SG Summer Escapade: Universal Studios Singapore Tour

Universal Studios, a movie theme park located in Sentosa Island, is probably one of the most, if not the most visited attractions in Singapore. It features 7-themed zones - Madagascar, Far Far Away, Lost World, Ancient Egypt, Hollywood, New York and Sci-Fi City. It is a must-see attraction for kids and kids-at-heart, so of course it's included in our SG summer escapade. However, instead of having a DIY tour to Universal Studios, we availed of a package tour worth SGD71 (we were convinced by our city tour driver/guide to get a package tour, regular 1-day pass however costs SGD68). The package includes one way van/bus ride to Sentosa and a 1-day pass to USS (1-day pass includes ride-all-you-can to all USS rides).

Before the city tour driver/guide dropped us at our hotel, he reminded us several times to be at the hotel lobby at exactly 8AM the next day, our pick-up time for the USS tour. And we are glad we did as we were told, the driver (not the city tour driver) who picked us up for the USS tour is very particular with time, the other tourists who are not on time were scolded and embarrassed for being late. And you can't take the driver's words, they were so embarrassing even us got tongue-tied though we're not the ones who are late. Note: Singaporeans are very punctual, they will leave on time and will not wait for you. So if you are going to get a package tour which includes a transfer ride, make sure you are ready at pick-up time to avoid embarrassing situations with snappy drivers, like what we have witnessed.

Anyway, because of the very punctual driver, we make it to USS before its opening, we have so much time taking our photos with the most-photographed part of USS, the haunted revolving globe at the park's entrance (photo not published though). ;P

at the Madagascar zone - A Crate Adventure

Madagascar's A Crate Adventure was our first ride at USS. I am not fond of animation movies (am not a movie fan actually, animated or otherwise) so I'm not really familiar with the characters or animals in the Madagascar zone but the ride actually features a boat ride on a man-made river while listening to the story of the characters and watching some animations/experiencing real-life effects, as if you're a part of the movie. This ride is highly recommended for kids but of course, kids-at-heart are also welcome here. ;)

USS' Far Far Away Zone is inspired by the animation movie Shrek. The attractions here, like Shrek 4D Adventure (a 3D film showing with physical or natural effects as if viewers are part of the show) and Donkey Live (an interactive live show featuring Shrek's sidekick Donkey), are basically for kids but still we watched it, we're kids-at-heart remember...hehe!

USS' Lost World is the area that features adventure rides, mostly for adults but kids measuring at least 3 feet in height are allowed to ride here as long they are accompanied by adults. This zone has two main themed attractions, the Jurassic Park (based on the Steven Spielberg movie/Michael Crichton novel) and the Waterworld (based on the Waterworld movie starring Kevin Costner). Jurassic Park has two rides, the Canopy Flyer and the Rapids Adventure but we only got to ride the Canopy Flyer; we don't have extra clothes so we didn't try the Rapids Adventure (this adventure will get you wet). And yes, even though I'm afraid of heights, I rode this roller coaster, 'tis a fast ride eh so I've no time getting scared...hehe!

For the Waterworld adventure, I just found out that I have no photos from there, but I have a video of the show. Unfortunately, the video file is too large, I can't upload it here. ;(

Ancient Egypt Zone features Egypt during the ancient times, with statues and structures typically found during that era. The zone is also set up based on the movie The Mummy and features another roller coaster ride, Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride. It is a fast ride with sharp turns, steep ascend/descend and fast reverse in a dark enclosed area. With this ride, you can only feel and imagine the heights but you won't actually see it, a ride advisable to those with fear of heights. I rode this one too! :D

Battlestar Galactica Cyclon - upside down ;D

There are some other rides that we've tried here at USS; some were kiddie rides (Enchanted Airways, Treasure Hunters and Accelerators), others were also adventurous and thrilling like Transformers: The Ride. But the ultimate USS ride for me is the Sci-Fi City's Battlestar Galactica (Human and Cyclon), the world's tallest and intertwined high speed dueling roller coaster ride. Battlestar Galactica Human is a sit-down roller-coaster ride while Battlestar Galactica Cyclon is a suspended roller coaster ride that turns your world upside down. Battlestar Galactica is an exhilarating ride of twists and turns and drops at a zooming speed of up to 90 kilometers per hour, truly a thrilling ride, an adventure of a lifetime. Try it when you go to USS, you'll miss half of your life if you don't. Remember, I've fear of heights but I conquered these rides (Battlestar Galactica, Human and Cyclon); therefore, you should too! ;P