SINGAPORE - Financial services manager Samuel Ang got a surprise welcome at the S.E.A. Aquarium for being the attraction's 10 millionth visitor since it opened in 2012.

The 38-year-old, who was with his family, was presented with an annual pass and a gift hamper of exclusive merchandise by Resorts World Sentosa, where the aquarium is located.

Mr Ang, his wife Claire, 37, a financial consultant, and their 13-month-old daughter Beatrice also had a photograph taken with the aquarium's mascot, Mai the manta ray.

On being the 10 millionth visitor, Mr Ang said he was "overwhelmed". He and his wife decided to visit the aquarium on a three-day, two-night long staycation at Resorts World Sentosa that began on Sunday.

The couple also celebrated their daughter's birthday, which fell on Feb 28, during the staycation. "Beatrice's favourite animal is the manta ray, so it's quite a coincidence," said Mr Ang of the family's chance meeting with Mai the manta ray.

The family plans to use the annual pass to visit the aquarium monthly. Mr Ang first visited the attraction with Claire in 2012 when they were still dating. Monday's visit was his third. "The staff are the friendliest," he quipped when asked about his decision to return.

The S.E.A. Aquarium is home to 10,000 different marine animals across 800 species. The aquarium, Universal Studios Singapore and the Adventure CoveWaterpark receive about 18,000 visitors a day.