A First Timers Guide to Universal Studios Singapore
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
If you are heading to Universal Studios to start your Singapore adventure or if you have started you’re Singapore adventure and is headed in Universal Studios, you are in for a super real treat. 😀
Myself is and has always been a kid-at-heart. I did get so excited when I start to see the first glimpses of the adventure/theme park from the bus window heading into Sentosa Island.
This Universal Studios in Singapore is one of the 4 currently built Universal Studios theme parks in the world. It has its own unique theme lands that can only be experience in this theme park.
I personally plan to go here in Singapore just for Universal Studios because it is easily accessible when you only have a third world passport. Furthermore, it is just 2,442 kms away from Cebu, Philippines.
Traveling to Universal Studios Singapore for the first time? This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to navigate your way inside, save money, and maximize your time.
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How to get to Singapore —
Touchdown at Singapore Changi Airport, which serves flights from Cebu (4 hours), Hongkong, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, New York, London & more. From the Philippines, you can also fly direct from Manila, Clark, & Iloilo. Flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia,
Scoot, Jetstar and Singapore Airlines. Click below to see online prices on airport and city transfers.
🏷️ 19% OFF Private Hotel to Hotel Transfers in Singapore
🏷️6% OFF Shared Shuttle Bus Transfers for Wildlife Reserves Singapore
🏷️ Private City Transfers between Singapore and Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Always book your hotel early — Avail low rates and avoid fully-booked rooms by booking online as soon 2-3 months before your travel departure. Click below to compare discounts and read reviews by other travelers.
Check discounts and prices online — Save money by checking discounts on tours & airport/hotel transfers. Booking before you leave also saves you time & avoids the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash during your actual trip.
Visa-free travel for Philippine citizens — 75% of all nationalities, including Filipino tourists, do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in Singapore for short period of visits. Scroll down to the extra tips for the list of things you might need to prepare.
Singapore 3G/4G internet data sim card & pocket WiFi rental
🏷️ 12% OFF Universal Studios Singapore™ Ticket (1 Day Pass)
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Pre- Travel Tips
✓How to get to Singapore
✓ How to get around Singapore?
✓ What to prepare for a trip to Singapore?
✓ Where to best exchange currency (SGD DOLLARS) ?
✓ How to find cheap flights to Singapore?
✓ When is the best time to visit?
✓ Travel Must Haves
✓ Money-saving tips
✓ Where to book tours & attraction tickets?
How to get to Singapore
From the Philippines, you can also fly direct from Manila, Clark, & Iloilo. Flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, Scoot, Jetstar and Singapore Airlines.
From Malaysia, you can also fly direct from Kuala Lumpur or ride by bus. I have tried the bus and the experience is so overwhelming. I am a border crosser.
How to get around Singapore
Buy an EZ-Link Card sold at Changi Airport station & many ticket offices around Singapore. This prepaid card can be used to pay for MRT, LRT and bus rides. Enjoy discount fares if you use this card. The cost is SGD 12 per card. Includes SGD 7 stored value and SGD 5 non-refundable card cost. You can top-up at any 7-Eleven store. Only 1 person is allowed per card.
Buy a NETS FLASHPAY. (same as ez-link)
What to prepare for a trip to Singapore?
Singapore Tourist Visa — Go to the Singapore Immigration website to check if you need to apply for a visa before going on your trip. Foreign visitors from countries not listed in the “Assesment Level Countries” can visit Singapore visa-free.
Visa for Filipino citizens — Philippines nationals can enjoy visa-free travel in Singapore, for up to 30 days.
Also, be sure that you are able to provide the following:
-Have confirmed flight tickets back to your home country or an onward destination that you are allowed to enter.
-Company ID or School ID.
-Passport not expiring within 6 months.
-Evidence that you are visiting for travel or holiday purposes only.
-Evidence that you are able to fund your stay for the entire duration of your visit.
Where to best exchange currency (SGD DOLLARS) ?
It is best to exchange currency in your country’s local bank way before your trip. Try to plan this too when booking plane tickets. Currency rates are so unpredictable.
If you’re from CEBU, exchange here:
✓ ALCO CREDIT AND MONEY EXCHANGE at Raintree Mall
✓ Drop-By Foreign Exchange at Rustan’s Dept. Store or Fuente Osmeñ circle
If you have not think this over and have read this now and your flight is in a week, try this.
