Instead of doing the weekend routine, which probably differs no less than watching movies, shopping or even staying at home, why not make a trip down to Sentosa's newest attraction to experience the world's largest aquarium. Home to more than 100,000 marine animals of over 800 species in a whopping 45 million liters of water, some of its residents include the majestic manta rays, moray eels, hammerhead sharks and the controversial Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, and yes, animal rights activists has made quite a big fuss on this particular issue.
It was girlfriend's birthday and I thought that the Marine Life Park multi-pass package, which includes S.E.A Aquarium + Adventure Cove Waterpark (S$52, one-day adult pass) looks attractive. Moreover, I did try to incorporate new places to explore during her birthday, instead of just the typical boring shopping-and-dinner birthdays.
For more information on the ticket pricing, please click here. (opens in new window)
Here we were at Adventure Cove Waterpark! I won't blog about this attraction here, since I thought it deserves a full post on its own. Nevertheless, it was a "promising endless splashes of fun", with all the crazy waterslides and hydro-magnetic coaster.
With little time to touch up our hair and faces, we proceeded right straight to S.E.A Aquarium. It is located within the Maritime Experiental Museum, hence you get free entry to that attraction as well. But since we have already explored the museum prior to this visit (and we were running out of time), we decided to skip it.
The first encounter - Shark Seas, showcase the main character of JAWS and yeah, that is none other than these majestic predators of the waters.
I can't imagine what happens if the glass collapses
It features several endangered species such as the scalloped hammerhead shark, silvertip shark and the sandbar shark. The awe-inspiring attraction also resembles the Underwater World with its similar tunnel and travelator.
Just chilling out, bro
Strait of Karimata (Southeast of Sumatra) is the second habitat you would experience after the Shark Seas, it features a monumental shipwreck and dozens species of fishes such as the pompano, threadfin and goliath grouper. Found yourself already awestruck with this display? If the Ocean Habitat is the main dish, this is just merely the appetiser.
Here's a cute starfish to start with. I bet it reminds you of Peach, the pink starfish in Disney Pixar's Finding Nemo. If you want to touch them, molest them or whatever, you could get a close encounter with them at the Discovery Touch Pool, where friendly staff will give a brief lecture on the different starfishes and corals.
"Morning. It's morning, everyone! Today's the day! The sun is shining, the tank is clean, and we are gonna get out of... " Uhh yeah, the tank is clean, so don't bother to get out.
The entire aquarium comprises a total of 49 habitats imitating different parts of Southeast Asia, with the Open Ocean habitat (below) housing the world's largest viewing panel, which measures up to 36 meters wide and 8.3 meters high.
Beautiful isn't it? Watching the school of fishes swimming with distinct patterns, or the manta rays gliding through the waters with elegance and grace, I found myself awestruck, lost in the world of God's beautiful creation. Letting the sorrows drown to the ocean bed, it was fairly therapeutic to be honest. Maybe if I had a psychology clinic next time, I would build myself a mini-aquarium as well.
For now, I am just gonna let the pictures do the talking.
Eye-gasm with colorful corals
Moray eel posing for my camera
Personally, I hate urchins, you will know why when you go for snorkelling or diving
Gigantic lobsters *stomach growl*
A glowing coral that would make a beautiful lamp (just kidding)
NNEEEMMMMMOOOOOOOOO!
Cute jellyfish that resembles.. fake boob, no seriously
Bigger boob with really long tentacles, I would hate to mess with this one.
This is however, a teaser of what there is in the aquarium and there are, of course, way more things you will get to experience and discover. All in all, I would say that S.E.A Aquarium is a must to visit, for both young and all, as it will surely captivate the hearts and minds of every visitor.
For more information on Visitor's FAQ, such as ticketing and how-to-get-there, please click here. (opens in new window). Just a friendly advice: get your tickets early during peak periods. You wouldn't want to head there and be disappointed.
S.E.A Aquarium
Sentosa