River Safari

  

The Singapore’s first ever River Safari is located at Mandai, nestled in between the famous Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. It is a newly opened attraction, which was opened in 3 April 2013, attracting many Singaporeans from young to old. Being the World’s largest freshwater aquarium, the River Safari houses one of the world’s largest collection of freshwater species as well as going to extinct animals including Singapore’s resident giant pandas, Jia Jia and Kai Kai, which is one of the key highlights of this unforgettable expedition.  

The River Safari is divided into two main sections, “Rivers” and the “Wild Amazonia”. “Rivers” is then split into 6 different types of rivers from all around the world.

Mississippi River - which is famous for its primitive alligator gar 

River Nile - the sharp-toothed tigerfish and the Giraffe catfish.

Mekong River - famous for its magnificent Mekong catfish and its giant freshwater stingraysThe Mekong catfish which is able to grow up to a whooping 2 meters long and the giant freshwater stingrays which weigh a stunning 600 kilograms in mass.
There is a documentary played which shows how the marine life experts and conservationists carefully transport the massive stingrays using heavy-duty canvas, into the aquarium, not an easy job!

      Ganges River - where peculiar-looking soft shell turtles rest by a sea of pebbles, staring back curiously at the crowd of visitors with its diminutive eyes. 

                                                                           

Congo River - which is home to the World’s largest freshwater puffer fish.

Chinese Alligator, that resides in the Yangtze River, which look intimidating yet somehow innocuous as its whole body rest on a bed of sand, taking cover from a small dome-like cave. 

Singapore's iconic Pandas Jia Jia and Kai Kai

 After talking about all the amazing attractions River Safari has to offer, I feel that River Safari should be considered as Singapore’s best. Not only is River Safari the first in Asia, which sets quite a milestone for a nation, like Singapore, existing in Asia, it also holds Singapore’s iconic pandas, Jia Jia and Kai Kai, which makes River Safari one of the top attraction in Singapore! 

Furthermore, River Safari offers an amazing Amazon River Quest which showcases a variety of different wildlife species that live in one of the most diverse rainforest habitats of the world. Hence, I am not surprise if River Safari is able to draw a huge number of tourists to Singapore every day! 

 
 

    

                              

The main reason why my family decided to head down to River Safari is because of my love for pandas. I am pretty sure most Singaporeans from all walks of life visit River Safari to see a glimpse of Jia Jia and Kai Kai’s habitat as well as their daily routine of exercise and meals. This allows Singaporeans to be united and have something to be proud of.

Jia Jia's meals daily

Kai Kai's meals daily

Since everyday is so hectic for me, going to school and co-curriculum activities, it is difficult to have family outings! However, my family was able to go to River Safari during last year’s December holidays and I feel extremely grateful that I could spend quality time with my family, despite of the busy schedule typical Singaporeans have.

I strongly recommend River Safari to people who intend to visit Singapore! It is a lovely place to explore around and marvel and the sight of different wildlife species! It is an attraction not to be missed!