✓ Bring Philippine Peso for your trip since Singapore Exchange Currency Stores accept it. Exchange a small amount at the airport and then the rest at the city center for better rates.
How to find cheap flights to Singapore?
Start your search on Wego, Momondo, and Skyscanner.
Also, check Singapore promo alerts several weeks or months ahead of your trip if you are planning your trip early. The cheapest promos are sold up to a year in advance of the travel/flight departure date & are often only available if you book directly with the airline.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
In my experience, March – July are the best months to visit Singapore.
Travel Must-Haves
✓ Google Map App – A life-saver for me because without it, I might get lost.
✓ Google Translate – Super powerful app. Translate anything.
✓ Grab app – Hassle-free ride and it takes you to your destination fast.
✓ Sunscreen – Protect yourself from sunburn or much worse – Cancer.
✓ Pocket Wifi or Sim Card – The convenient of searching anything is a go-to. Please don’t forget this baby. It is a life-saver for me though.
🏷️ 12% OFF 4G WiFi (SG Airport Pick Up) for Singapore
🏷️ 8% OFF 4G SIM Card (SG Pick Up) for Singapore
Money Saving Tips
Get a good map and explore the city on your own tour — You can tour the city at your own pace plus you can choose from a variety of options. There are a lot of awesome things to do in Singapore that doesn’t cost a dime.
Visit Chinatown — Food and things that will be bought here are cheap.
Eat at hawker centers & taste Singapore’s multi-cultural food — Meals are cheap and the food is prepared in relatively high quality and sanitation. A long line of people queuing at a stall is usually a sign that it serves good food that is safe to eat.
Ride MRTs and buses — This is the cheapest way to get around.
Stay at hostels or airbnb — If you are travelling alone or by group of 3, hostels are best for you. But, if you are travelling in group of 4 or more, then airbnb is best for you. I have calculated the difference and airbnb ones are best for group of travellers.
Pre-book your Universal Studios Singapore attraction tickets online
Booking online to enjoy discounts and cashless convenience during the actual trip is what I always do. Always check prices of tours and attraction tickets on this booking site:
✓ Prices are often cheaper than booking on-site. Huge discounts on many activities.
✓ Maximize your trip! Avoid wasting time queuing at ticket booths & shopping for tours.
✓ Get a good idea what to expect. Knowing all the inclusions/non-inclusions & reading user reviews is very helpful to make an informed decision.
✓ Earn rewards points for every booking.
✓ Pay in your home currency. Worry less about bringing cash/exchanging currencies.
If you’re booking tours and you’ve already finalized your travel dates, book early, especially if you are traveling with family/friends to lock-in those open slots for everyone in your group.
GETTING TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Pick-up point will be in Harbourfront.
In Harbourfront, you can choose either to ride the Sentosa Express Monorail, RSW8 Bus, Cable Car or walk the Sentosa Boardwalk.
1. SENTOSA EXPRESS MONORAIL
If you are in a hurry, you might as well choose the Monorail. This might cost you a little bit higher than other public transportation available. The upside is it is very fast, you get to experience riding a monorail and it will take you to the destination easy as 1 2 3. The Express Monorail costs around four (4) Singaporean Dollar.
Getting to USS
a. Walk into the VivoCity Mall.
b. Climb to Level 3 of the Mall.
c. Proceed to Lobby L. You know you’re at Lobby L when you see Food Republic.
d. Fall in line and purchase a ticket.
e. Descend @ Waterfront Station.
f. Walk to Resorts World Convention Centre at B2 via Escalator.
2. RWS8 BUS
If you want to ride the bus and prefer to tour Sentosa Island a bit then this might be your preference. RWS8, is the bus that I have ridden during my stay. The fare will cost you around One (1) Singaporean Dollar.
Getting to USS
a. Walk into the HarbourFront Station.
b. Locate Exit B NE1 CC29.
c. Descend @ Resorts World Coach Bay.
d. Walk to Resorts World Convention Centre at B2 via Escalator.
3. CABLE CAR
If you want to see a much better view of Singapore’s land, then this is a good fit for you. It costs around 25 (Twenty-five) Singaporean Dollars. You can book it here.
