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SINGAPORE

Exploring River Wonders: Tickets, Must-Do Activities, and Tips

BY Pelago by Singapore Airlines

22 MAY 23 . 4 MIN READ . GUIDES

River Wonders Tickets

Why should you go to River Wonders? Well, this park stands out as the first and only river-themed wildlife park in Asia.

1. What is River Wonders best known for?

Between Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s Singapore Zoo and Night Safari Singapore sits River Wonders. Formerly called River Safari Singapore, this theme park recreates the landscapes of iconic rivers worldwide: Amazon, Congo, Nile, Ganges, Mekong, and the Yangtze.

Here, travellers can meet a stunning variety of marine and land creatures. River Wonders is home to 400 plant species and over 6,000 animals, including giant pandas, monkeys, river otters, manatees, and piranhas.

When people think of Singapore, fun-filled encounters with river safari animals might not be the first thing that pops into their heads. Give it a chance, though; it can be a highlight of your trip. After all, there’s much to see in this aquatic park.


2. What are the top attractions in River Wonders Singapore?

What are the top attractions in River Wonders Singapore?

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A paradise for wildlife lovers, this theme park lets you meet exotic species from different countries.

Thousands of animals are found in the theme park’s different zones. But where to start? Well, here are some of the top activities you can mark on the River Wonders map.

And here’s a map-based itinerary of the River Wonders if you’re having trouble thinking of where to start!

Top things to do in River Wonders

once upon a river

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1) Marvel at magnificent African rivers: Make your way through the Congo and Nile Rivers to see jaw-dropping creatures like the African dwarf crocodile and the predatory Goliath tigerfish.

2) Explore Asia’s iconic waterways: Move on to the Ganges, Mekong, and Yangtze Rivers, where you’ll be stunned by massive marine animals like the giant freshwater stingray, Mekong giant catfish, and Chinese giant salamander.

3) Say hello to adorable pandas: Head to the Giant Panda Forest for close encounters with giant pandas and red pandas. The stars of this exhibit are undoubtedly the famed giant panda trio of Kai Kai and Jia Jia and their cub Le Le. Jia Jia and her little cub aren’t always around for tourists to see, but there are plenty of other pandas to fawn over here

giant panda forest river wonders singapore

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4) Enjoy the Once Upon a River show: You don’t always get the chance to watch pythons, pelicans, and other animals onstage but you can do so at this show. Expect the Once Upon a River presentation at River Wonder to be about 20 to 30 minutes long. Guests must book their seats online two hours before each show.

5) Set sail on the Amazon River Quest: Travellers can join hop on a captivating cruise to meet Amazon natives, including jaguars, Brazilian tapirs, giant anteaters, and capybaras. Keep in mind that River Wonders admission tickets do not include this cruise.

river safari boat ride

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6) Check out the Amazon Flooded Forest: check out giant river otters in this massive freshwater aquarium. Look for manatees, electric eels, red-bellied piranhas, and other exotic animals.

7) Dine with giant pandas: Panda enthusiasts can reach out to the park via email and book a unique Panda-Mania Tour for a personal wildlife guide, VIP seats for the Once Upon a River show, and a four-course meal in a private dining area. Eating with the giant pandas just behind a glass panel is a one-of-a-kind experience!

Check out our full guide to all the River Wonders shows you can enjoy.


3. How much do tickets cost?

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Take note that the River Wonders ticket price excludes special activities like the Amazon River Quest. Children below two years old enjoy free entry but must be accompanied by adults at all times.

Prices for tickets online may vary. Please click here for updated prices.

Tourists should be aware that you can only buy tickets online now. That means no walk-in purchases. So, make sure to buy your River Wonders tickets in advance.


4. How long to spend at River Wonders?

How long to spend at River Wonders?

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Set aside three to four hours to explore the various zones. A few hours should be ample time to see everything in the aquatic park, even with the River Wonders show and boat ride in your itinerary.

Plan your visits around the River Wonders during daily opening hours between 10am and 7pm. The last entry is at 6pm, but it’s best to visit well before closing to maximise your trip.

Amazon River Quest and Squirrel Monkey Forest are open daily from 11am to 6pm. Giant Panda Forest also closes at 6.15pm. If you want to check out the Once Upon a River performance, pick your time slot from either 11.30am, 2.30pm, or 4.30pm.


5. How do I get to River Wonders Singapore?

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Nestled inside Mandai Wildlife Reserve, River Wonders is about a 30-minute drive from Singapore’s city centre if you’re taking a private car. Travellers can also take a taxi or ride-hailing service directly to the park.

If you prefer commuting, hop on the North-South MRT Line until Khatib, Choa Chu Kang, or Ang Mo Kio MRT Stations. From any of these MRT stations, you can take a connecting bus to River Wonders. The Mandai Shuttle is also a good option from Khatib Station to the theme park.

Tourists from the heartlands can commute by riding the Mandai Heartlands Express on weekends and holidays. There are pick-up points at Bedok, Sengkang, and Tampines – find out more here.

Getting to River Wonders by Bus/MRT

MRT StationsConnecting Bus
Khatib (NS14)
 Mandai Shuttle
Choa Chu Kang (NS4)927
Ang Mo Kio (NS16)
138
Springleaf (TE4)138

Getting to River Wonders by Mandai Shuttle

You can also get to River Wonders by hopping on the Mandai Shuttle from Khatib MRT station. Buses arrive every 10 minutes during operating hours and every 20 minutes between 11am to 2pm, and the one-way fare is both SGD $1 for both adults and children.

StopsTime
Khatib MRT Station (NS14) Exit A Passenger Pick-up PointFrom Khatib MRT

First bus: 8am
Last bus: 11.40pm

Mandai Wildlife West (Inbound) Bus StopFrom Mandai Wildlife Reserve

First bus: 8.20am
Last bus: 12.00am

Mandai Wildlife East Coach Bay
Mandai Wildlife West (Outbound) Bus Stop

 


Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to River Wonders Singapore?

Although travellers typically roam the park at a leisurely pace, it’s still best to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll spend hours on your feet. We also recommend wearing sun protection, like sunscreen and visors. Insect repellant is advised.

Where to eat inside the wildlife park?

Besides the unique Panda-Mania dining experience, River Wonders food choices include Mama Panda Kitchen and Starbucks.

Can you do Singapore Zoo and River Wonders on the same day?

Yes. Given that River Wonders, Singapore Zoo, and Night Safari sit next to each other, it’s possible to visit all three parks in one day. A good itinerary is stopping by Singapore Zoo and then River Wonders. In the evening, move on to the Night Safari for a peek at the nocturnal world.

What is the difference between Night Safari and River Wonders?

Look out at the river-themed park for iconic river landscapes and animals in and around the waters at River Wonders.

Meanwhile, Night Safari places the spotlight on nocturnal animals. It’s a popular nighttime attraction in Singapore with a guided tram ride and a famous night show. Enjoy encounters with majestic creatures like the white lion, Asian elephant, Nile hippopotamus, and Malayan tiger.

Are River Wonders and River Safari the same?

Yes. River Safari changed its name to River Wonders in 2021 to better reflect the captivating journey of travellers through different freshwater habitats.


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