Tuesday, May 21, 2013

S.E.A. Aquarium @Marine Life Park, RWS (Part 1)

I bought discounted corporate rate tickets through my friend. The Adults tickets were $18 each instead of the standard rate of $29. I took a day off work so that we could visit the aquarium on a not so crowded weekday. We took the Sentosa Express monorail and alighted at the Waterfront station. The Maritime museum is a short 5mins walk from there.



There is a small cafe inside the Maritime museum where visitors could grab a bite or rest their feet during the visit.


Standing in the centre of the museum and greeting guests as they enter, is a full-sized replica of the bow of Admiral Zheng He’s treasure ship (Bao Chuan) Marvel and learn more about Admiral Zheng He’s voyages from China to the ‘Western Ocean’ and his mighty fleet during the 15th century. An introduction to his voyages from China to the ‘Western Ocean’ during the 15th century is told through a short animated video in a modern open-style theatre.


Zheng He




We didn't stay for the video presentation and proceed straight to the Exhibition area. Exhibits of goods brought in from merchants plying the Maritime Silk Route at many different bustling ports and marketplaces. Entry to the exhibition area requires a ticket to either the Typhoon theatre or the SEA aquarium.





The reconstructed 9th century Arabian dhow, the “Jewel of Muscat”, features a hull made of timbers from Africa sewn together with coconut fibre ropes and no nails.


We spent about 10mins at the exhibition area before we proceeded to the SEA aquarium entrance at Basement 1. There were no queue and we began our ocean experience immediately.


The S.E.A. Aquarium is currently home to more than 80,000 animals of over 800 species, housed in 42.8 million litres of water. Comprising 10 zones with 49 habitats. We followed the marked visitor path and explored the 10 zones.





First up, the Strait of Karimata & Java Sea. Venture through the fascinating world beneath the Strait of Karimata, located on the lower-eastern side of Sumatra, and be astounded by a monumental shipwreck with a splintered hull that has evolved into a thriving marine habitat.




Next, Strait of Malacca & Andaman Sea. Go on a wondrous underwater journey through the Strait of Malacca and the Andaman Sea where fascinating encounters with marine life await. Walk across a floor of glass and watch the predators and other ocean denizens swim right beneath your feet!


Angelfish



Sea cucumber 

Stingray

Seahorses


Shark eggs...the embryo has heartbeat!

Bay of Bengal & Laccadive Sea, Jewels of the Coral Reef, Patch Reef of Brain Corals and majestic Staghorn Corals, leading to a reef drop similar to those found in the Laccadive Sea, teeming with unique fish species such as the queen angelfish, yellowface angelfish, imperator angelfish and others.





Cuttlefish


Discover mangrove inhabitants such as mudskippers, spotted scats, archerfish and silver batfish that use the extensive network of mangrove tree roots as nesting and nursery areas.

Archerfish

There is a Discovery touch pool where visitors could touch and learn about the knobbly sea star, pencil sea urchin, sea cucumber and more.


The journey is getting exciting as we entered the Ocean Journey zone. As we make our way further into the ocean, we come face-to-face with our indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins. Watch these speedy swimmers as they enthrall you with their underwater grace and prowess.







Nearby,we saw the magical world of synchronised fish. Intriguing marine scenes where school of fish swim in unison. In an instant, the school changes direction with none of the fish colliding into one another!


Check out the cool marine life in the Cold Water habitats such as giant spider crab and other unique species. 



Be mesmerised with dances of the translucent sea jelly species like the trailing long-tentacled lion’s mane sea jelly, the captivating neon blue sea jelly and the larger-than-life moon sea jelly.




















Magnificent creatures! We are approaching the world's largest window to the ocean...stay tuned for Part 2.


References - http://www.rwsentosa.com/language/en-US/Homepage/ThingsToDo/MarineLifePark/SEAAquarium



S.E.A. Aquarium
8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269

Contact Number: +65 6577 8888
Email: enquiries@rwsentosa.com

Hours: 7am to 10pm Daily



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