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Life-sized animatronics, 22 immersive zones and more: First look at the new Singapore Oceanarium

Life-sized animatronics, 22 immersive zones and more: First look at the new Singapore Oceanarium

Life-sized animatronics, 22 immersive zones and more: First look at the new Singapore Oceanarium
Come face-to-face with life-sized animatronic prehistoric marine creatures at Singapore Oceanarium.
PHOTO: AsiaOne/Rauf Khan

After nearly three months of renovation works, the former S.E.A Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa reopens on July 24 with an updated identity.

Now called the Singapore Oceanarium, the revamped space is three times larger than its predecessor and boasts 22 immersive experience zones.

During the media preview on Wednesday (July 16), AsiaOne got an early look into what's in store when the doors officially reopen at the end of the month.

Something visitors will notice from the get-go is that this isn't just a bigger aquarium.

The Singapore Oceanarium has its sights set on something deeper. Describing itself as an ocean institute, the attraction is looking to help visitors deepen their appreciation for the marine world through knowledge, love and action.

At this stage, I won't spoil every surprise by giving a blow-by-blow rundown of the Singapore Oceanarium. Where's the fun in that, right? 

But here are some standout highlights from my first few hours there.

Ocean Wonders

One of the world's largest moon jelly Kreisel habitats. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Rauf Khan

Step into Ocean Wonders and you'll encounter a variety of sea jellies.

Housed in cylindrical habitats, these creatures can be viewed from all angles.

Take a step closer and you might notice these fascinating animals pulsing faster — a sign that they're likely to be feeding.

A feature you do not want to miss out on is one of the world's largest Kreisel habitats, home to thousands of Moon Jellies gracefully gliding along.

It's visually stunning and is likely to be a popular photo spot for children and grown-ups alike.

Based on my experience there, it seemed like everyone was visibly enchanted by this segment of the zone.

Ancient Waters

The Ancient Waters zone offers plenty of interactive points and digital experiences suitable for visitors young and old. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Rauf Khan

This was the zone that I was most excited to visit, and with good reason.

Ancient Waters offers a rare chance to come face-to-face with life-sized animatronic prehistoric marine creatures.

While its rather subtle movements may not have been as dramatic as I'd imagine (perhaps for realism's sake), I was still mightily impressed by the sheer size of these giants.

Those bringing young ones to the Singapore Oceanarium are likely to enjoy this zone due to the many interactive points and digital experiences that trace the evolutionary journey of these ancient marine creatures.

What stood out was the augmented reality experience. 

Without giving too much away, be prepared to bring some of these sea creatures back to life via the Singapore Oceanarium web app.

Just keep a lookout for QR codes scattered around the zone to play along.

Shark Seas

Visitors getting up-close and personal with a variety of sharks at the Shark Tunnel. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Rauf Khan

Long-time fans of the S.E.A Aquarium will be glad (and maybe relieved) to see the return of the Shark Tunnel.

A crowd favourite over the decades, the Singapore Oceanarium has retained this iconic attraction, where visitors get a close-up view of these predators as they glide gracefully overhead.

Whether you're on the lookout for Sand Tiger Sharks or Scalloped Hammerheads, it's just as thrilling an experience as I last remembered.

Whale Fall and Seamount

Discover how life continues and a new ecosystem begins after the death of a whale. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Rauf Khan

Towards the tail end of your Singapore Oceanarium journey, Whale Fall and Seamount delivers one of the most moving experiences of the visit.

Here, you'll encounter an almost life-sized replica of a whale fall skeleton — a whale's final resting place.

This is paired with an immersive projection show to depict the rich ecosystem coming to life in the wake of the whale's death.

I was amazed to learn that a single fallen whale could sustain deep-sea life for decades, with animals like the Japanese Isopod and Deepsea Akaza Prawn thriving in such extreme environments.

The atmospheric lighting and ethereal soundscapes add to the overall experience and the zone offers visitors a strangely uplifting reflection on the ocean's resilience: perhaps a reminder to all that even in the darkest of places, life manages to find a way.

Share your pledge to protect our oceans at the Hallway of Hope. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Rauf Khan

The final stop, Hallway of Hope, is where the Singapore Oceanarium drives home the message of human impact on our oceans.

The tone may be serious and it's because the issues discussed are.

Across all 22 zones, through educating and thoughtful storytelling, the Singapore Oceanarium's intent is to empower visitors to play a part in improving the ocean's health.

Whether you're an ocean lover, a parent looking for a fun family activity or simply someone seeking a fresh perspective on marine life, you'll likely leave the Singapore Oceanarium a contented visitor.

The ocean institute may even leave you with a renewed appreciation for the oceans, and maybe a desire to help protect them.

Ticket prices begin at $50 for adults while it's $42 for seniors (aged 60 and above) and children (aged between three and 12 years old).

For Singapore residents, adult tickets start from $42, while tickets for seniors (aged 60 and above) and children (aged between four to 12-year-old) start from $35.

Transforming with the times

The Research and Learning Centre situated next door is a hub for education, marine research and conservation. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Rauf Khan

While the S.E.A Aquarium may hold a special place in many Singaporeans' hearts, the Singapore Oceanarium is not just a rebrand but also a redefinition of what an aquarium can be.

In addition to being a recreational attraction, there's even a Research and Learning Centre located right next to the oceanarium.

Some facilities at the centre include immersive learning labs, collaborative workspaces, seminar rooms and a rooftop event space for scientists and researchers to conduct research and drive marine science outreach. 

At a media roundtable on July 4, acting senior vice-president Lam Xue Ying told AsiaOne: "Our transformation into the Singapore Oceanarium marks more than just a physical expansion. 

"It is the culmination of a 13-year journey to raise our own bar and redefine what an aquarium can and should be."

She added that today's audiences seek more than just entertainment, and the Singapore Oceanarium sees it as their responsibility to not just inspire wonder, but also foster awareness for collective action to safeguard the ocean's future.

Address: 24 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098137
Opening hours: Daily from July 24, 10am to 7pm

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amierul@asiaone.com

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