Getting to USS
a. Locate the HarbourFront Tower 2.
b. Redeem your ticket on the ground level of the tower. Just be sure to bring your passports with you because the redemption counter checks it.
c. Proceed to Level 15 of the tower and board the Cable Car. Don’t lose your ticket because the staff will check it in every ride.
d. Disembark at Imbiah station.
e. Take the Sentosa Express and disembark 1(one) stop later at Waterfront station.
f. Walk straight till you see Chili’s Restaurant on your right.
g. Turn right and head towards the Universal Studios Globe.
4. SENTOSA BOARDWALK
If you prefer a more leisurely pace then this is the ideal one for you.
Getting to USS
a. Walk to Level 1 of VivoCity Waterfront Promenade.
b. Upon reaching the entrance to Sentosa island, head towards Trick Eye Museum.
c. Keep left and walk till you see the Universal Studios Globe.
Do not worry if you are a bit hesitant in asking people question on where the place is located because the direction sign found inside the station is pretty much super direct to the point and will totally lead you (This is based on my personal experience).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO CONSIDER BEFORE GOING TO USS
So, you really are a first timer like me and you have decided to really dig in what’s in Universal Studios? Well, you are in the right place my friends. Just keep scrolling.
OPENING HOURS
1. Daily 10:00am-7:00pm
2. For up-to-date operating hours, please refer to the official website of Universal Studios Singapore.
APPROPRIATE TIME TO BE IN THE USS
They say that 10am is the opening of the theme park. That is correct. Although you can be there around 9am to get a photo opportunity of the Universal Studios Globe where people don’t get in your way. If you did not wake up early, you can always politely ask the people around the globe to take turns in snapping Instagrammable photo. (insert pic)
HOW MUCH DOES THE UNIVERSAL STUDIOS TICKETS COST?
Here’s the list of prices as of September 2018:
Adult (Ages 13-59): S$76
Child (Ages 4-12): S$56
Senior (Ages 60+): S$38
Please take note that the ticket prices may change due to currency rates.
IS THE EXPRESS PASS WORTH IT?
Yes, it is on peak seasons or holidays. The queues and waiting time are obviously super long. It is totally time-consuming. Buying the pass can give you an utmost boost in experiencing rides in the park. If you have so much money to spend or just want to avail the pass because you want to experience every rides in a day, then the door is always open. Grab it! You will not regret it.
OUTSIDE UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
The globe can be seen before presenting the ticket to enter the premises of the Universal Studios. You can actually take a picture of the globe without buying the ticket. Entering just for the sake of Photo Opportunity! On the other hand, you can brag this to your friends that you did have a good time visiting the area just by that one picture. Again, it is really a good opportunity to take a picture of the infamous globe for free when time is not in your grasp. Souvenir shops are readily available too outside the paid premises of Universal Studios. Sweets like chocolate and candies can be bought in the area.
WHAT’S IN UNIVERSAL STUDIOS?
Foods! Entertainments! Shops! Real life-sized cartoon characters that has come to life and for the thrill seekers, the RIDES. Don’t forget their life-size Globe.
I have always been dreaming what it is like to be in this so-called “happiest place”. This place is the highlight of my Singapore tour. It did not fail to amaze me.
There are currently 7 theme parks available in the park. Each has its own amusement and entertainment. Without further ado, here are the list of the parks:
1. HOLLYWOOD
2. MADAGASCAR
3. FAR FAR AWAY
4. THE LOST WORLD (opens at 11 am)
5. ANCIENT EGYPT
6. SCI-FI CITY
7. NEW YORK
You can actually guess the building architectures and structures base purely by their names. Try to spot the signs that I have snapped. Happy Hunting.
NAVIGATING YOUR WAY INSIDE UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
After swiping your E-tickets or on hand tickets, you better grab the Map and Shows & Attractions Papers available in the Paper Stand near the entrance. Just don’t forget it so you can easily locate the attractions and time of the shows. You are now officially equipped with knowledge to be in the next step!
FINDING THE BEST RIDES!
I will recommend the best rides that should not be missed by any first timers base on my personal experience. The following list will be from the normal rides to the most heart pumping/insane rides.
1. TRANSFORMERS RIDE – This ride is the first transformers ride in the whole world.
-In this ride, you will experience a normal ride. Normal ride means no abrupt acceleration or dropping. A group of 7 people will be seated in a row (if my memory serves me right).
-Located in Sci-Fi City
-You can bring your bag in the ride.
-You can bring food and water in the area.
-There is an available water refilling station in the queuing area.
