is river safari in singapore zoo

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River Safari Singapore

Singapore is home to many firsts in Asia, and the River Safari Singapore is one of them. The attraction features the first and only wildlife adventure park in the region to take the freshwater ecosystem as a theme.

River Safari Singapore hosts a collection of at least 5,000 animals from various species, 42 of which are currently endangered.

River Safari Singapore, Zoo Ticket Price, Opening Hours & Map

Another prominent attraction at the River Safari is the Giant Panda Forest which houses the lovely panda couple Jia-Jia and Kai-Kai. These endangered animals are loaned by China to Singapore for 10 years to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the friendly relationship between the two nations.

River Safari Singapore also offers the one-of-a-kind experience of exploring the ‘habitat’ of the Mekong River which is Southeast Asia’s longest freshwater river. This man-made river simulates the deep waters and the natural environment of Mekong.

The River Safari also has an artificial flooded forest that resembles that of the Amazon after being taken over by a heavy downpour. To give guests the complete Amazonian feel, the flooded forest is also graced by different animals which are endemic to the Amazon such as the arapaima and the manatee.

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About the author

Michael Jones

Michael created and runs the Singapore Travel Hub website, as well as the Holiday Point travel brand that incorporates a network of 16 location based travel information and attraction websites around Australia, Asia, and around the world.

With 25+ years of online experience and a passion for travel (having visited Singapore many times and experiencing a lot in the country), Michael not only researches and writes content for the website, he also tinkers behind the scenes with the website functionality & design.

Please reach out if you have any questions or suggestions.

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Beast entry time to go for river safari Do you have any common package for all as shown on the wedsite deal for 12 persons

Tickets for the River Safari Singapore are currently on sale here . There is also an additional coupon you can use in the month of May when you spend a certain amount: TRAVELMAY5 (if you spend over $100), TRAVELMAY10 (if you spend over $150) and TRAVELMAY30 (if you spend over $300.

Best regards, Jess

Will an old grandma on wheelchair be able to take the boat ride?

Hi Catherine,

No, guests must be able to transfer onto the boat unaided. So it is not suitable for those in a wheelchair.

Frequently Asked Questions About River Safari Singapore

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Animals and Zones at River Wonders

About river wonders.

River Wonders Singapore is a tour inside the majestic river-themed Park that houses over 400 plant species and more than 7500 terrestrial and aquatic animals. The Park spreads across 12 hectares featuring replicas of freshwater habitats of rivers like the Nile, the Mekong River, the Congo Basin, the Amazon Basin, the Mary River, the Yangtze River and Ganges River. This wildlife park has the largest collection of freshwater animals in the world with the River Wonders Singapore animals belonging to over 240 different species .

The Park is divided into different zones and in these River Wonders zones you will find unique and exotic animals such as the Chinese giant salamanders, the Giant River Otters, the rare Chinese alligators, Australian lungfish, the endangered Indian gharial and the giant Mekong catfish. The main highlights of the River Wonders Singapore are the Giant Pandas Kai Kai, Jia Jia and their newborn cub Le Le.

The main purpose of the River Wonders Singapore is to inspire and educate visitors of the importance of protecting the fragile ecosystem of the freshwater river basin and its inhabitants around the world. Nearly 40% of the River Wonders animals are endangered species and the Park is involved in the conservation and preservation of these beautiful animals. Plan your Visit by keeping in mind the River Wonders location and how to reach River Wonders Singapore to make the best of your visit.

Zones at River Wonders Singapore

The Amazon Flooded Forest is a massive complex which features a cave-like walkthrough lined with a few exhibits along its curved paths. The path leads to the largest freshwater tank in the Park that is house to the famous the manatees and the arapaimas.

What is unique about this Zone:

The main highlight of this Zone is the pair of Giant River Otters - Chico and Carla. These River Wonders animals are showcased for the first time in Asia.

Animals to be spotted:

In this Zone you will find electric eels, discus, Bolivian ram cichlid, black finned pacu, red bellied piranha, striped silver dollars, oscars, album angelfish, arapaimas and manatees.

This River Wonders zones replicate the cascading waterfalls and moist leafy forests of the Congo Basin. The Congo River is the world's second deepest freshwater river in the world and this Zone in the Park features its unique characteristics.

What makes this Zone unique:

The zone features the most diverse marine and aquatic species of the freshwater ecosystems in the world.

Animals spotted in this Zone:

Animals found in this Zone are the most colorful of the River Wonders animals blue neon cichlid, fairy cichlids, large spot catfish, lemon cichlids, tailspot ctenopoma, yellow sand cichlids, Tanganyikan butterfly cichlid, and red spot callochromis.

The River Ganges is the most revered river amongst Hindus and it is formed by the convergence of several Himalayan freshwater springs. The Ganges River Zone replicates the natural habitat of this majestic river.

The zone is inspired by the many Hindu temples that can be found on its banks. This River Wonders zones feature several aquatic animals that inhabit the South Asian freshwater bodies.

This exhibit showcases the fish eating Indian gharial, goonch catfish, the frog faced softshell turtle, and the giant devil catfish.

The most famous River Wonders Singapore animals- Kai Kai and Jia Jia- the giant pandas are found in the Giant Panda Forest.

This zone is the largest panda exhibit in the world and it has a specially designed biodome with state-of-the-art temperature and humidity control to ensure a comfortable environment for the pandas. The zone replicates the natural habitat of these endangered animals right from plants, to boulders to water features.

Giant Pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia as well as their new baby Le Le. The zone also has the red pandas.

The Mary River is famous for its exotic biodiversity and it features some of the most unique aquatic species in the world. The exhibit features the freshwater stream of Mary River which then leads to brackish and saltwater as it empties into the sea.

This River Wonders Zone features some of the most unique and peculiar aquatic animals in the world. A fish that skips about in the mud, a lunged fish that can survive in sluggish stagnant waters.

Australian kingfish, the mudskipper fish and the bandit archer are the River Wonders Singapore animals that can be spotted in this Zone.

The Mekong River begins from the Tibetan plateau and journeys past six countries before it joins the open sea. The river is fed by the melting snow of the Tibetan plateaus. This exhibit is one of the largest at the Park, and features aquatic inhabitants of the Mekong River.

The Mekong River is second only to the Amazon Basin in terms of aquatic animals. This Zone features this unique environment and houses several giants of the catfish species, stingrays and a few others.

Here, you can get a close look at the giant Mekong catfish, the giant freshwater stingray, Arowana, Burmese archer fish, Eurasian spoonbill, high fin catfish, painted stork, rhinoceros carpet, rufous night heron, spotted whistling duck, sutchi catfish, wallago and the Siamese carpet.

The River Nile has been the source of productivity and wealth for Egypt and nearby countries right from the Stone Age. This River Wonders Zones feature submerged ruins and structures that will transport you to ancient Egypt.

This Zone features amazing yet dangerous predator River Wonders Singapore animals such as the goliath tigerfish, arowana, etc. What is unique about this Zone is that all these predatory fish are able to thrive together in the same tank because each of them have the natural tendency to occupy different layers of the water.

Animals you can see up close in the River Nile exhibit are African arowanas, goliath tigerfish, African pike, African tigerfish, hornet tilapia, saddled richie and the lapradei richie.

Freshwater habitats across the globe support about 45% of the aquatic plants and animals species. The River Gems zone features the biodiversity of these freshwater habitats from around the world and showcases some of the most vibrant colored River Wonders animals in the Park.

The most unique feature of this Zone is the sheer variety of colorful aquatic species that overwhelms every visitor.

River Wonders animals seen here are cardinal tetra, Caribbean flamingo, fohaku pufferfish, capybara, phantom tetra, harlequin rasbora, the jaguar, giant panda, penguin tetra, rainbow shark, rummy nose tetra, red howler monkey, red tailed hemiodus tetra, white faced saki and the red panda.

The Yangtze River, at 6300 km, is the longest River in Asia and holds over 40% of the freshwater sources of China. Several River Wonders Singapore animals call this massive zone home.

The Yangtze River Zone showcases the Chinese alligator which is one of the rarest Crocodile species in the world. The zone also features other unique and endangered animals like the sturgeon and the Giant pandas.

Chinese giant salamander, Chinese softshell turtle, grass carp, giant pandas, red panda, Phoenix barb, sturgeon and the Chinese alligator.

Animals at River Wonders Singapore

The Chinese giant salamander are ancient creatures that have existed since the time of the dinosaurs. They can live upto 52 years if cared well and feed on smaller fish, salamanders and other invertebrates. They are mostly found in the cold streams of the Yangtze, Yellow and Pearl River of China.

The electric eel is a fascinating creature capable of generating over 800 volts of electricity and has cells that store this electric current like batteries. This charge is then used bit by bit to attack its prey. Their natural habitat is the slow moving waters of the Amazon and Orinoco basin. At the River Wonders Singapore it is housed in the Amazon Flooded Forest.

Very little is known about this massive yet elusive creature. The Giant freshwater Stingray is probably the largest freshwater fish weighing over 600kgs as adults. Females can be about 6 times larger than this and they give birth to young ones. They prefer a laid back lifestyle and are mostly found gliding on the river beds. These amazing giants can be seen in the Mekong River zone in River Wonders.

The Giant Pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia are the main highlights of the River Wonders Singapore. They now have a cub together, Le Le which was born in August 2021. The Giant Pandas are natives of the Sichuan Mountains, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces of China and their main diet are bamboos. These beautiful creatures are one of the most endangered animals in the world. The Giant Pandas are kept in a specially designed enclosure, The Giant Panda Forest in the Park.

Giant river otters are social animals, they like to live and work together as families. These playful creatures are not born swimmers but are taught swimming by their parents. Here, in the Amazon Flooded Forest you can meet Chico and Carla the giant river otters who love to play with their many toys.

The Goliath tigerfish can be seen in the Nile River Zone of the River Wonders Singapore. These massive tiger fishes are famous for their razor-like teeth. They have muscular bodies and they are the most spectacular predators of the river.

The Green Anacondas are one of the heaviest snakes in the world and can be mostly found in the Amazon River Basins and Orinoco Basin of South America. The females give birth to over 40 young ones at a time but most fall prey to predators like caimans and piranhas. At the River Wonders Singapore they can be seen in the Wild Amazonia zone.

The Indian gharial is related to crocodiles and alligators and once were natives of the Indian subcontinent, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Now, they are a highly endangered species and completely extinct in the Myanmar and Pakistan region. At the River Wonders Singapore these exotic creatures can be found in the Ganges River Zone.

Manatees are massive fully aquatic mammals and they mostly feed on aquatic vegetation. The largest manatee in the River Wonders is Eva weighing over 1200kgs. Pedro is the oldest male in the Park and Canola is the baby of the group. These large beings can be found in the Amazon Flooded Forest zone of the River Wonders Singapore.

the Mekong giant catfish has several unique features and one of the most fascinating ones is that the young fry are cannibals who devour their own siblings and zooplankton. But when they are about 1 year old they lose all their teeth and turn into herbivores. At the Park you can see these fascinating creatures in the Mekong River Zone.

