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A voyage down the world’s greatest river.
A face-to-face encounter with South America’s largest wildcat.
A rare glimpse of a Brazilian tapir with a snout that doubles as a snorkel.
Though you wouldn’t normally think it, you can experience all of these “wilderness adventures” within a 40-minute drive of the Singapore CBD.
Asia's first river-themed wildlife park, the 12-hectare River Safari features animals from all the major river systems of the world, including the Amazon, Nile, Congo, Mekong, Ganges, Yangzte, and Mississippi.
Already home to the world’s largest oceanarium, Singapore added another watery accolade to its list in 2013 thanks to River Safari -- the world’s largest freshwater aquarium.
With a volume of 2,000 cubic meters and a viewing window measuring 22 meters by four meters, the tank is part of River Safari's Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit.
Most of the park can be covered on foot, but visitors can also opt for a couple of boat trips, including a 10-minute open-top boat ride that allows them to experience life on the Amazon.
This ride takes visitors on a journey on which they encounter animals found along the world’s second longest river, including the jaguar and giant anteater.
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More exhibits on the way
River Safari falls under the control of Wildlife Reserves Singapore, which also owns the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park.
The $160 million attraction claims one of the world’s largest collections of freshwater fauna.
It houses more than 6,000 animals, including 40 threatened species.
Park officials say by the end of 2015 there’ll be even more to see, with several new exhibits scheduled to open.
For now they’re keeping details under wraps.
River Safari, 80 Mandai Lake Road; +65 (0)6269 3411; open daily; S$28 (US$20) adults, S$18 children 3-12, S$14 for Singaporean or Singapore permanent resident senior citizens over 60.
Boats rides additional S$5 (adult) and S$3 (child). Visitors urged to purchase tickets and book boat rides in advance.
Originally April 3, 2013. Updated March 17, 2015.