Sentosa is almost always a mandatory stop for any Singapore itinerary due to the various offerings of the island. Universal Studios Singapore alone is a major draw. There’s also always something new popping up that adds more to the list of must-see sites. Among the latest additions worth checking out is the Singapore Oceanarium.

Formerly known as the S.E.A. Aquarium, the Singapore Oceanarium is the result of a three-month transformation to make way for 22 zones focusing on the beauty of marine life. Upon entry, guests are greeted with displays of enticing jellyfish. You might catch yourself hypnotized by their carefree movements. From here on, it’s notable how almost every spot is made, not only to learn more about these curious critters, but also to serve as the perfect backdrop for photos.

Walking through each exhibit, you might find some familiar animals being shown. A particular draw would be the exotic axolotl, popularized by being prominently featured in games like “Minecraft.” There’s also the Shark Tunnel, where you can gaze upon different species of sharks up close as you walk by to the next area. Some areas also have an interactive element to them, where guests can touch shells or have their hands cleaned by tiny shrimp. Another exciting display is the Ancient Waters area, where you can learn more about prehistoric aquatic life and marvel over the hanging animatronic that greets you upon entry.

One of the major highlights is the Open Ocean area, an 18-million-liter habitat serving as home for various sea creatures. When you stare into the seemingly larger-than-life aquarium, you feel as if you’ve become one with the aquatic life. There’s much to admire; wherever your gaze goes, you’ll find an interesting critter to follow around. It’s mesmerizing to the point that you could spend hours marveling over the environment without notice.

Aside from enjoying the sights, there are also lessons to be learned. One exhibit shows just how much harm our garbage has done to the ocean. From what was shown, there are vast floating trash piles that take up large chunks of our five oceans. One harrowing display also shows a home submerged in water, detailing the urgency of rising sea water levels.