Red pandas, just like the giant pandas, are solitary animals and they like their space. They have a thumb-like feature in their paws to help them hold on to the bamboo. Their native habitats are the temperate forest of China, Bhutan and Nepal. At the River Wonders you can find these adorable creatures in the Giant Panda Forest and Yangtze River zone.

Red bellied piranhas are famous for their shark-like teeth and powerful trap-like snap. Also, just like sharks, piranhas lose and replace their teeth their whole lifetime. These freshwater animals are mostly scavengers but they do prey on smaller fishes or other water animals. In the River Wonders you can take a closer look at these creatures in the Amazon Flooded Forest zone.

Squirrel monkeys are found in large groups of over 300 in the wild and they mostly feed on fruits and insects. They are arboreal animals and thrive in the canopy of the Amazon rainforests. The group in the River Wonders Singapore are fed carrots, beans, sweet potatoes, hazelnuts and almonds. These can be seen swing from tree to tree in the Squirrel Monkey Forest zone in the Park.

The Sturgeon fish is one of the most valued fish in the world, especially the Beluga sturgeon which is famous for the Beluga caviar. This species of fish can live up to 100 years under human care. These bottom dwellers feed on insects, invertebrates and sometimes dead fish. You can take a close look at these amazing creatures in the Yangtze River zone.

Book River Wonders Tickets

River wonders tickets singapore, what are the singapore river wonders timings.

River Wonders Singapore opening hours are between 10am to 7pm and last entry at 6pm. Plan your visit to River Wonders zones - Amazon River Quest and Squirrel Monkey Forest opening hours are between 11am to 6pm. Giant Panda Forest opening hours are between 10am to 10:15 pm.

How do I reach the Singapore River Wonders?

By MRT:Take the MRT to Khatib MRT station and head to exit A. From here you can board the Mandai Khatib Shuttle which is a direct bus that will take you to River Wonders Singapore and it takes about 15 minutes to get there.

By Bus:You can reach River Wonders by boarding bus number 138 from Ang Mo Kio Bus Terminal. These buses are available at 8 to 15 minutes intervals from 6:30am to 11:45pm.

By taxi:Taxis are available from any part of Singapore to take you to the Park. However the most cost effective way would be to take the MRT to Khatib MRT Station then take a taxi to River Wonders from there.

How long will it take to complete River Wonders park?

Recommended time to spend at River Wonders Singapore is at least 2 hours in order to visit all the zones and see most of the River Wonders Singapore animals.

How many types of boat rides are there in River Wonders?

River Wonders offers two types of boat rides - the Amazon River Quest which is a 10 minute boat ride and the Reservoir Cruise which is a 30 minute cruise on an artificially created reservoir.

How long will boat rides in River Wonders take ?

The Amazon River Quest boat ride is for 15 minutes and the Reservoir Cruise is a 30 minute long boat ride.

What are the things to do at River Wonders Singapore ?

• Explore the River Trails:

In the River trails, explore the aquatic wildlife enclosed within one of the largest freshwater aquariums in the world. There is a wide viewing panel from where you can get close and enjoy views of the beautiful Marine creatures swimming about.

• Meet the Manatees:

At the River Wonders Singapore, Manatee Mania is a highly popular experience and you get to meet a whole family of these gentle giants.

• Enjoy Storytelling Time:

“Once Upon a River” is a show hosted by a team of anchors and they relate the story of the relationship between the animals and rivers around the world that they call home. Meet some rare animals like the Great White Pelican, Green Iguana, Red Panda and Brahminy kite.

• Indulge in a River Ride:

An exciting boat ride along the river awaits you on the Amazon River Quest. There are many animals in the lush green forest where you can see them while enjoying the ride.

• Enjoy a Reservoir Cruise:

Enjoy a relaxing Reservoir Cruise at the end of a trip to the River Wonders Singapore. This is a 30 minutes boat ride on an artificially created river which resembles a reservoir.

• Explore Restaurants and Shopping Places : Restaurants include Starbucks, Mama Panda Kitchen etc. and they get their seafood from sustainable sources and the Park has two gift shops - River Wonder Shop and House of Kai Kai and Jia Jia.

Are there any rules for the Singapore River Wonders

• Visitors should not venture into prohibited areas.
• Do not feed or tease the River Wonders animals.
• Visitors should be seated at all times and keep their hands inside during the boat rides.
• Exhibit areas should not be overcrowded
• Do not use videos and pictures of the Park for commercial purposes without the explicit consent of the Park authorities.
• Pets and plants are not allowed inside the Park
• Personal vehicles like scooters, tricycles are not allowed inside the Park.
• Do not use flash for photography in the Park.

Attraction Tickets

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River Wonders (River Safari) Singapore Review & How to Go Guide

The River Wonders , or previously known as River Safari is a river-themed wildlife park in Singapore with distinct animal zones. Plus, it comes with a riverboat ride and reservoir cruise for a unique kind of adventure.

I visited the park, together with my wife and kid, just recently. And our trip was undeniably memorable and entertaining.

In my River Wonders Singapore (formerly known as River Safari Singapore) review , I will share our personal experiences during our visit as well as the animals in each zone .

In addition, I will provide you with information and tips on how to go to River Wonders (River Safari) Singapore by MRT and Bus .

So, without any delay, here’s everything you need to know about this popular destination.

• What Animals You Can See at River Safari Singapore

1. Giant Panda Forest

2. wild amazonia, 3. amazon flooded forest, 4. mekong river, 5. mary river, 6. nile river, 7. mississippi river, 8. yangtze river, 9. congo river, 10. ganges river, 11. river gems, once upon a river (show), reservoir cruise.

• Where to Eat at River Safari

Visitor Information and Ticket Prices

• Where to Go after River Safari
• How to Go to River Safari Singapore

Related Posts

What animals you can see at river wonders (river safari) singapore.

River Safari Singapore is the home to over 6,000 animals , including 40 threatened species .

There are 11 zones for you to explore and 1 amazing show for you to look forward to.

The highlight in the park are the giant pandas . On top of that, you’ll also see some Caribbean flamingos, jaguars, manatees, capybaras, pelicans, electric eels, and alligators.

During our trip, we went through all zones and also watched the show.

I will include some of the photos we took in each zone so you’ll have an idea of the animals there (make sure to check out below).

And if you want to know other must-visit places, don’t worry. Get ideas from my suggested five days itinerary for Singapore and 47 top places to go in Singapore so you can plan your dream trip.

Giant Panda Forest is definitely the most anticipated zone at River Safari Singapore. You can’t miss these fluffy creatures roaming around their habitat.

Giant pandas like Jia Jia loves to eat bamboo. In fact, they can consume at least 28 pounds every day!

Here is Kai Kai, having the time of his life hanging around the tree.

If you can’t find him eating bamboos or climbing trees, he is most likely rolling on the ground.

Red Pandas, on the other hand, are quite notable because of their colors. Instead of the usual black and white, they have brown, black, and white fur combination.

But just like giant pandas, they love eating bamboos and climbing around.

Wild Amazonia is one of the most popular River Safari attractions. It offers two unique zones for you to explore.

The first one is the Amazon River Quest, which is a captivating river cruise. The second one is the Squirrel Monkey Forest.

i. Amazon River Quest

The Amazon River Quest is one of the most memorable zones in Wild Amazonia. This river ride offers you a fantastic water escapade.

Catch these monkey species dangling on the trees. Because of their structure, they can easily hang and jump from one branch to another.

Aside from monkey species, you’ll also see some giant anteaters and collared peccaries during the boat ride features.

Other distinct animals in this section are Brazilian tapir, coatimundis, and capybaras.

Also present are the ever-vibrant and eye-catching Caribbean flamingos and scarlet ibis. These give them the reputation of being the brightest bird species.

ii. Squirrel Monkey Forest

Another nice place to tour around River Safari is the Squirrel Monkey Forest.

In this area, you’ll spot some squirrel monkeys that are known for their vibrant colors.

The Saki Monkeys, on the other hand, have the most distinct face among all other monkeys. It’s because the color of their face differs from their entire body.

If you love the adorable Capybara on your Amazon River Quest, you have another chance to see them again here.

Because of their appearance and size, these cute animals look like puppies!

Amazon Flooded Forest is another top-notch zone in River Safari.

Here, you will meet many sea animals, particularly the manatees, or the sea cows.

These large mammals weigh around 600 kgs. Despite their immense size, manatees are mainly slow, plant-eaters.

And, they just prefer swimming in shallow waters and lazing around.

You will also see arapaimas, which are known for their super scaly bodies and pointed head.

As one of the world’s biggest freshwater fishes, they can reach as much as 9 ft wide and weigh up to 200 kgs.

The Giant River Otters are heavier and bigger compared to typical otters. They follow an amphibious lifestyle, wherein they can easily adapt to both water and land.

And it’s not hard to find them as they often relax on the ground or sometimes on the river stream.

Did you know that electric eels are actually not eels but rather knifefish?

They have electric organs that create dangerous discharges to sting their prey.

Aside from these slimy creatures, you’ll also catch a glimpse of different fish species. These include blue discus fishes, altum angelfish, and red oscars.

And if you’re a die-hard fan of sea creatures, you shouldn’t miss the SEA Aquarium. This place is a massive underwater world located in Sentosa Island.

Simply refer to my article of SEA Aquarium Singapore for relevant information and tips about this place.

Mekong River is the home to the Mekong Giant Catfish. Just so you know, this massive freshwater fish is already considered an endangered species.

Studies show that there are only around 100 remaining of these rare fishes.

So, if you spot this huge creature, be sure to appreciate them before they’re gone forever.

Surprisingly, the Mekong River isn’t just for catfishes and stingrays. It also has an impressive collection of distinct-looking animals like the crab-eating macaques.

They even have painted storks, Eurasian spoonbill, and rufous night heron.

At Mary River , you get to meet and interact with some sea stars and horseshoe crabs. This is fun activity that you should try during your River Wonders/River Safari trip.

Both chocolate chip sea stars and horseshoe crab are very fascinating to look at because of their shapes.

Australian Lungfishes are highly interesting because of their exceptional breathing feature.

These slow-paced creatures who love deep waters can breathe air using only one lung!

On contrary, mudskippers are the only fish species that can walk on lands! These amphibious creatures look like a fish with some frog-like characteristics.

Get amazed by various fish species in the Nile River . In this section, you will notice the massive goliath tiger fishes.

These freshwater fishes are famous for their razor-like teeth and muscular body. Because of their physical features, they are one of the river’s ultimate predators.

As you continue with your tour, you will get a glimpse of the African arowanas. These creatures have an elongated body with huge yet almost proportionate scales.

Additionally, you will have the chance to meet some Nile perches.

These are freshwater fishes who love warm waters. They feed on different fishes, insects, mollusks, and even smaller perches.

Another must-visit section in River Safari Singapore is the Mississippi River .

