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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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!