Oceanarium “Singapore Underwater World” – photo, description, history, prices 2021, how to get there, map
On the Singaporean island of Sentosa in the Indian Ocean, there is one of the most remarkable sights of Southeast Asia – the Singapore Underwater World Aquarium. This is a unique building, which presents a whole planet of exotic sea creatures from around the world. The aquarium is very popular among tourists. Most people are attracted by the vast expanses of the depths of the oceans and seas. The inhabitants of the water element always amaze with their unusual forms and views. For children and adults, there is a great opportunity to go on a trip to the bottom of the ocean and look at outlandish fish, crabs, rays, jellyfish and other aquatic animals.
History and description
The idea of building an oceanarium arose in 1981 from the local Sentoza Development Corporation, together with the country's Ministry of National Development. The main purpose of this project was to attract tourists to Sentosa Island. The plan was under development for two years. The design of the facility was constrained by the search for new durable materials to create structures that can withstand high water pressure. In 1983, a Singaporean company decided to attract large companies from Australia and New Zealand for the construction of the complex, interested in the economic attractiveness of the oceanarium. The construction of the building began in 1988, and the grand opening took place in 1991.
The largest oceanarium in Asia, Singapore Underwater World is able to receive about 20,000 tourists a day. It is home to more than 5,000 representatives of marine fauna and flora. The animals were mainly purchased from fish farms, as well as from fishermen in Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Australia. Some sharks were caught personally by the staff of the aquarium.
The complex not only recreates favorable natural conditions for the life of marine life, but also increases their population. In 2009, the public was shown success in breeding bamboo and leopard sharks. It is noteworthy that it is difficult for marine animals to reproduce in an artificial environment. In the Singapore Aquarium, this issue is given special attention.
Unique coral reefs were brought to Underwater World of Singapore from the seas where dredging works are carried out. This was done as part of a project to conserve marine resources. The complex also participates in world forums and events to protect the ecological system in the oceans and seas. The institution of the water zoo has its own characteristics. In addition to contemplating marine animals, visitors can take advantage of interesting services. Guests can spend the night in the tunnel under the aquarium or celebrate solemn events in an unusual setting.
Acquaintance with aquatic animals begins with visual and tactile contact with them. The Singapore Underwater World visit program begins with the presentation of its interactive part. In the outdoor pools there are turtles, small sharks, as well as rays. Each creature can be stroked and fed. They are accustomed to increased attention to themselves and specially approach guests for the sake of treats and affection. The oceanarium contains several thematic underwater halls.
A large acrylic plastic pipe and aquariums create the feeling of absolute human being on the seabed. Near the portholes there are information plates, which indicate information about the sea creatures of this sector. The situation for animals is as close as possible to the real environment of existence: stones, shells, corals, reefs, elements of a sunken ship, underwater rocks, algae.
What to see
The main highlight of the complex is a tunnel with transparent walls running along the bottom of the pool. The moving path leads to the underwater kingdom, inhabited by a huge number of marine animals. They float overhead and around the aquarium's visitors. From above, a tiger shark majestically defiles. From somewhere on the side you can feel the attentive look of a large octopus. There are brightly colored fish all around. You can carefully observe their graceful movements, the structure of their bodies, and also make out the lines and patterns on their bodies.
The tunnel passes through two separate sections: the coral world and the oceans. Coral reefs create their own separate world of stay for schools of colorful, large and small, thin and fat fish. The scene of the ocean settlement impresses with its gigantic area, where unique representatives of the marine fauna live. These are small, colorful bamboo and leopard sharks, huge and ferocious five-meter predators, graceful stingrays, thousands of perches, sawfish, hammerhead fish. At the bottom you can see a moray eel.
The movement of her snake-like flexible body among the underwater rocks is literally mesmerizing. It is interesting to observe the behavior of a sea cow (dugong). This aquatic mammal is listed in the Red Book. It is very curious to see how a four-meter creature nibbles on algae and lifts the soil from the bottom of the pool with its tongue.
Impressive little exotic inhabitants of the ocean floor in a separate sector. The sea dragon is the pride of the aquarium. This species is endangered. Its length is about half a meter, the body is covered with algae, which act as a disguise. The dragon moves with the help of pectoral and dorsal fins. Right next to the aquarium live crabs and seahorses. Another room is dedicated to jellyfish. Here you can see many species of these invertebrate organisms. They are considered one of the oldest creatures on the planet.
Colored, hairy and even eared transparent bodies, similar to umbrellas, carry out pulsating movements, captivate with their calmness. The Singapore Aquarium also houses a Dolphinarium. Here you can meet beautiful pink dolphins. These humpbacked and long-nosed mammals impress visitors with acrobatic jumps, as well as ball and hoop exercises.
Opening hours and ticket prices
The doors to the world of underwater adventures are open daily from 9:00 to 21:00. The cost of a ticket to the oceanarium and dolphinarium is $25 for adults and $17 for children. Those wishing to enjoy the underwater world several times can purchase subscriptions for two entrances during the year. The cost of 1 subscription depends on the categories: for an adult – $ 35, for a child – $ 22, for a family of 3 people – $ 89. For an additional fee, you can use special services: swimming with sharks, with dugong, with dolphins. Close communication takes place accompanied by professionals.
Where is it located and how to get there
Sentosa Island, where the aquarium is located, can be reached in several ways: on foot along a special bridge between the mainland and the island, by monorail railway or by cable car or by car. Directly to the complex “Podvodny Mir” can be reached by a free bus. The presence of a huge number of signs do not allow a large number of tourists to get lost.