On the island of Sentosa in the Indian Ocean, there is one of the most remarkable attractions in Southeast Asia — the Underwater World Singapore Aquarium. This unique facility showcases an entire planet of exotic marine creatures from around the world. The aquarium is extremely popular among tourists. Most people are attracted by the vast expanses of the depths of the oceans and seas. Aquatic inhabitants always amaze with their extraordinary forms and appearances. Both children and adults have a wonderful opportunity to embark on a journey to the ocean floor and see exotic fish, crabs, rays, jellyfish, and other aquatic animals.
History and Description
The idea of constructing the aquarium emerged in 1981 by the local corporation “Sentosa Development” in collaboration with the Ministry of National Development of the country. The main goal of this project was to attract tourists to the island of Sentosa. The plan was under development for two years. The project was delayed by the search for new durable materials for creating structures that could withstand high water pressure. In 1983, the Singaporean company decided to involve major firms from Australia and New Zealand, which were interested in the economic attractiveness of the aquarium. Construction began in 1988, and the grand opening took place in 1991.
The largest aquarium in Asia, Underwater World Singapore, can accommodate about 20,000 tourists per day. It houses over 5,000 representatives of marine fauna and flora. Most of the animals were acquired from fish farms and fishermen from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Australia. Some sharks were personally caught by the aquarium staff.
The complex not only recreates favorable natural conditions for marine life but also works on increasing their populations. In 2009, the public was shown the success in breeding bamboo and leopard sharks. Notably, it is challenging for marine animals to reproduce in an artificial environment. The Singapore aquarium pays special attention to this issue.
Unique coral reefs were brought to Underwater World Singapore from seas where dredging operations are conducted. This was part of a project to preserve marine resources. The complex also participates in international forums and events on protecting the ocean and sea ecosystems.
The water zoo has its own features. Besides viewing marine animals, visitors can enjoy interesting services. Guests can spend the night in the tunnel under the aquarium or celebrate special occasions in an unusual setting.
What to See
The main highlight of the complex is the tunnel with transparent walls running along the bottom of the pool. A moving walkway leads into the underwater kingdom, inhabited by a vast number of marine animals. They swim above and around the aquarium visitors. A tiger shark majestically parades overhead. From somewhere on the side, the attentive gaze of a large octopus can be felt. Bright fish dart around everywhere. You can closely observe their graceful movements, body structures, and spot lines and patterns on their bodies.
The tunnel passes through two separate sections: the coral world and ocean habitats. Coral reefs create their own separate world inhabited by schools of colorful, large and small, thin and thick fish. The ocean habitat scene impresses with its giant area where unique representatives of marine fauna live. These include small, colorful bamboo and leopard sharks, huge and fierce five-meter predators, graceful rays, thousands of groupers, sawfish, hammerhead sharks, and moray eels can be seen on the bottom.
Watching the snake-like flexible body of the moray eel moving among underwater rocks is mesmerizing. It’s interesting to observe the behavior of the sea cow (dugong). This aquatic mammal is listed in the Red Book. It’s fascinating to see how the four-meter creature nibbles on algae and lifts the substrate from the pool bottom with its tongue.
Small exotic inhabitants of the ocean floor impress in a separate sector. The sea dragon is the pride of the aquarium. This species is endangered. It is about half a meter long, and its body is covered with algae that serve as camouflage. The dragon moves using its pectoral and dorsal fins. Nearby in the aquarium, crabs and seahorses live. Another hall is dedicated to jellyfish. Here you can see many species of these invertebrates. They are considered some of the oldest creatures on the planet.
Colorful, hairy, and even eared transparent bodies, resembling umbrellas, perform pulsating movements that enchant with their tranquility. The Singapore aquarium also houses a dolphinarium. Here you can meet beautiful pink dolphins. These humpbacked and long-nosed mammals impress visitors with their acrobatic jumps and exercises with a ball and hoop.
Operating Hours and Ticket Prices
The doors to the world of underwater adventures are open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The entrance fee to the aquarium and dolphinarium is $25 for adults and $17 for children. Those who wish to enjoy the underwater world multiple times can purchase passes for two entries per year. The cost of one pass depends on the categories: for adults — $35, for children — $22, for a family of three — $89. For an additional fee, you can use special services: swimming with sharks, dugongs, or dolphins. Close interaction occurs under the supervision of professionals.
Location and How to Get There
You can reach Sentosa Island, where the aquarium is located, in several ways: on foot via a special bridge between the mainland and the island, by monorail, cable car, or car. You can get directly to the Underwater World complex by a free bus. Numerous signposts ensure that the large number of tourists do not get lost.
