River Wonders: Rain or Shine – Meet Pandas, Manatees & More
Among the five parks within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve in northern Singapore, River Wonders (formerly River Safari) stands out with its unique theme of the seven iconic rivers of the world.
It is home to around 240 species and about 7,500 animals and freshwater species, including giant pandas from the Yangtze River and manatees from the Amazon River.
The park is largely covered, making it a great spot to visit even on rainy days.
This guide will take you through the must-see attractions of River Wonders, along with essential information, maps, and highlights.
Visit Your Plan
Getting to River Wonders
Located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve in northern Singapore, River Wonders is about a 40-minute taxi ride from the city centre.
For a detailed guide on how to get there, please see below.
Opening Hours
- Opening hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm
- Closed: Never
River Wonders is open 365 days a year, including public holidays such as New Year’s Day and Chinese New Year.
The park closes at 7:00pm, but the last entry is at 6:00pm
River Wonders
Tickets & Admission
Admission fees for River Wonders are as follows.
| Adult | Child | |
|---|---|---|
| River Wonders Admission | $45 | $33 |
| Amazon River Quest | $5 | $5 |
Park Map and Estimated Time
River Wonders, spanning approximately 12 hectares, is divided into two sections—the left and right banks—by a river that flows through the park, fed by the Upper Seletar Reservoir.
The typical route is to proceed clockwise from the entrance, cross the bridge near the halfway point, and then follow the path along the opposite bank.
You can comfortably explore the entire park in around 2 hours. If you take your time at each sight, 3 hours should be more than enough.
Must-Visit Spots in River Wonders
Rivers of the World
Each zone of the park recreates the unique ecosystems of some of the world’s most famous rivers, from the ancient Nile and the sacred Ganges to the mighty Mississippi.
It is a showcase for freshwater species, but it also features a variety of terrestrial animals like birds and squirrels, bringing these river habitats to life.
Giant Panda Forest
Home to the beloved giant pandas, the Giant Panda Forest stands as one of River Wonders’ top attractions.
These magnificent creatures, native to the Yangtze River basin in mainland China, are always a delight to see.
The exhibit houses Kai Kai (♂), Jia Jia (♀), and Singapore’s first-ever panda cub, Le Le.
Don’t forget to stop by the cafe, Mama Panda Kitchen, after visiting the Panda Exhibit. It’s a great spot to grab a cute panda-shaped bun and a cappuccino for a relaxing break.
Spectacular Views from the Bridge
As you walk through the Giant Panda Forest, you’ll come across a 180-meter-long deck bridge.
This bridge marks the halfway point, opening up an incredible vantage point over the river.
Enjoy stunning views of the expansive Upper Seletar Reservoir, surrounded by lush greenery—scenery that’s a rare find in the heart of Singapore.
Take in the beautiful landscape as you make your way across to the opposite bank.
Amazon River Quest
On the right bank (south side) of the park lies the Amazon River zone, a lush area designed to bring the South American rainforest to life.
The highlight here is the Amazon River Quest, a boat ride attraction that first opened in 2013.
The boarding area looks like a theme park attraction, sparking excitement for the adventure ahead.
This popular attraction often has long queues, especially on weekends and during peak season, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit.
Hop aboard a small boat that seats around 10 people and set off!
Slowly, the boat drifts through the Amazon rainforest.
Here you’ll encounter a parade of animals, from tapirs and capybaras to peccaries and guanacos.
Keep an eye out for the jaguar, its piercing gaze fixed on you, and a vibrant flock of flamingos, their vivid pink feathers standing out against the lush greenery.
Embark on an adventurous journey to meet a variety of animals on the Amazon River Quest.
While a separate $5 ticket is required on top of the admission fee, this ride is an absolute must-do that’s worth every penny.
Note
- The height requirement is 1.06m or taller.
- The ride may be suspended due to bad weather.
Squirrel Monkey Forest
Step into the world of squirrel monkeys and white-faced sakis in the Squirrel Monkey Forest.
Here, you’ll get an up-close look at the adorable squirrel monkeys roaming freely.
Amazon Flooded Forest
Located just before the exit, the Amazon Flooded Forest is the final zone.
An underwater tunnel leads you into the mysterious world beneath the rainforest canopy, where you can marvel at the magnificent aquatic life.
Drawn deeper by the vibrant tropical fish, you come across a massive aquarium that stands 4m tall and spans 22m wide.
Here, manatees—the gentle creatures said to be the inspiration for mermaid legends—glide through the mystical flooded forest.
This panoramic aquarium provides an awe-inspiring view of the Amazon depths in all their glory.
On the Way Back
River Wonders Gift Shop
Before you leave, be sure to stop by the gift shop at the River Wonders entrance.
The shop offers a wide range of adorable animal-themed merchandise, from plush toys and nano blocks to unique animal-face sheet masks.
It’s the perfect place to find special mementos from your trip.
Taxi Stand for Your Return Journey
If you didn’t book a transfer service, you might be wondering how to get back.
While using a ride-hailing app like Grab is the most convenient option, there are times when it’s difficult to get a car during busy times or peak seasons.
If that’s the case, head to the taxi stand located in the parking area—it’s the same spot where you would have been dropped off. This is your best bet for catching a taxi back.
Final Thoughts
With five distinct parks clustered together in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve — Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and Rainforest Wild Asia — it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed and wonder which one you should visit.
The highlights of River Wonders are as follows.
Highlights
#1Unique Blend of Aquarium & Zoo
#2Meet the Panda Family
#3Amazon River Quest
Compared to other parks, River Wonders is relatively compact, making it a perfect choice for those looking to experience a variety of attractions within a limited timeframe.
Additionally, with most areas covered and many indoor exhibits with air conditioning, it’s an ideal spot not only for rainy days but also for families with young children or elderly guests who may tire easily.
River Wonders
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