River Wonders Singapore Review: Is It Worth Visiting?

Planning a visit to River Wonders Singapore and wondering if it’s worth the ticket price? Here’s my honest review, including the best things to see, what animals you can spot, and tips to make the most of your visit.

River Wonders in Singapore is a zoo focusing on all the river animals around the world. Which, honestly to me didn’t sound too exciting, in rivers we have fish, catfish, and more fish I guess. Though I was so wrong in this opinion.

On my recent trip to Singapore, I decided to smash out all the Mandai wildlife reserves. Having just come off a 14-hour flight, I thought I would immediately check out the two zoos I was least excited for… Rainforest Wild Adventure, and sorry to say it, River Wonders.

Though I did it, I loved it, and I’m here to tell you this is actually one of the best Mandai parks you can visit in my opinion! So if you do have any hesitations, don’t stress.

There’s so much more here than just some fish, a lot of the park actually focuses on the animals that live alongside the rivers. This means Giant Pandas, Capaybaras, Anteaters, and so many more. There are also some awesome underwater exhibits with Manatees, Mekong Giant Catfish, and the scary Indian Gharial.

So let’s get into all the details of my River Wonders Singapore review so you know exactly what to expect when you visit and how to make the most out of your time there.

🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Singapore: 12Go Asia

Where Is River Wonders Located?

River Wonders is at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, right beside Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. So while it isn’t exactly in the middle of the city, it’s still easy enough to reach with a bit of planning.

This whole area is basically Singapore’s wildlife zone, with several parks close together. That makes River Wonders easy to combine with Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, or Bird Paradise. Though doing more than one park in a day can be a lot, especially in Singapore’s heat. I’d recommend a max of 2 per day.

How To Get There

The fastest and easiest way to get to River Wonders in Singapore is by taxi or Grab, which will cost around $25.00 for the 30-minute drive. This is what I did a lot of the time, and even though it’s more expensive, you’re saving a lot of time.

If you are keen to do public transport to save money:

• MRT & Bus: This is the easiest option. Catch a train to Ang Mo Kio MRT Station and then take Bus 138, or head to Choa Chu Kang MRT Station and take Bus 927. Another option is to go to Springleaf MRT Station and then take Bus 138.
• Bus: You can also only take a bus, but be aware you’ll have to change onto Bus 138 or Bus 927 to get all the way into the park.

The best way to figure out the best method for you is to use the public transport option on Google Maps. The Mandai website also has timetables for shuttles, bus schedules, and parking information.

The one thing I love about the transport system here is that it’s just so easy. You simply tap on and off with your debit or credit card! As simple as that.

River Wonders Ticket Prices

Now, this for sure won’t be the cheapest thing you do here in Singapore, but it’ll be a highlight for sure.

River Wonders tickets cost $45.00 SGD / $35.00 for adults and $33.00 SGD / $26.00 for children, if you’re a tourist. Local resident pricing is a few dollars cheaper than this.

One thing to know is that your regular entry ticket doesn’t include the Amazon River Quest boat ride. If you’re keen to do this, it costs an extra $5.00 SGD / $4.00 per person.

Though in all honesty, in terms of value for money, I highly recommend purchasing the 5 Attractions Destination Pass (5-Day) if you’re in Singapore for 3 days or more.

This is exactly what I did, with it costing $128.00 SGD / $100.00 for adults and $98.00 SGD / $77.00 for children. Basically, I got to visit a couple of the parks for free. This pass gives you one-time entry to each of the five parks into Rainforest Wild Adventure, Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and Night Safari.

What Animals Can You See At River Wonders?

Even though River Wonders is smaller than Singapore Zoo, there are still plenty of animals to see here. This is especially so if you’re into aquatic animals and unusual freshwater species.

A massive highlight is the Giant Panda Forest, where you can see Singapore’s resident giant pandas, Kai Kai and Jia Jia. Though my favorite was the Amazon Flooded Forest for the manatees who call it home.

Animals You’ll Have The Chance To See At River Wonders:

• Giant pandas
• Manatees
• Capybaras
• Red pandas
• Giant river otters
• Squirrel monkeys
• Indian gharials
• Chinese alligators
• Mekong giant catfish
• Amur sturgeons
• Chinese giant salamanders
• Freshwater fish, rays, turtles, and reptiles

Keep in mind that you likely won’t see all the animals, and the smaller ones can be harder to spot. You do need to slow down a bit here and actually look into the enclosures. Still bummed I couldn’t spot the sloth!

