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!

Fun Family Adventure at Singapore's River Safari Part 1

Singapore's River Safari map

Heading out to the newest attraction in Singapore was a sure fun family adventure!

Chinese New Year has long been a tradition followed by many Chinese and non-Chinese alike in Singapore. I guess living in Singapore had allowed us to understand the culture of many and at the same time get to partake in their traditions.

It is also the longest (as far as I know) holiday that you could have in the country which is good because that would mean a good time to relax and spend quality time with the family and try out some new things and also can be bad because most of the shops are closed, so early planning of activities is a must!

Just this week, we had five (5) days off including weekend - officially only 2 days - but an extra day off was given by the company where I work. So I took the opportunity to plan some time with my family and included in the plan was to go out and try the newest attraction in Singapore, The River Safari, the first ever river-themed park in Asia.

River Safari, Singapore

The River Safari is both a zoo and an aquarium - just nestled between the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari. So if this is your first time to visit the country, it will be worth your time for sure, to just head out to one place and be able to spend your day in three parks. To save on cost as well, there are various packages offered on ticket prices that will allow you not just to save more but enjoy more. Check out the website for park packages here.

River Safari, Singapore

The river-themed and tropical rainforest park boasts of thousands of species and wild animals both in land and aquatic. You can choose to go to two (2) different zones - Rivers of the World and the Wild Amazonia. We decided to begin our journey towards the Rivers of the World as the boat ride we booked - which is still free at the moment - is still by noon and this will be in Zone 2. The free boat ride can be found at the Amazon Square at the Wild Amazonia.

View of Rivers of the World (Zone 1) at the River Safari in Singapore

Heading out to the first river, Missisippi River, you will find what is labelled at the "greatest architect of all time", the American beaver. Do you actually know that the beaver uses its teeth to munch on woods? You will also discover the unusual spatula snouted paddlefish and the alligator gar - aptly named because it possesses a dual large teeth in its upper jaw.

An alligator gar at the River Safari, Singapore

Next stop, Congo River. According to Wikipedia, the Congo River is a river in Africa and the world's deepest river with measured depths in excess of 220 m. It is the second largest river in the world by volume of water discharged. This powerful river is Africa's greatest source of hydropower. Here we were able to see the African dwarf crocodile and the tiger fish. While walking the wooden foot path, you will pass by River Nile and you will be mesmerized by Congo Tetrasa and the Giant Puffer Fish! 

Before going to the next attraction, do not forget to have a photo op behind a beautiful view of the river. Here you will pass by Ganges river. Three (3) makeshift boats used in the olden times can be found there. Behind, you will also see India's temple backdrop.

Murray River at the River Safari in Singapore

Moving on - the Murray River, Australia's food bowl because it produces a third of the country's food supply. This river flows for over 2,300 km. Marine animals to look for? Check out the Australian lungfish, Murray Cod and the Barramundi.

Way to the Mekong River at the River Safari in Singapore

You wouldn't miss the Mekong River which is the Mother of all the Rivers.

Don't forget though and be mesmerized by the Giant stingray and the Giant Catfish! You may want to stop for a while as there are feeding sessions plus a show to let you appreciate it more.

Still not so tired? Just move on and your next stop is the Yangtze River where you can catch sight of the world's largest amphibian, the salamander as well as the Yangtze alligator. You may or may not know, but the Yangtze river is China's longest river stretching from Qinghai (close to Tibet) all the way down to Shanghai - how's that?

The next stop is considered one of the main attractions of the park - the Giant Panda Forest! However, we decided to save the best for last and head out to the next. So you have two options, either proceed to go see the Panda Forest or go straight to the other zone, the Wild Amazonia. We actually thought it would be wiser to finish it off  since entrance to the boat ride can be found there. However, we could have decided to just finish off and see the Giant Panda's (in that manner we could have also avoided the long queue after). I guess the purpose of following the park's free map is so that one, you don't miss any of the themes and second, it will be a breeze as you go out and complete the trail. However, I didn't mind to use it as an excuse to see all of it again.

This doesn't end here. As I've said there are 2 different zones in the park - so check out Part 2 of this post!

"MUST-SEE" PLACES IN SINGAPORE

Singapore Zoo entrance

SINGAPORE ZOO- you haven't been to Singapore if you have not visited the Zoo. Dubbed as the World's Best Rainforest Zoo, it is home to about 315 species of animals, some of which are considered threatened species and occupies about 28 hectares of land. Animals are kept in spacious, landscaped enclosures separated from the visitors by either dry or wet moats. There are interesting shows done almost everyday as well as "friends" programme which will allow you to visit the zoo anytime of the year. If you want to have an "up close and personal" experience with the animals and do not like basking and walking under the heat of the sun, you can also try the NIGHT SAFARI which is also in the vicinity of the area. For more details, check out the website at www.zoo.com.sg for the zoo's events, ticket booking and prices as well guide how to get there (all transportation options available).

Jurong Bird Park entrance

JURONG BIRD PARK - it is an open concept park and again considered one of Asia's largest and finest birdpark in the world.  Enjoy the opportunity to have close interactions with a kaleidoscope of birds at feeding sessions and be thrilled and excited by their show-stopping antics bird shows. A collection of more than 8,000 birds from 600 species, this certainly offers visitors an experience that is entertaining, educational and definitely unforgettable one-of-a-kind experience.


Supertree Grove (from Wikipedia)

GARDENS BY THE BAY - for plant enthusiasts and flower lovers, Gardens by the Bay is the newest addition to the many open gardens in Singapore. Recently opened mid of 2012, this 250 acres of re-claimed land consists of 3 waterfront gardens (Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central) and just located in Central Singapore (Marina Bay area). It is intended to become Singapore's premier urban outdoor recreation space and a national icon. Apart from the conservatories, one interesting site to behold is the "Supertrees". Supertrees are tree-like structures that dominate the Gardens' landscape with heights that range between 25 meters (82 ft.) and 50 meters (160 ft.). They are vertical gardens that perform a multitude of functions, which include planting, shading and working as environmental engines for the gardens. Check out the website (www.gardensbythebay.com.sg for more details.)

Universal Studios Singapore

RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA - Singapore's integrated resort offering key attractions including theme parks, hotels, spa, casino, and meetings & incentive venues. The key attractions include one of Singapore's 2 casinos, a UNIVERSAL STUDIOS theme park and Marine Life Park which includes the world's largest oceanarium. A day is not sufficient to go around this resort so make sure that you have 2-3 days just on this particular island alone!. For more details, ticket prices, events and more, go to their website at www.rwsentosa.com

If still not enough, hop in for a few more tram stops and head out to SENTOSA ISLAND.
Sentosa offers a variety of attractions (long sheltered beach called Fort Siloso, 2 golf courses and 2 five-star hotels), museums and other facilities to provide a variety of experiences, recreation and entertainment to visitors.
Sentosa island is also accessible via cable car from Mount Faber or by bus or if you fancy walking and do not mind the heat of the sun, you can certainly do so.

Adding on to the top must see places is the River Safari.

River Safari Singapore. Photo Credit

RIVER SAFARI is the newest addition to the Wildlife Reserves Singapore's portfolio of award-winning parks. Located in between the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari, it offers the most unforgettable experience inspired by eight of the world's most iconic rivers. Apart from that, be enthralled by cute and lovable resident pandas! Check out www.riversafari.com.sg for more details.

So what are you waiting for! Start planning your trip now and explore the beauty of Singapore!

Final Note: Singapore is great to visit any time of the year!