One of the first recommendations that we had in Singapore was to go to the zoo. Now I am not such a fan of zoos. I know that they play a crucial role in protecting and breeding rare species but all those animals in cages... In fact one of the great aspects of the Singapore zoo is the lack of visible cages. Most of the exhibits have large wild spaces to roam in - with islands and walls to contain the more dangerous varieties.
The latest attraction at the zoo is the new River Safari. This beautifully designed zoo extension recreates the habitats of the world's rivers on a site next to the Seletar Reservoir with streams, lakes, enclosures and aquaria for a fascinating variety of flora and fauna. Currently you walk around the site although there are plans for a boat ride as well. Some sections are temperature controlled allowing you to cool down as you walk - this includes a large building for the pandas - Kai Kai and Jia Jia, together with some adorable red pandas. The other showstopper is the Amazon Flooded Forest - the world's largest freshwater aquarium which holds a large group of huge and graceful Manatees.
The main zoo is also cleverly laid out, making the most of Singapore's lush vegetation and tropical climate. Like the River Safari there are some showpieces among the other exhibits. We loved the Fragile Forest - lemurs and flying foxes in the world's largest butterfly flight dome - as well as the Free Ranging Orang Utan area and the "Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia" with its baboons and ibex.
A great day out but go early. We were there just after nine and had a peaceful couple of hours before the crowds arrived.