If you’re aiming for a family vacation outside the country, one of the most family-friendly destinations to start with is Singapore. Not only is it accessible — visa-free and a short three-and-a-half plane ride away — it’s also where you can find Universal Studios Singapore, Southeast Asia's first and only Universal Studios theme park.
What we love about this theme park is it's decently-sized, so you can devote a day (or maybe even half, if you go on a weekday) and still manage to visit and ride all the attractions. Plus, there is a decent mix of rides that kids of all ages can enjoy.
Where to buy discounted tickets
It is advisable to buy tickets online before going to the park as lines can get long. Plus, you can get more discounts this way. You may purchase your tickets directly from the Resorts World Sentosa website (tickets start at SG$59 or around Php2,210 for kids, and SG$79 or around Php2,963 for adults), or try a travel booking app like Klook.
There is an Express Pass that lets you skip lines and a pass that comes with a meal voucher. Tickets start at Php2,099 for kids and Php2,631 for adults. Take note these prices are on top of the entrance fee (e.g., entrance fee plus express pass means you need to shell out almost Php5,000). Note that price can vary upon booking.
How to get to Universal Studios Singapore
You'll know you're at the right place once you see this iconic globe.PHOTO BY Kitty ElicayADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWUniversal Studios Singapore is located at Resorts World Sentosa. Take the MRT and alight at HarbourFront station. From there, head to VivoCity where you can catch a public bus, the Sentosa Express, or walk by the Sentosa Boardwalk.
The park opens at 10 a.m. and closing times vary from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Make sure to check the Universal calendar or the app for the schedule of extended hours.
Must-see attractions and rides at Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore is divided into seven themed zones: Hollywood, New York City, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar. Upon entry, don’t forget to grab a map (download here) and the day’s program sheet to see the different times for the shows and meet and greets.
Alternatively, you can also download the Universal Studios app on your smartphone! Apart from the map, it can also show you wait times for different rides, so you can prioritize where you need to line up first.
1. Hollywood
This is the first zone you'll see when you get to Universal Studios Singapore.PHOTO BY Kitty ElicayCONTINUE READING BELOWRecommended VideosHollywood contains the main entrance area of the park. It has a Broadway-style theater with several restaurants and a variety of shopping locations. It also has a replica of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Must-see attractions include Elmo’s TV Time at the Pantages theater.
Meet and greet: You can meet various characters at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, including Marilyn Monroe, Woody Woodpecker, Despicable Me’s Minions, and even Hello Kitty!
2. New York City
Based on post-modern New York, this section of Universal Studios Singapore features sidewalks and classic landmarks inspired by the city. Here are the must-see attractions and rides:
Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase
This impressive entrance will make you want to try out the ride!PHOTO BY Kitty ElicayThis ride takes you on a high-flying space adventure! Your family will ride a train that will guide you through space as you go on a mission with Sesame Street superheroes and fight Macaroni the Merciless who wants to steal all the spaghetti from Earth.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWLights! Camera! Action! Hosted by Steven Spielberg
If you want to see how special effects are executed in a movie set, then you’ll love this attraction, which shows what happens during a major hurricane.
Meet and greet: You can catch the characters of Sesame Street like Elmo, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, and Big Bird in this zone.
3. Sci-Fi City
Try and get the whole of Optimus Prime in your shot!PHOTO BY Kitty ElicayThis zone looks like a futuristic metropolis complete with space-age technology. It’s where you can find rides inspired by Transformers and the massive twin rollercoasters. Here are the must-see attractions and rides:
Transformers The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle
A thrilling dark ride with giant wrap-around screens that make for a realistic 3D experience. Get ready for jaw-dropping effects — you’ll join Optimus Prime in a quest to defeat the Decepticons — zip through subway tunnels, jump across rooftops, and drive down city streets as you battle the forces of evil.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWBattlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon
These twin roller coasters are not for the faint of heart — you’ll experience dizzying loops, drops, and turns at crazy speeds. They say the red and blue rollercoasters offer a different experience so if you’re up for it, line up for both!
Meet and Greet: Catch Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in the streets! You can even have a special photo session with the leader of the Autobots!
