The Singapore Tourism Board has announced ‘River Safari’, a new development project that it claims will be Asia’s first freshwater river-themed attraction.

River Safari is expected to open in 2011, with projections suggesting that the attraction will see some 750,000 visitors in its first year.

Wildlife Reserves Singapore is investing around S$140 million (£66.4 million) in the project, which is based in the 89-hectare site of Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari compound. The River Safari ‘zone’ will be home for a range of wildlife and will feature recreational water-based activities.

The recent focus on natural attractions by Singapore’s tourism industry has led to the opening of the Southern Ridges - a network of bridges and footpaths linking four nature parks - with the Marine Barrage and Reservoir.

Singapore tourist board's director in north and western Europe, Divya Panickar, said: "The River Safari, Marina Barrage and Southern Ridges developments join an already impressive list of nature attractions in Singapore.

"Apart from the enduringly popular Botanic Gardens, other 'must-see' natural habitats include the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, to name a few."

UK travellers can fly to Singapore on a new Airbus A380 if they fly with Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow Airport.

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