NYX MARTINEZ wanders not too far away for the opening of Asia’s biggest and brightest playground.
Always lucrative and enticing, Singapore has been testing, for a year now, the biggest playground this side of the world. Officially unveiled last May, Universal Studios Singapore’s grand opening night brought in celebrities Paula Abdul and Jet Li, with characters like Betty Boop, Marilyn Monroe, and Charlie Chaplin leading the red-carpet prance.
The newest addition to the Resorts World family, this fantasy land is as close as you can get to the real thing, without actually going far, far away. Just don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, hats and this quick guide. Universal Studios Singapore® is divided into seven themed zones:
1. HOLLYWOOD
Start your day tour with old-fashioned burgers and shakes on this boulevard. And if you’re lucky, here is where you’ll catch flirtatious Marilyn Monroe posing for the paparazzi, or eccentric Charlie Chaplin waddling elusively around the corner. He’s probably off to check on Elvis Presley, whose pictures and memorabilia are everywhere.
The Lost World—Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure.
2. NEW YORK
LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!™ is producer Steven Spielberg’s own creation. It’s a real-time movie production that you get to be part of, privy to all the secret special effects. Afterward, follow your nose to the nearby eateries serving American steaks and tasty Italian pizzas.
3. SCI-FI CITY™
If you thought Singapore city looked futuristic already, you ‘aint seen nothin’ yet. At the Sc-Fi City, the bravest of the brave fight it out in the gut-twisting Human vs. Cylon, the world’s tallest dueling roller-coaster ride (it tips at 42.5 meters). Inspired by the novel-based sci-fi TV series Battlestar Galactica, the 2-km, 90-kph ride depicts a battle between humans, on the red rail, with seats like the traditional roller-coaster, and cylons, on the blue rail, with inverted seats that let legs dangle, as riders come within mere inches of each other. See your doctor before hopping aboard. No, seriously.
4. ANCIENT EGYPT™
Brendan Fraser who? Even hardcore The Mummy fans admit—the real attraction here are those tall, god-like “Egyptian” men walking around bare-chested, in eyeliner and headdresses. Complete with intimidating stares, these buff bodyguards keep the entrance to the pyramids safe. Inside this zone, an indoor roller-coaster plummets with its riders into darkness! It should about lunchtime by now. Grab a bite at the Oasis Spice Café if you’re craving exotic Middle-Eastern meals.
5. THE LOST WORLD
Jurassic Park™ and WaterWorld™ are universally loved for their wild adventures with nature’s own. You can choose to escape to a world of prehistoric, lurking dinosaurs, or sit and watch the thrilling WaterWorld show. Be prepared for some explosions. And sit far back if you’re not keen on getting wet.
6. FAR FAR AWAY
The loveable couple, Shrek and Princess Fiona, gets up close and personal with guests who line up to visit the castle. But before meeting them, you may do well to watch the 3D film so you can get into character—as prisoners of the dungeon who are about to be tortured!
The castle of Far Far Away, home to the loveable ogre couple, Shrek and Fiona.
7. MADAGASCAR
This river ride will take you on the same adventure as the story’s four characters, through dense rainforests, tropical jungles, bubbling volcanoes, and crazy, colorful carousels!
After doing all seven zones, don’t forget to bring home this fun experience, whether in the form of a Marilyn Monroe trinket chest or a movie reel picture frame. Don’t worry, there are ATMs onsite in case you want to shop till you drop, and if you don’t want to carry around your purchases, Universal Studios’ That’s A Wrap free service allows you to have your purchases picked up at the entrance. Oh, and if you want to go hands-free while you explore, rent a locker for the day. Some rides, like the Battlestar Galactica, will require this as they do not allow loose articles on guests.
