We explored River Safari with the kids and saw the Amazon, Congo and Mississippi rivers, right here in Singapore!
What do the Amazon, Congo, Yangtze, Ganges, Nile, Mekong, Murray and Mississippi all have in common? Bingo, they’re rivers. But the other thing they share is that you can see them all in one crazy day right here in Singapore. We decided to cruise for a bit of fun these school holidays and hopped on board the River Safari Singapore. Get ready to set sail…
A Wild Ride
We’ve been waiting for this. A 10-minute boat ride with the Amazon River Quest gets you alongside amazing animals like the jaguar and Brazilian tapir. It’s a brilliant way to see wildlife that lives near and above the water. Once you disembark, you’ll get to meet playful squirrel monkeys and giant river otters too. And if you want to see what’s happening under the water in some of the world’s most famous rivers then keep going – the individual river exhibits are un-missable.
Ol’ Man River
This is what the Mississippi River, home to over 400 species of wildlife, is affectionately known as. One of these species happens to be nature’s greatest architect – the Beaver. Never been to a Beaver’s house? Well now you can see right inside their cleverly constructed lodgings. But beware, a prehistoric looking river monster, known as the alligator gar, is lurking about somewhere.
Do the Congo
It’s all turbulence and turmoil on top but underneath lies a wonderland of colour and calm. The Congo River, the deepest river in the world, is known for it’s wild twists and turns but here you can marvel at the rainbow of beautiful fish that use it as their playground such as the Jewel cichlid.
Jewel of the Nile
From Africa’s Great Lakes and meandering through 10 countries to the Med, the River Nile, is the longest river in the world. River Safari brings you up close and personal with a variety of spectacular and savage creatures. While you’re checking out the submerged ruins, keep and eye out for the fearsome Tigerfish – its’ dagger-shaped teeth that can rip giant chunks of flesh.
Mother Ganga
The sacred Ganges is revered by Hindus as it makes its’ way through India and Bangladesh. We’re not sure if all that is in it is revered too but we’re guessing no one messes with the crocodile-looking Indian Gharial. But don’t fret – this guy doesn’t like the land too much and only eats fish. The same can’t be said of the Goonch Catfish though, which has a rep for attacking humans!
G’day Murray
The Murray River was once known as the Food Bowl of Australia. Life revolved around this great stretch of water in the dry, desert country. But long before there were people, even before there were dinosaurs, one of the Murray’s inhabitants was in existence – the Australian Lungfish can trace it’s ancestry back to over 400 million years ago. Check it out.
The Mother of All Rivers
This is what Thais and Laotians call the majestic Mekong River. As it makes its’ way with melted snow from Tibet, through six countries, and finally flows into the South China Sea from Vietnam, it collects some rather large freshwater creatures. In fact the Mekong giant catfish and giant freshwater stingray are so big that River Safari has given them their own massive exhibit the size of 4 double decker buses!
A Full Basin
When the Amazon Basin fills with seasonal rain each year, the rainforest is submerged in 10 metres of water. A mysterious underwater world develops where aquatic animals swim and live among trees. You can replicate the experience by checking out Amazon Flooded Forest, the world’s largest freshwater aquarium exhibit. You can see a surreal universe from the very bottom of the forest floor all the way up to surface from underwater viewing galleries. You’ll spot manatees and arapaimas as well as those dangerous little guys known as Piranhas.
Panda Playground
Ever seen a rare Chinese Alligator? We didn’t even know they existed! The Yangtze River exhibit focuses on the Chang Jiang region and all the wildlife of the Yangtze Basin. We are well aware of the presence of Kai Kai and Jia Jia though and could not wait to visit them at the nearby Giant Panda Forest . Watching these gentle creatures lumber about their lush green habitat makes us melt.
Good Eats
Time for a bite? Make a pitstop at the Mama Panda Kitchen just outside the Giant Panda Forest. This casual resto offers Szechuan-inspired cuisine like bamboo rice, prawn dumplings, and adorable panda-shaped buns for the little ones. Enjoy a hearty meal at the River Safari Tea House with well-loved dishes like hokkien mee and chicken rice. If you’re on a budget, pack a picnic basket and enjoy the breeze at a quiet spot.
River Safari, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826 (between Night Safari and Singapore Zoo). Opens daily, 9am-6pm (last admission at 5pm). Fees: adults ($25), children ($16), senior citizens ($12). Find out more about ticket packages here.
Images: River Safari