Last weekend I enjoyed an amazing three days in Singapore, and the short but activity-packed stay left me jet-lagged like never before (a feeling which, strangely enough, can become somewhat addictive). It was my second time there and while it’s not my favourite kind of city, there’s something for everyone and is incredibly beautiful, cosmopolitan, fashionable, clean, safe and efficient. However the day spent at Universal Studios theme park alone is completely worth the trek abroad to this city-that-is-also-a-country.
Being among these regal sets, rides with the best and most famous soundtracks playing in the background made you feel like you were in the movie, and the crescendo of music playing as you leave the park convince you that you just saved the world or did a truly great thing for mankind. With rides, stores and “sets” from movies/shows like The Mummy, Battlestar Galactica, Shrek, Madagascar, Transformers, Jurassic Park and Sesame Street, be prepared to be thrilled, enchanted and left in awe. Replay moments of your favourite movies by being a part of them. The attention to detail is so maticulous and fantastically overwhelming I could never effectively explain.
For me the highlights were:
- – The Revenge of the Mummy themed indoor and underground rollercoaster. I loved the part of the ride where it ran really fast in complete darkness, and light-projected ghosts make you scream even louder along the way.
- – Seeing a life-size exact model of Optimus Prime transformed.
- – The massive Universal Studios rotating globe at the entrance.
- – Genuinely believing the T-Rex was going to bite my head off at the end of the Jurassic Park water ride.
- – Candy-floss in the Far Far Away Kingdom courtyard and Shrek’s house from the swamp
- – Standing in a warehouse stage set while a simulated hurricane is created = uhh-mazing.
- – An actual Sesame Street
TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR TRIP:
- If your budget permits, splurge a little extra on a fast pass. It means you get to skip the queues so you will actually get to do all the rides you want, as many times as you want.
- Get there early, and plan your day according to the map. The park flows in a circle so it’s pretty easy to navigate, but certain rides like the Revenge of the Mummy and Transformers 3D can gather up quite the queue. If you’re not using a fast pass, try and get to one of those rides first.
- Single rider lines are available for some attractions if you don’t mind splitting up from your friends. This is another way to minimise wait times and enjoy all the rides you want!
- Be prepared for rain. Singapore has wonderfully tropical weather but with that comes the occasional, short downpour. Don’t let that deter you from having an amazing day! Bring a light waterproof windbreaker or disposable compact anorak.
- Wear comfortable sneakers and sunscreen. You will be walking a lot and can still get sunburnt even on the cloudiest day.
- Don’t hesitate to bring a backpack or your good camera. There are free lockers all around the park so you can enjoy yourself hands-free if need be.
- Don’t miss out on seeing a show. Even if you’re the ultimate thrill-seeker, the shows and experiences at Universal are top-notch and you won’t want to miss them just because of ride queues. Be sure to see at least one. The movie stage soundscape experience was as thrilling as a roller coaster!
PLANNING MADE EASY FOR MUSLIMS:
- There is a prayer room close to the Battlestar Galactica rollercoasters with ablution facilities available.
- There are numerous places to get halal food, it’s probably the most I’ve seen in a theme park! You can find typical American favourites at Mel’s Drive-In Diner, Middle Eastern food at Oasis Spice café (near the Mummy ride) and South East Asian meals at Marty’s Casa Del Wild Food Court.
If you have any more questions on this fantastic experience, don’t hesitate to let me know in the comments section. This was by far my best ever theme park adventure; I can’t wait to try the Florida park some day!
xx