This is where you’ll see alligator gars, alligator snapping turtles, and common snapping turtles.

The alligator gars are quite eye-catching because of its alligator and fish features.

These creatures are also considered one of the longest-living freshwater fishes in the world.

Yangtze River is the habitat of sturgeon fishes. These ancient creatures commonly live in rivers, coastlines, and lakes.

You can easily identify them because of their sharp-edge bodies and long snouts.

Yangtze alligators are recognized for their rock-like body structure. They often swim in the water or spend time hiding around the rocks.

At Congo River , you will come across the African dwarf crocodiles. These reptiles grow up to 5 ft. long, making them one of the smallest crocodilians in the world.

They have a small, bony structure that allows them to climb easily on lower tree branches.

Aside from crocodiles, this place also has a lot of colorful fishes from the cichlid species. These are the blue cichlid, lemon cichlid, Tanganyikan butterfly cichlid.

There are also large spot catfishes swimming around.

Continue with your tour at Ganges River . This is the place where you’ll find the big-mouth Indian golden mahseers.

The clown knifefishes also occupy a part of this zone. Both species have special physical characteristics that make them stand out.

River Gems houses a couple of fahaka pufferfishes. Just like other puffers, these creatures inflate themselves when they sense danger.

Generally, they just feed on snails and freshwater mussels

Other fishes in this particular River Safari Singapore zone are cardinal tetras and black phantom tetras.

On top of that, there are also rummy-nose tetras and rainbow sharks.

Once Upon A River showcases the talents of the animals at River Safari. This animal presentation runs for 20 minutes.

And, it highlights the skills of capybaras, pelicans, ball python, and hedgehog.

All these creatures got their own set of charms to captivate the crowd.

At the end of the show, you’ll gain valuable knowledge about these animals. Not only that but you’ll also get a chance to meet them up-close!

The hornbills are also in the spotlight because of their smartness. Plus, their laugh is very unique and contagious.

Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM and 4:30 PM

Saturday to Sunday and Public Holidays: 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM

In between animal encounters and interactive shows, you can squeeze in the 15-minute Reservoir Cruise .

Enjoy this scenic water journey with your family and friends and fall in love with nature even more.

As it sails around the Seletar reservoir, don’t forget to take photos of the beautiful landscapes around.

And conveniently, this is a wheelchair-friendly cruise that can cater up to 40 persons in one trip.

Where to Eat at River Wonders (River Safari)

Take your lunch at Mama Panda Kitchen Restaurant inside the River Safari park.

This is the only dining spot in the park, which is just beside the viewing Panda area.

This fast-food restaurant is unique because of its panda-themed food and bamboo-framed photos.

However, the restaurant is quite crowded during lunchtime.

To avoid the waiting game and skip the long queues, you can take your lunch earlier or later.

The best time to go to the restaurant is either 11:30 AM in the morning or 2:00 PM in the afternoon.

Mama Panda Kitchen’s menu largely consists of Chinese dishes. They have ramen, steamed buns, wanton, and wok rice.

In addition, they have western selection that includes seafood basket and roasted chicken. And for dessert, they serve fresh fruit cups and almond chocolate profiteroles.

Our visit to River Wonders Singapore (previously known as River Safari) was definitely a great experience.

We enjoyed touring around each zone and meeting different animals.

We recommend that you prioritize Giant Panda Forest and Amazon River Quest boat ride . It’s because these 2 attractions are the most popular at River Safari.

During our trip, we started around 3:00 PM in the afternoon and spent 3 hours inside the park.

A tip when visiting the park is to bring your own drinking bottle. There are free water dispensers near the washroom to refill your water bottles.

Make sure you also bring a mosquito repellent, hats, and sunblock.

Also, we bought our River Safari tickets online and actually saved money .

Not only that but we also entered the park conveniently. It’s because we just presented the soft copy of our tickets at the entrance of the park.

To wrap it up, this famous river-them zoo is highly recommended to anyone who wants to have a fun-filled adventure with the animals.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last Admission at 6:00 PM)

Normal Ticket Prices: Adult: SGD $41 Child (3 to 12): SGD $24 *Included Amazon River Quest Boat Ride

Money Saving Tips: To save money and get speedy access to the park, buy your tickets online here .

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826

Official Website: https://www.wrs.com.sg/en/river-safari.html

Where to Go after River Wonders (River Safari)

Are you done with your River Safari Singapore tour?

You can explore Singapore Zoo or Night Safari right after because these two are just a 1-2 minute walk from River Safari.

1. Singapore Zoo

Explore this popular animal park together with your loved ones. This place comes with distinct animal zones as well as spectacular shows for everyone.

Just see here for a complete guide to Singapore Zoo and review and start kicking off with your plans.

2. Night Safari

Have a unique encounter with the wild animals at Night Safari. As the world’s first night zoo, this place provides you with an unforgettable animal experience.

Here are my tips for visiting Night Safari and review that are very helpful when planning.

Other than Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, Sentosa Island is also a great place to visit for nonstop adventures.

Here, you can explore some family-friendly beaches, try different outdoor activities, or simply enjoy the views.

Find out more about this destination in my super detailed guide on what to do in Sentosa .

If you’re planning to travel to Bangkok, there’s also a famous zoo that should be part of your itinerary. Get more information about this place in my detailed Safari World Bangkok article and start plotting your plans now.

How to Go to River Wonders (River Safari) Singapore

There’s no MRT station near River Safari Singapore. But there’s nothing to feel sad because you can easily reach the river-themed wildlife park by MRT then bus.

Basically, there are 3 easy ways to go there and let me show you in details below.

1. By MRT and Mandai Khatib Shuttle

To get to River Safari Singapore, you can take the Mandai Khatib Shuttle from Exit A of Khatib MRT Station .

The bus runs every 20 minutes from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Monday to Wednesday) and 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Thursday to Sunday).

This is a direct bus go to River Safari in 15 minutes and it costs SGD $1 only.

Kindly take note that the bus only accept EZ-link or NETS Flash card without accepting Cash.

2. By Bus 138

Another method to reach River Safari is to take the bus 138 from Ang Mo Kio Bus Terminal.

The service runs every 8 to 14 minutes from 6:30 AM to 11:45 PM. The one-way ticket costs SGD $1.64 (via EZ-link or NETS Flash card)/ SGD $2.50 (via Cash).

It takes around 39 minutes to reach River Safari.

To reach Ang Mo Kio bus terminal, you can take the North South Line to Ang Mo Kio MRT Station. From there, you go out the Exit C which will give you direct access to Ang Mo Kio Bus Terminal.

Take a taxi to River Safari Singapore is the easiest way but it can be expensive. If you plan to take a taxi, you can ride it from Exit A of Khatib MRT Station.

It costs about SGD $13 and you’ll reach there in 10 to 15 minutes.

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Singapore River Safari – tickets, price, how to reach

Singapore’s River Wonders is Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park. It was formerly known as the Singapore River Safari.

At this 12-hectares wildlife reserve, you explore the ecosystem of eight of the largest rivers in the World – Mississippi, Congo, Amazon, Nile, Ganges, Mary, Mekong, and the Yangtze River.

Besides these river trails, you also experience the Amazon River Quest and the Reservoir cruise – the two times you will get on a boat.

The River Safari features over 6,000 animals from 200 species, including the manatee, capybara, electric eel, and many more.

Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride along the river to see the exhibits and animals up close.

One of the main attractions at the River Safari is the Giant Panda Forest, where visitors can see the rare giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia in their specially designed habitat.

In addition to the various animal exhibits, the River Safari also offers educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages.

There are guided tours, animal shows, and interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the importance of freshwater habitats and the animals that live in them.

This article covers everything you must know before booking your Singapore River Wonders tickets.

Top Singapore River Safari Tickets

# Singapore River Safari tickets

Table of contents

Singapore river safari tickets, river safari opening hours, how long does river wonders take, things to do at singapore river safari, how to get to river wonders singapore, river safari map, animals in river wonders singapore, food at river safari, singapore .

Singapore River Wonder tickets get emailed to you as soon as you make the purchase.

On the day of your visit, you can show the ticket in your email and enter the River Safari. 

If you want, you can take a printout too. 

Besides admission to the Singapore River Safari, ticket also gets you access to the Amazon River Quest boat ride and the River Cruise, if you upgrade at the venue.

You can also attend the River Talk Show.

Ticket price for tourists

Adult ticket (13+ years): S$42 Child ticket (3 to 12 years): S$30 Infant ticket (up to 2 years): Free

Ticket price for local resident 

Adult ticket (13 to 59 years): S$40 Child ticket (3 to 12 years): S$29 Senior ticket (60+ years): S$20 Infant ticket (up to 2 years): Free

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Singapore’s River Wonders opens at 10 am and closes at 7 pm every day of the year.

The last entry to River Wonders is at 6 pm. 

Some of the exhibits at Singapore River Safari operate at different timings.

Touch Pool’s timings

River Safari Touch Pools open at 10 am and close at 6.30 pm on weekends and public holidays.

On weekdays, the animals at the Touch Pools are given a short break during the day.

The weekday timings of the Touch Pools are 10 am to 1 pm and 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm.

Amazon River Quest hours

River Safari’s Amazon River Quest is a 10-minute boat ride that starts at 11 am and goes on till 6 pm daily.

The last ride of the day is at 6 pm. 

Giant Panda Forest’s timings

River Safari’s Giant Pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia start welcoming visitors at 10 am daily.

The climate-controlled forest remains open till 6.15 pm. 

Squirrel Monkey Forest’s hours

The Squirrel Monkey Forest opens at 10 am and closes at 6 pm daily. 

Reservoir Cruise’s operating hours

The Reservoir Cruise starts at 10.30 am, half an hour after the River Safari opens for the day. 

The 15-minute long cruises continue all through the day, till 6 pm when the last cruise sets sail. 

At 12 hectares, the River Wonders in Singapore is a moderately sized attraction. 

Eighty-five percent of the River Safari (freshwater aquariums, walk-through exhibits, etc.) must be explored on foot and rest on the Amazon River Quest boat ride.

If you are visiting with kids, spend time at each exhibit, see the animal show, dine, etc., you will need at least three hours to explore the River Wonders.

If you are a bunch of adults in a hurry, you can learn about the fascinating flora and fauna at the Singapore River Safari in two hours. 

Since River Wonders in Singapore is a unique concept, many visitors don’t know what to expect. 

Here is a list of things you get to do, see and explore at this fantastic wildlife attraction.

Rivers of the World

At this Singapore River Safari exhibit, animals and plants of some of the world’s most significant rivers are on display.

Two to three massive glass tanks are used to create the ecosystem of each of these large rivers – Mississippi, Congo, Nile, Ganges, Mary, Mekong, Yangtze, etc. and visitors walk through them as in an aquarium. 

However, as in an aquarium, these glass tanks aren’t indoors. 

These glass tanks are outdoors to ensure sunlight is abundant – to mimic the inhabitants’ natural habitat. 

Squirrel Monkey Forest

This exhibit is a kid favorite.