Best Things To See: My Highlights

These are my personal, you definitely can’t miss, things to do and see at River Wonders:

• Giant Panda Forest: For The Red Pandas and Giant Pandas, which are cool to watch even if they’re just sitting there munching away or having a nap. The AC in here is also amazing and makes a nice break from the heat!
• Amazon Flooded Forest: One of my favorite areas with all the manatees just chilling, swimming around. The fish inside here are also mind-blowingly large. It’s a nice spot to just relax.
• Amazon River Quest: Well worth the extra $5 SGD / $4.00 price tag, it’s a fun little way to explore. Rather than wandering through the enclosures, you’ll be floating through them.
• Amazonia Encounters: A walk through an enclosure where the animals are literally right in front of you. Good luck spotting the sloth, but the capybara with its babies was super cute!
• Once Upon A River Show: Unfortunately, I didn’t pre-book tickets to this and missed out. Though make sure you plan your time here around making sure you catch the show. It’s a good way to learn about the resident animals and see some of their natural skills.

🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Singapore: 12Go Asia

My Honest River Wonders Singapore Review

Okay, yes so straight off a flight, to one zoo, and to here. Without a doubt, I was exhausted, just wanting to sleep at the hotel, but to beat the jetlag, my rule is I can’t sleep until it’s nighttime. And that’s exactly how I ended up at River Wonders.

After scanning in, unbeknownst to me, I actually started in the Amazon Flooded forest, which is meant to be the last stop in the park. Nevertheless, it was a pretty damn awesome sight walking straight into the manatees feeding on the surface, then continuing down into the depths of their tank.

The manatees were for sure a highlight here, just the size of them and the fish that lived alongside them were absolutely insane. I have actually swum with manatees in Belize, and just like there, the ones here were just chill, gentle giants.

I also LOVED the Amazon River Quest, in my state of delirium, I was absolutely shocked when the boat skyrocketed upward into a whole other area. I didn’t realise at the time, but the $5.00 extra you pay to go on it actually includes unlimited rides! I for sure would’ve gone a few more if I knew that was an option!

Then it was time to cross over the river along the bridge, which seriously how fitting in this zoo. On this side is the Giant Panda Forest, which honestly had such amazing enclosures.

Having visited the Giant Panda Center in Chengdu, China, the literal home of Giant Pandas… I thought the enclosures here were MUCH better, bringing in more natural elements and replicating their normal environment.

My next favorite, or more mind-blowing part, was my first time seeing the Indian Gharial. One was literally following these tourists around side to side, right up to the glass, and they were laughing, having the time of their lives. Whilst I was just watching on nervously.

Honestly, the various river exhibits after this were a little underwhelming after what we had just experienced. Though technically this would actually be the start of the zoo, which makes a whole lot more sense, slowly introducing you to the rivers of the world, and then working towards the highlights.

Is The Amazon River Quest Worth It?

Okay, I’ll preface this by saying I’m not usually a ride or theme park person… Though I loved the Amazon River Quest. Therefore, I reckon it’s definitely worth the $5 SGD / $4.00 extra. I spent a lot more at the park for way less enjoyment, especially the overpriced $9 SGD slushies.

I had read online about waits and queues to buy tickets, but I had none of this at all. I visited on a midday afternoon and honestly it was super quiet. During the time we did the ride, the show next door was on (we literally only just missed it starting) so that would’ve helped with the crowds as well.

The boat ride is a good mix of relaxing, surprising, and a little bit adventurous, with some cool animals thrown in there as well. You’ll be able to see, or at least attempt to spot, capybaras, giant anteaters, tapirs, jaguars, and plenty more.

Also, your ticket allows for unlimited rides, which I wish I had known at the time! I would have loved to go all over again, and again, and again!

How Long Do You Need At River Wonders?

I’d recommend an absolute minimum of 2 hours, but plan to spend around 3 hours at River Wonders. This way, you won’t be in a rush, you’ll have time to try to spot all the cheeky animals hiding away, and ride the Amazon River Quest a few times.

Honestly, this is a good park to visit at any time of the day because a lot of the animals are in the water and aren’t bothered about hiding from the heat. Whereas others in Bird Paradise and Singapore Zoo will be a lot less active in the hottest part of the day.

🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Singapore: 12Go Asia

Wrap Up: Is River Wonders Singapore Worth Visiting?

Now hopefully I’ve convinced you why River Wonders in Singapore is worth visiting. Seriously, this is right up the top for me, and I’ve visited them all.

It’s a super underrated spot you really don’t hear too much about, which is why I was so amazed when I visited. So get ready to go under with the manatees, jump on a boat ride to see jaguars, and walk next to the Giant Pandas.

This is definitely a Mandai Wildlife Park worth adding to your Singapore itinerary.