Fun Family Adventure in Singapore's River Safari Part 2

While heading out to Zone 2, a picturesque view of the 'real river' presented itself- so we stopped by at the viewing deck and took the time to relax our tired feet and took more photos.

Look what we found while resting! 

A bird perched on a tree at the River Safari in Singapore. Can you see it?

A squirrel monkey at the Squirrel Monkey Forest in Singapore's River Safari

First stop at the Wild Amazonia is the Squirrel Monkey Forest - here you will be allowed to see them face to face - they just jump from one tree to another. Be careful though - you are not allowed to touch them as it can be dangerous of course. But nonetheless, I think these monkeys are already used to people looking and admiring them, so they are pretty safe. You will not just find five but lots of them.

Squirrel monkeys normally live in the tropical forests of Central and South America. 

Anaconda at Singapore's River Safari

Just outside of the Squirrel Monkey Forest, you will find a giant glass window wherein you will see an anaconda - do you know that they are known to be the heaviest of snakes? The biggest on record weighed 227 kilograms (that is equivalent to the weight of 3 adults) and measured 8.5 m long.  Want to know how they breed? I just read that for them to breed, up to a total of 12 (yes, you read that right) wrap themselves around a female to form a 'breeding ball' and wrestle for a chance to mate with her (is she one lucky female or scary to be in that situation?). After several weeks, only one victor will emerge.

Breeding ball - how anacondas breed at Singapore's River Safari

Entrance to the Amazon Flooded Forest at Singapore's River Safari

Next, move on to the dark area of the Amazon Flooded Forest - you will be amazed at more than 18 majestic species that you can find there. Look for the electric eel, or the pacu, and the giant manatee! 

Manatees at the River Safari in Singapore

The place is fully air conditioned and dark - I guess in a way these also simulates the resting and hiding place of these species. Be in awe and come face to face with red bellied piranhas - I was scared, honestly.

Red-bellied piranhas at the River Safari in Singapore

We decided to come for our boat ride, it was almost 20 minutes before the hour of 12. Do note that there will be probably more than 50 slots alloted per ride so each one was given 15 minutes to queue up before the scheduled slot. The boat ride is at the Amazon Square, perhaps before going for your ride you can visit the nearby toilet, baby changing and nursing room which are in this area. Clear signs are also available so you will not get lost. 

A total of 15 minutes will take you to the whole boat ride experience plus give some time to wait for your turn.

In this boat ride, we were able to witness several beautiful and unique animals such as the Brazilian tapir, the Jaguar (who was sleeping by then), the noisy pink flamingos, the capybara and the maned wolf. You will see more but they are just there lurking around somewhere. 

After the quick but fun boat ride, we headed back to see the main attraction of the safari - the two Giant Pandas. However, if you want to take a quick break - you can either drink some coffee or buy some soda from the vending machines and just sit down and enjoy a couple of minutes' view of the other side of the river. But we decided to move ahead as I have a hungry teenager to satisfy.

The queue to seeing the Giant Panda was very long - nevertheless it was fast moving (even though some irritating tourists and locals alike do not know how to follow). I pity the volunteers shouting to the very best they can so they can get everyone organized, but sad to say, there are just many who can't seem to simply follow the rules. While waiting though, you can watch a video of how these two Giant Pandas were transported from China to Singapore, quarantined, bathed and then letting them accustomed to their new home. This big dome is kept cool at 18 to 22 degrees, so expect some instant hush of cold when you go in. 

Kai Kai, a giant panda, sleeping at the River Safari in Singapore

It was worth the wait, they are simply adorable! We were able to see only one, the male one named Kai Kai - he was cozily sleeping (and perhaps dreaming), not realizing that a handful of people were there to take his picture. Tourists were also instructed to be quiet, no flash photography so as not to disturb their peace. The female one, aptly named Jia Jia decided to take a respite in her room - we understand that she was particularly shy - so you will still see her but only from cctv camera.

Here you can also see how their food is being prepared from a glass window. Cool, right?

Upon exit, you can head straight to Mama Panda Kitchen. I heard the Panda pau (steamed bun with different fillings) is famous here but the line is long (obviously) so we decided to head out and have our lunch somewhere outside. 

Overall, it was a fun adventure but at the same time loads of new information not just for us adults but for my son. Will do it again next time - who knows, there might be new species that we have not seen yet. Go out and head out there, am pretty sure you will not be disappointed!

Travel tips (and how to's)

1. Book your tickets online - saves you the time in queing.

2. If you can, come in the morning. Not only you can get sure slots for the boat ride but surely it will not be as hot as in the afternoon. The safari opens from 9AM and closes at 6PM.

3. Follow the trail as you can find in the map - this will not only allow you not to miss on any of the rivers but it will save you (big time) on walking back and forth.

4. Don't forget your camera or your phone! And these will surely build lots of memorable trails after.

5. For the ultimate wild life experience, book for the 4-in-1 package (Singapore Zoo, River Safari, Jurong Bird Park and the Night Safari). Saves you more. The Singapore Zoo is just a minute walk away and Night Safari is just 3! BUT, do not rush yourselves in going all at the 4 at once - just slow down and  enjoy the experience communing with nature and the animals. A ticket is good for 31 days from date of purchase.

6. If you decide to take public transport (from a bus interchange) to go the safari, do not rush. An empty one will surely come between 10-15 minutes. This way, you will be happily sitting on your way there.

Itching to got there now and experience it yourself? Please make sure to go back to this page and share your experience with us in the comments below. Do not forget to send these blog link to a friend who might be planning to vivit Singapore this summer or anytime this year!

Till next time, travel buddies!