You get to see cute, adorable monkeys native to Central and South America at the Squirrel Monkey Forest.

Even though it is a dense forest, you don’t have to worry about spotting them because the Squirrel Monkeys are very curious. 

They are also known to hold hands and sit on the heads of some of the visitors. 

Since the monkeys are small and weigh only about a Kilogram (2.2 Pounds), even kids don’t mind all the attention. 

• Amazon Flooded Forest

During the rainy season, the banks of the river Amazon submerge in more than 10 meters (33 feet) of water. 

During such times, animals such as Manatees, Arapaimas, etc. stuff themselves with whatever they can eat. 

This hurried eating helps them build fat reserves, which allows them to tide over the dry season.

At Singapore River Safari, this scenario is re-created at the Amazon Flooded Forest.

Don’t miss the giant river otters called Carlos and Carmen.

• Giant Panda Forest

This Forest is South East Asia’s largest Panda enclosure, where both temperature and humidity are controlled to ensure the animal’s comfort.

The two Giant Pandas who live here are called Kai Kai and Jia Jia. 

Image: Wrs.com.sg

They also have a unique outdoor area in case they want to experience Singapore’s tropical climate. 

Giant Panda Forest is also home to one Red Panda. 

Once Upon A River show

Once Upon A River is a brand-new interactive presentation where you learn about various animal species living in and around the Rivers. 

It is suitable for both kids and adults alike and has numerous exciting characters such as – 

• Luke and Chewie, the Pelicans
• Justin and Selina, the Beavers
• Peanut, Moe and Jelly, the Capybaras
• Perry, the Brahminy kite
• Sam, the Oriental Pied Hornbill

This River Safari show is a fantastic opportunity for the kids to feed and touch the Capybaras, Beaver, Iguana, Pelican, and the other animals mentioned above.

Since the shows are in high demand and the seats are limited, reach the Boat Plaza 15 minutes before the scheduled show. 

It is also known as the River Safari show. 

Where: Boat Plaza Duration: 20 minutes Entry: Included in the admission ticket  Timing: 11.30, 2.30 pm*, 4.30 pm

*The mid-day show is only on weekends and public holidays 

Amazon River Quest

Amazon River Quest is Singapore River Safari’s attempt to re-create the experience of a boat expedition on the Amazon River. 

During this ten-minute ride, your boat floats through the Amazon-like jungle, and you can spot animals such as Jaguar, Brazilian Tapir, Capybara, etc. 

These boat rides start at 11 am and go on till 6 pm. 

Amazon River Quest can’t be booked online. However, if you have bought your River Wonders tickets online , you can upgrade your experience to include the Amazon River Quest.

You can book this experience for S$5 per adult and S$3 per child (3 to 12 years) at the River Safari’s Boat Plaza.

Restrictions

– The child must be at least 1.06 meters (3.5 feet) tall  – Expectant mothers, those with motion sickness, heart conditions, etc. can’t join the Amazon River Quest – Due to safety reasons, visitors with mobility issues can’t board this boat

Reservoir Cruise

Unlike the Amazon River Quest, the Reservoir Cruise is a free activity. 

The 15-minute River Safari Cruise on the scenic Upper Seletar Reservoir happens along Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari compound.

Each cruise can take up to 40 passengers, including visitors on wheelchairs. 

And since there are no height or other restrictions, everybody in the family can enjoy the Reservoir Cruise together. 

Duration: 15 minutes Time: 10.30 am to 6 pm, daily

Touch Pools

The Touch Pools at River Wonders are part of the Mary River Zone, which narrates the journey of a river as it empties itself into coastal mangrove forests before flowing into the ocean. 

Visitors can dip their hands at these Touch Pools and feel aquatic creatures such as the sea star, horseshoe crab, and other exotic fish.

This River Safari exhibit is quite popular with kids. 

Entry: Free

Weekdays : 10 am to 1 pm, 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm Weekends : 10 am to 6.30 pm

River Games for kids

These entertaining and yet educational games at River Wonders Singapore teach the kids about animals and their environment.

These games are included with the admission ticket and can be played at the Giant Panda Courtyard.

Recycle like the Otter:  This River Game aims to teach the kids about reduce, reuse, and recycle. They get to fish out recyclable materials using a fishing rod and put them in the correct recycling bin. 

Pelican’s Throat:  Kids try to find out how elastic the Pelican’s throat can be by throwing fish into it. 

Animal Memory Test:  Children must match 30 pairs of animals in 30 seconds and prove they have the kind of memory to survive in the animal world!

Match the Capybaras in weight:  This is a weighing booth, where one can find out how many people’s weight equals that of one furry rodent.

Building a Dam:  In this Game, one saves the Beavers from predators by helping them construct a dam using twigs.

The best way to reach the River Safari in Singapore is by public transport. 

River Safari’s location 

Many tourists get confused between the Singapore Zoo, Singapore Night Safari, and Singapore River Safari. 

These are three different attractions close to each other. In fact, within a few minutes walking distance of each other. 

River Safari’s entrance is adjacent to Singapore Zoo’s entry gate. 

Address:  80, Mandai Lake Road, Singapore, 729826.  Get Directions

To River Safari by MRT

If you plan to use MRT, you are in luck because five MRT stations of North South Line are around the Singapore River Safari Park.

You can get down at any of these stations and catch a bus to reach the River Safari. 

From Khatib MRT , you can get onto the Mandai Khatib Shuttle to reach River Safari.

From Ang Mo Kio MRT , get on to Bus No. 138, and from Choa Chu Kang MRT you must board Bus No. 927.

From both Marsiling MRT and Woodlands MRT , Bus No. 926 can get you to the Singapore River Safari.

Bus to River Wonders

If the MRT doesn’t cover your travel, the next best option is to take a bus. 

If you are traveling from Bedok, Sengkang, or Tampines, we recommend the  Mandai Express Bus service .

The Mandai Express operates on all days of the week, including public holidays.

The adult ticket costs S$3 while kids between 3 to 12 years of age pay only S$1. 

Some of the other bus services you can use to get to Water Safari, Singapore are  Safari Gate Buses .

Driving to Singapore River Safari

If you are in the city center, a 30-minutes drive can get you to the Singapore River Safari.

You can either take the Central Expressway (CTE) or Pan Island Expressway (PIE).  Get Directions

Taxis also follow the same route and will cost you approximately S$22. 

The River Safari shares its parking slot with the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari. 

There are two parking areas – one is a covered car park while the second is an open-air parking space and there are enough slots. 

The parking charges at Singapore River Safari work out cheaper if you are carrying a cash card.

First 10 minutes: Free Next 1 hour: S$3 per hour Every additional hour: S$2 per hour

We recommend you look at the River Safari Map and plan your itinerary before your visit. 

To use this map while exploring the River Safari, bookmark this page. 

Carrying the Singapore River Safari’s layout is even more necessary if you are traveling with kids.

With an exhaustive map you won’t waste your time looking for the numerous animal exhibits, and in the process get exhausted.

Besides the exhibits, this Singapore River Wonders’s map also points out visitor services such as food kiosks, Cool Zones, First Aid centers, etc.

The River Safari in Singapore is home to 6000 animals across 200 species and 400+ plant species.

More than 20% of the animal species present at the River Safari are believed to be on their way to extinction. 

These River Safari animals occupy over 11 Zones. 

• Wild Amazonia
• Yangtze River
• Ganges River
• Mississippi River
• River Wonders
• Congo River
• Mekong River

Some of the River Safari animals are more popular than others. We list them below – 

Alligator Snapping Turtle, Electric Eel, Giant Freshwater Stingray, Giant Panda, Giant River Otter, Green Anaconda, Indian Gharial, Manatee, Mekong Giant Catfish, Red Panda, Red-bellied Piranhas, Squirrel Monkeys, etc. 

Singapore River Safari has two dining options – 

Mama Panda Kitchen

Mama Panda Kitchen is in the Giant Panda Forest and is open from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm, daily. 

It offers Chinese cuisine, and some of its signature dishes are Panda Pau, Wok Rice, Noodles, etc. 

If you are traveling with kids, it’s a perfect stopover because they also offer kids meal. 

For S$18 you can order a Set Meal including the main course, desserts, and a drink. 

Starbucks is at the Entrance Plaza and offers excellent coffee and tea and premium pastries and other treats. 

It is open from 8 am to 7 pm. 

For more dining options, check out the numerous restaurants at the main entrance of Singapore Zoo, which is a few minutes away by walk. 

Sources # Visitsingapore.com # Tripadvisor.com # Wikipedia.org The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Jamshed V Rajan

He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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Dania Experiences

Travel • food • lifestyle, review: river safari/wonders, mandai wildlife reserve (singapore).

River Safari recently underwent a name change to River Wonders as part of a corporate rebranding move , so for consistency, I’ll be referring to River Safari as River Wonders from here on out! This wildlife park is one of four (soon to be five) parks managed by the Mandai Wildlife Group , with a river theme and greater focus on aquatic animals. The open-dated tickets my husband and I bought from Traveloka included entry to both River Wonders as well as the Singapore Zoo. It was flexible in that we could visit each park on a different day, as long as both visits were within 7 days of each other. However, given the fact that we’re both working folks, that flexibility didn’t exactly apply to us so I planned a packed but doable itinerary to cover both parks in a day. Unfortunately, God had other plans and literally rained on our parade shortly after we arrived so we had to make spontaneous adjustments. That also meant that we could only visit River Wonders as the Singapore Zoo is largely unsheltered, rendering that option untenable (no matter since my workplace provides complimentary corporate zoo passes). Thank goodness the plan was to start the day at River Wonders anyway!

• 1-day entry tickets to River Wonders and Singapore Zoo
• Spent: SGD$60 (for 2 tickets)

The animals are more or less sorted into zones of rivers or forests where their species can be found but it became rather perplexing as it wasn’t very clear when one zone ended and another began. So I’ll just string together some highlights of the animals which I found pretty interesting (: We spent the most time at the Amazon Flooded Forest’s otter and manatee habitats as there was something magical about watching these graceful creatures glide through the waters. Two of the otters were frolicking and chasing each other, zooming overhead as we stood beneath them in an underwater tunnel (video here !). During the manatees’ feeding time, it was quite amusing to see them swimming around with poop hanging off their undersides. On a sweeter note, I managed to take a video of one manatee “hugging” another, awww ❤

At the Squirrel Monkey Forest, it was really cool how we got to get so up close and personal with animals like the squirrel monkeys and Azara’s agoutis. No barriers, no glass, just us walking along the same paths in the same space as them. While a staff was handing out food to these guys, I spotted a cheeky squirrel monkey snatching food from a helpless agouti, who had no means of fighting back! Poor fella ): In the event of rain and lightning, note that this zone will be closed.

Over at the Mekong River zone, I was blown away by the sheer size of the giant catfish there! At first glance from far, they didn’t appear that humongous but it was a totally different story when we stood in front of the glass tank. I’d never seen such a big fish in real life, only those on Wicked Tuna heh.