4. Far, Far, Away
This zone will easily be your kids' favorite — they'll be able to enter most of the rides here!PHOTO BY Kitty ElicayIf you have young kids in tow, you can head straight to Far, Far, Away, home to the characters of Shrek. This zone consists of many locations from the film series, including the “Far Far Away Castle." Here are the must-see attractions and rides:
Shrek 4-D Adventure
If you’re getting tired of the heat and all the standing and lining up, this ride can be your reprieve. Don’t worry, the kids will enjoy it! It’s a movie and a ride in one, as you watch, move, and even get splashed with Shark and Fiona as they go along their fairy-tale adventure.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWPuss in Boots’ Giant Journey
Don’t be too intimidated by the fact that it’s a suspended roller coaster ride — it’s still pretty safe and exciting for the kids! What makes it fun is that you get to follow a story inspired by the spin-off film, where Puss in Boots climbs a giant beanstalk in a search for precious golden eggs. It’s also a scenic ride where you can see Universal Studios Singapore from up above!
Enchanted Airways
This rollercoaster is for your kids who are not quite ready for the giant rollercoasters yet. The trains are modeled after Dragon from the Shrek movie, and the ride swiftly weaves through the track with gasp-inducing drops. Perfect for a fearless child!
Magic Potion Spin
Most of the rides have height requirements, but this ride does not, making it suitable for all ages! It’s a small Ferris wheel found in Fairy Godmother’s Potion Shop, and since it’s indoors, you’ll find some respite from the sun.
Meet and greet: Be on the lookout for Shrek, Princess Fiona, Donkey, and Puss In Boots who will greet you in royal ogre-style.
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5. Madagascar
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWStep into a tropical jungle inspired by the animated movie. There are only two rides in this Universal Studios Singapore zone, but the view by the lagoon is pretty impressive. Here are the must-see attractions and rides:
Madagascar: A Crate Adventure
If you want something calmer, this gentle riverboat ride housed within the hull of a displaced cargo ship might appeal to you. Drifting down the river is like stepping into the Madagascar movie itself — you’ll meet the characters, and the story will unravel as you go along. It’s entertaining and perfect for little kids!
6. The Lost World
By the entrance of Jurassic Park is the Canopy Flyer, where you'll get to see a bird's eye view of The Lost World!PHOTO BY Kitty ElicayThis zone is perfect for your dinosaur-obsessed toddlers and kids. It features two themed regions: Jurassic Park and Waterworld. Here are the must-see attractions and rides:
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWWaterworld
It’s a spectacular show that you should not miss. You’ll witness death-defying stunts along with real explosions of fire and water. If you’re brave enough to get soaked, sit on the lower rows, and get in on the action.
Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure
Because you’re already wet, might as well go on a river rafting adventure. The gentle river ride becomes thrilling once you get to dino-territory and there’s an impressive waterfall drop at the end that will make you scream in delight. Avoid this attraction if you have younger kids, though, as kids need to be at least 107cm tall before riding.
Canopy Flyer
Get a bird’s eye view of Jurassic Park when you get on this suspended rollercoaster. It’s a family-friendly attraction your kids will love!
Meet and greet: If your kids are brave enough, they can meet an adult Velociraptor up close with the help of Jurassic Park volunteers. They can also witness the hatching of a baby Velociraptor!
7. Ancient Egypt
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWIn this zone, you’ll find gigantic Egyptian statues, obelisks, and pyramids. They say one of the best dark rides in the whole Universal Studios Singapore can be found here, but there’s another ride that younger kids will enjoy, too. Here are the must-see attractions and rides:
Treasure Hunters
You’ll be riding a vintage car in this attraction and is open to kids of all ages. You’ll go on a slow tour of an abandoned Egyptian excavation site and see various animals like vultures, Nile crocodiles, and cobras.
Revenge of the Mummy
If you prefer rollercoasters in the dark (as in you won’t see the twists and turns), then this ride will be perfect for you. Enjoy high speed scares, evil mummies, scarab beetles, and startling drops!
If you want the maximum experience, allot a whole day for your trip to Universal Studios Singapore. On weekends and holidays, you’ll witness the Hollywood Dreams Light-up Parade in the evening, where the theme park brings out all your favorite characters from Madagascar, Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic Park, and Shrek. It will be the perfect nightcap for your kids!
Did you know there's a new law that gives 20% discount on all public transportation fares for students (yes, including airfare)? Click here for the details so you can plan your family vacation!
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