Hello Ashley, I received your email regarding your visit to Singapore. It is such a pity that you have so little time to spend here, it would be so much better if you can stay longer and let me be your tour guide around Singapore. Nevertheless, when I received your email, the first attraction that came to my mind was the S.E.A Aquarium. So, I went there a few days ago and saw many local families and tourists there, the atmosphere were so different with everyone walking and having such great times together. Hence I feel that the attraction is built-for-tourism. I saw children and elderly people there as well so I thought that there was no age limit for the target market the S.E.A Aquarium is targeting. In response to your questions, I would classify the S.E.A Aquarium as a primary attraction and it is owned by private organisations or commercials. It is located at the Resorts World Sentosa, an Urban Coastal area. It aims to attract visitors from the region as stated in the title of the attraction where S.E.A stands for South East Asia. The S.E.A Aquarium is part of the Marine Life Park. By the way if you are wondering how big the aquarium is, it is currently the largest oceanarium in the world. It is spectacular don’t you think? The visitors would definitely gain in-depth knowledge about marine animals after the whole trip. There are a few ways to get to the S.E.A Aquarium. The first way is by walking for approximately 10 minutes into Sentosa via the Sentosa BoardWalk, or by taking the RWS 8 bus which will bring visitors directly into Resorts World and lastly by the Sentosa Express located at level 3 of VivoCity.

                                            ( Me at the entrance of the Aquarium)

WHY VISIT S.E.A AQUARIUM??

There are more than a million reasons why you should go! All right maybe that’s too much of an exaggeration. You might want to take away a FEW zeros. I shall just list a few obvious factors. Firstly, the staffs were very friendly and approachable.  During my visit, there was 

this section showcasing jelly fishes. I was very excited because the jelly fishes can change colours! It definitely caught my attention for not less than 3minutes. I took a video as well. 
Here it is!

So, I asked the staff why the jelly fishes will change its colour and what do they feed it. She generously shared her knowledge.

Another reason would be the Size of the Aquarium, it is the largest in the world. I know there were a few choices listed in the trip advisor. I know there are gardens, zoos, museums, ferry wheels or even aquariums in most of the countries. Hence, I would want you to experience something different, something that is of world-class standard and can only be found in Singapore. So I chose the S.E.A Aquarium which features up to 100,000 marine animals of over 800 species.

                                               ( Largest viewing panel in SEA Aquarium)

The S.E.A Aquarium also has digital screens displaying the types of fishes/marine animals which they are showcasing. Hence if you are curious about the fish that caught your eye, you can always search it up on the screens. This not only clears your doubts but also increases your knowledge about marine lives. I also took a video of the digital screens.

Hence I have explained the core product which is the knowledge and excitement you will receive, the tangible product which is the digital screens and marine animals being displayed in the aquarium and lastly the augmented product would be this! This is rather special to me although it cost me $2. Oh well but I felt it was worth it. It is called the Press a Penny machine. Firstly, you get to choose 1 out of 4 designs. Secondly, you place a $2 note into the machine and lastly you turn the crank. This was what I got!

It looks like a bended coin to me.

Me turning the Crank

Here is a picture I took with the staff beside the machine.
 I asked her if I could take a picture with her and she gave a very delighted smile and said “Yes”. Another augmented product would be the souvenir shop located just outside the exit. So I felt really wasted if I were to just leave and not get anything (despite having the bended coin already) hence, I bought a ring with a fish picture on it. Although there are intangible benefits such as the excitement and fun you get on that day of your visit, tangible benefits such as the products being sold in the souvenir shop will help to increase the satisfaction you receive after leaving the attraction.

The unique nature of S.E.A Aquarium as a service product and the challenges faced.