An undeniable must-see here are the super cute pandas at the Giant Panda Forest. It was a bummer that mummy Jia Jia was nursing baby Le Le in the maternity ward during our visit so we could only see daddy Kai Kai lazing out on a rock. Not forgetting the adorable red pandas too! They were perched quite high up on the trees so it was tough to get a proper view of them. Even if you don’t fancy pandas that much, this is still a great place to cool off and seek respite from the heat as it’s fully air-conditioned to maintain a suitable climate for them.

If you’re feeling hungry, your only two options within the park are Starbucks (located at the entrance) and Mama Panda Kitchen (located at the Giant Panda Forest), which serves up chinese cuisine. Deciding to have lunch at the latter and wait out the rain there, we ordered chicken zha jiang mian ($12.90), chicken cutlet ramen ($12.90), a panda chocolate custard pau ($2.90) and a root beer float ($6.90). Portion sizes were not too bad but the food was terribly bland. I even found a short strand of hair in my soup, nasty. The only saving grace of this meal was the fluffy panda pau with its creamy chocolate custard. As with most theme park food, prices were on the expensive side, making this meal totally not value for money. Pack your own food if you can.

Right after lunch, we made a beeline for the Amazon River Quest as it was closed earlier due to the rain. This ticketed boat ride goes in a loop and brings you past various animal habitats along the way. Thankfully, the staggering queue for this ride moved fairly quickly even though the board indicated a wait time of 20 minutes. There are 3 mild roller-coaster-ish slopes spaced out across the ride (video of one of them here !), possibly an attempt to make the ride a little more exciting. It was a pretty cool experience as the boat gets right up to the edge of the enclosures and it felt like we were really near the animals. I read in some reviews that the best time to see the animals here is earlier in the morning as it gets too hot past noon. Although we didn’t make that timing, we still managed to see many of them. All things considered, I thought this ride was quite worth it ($5 per adult, $3 per child), but do note that if weather conditions aren’t suitable, there’s a chance you won’t get to take the ride and no refunds will be given.

On top of Amazon River Quest, there used to be another boat ride called the Reservoir Cruise that would take you on a 15-minute scenic journey along the outskirts of the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. However, due to the covid situation, this ride has been temporarily suspended.

Rounding off our day here was the Once Upon A River animal presentation. I can’t even begin to describe how arduous it was for us to get seats for it. There are 3 sessions in a day: 11.30am, 2.30pm and 4.30pm. When we reached Boat Plaza at 11.15am for the first show, the capacity of 50 pax (40 pax in rainy conditions) was maxed out. Thinking we’d learnt our lesson, we decided to arrive 45 minutes earlier for the second show. We were initially allowed in the queue to supposedly take the last two available slots. Alas, due to some miscalculation on the staff’s part, our slots apparently never existed and so we were ousted from the show once again. One of the staff empathized with our plight and very kindly told us that she will help to reserve 2 spaces for the last show of the day, suggesting that we come by at 4pm. After visiting the rest of the exhibits, we came back to Boat Plaza at 3.25pm for the 4.30pm show AND IT WAS FULL, save for the fact that we had seats reserved. We were legit the last ones standing in the queue line even though we were a whole hour early to showtime, such is the weekend crowd. Hopefully there won’t be such occurrences again as the park has introduced an online booking system where visitors can now reserve slots 2 hours before showtime (fastest fingers first, of course), ideally helping to limit the uncertainty of seat availability. We finally got to watch the show after all that hullabaloo and our verdict is, it’s really not worth waiting in line for an hour or more for it. It simply felt like a quick, successive parade of the animals (some doing little tricks) while having loads of information thrown at us. I think the suspension of interaction opportunities with the animals as compared to pre-covid iterations of this show kinda stifled the experience, but kudos to the presenters who did their best to engage the audience.

My overall rating of the experience: 3 out of 5 stars . I was pleasantly surprised that the animals here weren’t the common run-of-the-mill types, which was a refreshing eye-opener for me. I was especially intrigued by the gigantic Mekong catfish, the adorable capybaras, the graceful manatees, as well as the agile and playful otters. The Amazon River Quest boat ride was quite the novel experience, where we got to view various animals and intermittently cruise down some slopes. It was amazing to be in such close proximity to the creatures at the Squirrel Monkey Forest too! However, a number of park experiences like the feeding sessions were suspended at the point of our visit, which was a bit of a letdown. But what really affected this rating was the pricey yet unappetizing food served at Mama Panda Kitchen and the pains of getting a near-impossible seat at the animal presentation (I hope you won’t find yourself in a such a situation with the new online booking system). Otherwise, this would’ve been a 4-star rating. With that said, it’s still worth a visit for the unique wildlife you can find here.

If this post helped you in some way and you’d like to buy me a coffee, I’d be incredibly grateful (:

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River Wonders Singapore Review: 5 Rare Creatures to Spot!

Having been to Singapore Zoo when I was a kid, I nevertheless decided to give it another visit. The zoo tickets are costly compared to most attractions in Singapore . But by taking the River Safari combo ticket, I saved up a little. Thus bringing this to the River Wonders Singapore review.

Not to mention, it was the best decision! I loved the Singapore Zoo as well as Bird Park Review . But never did I expect to find the Giant Panda here! Lying on the outskirts of Singapore, you’ll see that the River Wonders is actually built around a natural reservoir (Upper Seletar Reservoir).

Table of Contents

River Wonders Singapore Review: Is it worth it?

I found River Wonders a bit similar to S.E.A Aquarium in Sentosa, only larger. However, I thought like Singapore Zoo, the tour would take a day. But it took around 3 hours on a non-peak period. Anyway, here’s all about my River Wonders Singapore Review.

As of 2023, it costs S$42 for the River Wonders ticket individually. I’d recommend getting the multi-attraction pass where you opt for two attractions for S$88 to S$96. What I loved about the multi-attraction passes is that they’re valid for 7 days .

Keep in mind this does not include the additional S$5 per person for the Amazon River Quest boat ride inside.

I visited the SG Zoo on my first day in Singapore. Then I took a break to visit other parts of Singapore and came back to the River Wonders after 2 days. So yes, the River Wonders/Safari at Mandai Zoo is absolutely worth it!

Key Takeaway

• River Wonders/Safari Ticket cost: It’s S$42 for non-SG residents.
• Amazon River Quest boat ride cost: S$5 via the official Mandai site .

Get your tickets from Klook below . Though there isn’t much price difference, you’ll avail of better discounts on other attractions all on the same site. Moreover, being a partner of Klook, our readers get discounted rates.

How to Get to River Wonders/Safari?

Address : 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore, 729826

Mind the River Wonders called River Safari earlier. Thus the mentioning of both names in most articles. Getting to River Wonders is via the same route to the Singapore Zoo. The Zoo, River Wonders, and Night Safari all fall in the same area.

Thanks to Singapore’s reliable transport for solo travelers , the cheapest way to get to River Wonders is with the Khatib Mandai Shuttle. This bus takes you straight from the Khatib MRT Station NS14 (the Red Line) to the Mandai Zoo. Unlike other public buses, expect the Mandai bus to look colorful something like this.

It costs S$1 for the 20-minute drive (9.9 km approx.) to the zoo from the MRT Station. Pay with your EZ-link or NETS Flashpay card for your ride. Upon alighting the bus, the signboards will guide you straight to River Wonders or SG Zoo – whichever you’re visiting.

River Wonders Singapore Review: Best Time to Visit Mandai Zoo

It takes 3-4 hours at max to walk around the River Wonders in Mandai Zoo, including the additional boat ride (Amazon River Quest). I recommend visiting on a weekday before noon . Usually, with such large theme sets at the zoo, there are no long waiting queues or crowds as such.

But it’ll be a lot emptier on the weekdays – letting you move faster. I visited on a weekday and took no more than 3 hours to get back to the River Wonders entrance.

As for the Singapore Zoo, it’s open between 8:30 am – 6 pm. Again, no particular peak period whatsoever. After all, it’s the Singapore Zoo. It’s always got, people. But start early in the morning as it takes a good 5-6 hours to get around the SG Zoo .

• Best time to visit River Wonders: Weekdays before noon (3-4 hours tour along with 10-15 minutes boat ride)
• Best time to visit Singapore Zoo: Any day is fine (5-6 hours tour)

Another post for you to read: Universal Studios Singapore Guide

Shows and Rides at River Wonders

Water Safari Singapore: The Mandai Zoo is evergreen with shows, tours, and feeding sessions. River Wonders has a few add-ons as well. If you’re looking forward to it, keep the event timings in mind and plan your Singapore itinerary beforehand.

Timings change often, so look out on Mandai’s site for updated information. I’ve provided the necessary links below.

River Wonders Singapore River: River Amazon Quest

River safari amazon river quest review : Walking over the viewing bridge to the other side of the upper Seletar reservoir, is the Amazon River Quest. It’s a 10-minute boat ride through a number of animal exhibits. It costs S$5 per head.

It’s another key feature (and a large part) of River Wonders, so don’t miss it. You’ve come this far after all!

For kids, it’s highly recommended as the boat splashes through its dedicated pathway past the wild Amazon river’s family. I suggest visiting early morning or evening to get a better look at animals in their active state. The afternoons are lazy hours where you’ll find them laying around.

Unfortunately, paying with cash wasn’t an option. Having only cash, I hadn’t a choice but to miss out.

You can book your boat seats only from the official site. Klook only offers entry tickets to River Wonders. Get your Klook tickets and get your add-on later!

Once Upon a River Show at River Wonders

River Wonders Singapore review: The animal show is held at the Boat Plaza – the Once Upon a River show . Though the page doesn’t explain much about what to expect, this show is similar to the birds show at SG Zoo.

You get a closer look at the large green iguanas, the python, friendly capybaras, and otters. As the name suggests, you get an entertaining explanation about their habitat, nature, and their story.

Reserve 25-30 minutes for the show. You can only book within two hours prior to the show on the site.

Another post for you to read on Singapore : Best Things to Do in Marina Bay Singapore on a Budget

River Wonders Singapore Guide: Don’t miss out on these experiences!

First things first, get a copy of the River Wonders map on your phone. You’ll find a map posted all over, but keep a copy to avoid missing out on anything.

Unlike Singapore Zoo, River Wonders is a single path with almost no diversions to take. It’s a one-round route till you’re back to the starting point. The route themes begin with the Congo River, River Nile, Ganges River, Mekong River, and Yangtze River.

The key feature of the place is the pandas! Somehow, I didn’t expect Giant Pandas to be at River Wonders. I guess the Singapore Zoo had enough main features to attract tourists. So they put Pandas exclusively on River Wonders. Why’d people hesitate to pay for a look at pandas?!

Another post for you to read: Ultimate SEA Aquarium Singapore Blog

After the Giant pandas, is a long bridge to the other side of the water to the Amazon river quest, snake (anacondas) exhibits, and a monkey enclosure. Towards the end of the tour is the Amazon Flooded forest.

