Singapore's Sentosa Island in the Indian Ocean is home to one of the most remarkable sights of Southeast Asia, the Singapore Underwater World. This is a unique structure that features an entire planet of exotic sea creatures from all over the world. The Oceanarium 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 extraordinary forms and views. For children and adults, there is a great opportunity to travel to the bottom of the ocean and look at outlandish fish, crabs, stingrays, jellyfish and other aquatic animals.
History and description
The idea of building the oceanarium originated in 1981 at the local corporation "Sentoza Development" together with the country's Ministry of National Development. The main goal of this project was to attract tourists to Sentosa Island. The plan was under development for two years. The design of the facility was hampered by the search for new durable materials to create structures that withstand high water pressure. In 1983, a Singaporean company decided to attract large firms from Australia and New Zealand interested in the economic attractiveness of the oceanarium for the construction of the complex. The construction of the structure began in 1988, and the grand opening took place in 1991.
The largest aquarium in Asia, "Underwater World of Singapore" is able to receive about 20,000 tourists a day. It is home to more than 5,000 representatives of marine fauna and flora. Most of the animals were purchased from fisheries, as well as from fishermen in Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Australia. Some of the 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 success of bamboo and leopard shark breeding was demonstrated to the public. It is noteworthy that it is difficult for marine animals to reproduce in an artificial environment. The Singapore Aquarium pays special attention to this issue.
Unique coral reefs from the seas where dredging works are carried out were brought to the "Underwater World of Singapore". This was done as part of the Marine Resource Conservation Project. The complex also participates in world forums and events to protect the ecological system in the oceans and seas. The establishment of a 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 special occasions in an unusual setting.
Acquaintance with aquatic animals begins with visual and tactile contact with them. The program of visiting the "Underwater World of Singapore" begins with the presentation of its interactive part. The outdoor pools are home to turtles, small sharks, and stingrays. Each creature can be stroked and fed. They are accustomed to increased attention to themselves and specially approach the guests for the sake of delicacies and affection. The Oceanarium contains several thematic underwater halls.
Large acrylic plastic pipe and aquariums create the feeling of absolute human presence on the seabed. Near the portholes there are information boards, which indicate information about the sea creatures in this sector. The environment 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. A moving path leads to an underwater kingdom inhabited by a huge number of marine animals. They float overhead and around the visitors to the aquarium. Above, a tiger shark majestically defiles. From somewhere on the side, the attentive gaze of a large octopus is felt. Bright fishes flash around. You can carefully observe their graceful movements, the structure of their bodies, as well as 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 for the presence of schools of colorful, large and small, thin and fat fish. The scene of the ocean settlement strikes with its gigantic square, where unique representatives of the marine fauna live. These are small, colorful bamboo and leopard sharks, huge and fierce five-meter predators, graceful stingrays, thousands of perches, sawfish, hammerhead fish. At the bottom you can see moray eels.
The movement of her snake-like flexible body among the underwater rocks literally mesmerizes the eye. 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 the four-meter creature nibbles algae and lifts the soil from the bottom of the pool with its tongue.
Small exotic inhabitants of the ocean floor are impressive 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 camouflage. The dragon moves with the help of pectoral and dorsal fins. Crabs and seahorses live nearby in the aquarium. Another hall is dedicated to jellyfish. Many species of these invertebrates can be seen here. 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, enchant with their calmness. The Singapore Aquarium also houses a dolphinarium. Here you can meet beautiful pink dolphins. These humpbacked and long-nosed mammals amaze visitors with acrobatic jumps, 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. A ticket to the Aquarium and Dolphinarium is $ 25 for adults and $ 17 for children. Those who want to enjoy the underwater world several times can purchase a subscription for two entrances throughout the year. The cost of 1 subscription depends on the categories: for an adult - $ 35, for a child - $ 22, for a family of 3 - $ 89. For an additional fee, you can use special services: swimming with sharks, with a 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 over a special bridge between the mainland and the island, by monorail, or by cable car or by car. Directly to the complex "Underwater World" can be reached by a free bus. The presence of a huge number of signs does not allow a large number of tourists to get lost.