2. JURASSIC PARK RAPIDS ADVENTURE – This is a raft ride. You will see some artificially made dinosaurs.
-Located in The Lost World
-Bring some raincoat. If you happen to forget, an available raincoat for a price can be bought.
-Water will be your worst enemy here. Prepare to get wet.
-You will be seated in a circular raft. This will make you dizzy.
-There is an available water refilling station in the queuing area.
-This ride requires you to put your things in a locker room. A free locker room for about 45 mins. is available near the ride. This means that if you use the locker for 46 mins., it is not free anymore.
-Even though this is a bit of a chill ride, I recommend to do this lastly to avoid totally drench clothes.
3. REVENGE OF THE MUMMY – This is an indoor roller coaster ride. Entering the darkness in a new level.
-Located in Ancient Egypt.
-This is an insane ride. Insane ride means that this is a high-speed roller coaster that includes sudden and dramatic acceleration, climbing, tilting, dropping and backwards motion.
-You should be in good physical condition in order to experience the ride.
-There is an available water refilling station in the queuing area.
-This ride requires you to put your things in a locker room. A free locker room for about 45 mins. is available near the ride. This means that if you use the locker for 46 mins., it is not free anymore.
4. BATTLESTAR GALACTICA : HUMAN (RED TRACK) – You don’t need any map to locate this roller coaster.
-Located in Sci-Fi City.
-This is an insane ride. Insane ride means that this is a high-speed turbulent roller coaster that includes sudden and dramatic acceleration, climbing, tilting and dropping.
-You should be in good physical condition in order to experience the ride.
-Loose articles are not permitted in the ride. For example, bracelet or eyeglasses.
-There is an available water refilling station in the queuing area.
-This ride requires you to put your things in a locker room. A free locker room for about 45 mins. is available near the ride. This means that if you use the locker for 46 mins., it is not free anymore.
5. BATTLESTAR GALACTICA : CYCLON (GRAY TRACK)
-Located in Sci-Fi City.
-This is the most insane ride. Insane ride means that this is a high-speed turbulent roller coaster that includes sudden and dramatic acceleration, climbing, tilting, circling and dropping.
-You should be in good physical condition in order to experience the ride.
-Loose articles are not permitted in the ride. For example, bracelet or eyeglasses.
-There is an available water refilling station in the queuing area.
-This ride requires you to put your things in a locker room. A free locker room for about 45 mins. is available near the ride. This means that if you use the locker for 46 mins., it is not free anymore.
Do you want to experience more rides?
Try queuing in the SINGLE RIDERS lane. This is the fastest way to ride more rides but this is a bit selfish and lonely way to ride. Because for me, queuing with friends is a great way to bond, deepen the friendship and spend some real quality time. It is up to you!
ADDITIONAL RIDES RECOMMENDATIONS
These additional rides are chill rides. Best recommended for family of all ages.
1. SPAGHETTI CHASE
This is a super chill ride. Long queues.
You get to ride a spaceship that moves slowly.
2. PUSS IN BOOT’S GIANT JOURNEY
I actually have not ride this but this is a chill ride. This ride has a circular winding path going upward.
3. MADAGASCAR: A CRATE ADVENTURE
You will actually ride in a crate like boat.
This is a chill ride. You can bring your bags here.
4. TREASURE HUNTERS
Another chill ride.
You can absolutely bring your own bags here too.
The only problem is the queuing.
5. ENCHANTED AIRWAYS
Medium chill because it is a roller coaster.
You can experience a little turning but not enough to make you spill your guts.
They provide a mini cabinet for you to put your items away.
FINDING THE BEST ENTERTAINMENT!
I have listed entertainments that satisfies my needs. Furthermore, these lists can be a sight for sore eyes for first timers.
1. THE ROCKEFELLAS – If you love dancing, rockefellas is the entertainment that best suits you.
2. SHREK 4-D ADVENTURE – My friends recommended it to me and the first part was actually childish (haha) but the movie time is sooooo entertaining! I love it! 😛
3. WATER WORLD – HANDS DOWN TO THIS! I personally will recommend it to you! You must never miss this entertainment.
WHERE TO SHOP?
Souvenirs? Every theme land sells its own theme designs. Be sure to drop by.
WHERE TO EAT
Every theme land has its own restaurant.
The names of their foods are based on the theme. It is really cute to see the designs that it makes me feel bad for eating it.
MAP TO HELP YOU GET AROUND UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Did you visit any Universal Studios lately? How was it? Try this Universal Studios too!
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