There were large aquariums and a cool quiet passageway through the giant river otters, electric eel, piranhas, and life-sized manatees here.

River Gems – River Wonders Singapore Review

Zigzagging through the large aquariums of River Gems makes for the beginning. Some had open tops and some were super-clean for pictures. I didn’t stop much here as I’d been through SG Zoo last time and realized later I had spent way too much time observing each species.

So I quickly walked through the zig-zag path. Like the main zoo, there are varieties of fish as well as birds put together in enclosures here – thus making it more pleasing to look at.

To those curious, some aquatic life to look for is Reed Fish, Atlantic Tarpons, Elephantnose fish, Eastern Bottlenose, and Zebra Tilapia. You’ll also find the Trumpeter Hornbill here.

Though not keen on fish species, I found ducks to be most amusing as they paddled through. Have you seen ducks paddling under that water? It’s pretty fascinating!

Another post for you to read on Singapore: Singapore River Cruise Review: An Honest One

Congo River and Nile River

As the name suggests, most aquatic species here belong to rivers, not seas. And every theme’s entrance begins with posters and decorations of the specific river’s nature and species.

However, I put the Congo River and Nile river themes together. I walked past them and didn’t even realize I’d crossed it! The map highlights more the species it has rather than the accurate size of the exhibits. After all, it’s the creatures that matter!

Ganges River and Mary River

When the obvious theme of the Ganges River (and more familiar to someone who comes from India), I realized the themes. There was the Indian Gharial and Goonch Catfish here. I wasn’t lucky enough to get a close look at the Gharial.

I got to see a lot of turtles and fish swimming along though. I also found one of the staff members cleaning the aquarium inside with a diving suit!

The Mary River ends the first set of themes with slimy-appearing mudskippers, Australian lungfish, and the hard-to-resist horseshoe crabs. It ends with curious small and mid-sized range fish.

Another post for you to read on Singapore: My National Gallery Singapore Blog: Solo Tour

Mekong River

Passing the lion-tailed Macaque, the following theme is the Mekong River. Living in Indonesia for a long, I’d heard of this river a lot in my school days. But here I was to witness the giant freshwater stingray and Mekong’s infamous giant catfish.

With the species so large, the large blue aquarium filled with life itself was a sight. The giant stingray appeared wider than both my hands spread out.

I thought the Mekong Catfish was a shark species until I read the word ‘ catfish ‘. It turns out, it does belong to the shark catfish family !

Yangtze River

The last of the themes is the Yangtze River. Boasting Asia’s longest river, it makes a perfect end to the freshwater species themes. Some aquatic life found here are the False Gharial and the Chinese Giant Salamander.

As majestic as the name sounds, it’s quite an off-putting sight to see a long slimy fish with legs. But there are again, a lot of animals that I find creepy (like snakes!).

Giant Panda Forest

Highlight of River Wonders Singapore review: I hadn’t checked on pandas being at River Wonders before. Nor did I expect it when I saw posters and even a panda photo stand-in. Entering the cooled green enclosure, the first thing I came across was the Red Panda.

I’ve heard of red pandas being incredibly adorable when moving. But this one slept before us. Slept peacefully as ever in its tiny cradle!

Being unaware of Giant Pandas was probably the best thing. Having a glance at the large giant panda iconically chewing on its bamboo sticks, everything seemed unreal. I couldn’t believe it. It was a giant panda!

Another post for you to read on Singapore: SpacePod Lavender Review (A budget hostel)

Kai Kai, Jia Jia, and Le Le

Fun fact: All pandas around the world are owned by China. Singapore is the 9th country to get a 10-year loan for the Giant Pandas from China. Kai Kai and Jia were brought in on loan and Le Le is their first child together… born in Singapore! Read their story on the Mandai site .

I never realized how much effort had been put into its intense care here – it was something to experience. I got a chance to see Kai Kai and Jia Jia but missed seeing Le Le (the baby cub).

River Amazon Quest

Walking over the viewing bridge to the other side of the upper Seletar reservoir is the Amazon River Quest. It’s a 10-minute boat ride through a number of animal exhibits. It costs S$5 per head.

For kids, it’s highly recommended as the boat splashes through its dedicated pathway past the wild Amazon river’s family. Unfortunately, paying with cash wasn’t an option. Having only cash, I hadn’t a choice but to miss out.

Anacondas and Small Crocodiles

Being on the other side of River Wonders, I found myself heading back to the start. On one side was a viewing deck looking over the upper Seletar reservoir. The other side still had plenty of animals!

There was the large green anaconda camouflaged in its greenish aquarium. It felt like a game with the animal name posted before an exhibit and we had to find the creature camouflaged ourselves.

There were the Bare-faced Curassow, Cuvier Dwarf Caiman (small crocodiles), and the Golden Headed Lion Tamarins.

Squirrel Monkey Forest and Kids

Another gated enclosure was the Squirrel Monkey Forest. By the time I made it here, I was exhausted from walking around the place.

But entering the Monkey Forest, a lady with two kids followed up behind. She cheerfully led the kids and showed the same enthusiasm in finding the hidden monkeys. She’s more energetic than me , I thought.

So I joined her along with the kids and I helped spot some monkeys too! The squirrel monkey and Azara Agouti. A white-faced Saki Monkey came to sit on the railing before us and the kids couldn’t stop from jumping around.

It was quite a fun part of my River Wonders visit. I bid goodbye and left as they continued photographing pictures with the monkeys.

Amazon Flooded Forest

River Wonders Singapore review : The last bit of River Wonders was one of my favorite parts – the Amazon Flooded Forest. Like the S.E.A Aquarium in Sentosa, the aquariums were larger than us. In fact, we were walking through the aquariums (like that infamous underwater tunnel).

The theme began with two Giant River otters playing over our heads oblivious to people watching them. Following it was a darker walkthrough with a long electric eel and red-bellied piranhas.

Majestic Manatees

The largest aquarium belonged to the Manatees. Majestic manatees were awe to look at. Being mammals, they surface every 5-10 minutes to breathe!

With manatee grass of sorts floating, most manatees remained at the top to eat and breathe. The bottom part of the aquarium had other fish like the red-tailed catfish and giant arapaima.

I climbed up the curved ramp to level 2 and found freshwater stingrays. Though average-sized, these were more colorful in nature and moved in shallow waters!

Another post for you to read: Chinatown Singapore Guide: Things to do

River Wonders Singapore Review: TailPiece

In conclusion, River Wonders is absolutely worth visiting for any visitor. For children, it’s a must . Why do you think there are so many children on the guide maps?

The Giant Panda is hard to find today, and it’s available right here! It makes it all worth it, no matter the price. The Once Upon a River and Manatees tour is no doubt great. But don’t miss out on the Amazon River Quest – it makes a big part of the zoo.

So once again, plan your itinerary, keep the show timings in mind, and book your River Wonders tickets today! Here are some deals I handpicked for you offered at the Mandai Zoo:

*This post contains affiliate link(s)

Manas Patil

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River Wonders

₹ 24,973 onwards

Tags : Wildlife Safari

Timings : River Safari: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Last entry 6:30 PM

Time Required : 2 - 3 hours

Entry Fee : River Safari: Adults: SGD 32, Children (3 - 12 years): SGD 21, Seniors (Singaporean): SGD 15, Amazon River Quest: SGD 3 - SGD 5

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

Singapore River Safari, Singapore Overview

The River Safari is Asia's first river-themed zoo and aquarium, part of the Wildlife Reserves Singapore. Spread across the ten unique riverine ecosystems, the River Safari houses around 6,000 animals of over 300 species, 40 of whom belong to the threatened species category. These magnificent species are housed in themed exhibits based on the rivers of the world - from Mississippi to Amazon.

The exotic animals at Singapore River Safari include the giant Chinese salamander - world's largest amphibian, and the giant Mekong catfish - an endangered aquatic animal. This massive biosphere is also the site of Southeast Asia's largest Panda exhibit, with the chief attraction being the pair of Giant Pandas, a species of a global population of 1,600 and China's national treasures. The River Safari Singapore also houses the world's largest freshwater aquarium. Visitors can choose to explore the River Safari on foot or embark on the River Safari cruise. The main aim of Singapore River Safari is to increase awareness of the biodiversity that resides in these habitats, and aid in global efforts to conserve the same. With this in minds, there are various engaging activities like enrichment programmes, interdisciplinary trails and workshops organised at the reserve.

Read More on Singapore River Safari

Singapore river safari timings, attractions & zones, giant panda forest, educational activities at the river safari.

• Be a Panda Researcher: This programme helps participants gain a deeper understanding of the pandas. This involves studying their diet and digestive system, examining their paw prints, and observing methods used by experts to track and monitor pandas.
• Panda Rise and Shine: This morning session allows participants to witness the morning routines of pandas, as well as the daily physical checks and weighing of the pandas carried out by experts at the park. You can also assist in the preparation of the pre-morning snack, bamboo breakfast and enrichment toys of the pandas.
• Fishy Business: Participants are given a behind-the-scenes tour of the large aquarium at the Amazon Flooded Forest, witnessing how the life-support system of this structure. One can also engage in the preparation of feed for manatees and arapaimas, even getting the chance to feed the silver arowanas.
• The Mama Panda Kitchen offers delightful dishes of the Chinese Szechuan cuisine, with signature dishes like Panda pau and Bamboo rice. There is also a Starbucks within the premises of the River Safari.
• One can purchase interesting souvenirs from the River Safari Shop and the House of Jia Jia and Kai Kai.

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Kuala lumpur singapore: combo tour package for 5 nights, adventurous singapore package including cable car ride, singapore bali tour package - explore s.e.a. aquarium, singapore & malaysia summer tour package, funtastic family special singapore tour package - skyline luke ride, top hotel collections.

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8 finest zoos in India and abroad

Z oos are the perfect place for travellers, especially children, to learn about native animals and their habitats by interacting with them up close.

Therefore, we have curated a comprehensive guide to the best zoos in India and abroad. These unique zoos are fun destinations to spend a day with family while travelling. Additionally, these places play a big part in the conservation of endangered species. Here are the eight finest zoos globally:

Founded in 1829, Zoo Zürich is one of the oldest zoos in Europe. This zoo is home to more than 340 animal species, including endangered species, in habitats that closely resemble their natural environments.

Zoo Zürich has diverse ecosystems that house the animals, such as the Himalayas, South American grasslands, the Masoala Rainforest Hall, and the Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park. These sprawling areas offer animals plenty of room to roam freely.

This zoo features a nature conservation centre that works on international breeding programmes to relocate animals to their native habitats.

The Zoo Zürich also has a petting zoo where guests can interact with native livestock and domesticated animals.

Bronx Zoo, New York City

The Bronx Zoo is the largest city zoo in the United States and one of the oldest and most well-loved zoos globally.

Located in the Bronx neighbourhood of New York City, this 265-acre zoo houses more than 6,000 animals.

Open year-round, this zoo is particularly enjoyable in the winter when visitors can witness big cats roaming around in the cold outdoors.

