shy and slow pangolin shuffled past leaves just a few feet from them. Ahmad’s daughter pointed at it, giggling, “Look at its back! It looks like armour!”
Next, they explored the Leopard Trail, darker and quieter. A leopard lay still in the shadows of the trees, its eyes glowing in the dark. It was watching them as much as they were watching it. Overhead, flying foxes zipped past while porcupines rustled in the nearby undergrowth.
They then moved on to the East Lodge Trail, where animals from Asia and Africa were brought together. Seeing creatures like sloth bears and babirusas with their strange curling tusks and alert hyenas pacing was both fascinating and a little spine-tingling.
They finished with the Wallaby Trail, and for a moment, it felt like they were in Australia. The sugar gliders zipped above, and wallabies peeked from bushes as if wondering who they were. Just watching his family light up with joy was worth everything to Ahmad.
Creatures of the Night Show
At 9 pm, the family took their seats at the open-air amphitheatre for the Creatures of the Night Show. The stars above were bright, and the whole crowd seemed to hold its breath as the show began.
The otters appeared first, with immense energy and charm. Then, the civets and binturongs climbed, jumped, and showed off their cleverness effortlessly. At one point, the animals even took part in a playful recycling game, and the whole crowd burst into cheers and laughter. It was both entertaining and surprisingly heartwarming.
Moreover, the spotted hyena stole the spotlight with its strong jaws and playful energy. The children were completely glued, even forgetting to nudge their parents for snacks.
Just when it seemed the night had peaked, there came the Thumbuakar fire performers. Their dance, set to rhythmic tribal drums, lit the night literally. Flames spun and reached the sky, leaving jaws hanging. Ahmad’s mother clapped like a child. “Now that was a show,” she said.
Dinner in the Wild Under Moonlit Skies
After so much excitement, hunger finally caught up with the family. They headed to the Tipi Tent dining area for a well-deserved dinner.
It was a beautiful setup, with tables spread under soft lights, jungle sounds humming in the background, and the night air cool and calming. The buffet had something for everyone: Singaporean satay, noodles, roast meats, rice dishes, and even Western choices for the picky eaters in the group.
They sat together while sharing food and replaying their favourite moments of the night. Ahmad’s son tried mimicking the hyena’s laugh, which made everyone burst into laughter, even a few people at the next table.
For a brief moment, it did not matter where they were from or where they would go next. They were just a family, sitting under the stars, wrapped in warmth and gratitude.
A Night Etched in Memory
As the clock approached midnight, the family slowly made their way back toward the entrance. The jungle had quieted down, and the animals rested after their moment in the spotlight. But in their hearts, the adventure was still very much alive.
Ahmad’s father walked beside him and said, “Ahmad, this was one of those rare nights… where everything just felt right.”
It truly had. The Singapore Night Safari made the family connect with nature, each other, and themselves, who often sleep under the noise of daily life.
As they passed the gates and looked back one last time, Ahmad expressed a heartfelt gratitude for the experience. Thrillophilia made the entire journey seamless, from booking to entry to information. But what the family carried back was the feeling of wonder shared with those they loved most.
Read More: Thrillophilia Singapore Reviews