I believe we will not have a great time in an attraction if the service given by staffs is not satisfactory. Who wants to be served by a rude, fierce or improperly dressed staff? It certainly spoils the mood and the image of the attraction the customers get when they are at the attraction. I realised there are a number of CCTVs in the SEA Aquarium, hence, if the staffs misbehaved or treated the customers in an unfairly manner, they will be dealt with by the higher-ups. When I was there, the crowd was overwhelming. However, it can be really frustrating when everyone is pushing around just to get a better view of the marine animals. Also, if there were toddlers crying or small children running around, it can be really annoying. I was lucky it didn’t happen to me on the day I visited the aquarium. Lastly, I realised that every tangible products that you want to bring home has to be paid with $money$. It might be better if there were a few small souvenirs given to customers for free. The ring that I bought cost me $4! At most I thought it would cost me $2-$3. Hence, these are some challenges the SEA Aquarium can look into so as to increase visitor arrivals to the attraction.

The Ring i bought from the souvenir shop

Why the SEA Aquarium is highly ranked on the Trip Advisor?

There was one question in my head when I went into the SEA Aquarium. “Can I get into close contact with the marine animals?” But the discovery touch pool satisfied my curiosity. We were given the opportunity to touch the sea creatures. There were sea stars, sea urchins and small fishes in the pool. So I went to touch the sea stars. The first touch was slimy which felt like the puddings we eat or wet balloons. 

My first touch

Staffs giving napkins to clean your hand







One unique offer was the typhoon theatre which I did not get the chance to experience because it is only available on weekdays. However, the SEA Aquarium website states that the typhoon theatre is a 360-degree multimedia theatre that takes you on a ride on a ship that’s about to sail which is enhanced by special effects. The ship runs into a storm, the sea roars, the skies darken, giving the visitors a fun-filled experience which makes them feel like they are in the depths of the sea. One major point that makes the SEA Aquarium better than its competitors is the location of the attraction. It is in-door and will not be affected by the weather. Unlike the Singapore Zoo, if it rains, majority of the activities has to be stopped and the visitors might have to come another day which means paying for the ticket again. Singapore’s weather is really hot.
In comparison, the Zoo is an outdoor attraction so I think the location of the SEA Aquarium is a major advantage against its competitors. Lastly I feel that the SEA Aquarium had successfully promoted itself with news articles, advertisements, videos online worldwide. The fact that it is placed in the trip advisor Singapore, it has already succeeded to a certain extent.

Impact SEA Aquarium has on Singapore?

Economic Impact: The opening of the SEA Aquarium created many jobs for the unemployed people in Singapore. Not only that, it increased Singapore’s tourism receipts and tourism arrivals. Many people come to Singapore especially for the World’s largest oceanarium. By being in the Guinness world record, potential investors would be eyeing Singapore as a potential market to invest in. This would bring in more economic benefits for the country.

Environmental Impact: The SEA Aquarium teach the visitors not only about the marine animals but also how to take care of them and about the environment these creatures live in. These animals have to live in clean and unpolluted water areas. Hence, the visitors learn how to prevent pollution or how to protect the sea animals by giving them a clean place to live in. When they visit the beaches or sea sides, they will not litter or pollute the water, decreasing air, land and water pollution. This helps to keep the environment in Singapore clean and the residents get to enjoy a cleaner environment. 

Lastly, there are some areas that I had noticed and researched on that will be helpful to you as well. The opening hours of the SEA Aquarium varies every month but the usual would be from 10am-7pm. You might want to check on the website before you make your visit. Visitor desks are available if you have any queries. Brochures and tours are also available in order to enhance visitor experience. 

Visitor desks

Brochures available 

Do not worry! There are several toilets located at different areas in the aquarium to keep you safe from the call of nature. Also, there are F&B outlets located in and outside of the aquarium to meet the needs of your stomach. 

F&B outlets in SEA Aquarium

As for accessibility, the aquarium is wheel-chair friendly. See the slopes? It decreases the amount of energy one needs to go up or down and serves as a big help for physically disabled or elderly people.

There are also areas for visitors to rest 

Safety comes first! This is the most important factor I have to stress on! We wouldn't want to go to a place when our safety would be at stake right? I would be devastated if my friend’s (YOU) safety is being threatened.

Lifts available

Fire exits are cleared as well

                                          

Medical Kits are available in the aquarium in case of emergencies

                                              Fire Extinguishers around almost every corner

 I can’t believe I’m that sentimental. Oh well, I guess I have come to the end of my blog post. I hope I was able to provide you with the necessary information you need. I hope to hear from you soon Ashley. That’s it! Goodbye!