We highly recommend the Bronx Zoo’s Treetop Adventure, which features an adventure course and zipline. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore the zoo in a new and more exhilarating way.

The zipline is an exciting 400-foot-long ride 50 feet above ground over the trees and the Bronx River.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington DC

Visited by over two million guests annually, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park is also known as the National Zoo.

Located in Washington DC’s residential Woodley Park neighbourhood, this zoo’s habitats include animals from 300 different species, and about 25 per cent of the zoo’s residents are endangered.

The National Zoo has ​​18 distinct areas to explore, and is handicapped and stroller accessible. This zoo's animals are taken care of by leading ​​​​zoologists and veterinarians.

The highlights of this 163-acre zoo are the lions, tigers, giraffes and the endangered giant pandas — adults Tian Tian and Mei Xiang and one-year-old Xiao Qi Ji.

Johannesburg Zoo

Located alongside a serene lake and ​​in the verdant northern suburbs of Johannesburg, this zoo was established in 1904.

The Johannesburg Zoo boasts 2,000 animals from nearly 320 species, including rare birds, lions, and apes.

This park has been home to several renowned animals, like Max the gorilla, who was born in the zoo in 1988 and was alive until 2014.

The Johannesburg Zoo also has an educational centre that hosts fun learning activities for adults and children.

Moreover, the Johannesburg Zoo features rolling green lawns, tennis, and basketball courts, a ​​swimming pool and a sports club.

ZooParc de Beauval, ​​Saint-Aignan

ZooParc de Beauval is a zoological park located in Saint-Aignan, France. Saint-Aignan is about a three-hour drive from Paris.

This zoo is one of the largest in the world and houses over 35,000 animals representing over 800 species.

ZooParc de Beauval has numerous themed areas. The most popular ones include the African savannah, the Asian forest, the tropical rainforest, and the polar world.

Guests can go on self-guided tours or take a cable car ride through the zoo. Additionally, ZooParc de Beauval’s shows and activities for children are educational and fun.

Dubai Crocodile Park

The Dubai Crocodile Park is a crocodile farm and zoo located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

This unique zoo is home to over 250 crocodiles. These include Nile crocodiles, saltwater crocodiles, and American alligators.

This zoo aims to protect the population of crocodiles and educate the public.

The Nile Crocodile Enclosure and the American Alligator Enclosure are the most visited areas of the ​​Dubai Crocodile Park.

At this zoo, guests can visit the various crocodile habitats, learn about crocodiles and their conservation, take a guided tour, have a picnic, or check out the petting zoo.

Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is visited by tourists and locals alike. It has 2,800 animals from over 300 species.

Highlights of the Singapore Zoo include the Night Safari, the Rainforest, the Panda Forest, the Wildlife Theatre, and the River Safari.

The Night Safari is a one-of-a-kind experience which allows guests to see animals at night.

The Singapore Zoo’s ​​Panda Forest is also very popular. Guests can watch two giant pandas — Kai Kai and Jia Jia eat, play, and interact with each other.

​​This zoo works to save endangered species and has helped protect many species from extinction, like the Sumatran rhinoceros and the white-cheeked gibbon.

Mysore Zoo, Mysuru

Officially known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, the Mysore Zoo is home to over 1,600 animals and 168 species of birds from more than 25 countries.

The Mysore Zoo's Lion Safari, Reptile House, Butterfly Park, and Children's Zoo are worth checking out.

​​The Children's Zoo is where kids of all ages can learn about animals by interacting with goats, sheep, and rabbits.

In addition, guests can tour the zoo via the Zoo Train, which takes them through all the different areas of the park.

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Higher surcharges for taxi rides from Changi Airport, Mandai attractions to be made permanent

SINGAPORE – Location surcharge hikes introduced on a temporary basis in 2022 for taxi rides starting from Changi Airport, as well as attractions at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, will be made permanent from July 1.

This means that passengers taking a taxi from Changi Airport, Changi Airfreight Centre, Airport Police Station and the Airport Logistics Park of Singapore will continue to pay an additional $8 between 5pm and 11.59pm, or an additional $6 during other times.

For taxi rides starting from the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders and Bird Paradise, passengers will still pay a surcharge if they are picked up between 1pm and 11.59pm, and the cost has been increased to $5.

Currently, passengers pay a $3 surcharge for pickup at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve attractions during those hours.

The permanent fare hikes were announced on June 24 on Facebook by Singapore’s largest taxi operator, ComfortDelGro, and taxi firm Strides Premier. The other two taxi operators, Trans-Cab and Prime, announced the changes in notices published in the Business Times on June 24.

In response to queries, a ComfortDelGro spokesperson said taxi location surcharges are determined in consultation with premise owners, and taxi operators lodge the surcharges or changes with the Public Transport Council and the Land Transport Authority upon receiving the requests. “This mechanism aims to increase the supply of taxis at underserved areas by incentivising drivers,” the spokesperson added.

The Straits Times has contacted Changi Airport Group for comment.

Mandai Wildlife Group said the average waiting time for taxis at Mandai Wildlife Reserve remains at 30 to 60 minutes. This is even after the initial temporary $3 location surcharge was introduced in August 2022.

“With the latest revision, we hope to encourage more taxi drivers to keep the Mandai Wildlife Reserve top of mind as a preferred pickup destination, and reduce waiting times for our guests,” said a spokeswoman.

“There are no plans in the near future to further revise the surcharge rate,” she added, noting that there are other transport options for guests, including public bus service 138 to and from Springleaf MRT station and a $3 loop shuttle service that goes to Khatib station.

Introduced in May 2022, the increase in the location surcharge for taxi rides from Changi Airport came amid reluctance from cabbies to go to the airport to pick up passengers.

This was despite a revival in international air travel post-pandemic.

Before the fare hike, the surcharge was $5 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5pm to 11.59pm, and $3 at other times.

At the time, taxi drivers said more money could be made in the Central Business District and at night, and with the high fuel costs then, they found no reason to go all the way to the airport, where they risked long periods of waiting with their taxi engines switched on.

The hope was that by raising the location surcharge by $3, it would attract more cabbies to go to Changi.

Initially, the increase in the surcharge was supposed to last for only six weeks.

However, this temporary hike was extended multiple times, with the latest extension slated to end on June 30.

Separately, on the ride-hailing front, a temporary fee introduced by Grab, Gojek and Tada in 2022 to help private-hire drivers cope with rising costs will remain in place for another six months until Dec 31.

This temporary “driver fee” was set to end on June 30, before the latest extension on June 24.

Grab will continue to charge passengers a temporary fee of 50 cents per trip, which applies to all of its transportation services except the standard taxi service.

Similarly, Gojek will continue to impose a temporary fee of 50 cents for trips less than 10km, and 80 cents for trips 10km and above.

For Tada, the fee is 50 cents for rides with fares $18 and below, and 80 cents for rides that cost $18.10 and above.

The three ride-hailing platforms have said the money will go directly to drivers. In Grab and Gojek’s case, it will not be subject to commission. Tada does not charge a commission on fares.

Grab said fuel costs remain high, and the fee will help drivers manage this.

Similarly, Gojek said the fee is part of its efforts to help drivers cope with the rising cost of living and higher operational costs.

“We will monitor the situation closely and will continue to review the driver fee on an ongoing basis,” Gojek added.

Tada said easing inflation has not translated to a significant decrease in cost for drivers.

“Pump prices remain at levels similar to when this fee was first implemented,” it added.

Fuel prices here reached new highs in 2022, with a litre of the most popular 95-octane petrol priced at around $3 in March that year, before going up to around $3.40 in late June.

Since then, prices have eased, with a litre of 95-octane fuel now costing between $2.86 and $2.90.

In a joint statement on June 24, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Public Transport Council (PTC) said they do not intervene in the setting of taxi and ride-hail fares.

They said operators here must state and publish all fares clearly, including any additional charges, and operators must provide commuters with at least seven days’ notice before implementing any changes.

“LTA and PTC will continue to monitor the industry to ensure that the licensed operators abide by these regulatory obligations,” they added.

Correction note: An earlier version of the story quoted a ComfortDelGro spokesperson as saying the location surcharges for taxis are imposed by the organisations managing those areas, and it is these organisations who have to inform LTA about any changes. The spokesperson has since clarified that the surcharges are determined in consultation with premise owners, and it is the taxi operators who lodge any surcharges or changes with the LTA and PTC.

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Follow our news, recent searches, 'don't want to waste time': taxi drivers welcome permanent surcharge at changi airport, mandai, advertisement.

The taxi surcharge will be S$8 at Changi Airport and S$5 at Mandai Wildlife Reserve at select times. 

Taxis at Changi Airport. (File photo: iStock/joyt)

This audio is generated by an AI tool.

Justin Ong Guang-Xi

SINGAPORE: Taxi drivers welcomed  permanent surcharges on rides from Changi Airport and Mandai Wildlife Reserve, but some said they still would not go out of their way to drive to these far-flung locations. 

“I wouldn’t go all the way to Mandai just for S$5 (US$3.70),” said one taxi driver. 

The drivers spoke to CNA after taxi companies announced that the temporary hike to the taxi surcharges to these locations would be made permanent from Jul 1. 

ComfortDelGro and Strides Premier announced the permanent surcharge on their Facebook pages on Monday (Jun 24), while Trans-Cab and Prime Taxi confirmed this to the media on Monday as well. 

The S$8 daily surcharge for taxi trips from Changi Airport between 5pm and 11.59pm, and S$6 at all other times, was first introduced in May 2022, before being extended. 

The temporary surcharge for rides from the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari and Bird Paradise for trips between 1pm and 11.59pm daily will also be made permanent from Jul 1, with the fee increasing from S$3 to S$5. 

INCENTIVE TO DRIVE TO MANDAI

For taxi driver Maslan Masjor, 61, the surcharges being made permanent is a welcome move, as he thinks it is “risky” to drive a long distance to the Mandai attractions in case a customer cancels their reservation. 

It is about 1.5km from the pickup point at the Singapore Zoo to the entrance at Mandai Road. 

“If we drive in, but then they see a cab alighting with a passenger, they may just take that cab instead,” he said. 

To get another customer, he may then have to queue with other cabs at the taxi stand. 

“You would have wasted your petrol and your time, when you could have gone to Bukit Batok or Pasir Panjang,” said Mr Maslan. 

This is why he occasionally declines bookings from the Mandai attractions if he does not want to take this risk. 

But he said that with the S$5 surcharge, it will make it more worthwhile to drive all the way in and pick someone else up instead, even if there is a queue. 

“It’s a good move, because if there is no surcharge, we wouldn’t want to turn in and waste our time,” he said.

Agreeing, taxi driver Leong Yew Chye said that the time when most visitors at the wildlife attractions want to take a cab home is about 5pm to 6pm, which is also when it is lucrative for taxi drivers to head to the city to pick up the post-work crowd. 

“Sometimes at 6pm, drivers can go to the city or the airport, which is much more attractive with better fares,” said the 53-year-old. 

