A Memorable Visit To The S.E.A. Aquarium

The South East Asia Aquarium is the world's largest Oceanarium

Having promised my boys a must visit to one fascinating place in Singapore last holiday, I decided to take them to the SEA Aquarium which happened to be the World’s Largest Oceanarium. This place also happened to be Singapore’s latest attraction at the Sentosa. I also came to learn that the SEA (South East Asia Aquarium) was once the world’s largest aquarium by the total volume of water until just recently, when it was overtaken by the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Hengqin, China. With all these facts, I knew we were up for some good time and a lot of exploration.

The South East Asia Aquarium in Singapore has until recently been the world's largest quarium. (Image by Wikimedia Commons)

The world's largest Oceanarium

Just 5 months after its grand opening, the aquarium had already received over 1 million visitors, amazing right? At first, I had thought we would not find so many visitors considering the fact that the park had already received so many after its opening but I was wrong. We had to queue before we went in but hey, the wait was totally worth it. True the fact, the world’s largest Oceanarium houses over 100,000 marine animals with over 800 species from all over the world. All these species are grouped into 10 habitat zones with each zone covering different oceans and seas. This ranges from the nearer Straits of Malacca to the Persian Gulf Sea and out to the open Ocean.

Just as I had expected, the Aquarium is one of its kind, one I had anticipated to take my boys. Once we entered we were quick to explore the amazing marine creatures we had looked forward seeing. The aquarium was fully packed but lucky enough; the ushers work around the clock to ensure the crowd coming in is completely moderated. This gives every visitor enough time to explore and enjoy.

Fascinating and amazing marine life

The first thing I noticed is that there are tanks almost everywhere. They are really attractive and make the entire place look amazing. We also noticed that the tanks had a lot of clown fishes. I enjoyed watching my kids getting excited given the fact they have never seen this much number of clown fishes all in the same place at the same time. I was particularly fascinated by the jellyfish. The ones we saw were different. We have never seen the species before and that really excited the boys who have already developed an in-depth love for marine creatures. We also got to see a certain unique type of fish. The white fish which unlike other fish which swam above the surface, this fish was swimming flat on the sand.

My kids loved the close-up experience with some of the marine animals. This was at the touch pool where visitors are allowed to touch and feel the surface of some of the marine animals including the starfish. Personally, I have to admit, I had never touched a live starfish and the experience was way above what I had expected. I also know probably you have never touched it too. This is your chance to feel the surface of a live starfish with your bare hands. It is slightly hard like a rock.

This huge Marine Life Park has more than 100,000 marine animals with more than 800 different species. (Image by Wikimedia Commons)

One of the world's largest viewing panels

Have you ever watched a fish swim? Apart from the ones you watch on TV? Until 2014, the Aquarium had the world’s largest viewing panel in the world. That means, today, this is the second largest viewing panel in the world and you will get the chance to view marine creatures swim right in front of your eyes. For a moment, I felt like I was under the ocean. We took a number of photos here and the experience was just startling. While there, you will find yourself watching every fish as they swim right in front of your eyes. You will even follow their every move it is like you are right deep into the ocean and exploring the marine creatures.

The giant aquarium

You will be halfway your exploration when you reach the giant aquarium. This is the main attraction featuring the giant manta ray. The feeling, watching the fish swim peacefully and the background music was just relaxing and almost therapeutic.

The other creatures we saw were a school of fish which unlike other fishes; these ones swam harmoniously together in the shape of a ball in the giant aquarium. Then there were the Moray eels, the sea urchin, and the lobsters among many others.

Just before we exited the SEA Aquarium, we were astounded by a monumental shipwreck with a splintered hull that by now has evolved into a thriving marine habitat. With only one path from the entrance to the exit, it was very easy to go through the Aquarium. It took us approximately 2 hours to complete the entire route. As we exited the aquarium, I could tell my boys were so excited and indeed, I must say, the SEA Aquarium is indeed a must visit.

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