The ride was originally extensively themed, although the majority of its scenic design was later removed due to lack of maintenance and durability over time.

[6] In July 2017, Chessington filed for planning permission to undertake a large overhaul of the Mystic East area of the theme park.

The ride began its journey by passing out of the station, and then along a picturesque stream lined with traditional Japanese plants and trees.

The boats exit the tunnel into trees, under a bridge, and around a lagoon until reaching a second, taller lift that ascends the side of a rocky mountain.

Prior to the Tiger Rock theme, the boats would pass between two large scenic stone faces resembling Angkor Wat.

The Buddha heads and remaining rock scenery were demolished in 2013, a few years prior to the re-theming of the ride, leaving a bare structure of the flume drop.

Noticeably, the 'Dragon tunnel' has been repainted and re-purposed to look like a rocky cave structure, with the rough shape of the dragon being recognizable, but the artwork replaced with a flat blanket of grey rock texture.

Notably, the large Buddha statue themed to Kōtoku-in in the city of Kamakura in Japan has survived the re-theme.