The Great World

Singapore River Safari: A Journey Along the World’s Great Rivers

Singapore River Safari is nestled beside the famed Night Safari and Singapore Zoo. Each zoo has something special and no place is the same, but Singapore River Safari is more special because it is the first and only river-themed zoo in Asia. Previously known as Jurong Bird Park, River Safari has transformed into a freshwater aquarium and river-themed wildlife park. This is the home of more than 200 animal species and 400 different plant species, and their strengths are aquatic species, reptiles, especially pandas.

The River Safari entrance is on the way to the Singapore Zoo’s ticket counter and is also very close to the Night Safari, so you can combine your Singapore River Safari tour with one of the two zoos above if you have time.

This detailed guide provides an in-depth look into Singapore River Safari, highlighting its exhibits, conservation initiatives, and visitor experiences.

Opening hours:

Visitor Services Counter operating from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Singapore River Safari’s opening hours are from 10:00 to 19:00, last entry at 6:30 PM. However, operating hours vary depending on the area:

Reservoir Cruise: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Amazon River Quest: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Squirrel Monkey Forest: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Giant Panda Forest: 10:00 AM – 6:15 PM

Touch Pool: Weekdays open from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM. On weekends and holidays open from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

Singapore River Safari’s Ticket Price

The price when buying directly will be about 36 SGD for adults and 24 SDG for children from 3 – 12 years old. The ticket price for the elderly (60 years and older) is 17 SGD. Children under 3 years old will get free admission.

You can buy directly at the entrance or buy online in advance. Ticket prices purchased directly are usually fixed. Ticket prices purchased online are often more attractive due to many promotional programs, let’s hunt for promotional tickets online to save more. Especially on weekends, there will be a very long queue if you buy at the counter ticket.

How to go to Singapore River Safari?

About 20km from the center of Singapore, you can catch a taxi to go straight to Singapore River Safari. However, from experience visiting Singapore River Safari, to save money, you should go to River Safari by public transport.

• Bus: use Google Maps to see a specific guide for the bus closest to you that is convenient for getting to Singapore Zoo.
• MRT combined with buses. There is no MRT station near Singapore River Safari, so it is necessary to combine MRT and bus.
• Other choice: Taxi. Of course, this is the fastest and simplest method, but the cost is quite expensive.
• You can also buy a combo ticket to visit Singapore River Safari, which has a private car to pick you up directly from the hotel, very convenient for transportation.

What are Singapore River Safari’s unique attractions?

River Safari, Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park, opened its doors in 2012. Spanning 12 hectares, it’s designed to replicate freshwater habitats from some of the world’s most famous rivers like the Mississippi, Congo, Nile, Ganges, Mekong, and Yangtze. The park aims to educate visitors about freshwater ecosystems’ fragile nature and the need to protect them.

Experience visiting River Safari, this is a river-themed zoo and you can sit on a boat or walk to visit the rivers and explore the animals around there. Let’s explore!

1. River Zones

• Mississippi River: Encounter the North American beaver and the ancient Alligator snapping turtle.
• Congo River: Explore the depths of the African rainforest and meet the world’s largest freshwater pufferfish.
• River Nile: Discover the life that thrives along the longest river in the world, including the sharp-toothed tigerfish.
• Ganges River: A glimpse into the diverse and vibrant life that thrives in one of the most populous regions on Earth.
• Mekong River: See the giant Mekong catfish and the small but unique Mekong river stingray.
• Yangtze River: Home to the critically endangered Chinese alligator and the giant salamander.

2. Amazon Flooded Forest:

This immersive exhibit simulates the annual flooding of the Amazon rainforest and showcases a variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals, including the manatee and arapaima.

3. Giant Panda Forest

The star attractions are Kai Kai and Jia Jia, the resident giant pandas. This temperature-controlled biodome also houses the red panda and golden pheasant.

4. Amazon River Quest

A boat ride that takes visitors on a journey to see animal species from the Amazon River, such as the jaguar and Brazilian tapir.

5. Squirrel monkey forest

Squirrel Monkey Forest will give you many opportunities to get up close to these small, adorable animals native to Central and South America. Unlike other animals, squirrel monkeys are often very intelligent and quite curious and friendly with visitors.

6. Safari River Cruise

Experience going to River Safari, you should spend the last day on a River Safari Cruise to enjoy and relax after a fun-filled day. You can see beautiful views along the Seletar reservoir. Moreover, this place is not limited to children so your whole family will be able to participate. The trip is free, and each trip will last about 15 minutes.

River Safari plays a crucial role in global breeding programs and conservation efforts, focusing on endangered freshwater species. Educational programs and interactive exhibits are designed to raise awareness about the importance of river ecosystems.

Dining and Shopping

The park offers a range of dining options, including the River Safari Tea House and Mama Panda Kitchen, offering dishes for various tastes. The gift shop provides a selection of souvenirs, from plush toys to educational books.

Tips for an Enjoyable Visit

• Best Time to Visit: You should go to River Safari Singapore from Monday to Friday because it will be very crowded on weekends. It is best to go to Singapore River Safari in the morning when the animals are happy and lively, and you can also watch the animals eat.
• Carry a water bottle, refillable at several stations around the park.
• Before you enter the park, remember to apply mosquito repellant because wild spaces cannot avoid insects. Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Remember to pick up the River Safari Singapore map at the entrance, it will give you a smoother tour and exploration.
• Start from the farthest exhibit and work your way back to the entrance to cover all zones efficiently.
• Capture memorable moments, but respect the animals’ space and avoid flash photography.
• What to eat at River Safari Singapore? It’s best to eat at Mama Panda Kitchen, the food is delicious and reasonably priced, but it will be quite crowded.
• There are many attractions and you cannot explore them all, but give priority to the panda forest and Amazon River Quest, because according to experience going to River Safari Singapore, these two areas are the most interesting.
• Equipped with essential amenities, including restrooms, nursing rooms, and first-aid stations. The park is wheelchair-friendly, with rental services available at the entrance.

River Safari Singapore offers an extraordinary experience that combines education, conservation, and recreation. It’s a window into the diverse and often unseen world of freshwater habitats, making it a must-visit for nature lovers, families, and anyone interested in the aquatic world. With its unique exhibits and focus on the conservation of riverine ecosystems, River Safari not only entertains but also educates visitors on the importance of preserving these vital waterways.

This comprehensive article provides a detailed guide to River Safari Singapore, showcasing its unique aspects and offering practical advice to ensure visitors have an enriching and enjoyable experience at this one-of-a-kind attraction.

Wish you have a memorable Singapore trip!