“(But) with the S$5 surcharge, I will come.” 

Mr Maslan added that the surcharge would be especially helpful for passengers trying to get a cab at the Mandai attractions on the weekends. 

Passengers there have in the past messaged him on ride-hailing applications to offer extra cash on top of the stipulated fare just to ensure they have a ride out. 

“On weekends it is different, people can offer S$10 extra to take a taxi, because they know it is difficult to get one.” 

As for the S$8 and S$6 surcharges at the airport, Mr Maslan said it would be helpful in enhancing fares for shorter trips. 

This is because taxi drivers who go to the airport often have to spend time queuing, and are hoping for a ride that goes further and is of a higher fare.  

“If someone says they want to go to Tampines, the driver won’t be smiling the whole ride, because he could have waited for one hour in the queue,” he said. 

“It’s good that even when they have to go to Tampines (from the airport), there is a surcharge.” 

Temporary hike in Changi Airport, Mandai Wildlife Reserve taxi surcharge to be made permanent from Jul 1

IN FOCUS: What does the future hold for Singapore's taxi industry?

Won't change driving habits .

However, some cabbies also said that while the surcharge is a welcome incentive, it would not change their driving habits. 

Cab driver Yap Yew Ming said he would only drive to Mandai or Changi Airport when it is convenient, and not solely for the surcharge. 

“If we really pass by (the area), then we will come in,” said the 52-year-old. “Or else, we don’t need to purposely come in.” 

Agreeing, one driver who only wanted to be known as Mr Low said he would only accept a booking from the Mandai attractions if he was nearby. 

“If I am at Woodlands, Yishun, Choa Chu Kang, no problem. But if I am at Ang Mo Kio, no way,” said the 50-year-old. 

As for whether he would make the trip to Changi Airport for the surcharge, he said it depends on other factors. 

For instance, if he has just dropped a passenger off at Tampines or Pasir Ris he might go to the airport, but only if he hears there is a long queue of customers waiting for taxis or if there are flights landing around that time. 

“(The surcharges are) an overall positive, but the pick-up locations cannot be too far, and the queues cannot be too long, so it depends.” 

Responding to queries from CNA as to whether the taxi companies need to seek approval before setting higher surcharges at certain locations, the Land Transport Authority and the Public Transport Council said they do not intervene in the setting of taxi and ride-hail fares. 

“Operators are required to state and publish all fares clearly, including any additional charges. To ensure fare transparency, licensed operators must also provide commuters with sufficient notice by announcing any changes in schemes and fees at least seven days before implementation,” said the agencies. 

Both said they will continue to monitor the industry to ensure that the licensed operators abide by these regulatory obligations. 

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Woman mauled by wolves while jogging at zoo, reports say

(Gray News) - A woman visiting a French safari park and zoo was reportedly attacked by several wolves over the weekend.

According to multiple reports, a 37-year-old Paris woman was visiting the Thoiry Zoo Safari in France when she decided to go out jogging after spending the night at the lodge.

But the woman accidentally entered a safari zone Sunday morning that is usually only accessible by car.

French news outlets, including TF1 , reported, that the area has open spaces where animals, wolves and bears roam freely.

TFI reports that while the woman was running the wolves “pounced” on her as she was about 900 feet outside of the lodge.

The woman, whose name was not immediately released, sustained “serious” injuries and was bitten on the neck, calf and back.

“Luckily the medical staff intervened very quickly, and we were able to save this person,” CNN quoted the zoo’s CEO Christelle Bercheny from a press conference.

Bercheny added that there are signs posted at the zoo while noting that the animals may not be used to seeing humans.

The injured woman has since been stabilized at the hospital.

Zoo officials said its team has launched an investigation.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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From splash pads to pools, the best ways to get wet & beat the heat in Palm Beach County

The heat is most definitely on this summer and if you listen to the news it's only going to get hotter. While it can feel downright apocalyptic out there, and the temptation is to just hunker down in an air-conditioned cave, watch movies, play video games, maybe even take that pile of clothes off your Peloton bike and go for a ride, you can't stay there forever.

When you've just got to get out of the house and get outside (or maybe, more importantly, just get the kids out of the house and outside), what can you do? Get wet and go wild! That's what!

And luckily, in Palm Beach County there are plenty of options from splash pad to full on water park. Here are some of the standouts:

Get wet and wild at the Palm Beach Zoo

Though known mostly for its fulltime residents, including jaguars, tigers, koalas, bears, caiman, cougars, capybaras, monkeys, flamingos, owls, and more, the Palm Beach Zoo also has a massive, interactive fountain for kids to play in and cool off. Included in the price of admission, the fountain is located in the center of the zoo with the four main areas branching off of it. Though the attraction "is mostly used by kids, adults are welcome to cool off as well," zoo spokesperson John Towey says. He also added that the zoo is very well shaded making it comfortable on even some of South Florida's hottest days. Towey said that the animals are also well protected from the heat with all of their habitats having shaded areas and most also having water features. In addition, many of the animals are given ice treats, including frozen bones for the tigers and piles of ice for the bears. The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Adults $28.95; seniors (60 and up) $26.95; ages 3 to 12 $22.95; ages 0 to 2 free. Purchase online and save $2 per ticket.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Hot summer special: From June 1 through July 31, each full-price adult ticket purchased allows free admission for two children 12 and under.

Information: 1301 Summitt Blvd., West Palm Beach. palmbeachzoo.org

Drive through Lion Country Safari then walk through the 'Sprayground'

Open since 1967 and ranked as one of the best safari parks in the United States, this Loxahatchee landmark also has the means for keeping you cool in the summer. Enjoy 23 different water features at the Safari Splash Sprayground, satisfy that need for speed the on free fall and loop water slides at the Safari Water Slides and get creative at the Safari Falls exhibit where guests can enjoy slides, water sprayers, dump buckets and more. The Safari Splash Sprayground opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 5:15 p.m., the Safari Water Slides and Safari Falls both open at 11 a.m. and close at 5:15 p.m. Ages 10 and older $49; ages 3 to 9 $37; two and under free.

Hot summer deal: The park is once again offering its 'Summer Savings Pass.' The pass is $67.99 for adults and $56.99 for ages 3 to 12. It provides unlimited admission to the park as well as unlimited admission to Zoo Miami, Cox Science Center and Aquarium and Everglades Alligator Farm.

How great is Lion Country Safari? Zoo made this USA top 10 list for the seventh time!

Information: 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee. lioncountrysafari.com

Ride the lazy river at Calypso Bay Water Park

Owned and operated by Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation, this water park opened in 2001 and is a great way to cool off, burn some calories and wear out those out-of-school kiddos. Check out the two 30-foot water slides and the interactive water playground. There's also a lap pool with diving boards and a nearly 900-foot-long meandering river to coast along in an inner tube. Summer hours (May 31 to Aug. 11) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Ages 12 and older $16; senior, military with ID $12; ages 3 to 11 $12; ages 1 and 2 $7; infants free.

Hot tip: the price of entry drops after 3 p.m.

Information: 151 Lamstein Lane, Royal Palm Beach. calypsobaywaterpark.com

Walk atop the lily pads at Coconut Cove Waterpark

This Boca Raton hot spot for keeping cool is jam packed with liquid refreshment. There are two four-story-tall water slides, the lily pad walk, a children's water playground, a recreational pool and a nearly 1,000-foot-long river ride. There's also a concession stand serving up brownies, chips, ice cream and more. Summer hours (June 1 to Aug. 11) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Ages 12 and older $17; seniors and military with ID $13; ages 3 to 11 $13; ages 1 and 2 $7; infants free.

Hot tip: admission price drops by $2 after 3 p.m.

Information: 20130 Regional Park Drive, Boca Raton. Information: coconutcove-waterpark.com

Check out the Mega Mayhem water slide at Rapids Water Park

Palm Beach County's ultimate destination for high-speed, water slidin', lazy floatin' fun has absolutely got game. This park features over 40 slides and attractions, a quarter-mile-long lazy river, a 25,000-gallon wave pool, FlowRider surf simulator, tube slides, kids structure and much more. New at the Rapids in 2024: the Mega Mayhem experience. Standing 54 feet tall with dueling runs of over 800 feet each, this slide will have you racing side by side and hitting speeds of 22 mph. It is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week through Aug. 11, with hours changing on Aug. 12. $64.99 plus tax at the gate, $54.99 plus tax online for Monday to Friday ticket and $59.99 plus tax online for an Any Day ticket good weekends and holidays.

More on Rapids: Rapids Water Park in Riviera Beach unveils largest ride in history for 2024 season

Information: 6566 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. rapidswaterpark.com

Wade into Barracuda Bay Aquatic Complex

A great place to cool off during those hot summer days this park features water slides, fountains, an interactive activity pool and much more. There are even several FPL solar trees where guests can grab some shade before jumping back into the aquatic action.

Information: 1621 W. Blue Heron Blvd., Riviera Beach. 561-845-4076; solarnow.fpl.com/project/brbp

Go jump in the lake at Shark Park 561

Within the vast Okeeheelee Park, not one, but two water play options await at Shark Park 561. You can tackle the obstacle island or try wake boarding, knee boarding, skiing or more towed not by a boat but by cable. For both the Cable Park and Ostacle Island there are some age restrictions and safety lessons required for some activities. For ticket prices and reservations go to sharkwakepark.com/561

Dive in with Keylypso of the Palm Beaches

Cool off in the beautiful Atlantic waters with a snorkeling trip aboard the 34-foot, power catamaran Keylypso. Their tours explore some of the most exclusive and pristine snorkeling spots in the Palm Beaches. See vibrant coral reefs in the ocean or encounter exotic marine life around Peanut Island. Top-quality snorkeling gear is provided to ensure a comfortable and safe underwater excursion. They also offer a sunset cruise and a Palm Beach mansion tour. Keylypso operates 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Contact for trip schedule.

Information: Lake Park Marina, 105 Lake Shore Drive, Lake Park. 561-718-2723; keylypso.com

More Palm Beach County splash pads, fountains

South Olive Park Splash Pad , 345 Summa St., West Palm Beach. wpb.org/government/parks-recreation/parks-facilities-locations

Bill Moss Hillcrest Paseo , 3401 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach. wpb.org/government/parks-recreation/parks-facilities-locations

Centennial Fountain at Nancy M. Graham Centennial Square , 150 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach. wpb.org/government/parks-recreation/parks-facilities-locations

Lincoln Park , 5100 N. Haverhill Road, West Palm Beach. wpb.org/government/parks-recreation/parks-facilities-locations

Catherine Strong Splash Park , 1500 SW Sixth St., Delray Beach. visitdelraybeach.org/plays/cathering-strong-splash-park/

Lake Lytal Park , 3645 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach. discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Locations/Lake-Lytal

Kintz Park and Splash Pad , 301 Glenbrook Drive, Lake Worth Beach. atlantisfl.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Kintz-Park

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at  [email protected] . Help support our journalism.  Subscribe today .