Trip to Singapore- Day 3, A magical experience in Universal Studios

Day 3 in Singapore dawned bright and we were happy that the skies were clear as we were going to visit Universal Studios Singapore at Sentosa Island. It was our visit to any Universal studios and we were literally jumping with excitement after reading all the reviews. We took a taxi from Oasia Hotel to the famous Vivo City Mall which is the gateway to Sentosa via the monorail.

Sentosa Monorail Station in Vivo City mall

Universal Studios Singapore is a smaller version of the parks in the US but do not be fooled by its size as there lots of rides and shows to keep you entertained for the whole day. Universal Studios Singapore is mainly divided into 7 Zones and I will list down the zones n order of my preferences  and  the order in which we covered the rides.

The Entrance to the Magical World of Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore

Sci Fi City :

Transformers the Ride 3 D -The Ultimate Battle :  
This was easily the best ride in Universal Studios Singapore and one that attracts the maximum crowds. Dont want to reveal too much to spoil the fun , but this ride should be highest on anyone’s agenda while visiting. The special effects are so mind blowing that you really feel transported to the battle. Really amazing !!!

Transformers 3D Ride

Human vs Cylon- Duelling Roller Coasters : (Suspended Now Since July 2013)

If you think one roller coaster is enough think again!!  Two dueling roller coasters , but not for the fainthearted as you hurtle at break neck speeds.Did not try the Cylon , but the rode the human and had a huge adrenaline rush. Cylon is definitely for the more daring at heart.

Human Vs Cylon Roller Coaster

Accelerator :  

Went alone to the ride as hubby is not fond of rides that may cause motion sickness. A little tame as compared to the other rides but still fun as you are whirled around in circles.

Ancient Egypt :

Revenge of the mummy : 

A roller coaster in the dark based on the super successful Mummy franchise you board the roller coaster in your bid to defeat the high priest “ Imhotep “  Really not for the faint hearted as it is an entirely different feeling to hurtle at such speeds in pitch darkness. Do smile for the cameras !!!

Revenge of The Mummy Dark Roller Coaster - Not to Miss

Lost World :  

Jurassic Park Ride : 

A family water ride based on  Steven Spielberg's film Jurassic Park. You will find dinosaurs in the course of the ride and you are sure to get wet during this ride.

Waterworld Show :  

This was easily one of the best shows I have watched which is aired in an open air amphitheater kind of setup at Universal Studios Singapore. It was as if really watching the filming of an action flick with large explosion, cool stunts  and gun fire. Not to be missed !!!

Stunt Show Arena inside Universal Studios Singapore

Far Far Away and Madagascar:

Universal Studios Shrek and Madagascar zones are aimed at the little ones ( Not that adults wont have fun as I enjoyed it too ). The Shrek 4 D ride ( Had very good special effects )  and the Madagascar adventure were interesting rides  well worth a visit despite your age. Add to this the fairygod mother , Shrek and other special appearances popping in and out for a  meet and greet session , these two zones give a carnival like atmosphere.

I Like to Move It Move It

Shrek 4D 

Castle in Universal Studios Singapore

Newyork :  

For a second when I stepped in here I felt I really was in Newyork with its trademark yellow taxi cabs. This zone does not have any rides but the street entertainers are really good and you have the awesome Lights Camera Action show hosted by Steven Spielberg. An amazing display of special effects as you experience a hurricane in New York City.

Dancers in Universal Studios Singapore

NewYork Zone in Universal Studios Singapore

Hollywood : 

Frankenstein's Monster

A good place for some souvenir shopping and cooling off as you watch your favorite characters arriving one by one for photo shoots.

Hollywood Zone 

General Tips :

•     Quite an obvious one , but do get in early. The crowds started swelling after 11:30 and the rides which had a waiting time of 5-10 min soon had waiting times of 20-30 min and upwards. 
•     Ride the main rides early in the morning as the queues are shorter. You can probably ride your favorite rides once more later in the evening. We rode the transformers 2 times and the revenge of the mummy 3 times.
•     Do not waste time taking photos initially as you would have plenty of time later in the evening when the main street is filled with your favorite characters. Do watch out for Mr. Frankenstein, Cleopatra , and Kung Fu Panda.  There are specific timings for each zone for character meeting and greeting which shall be mentioned in your map.
•     Watch out for the show timings ( Water world and Lights Camera Action ) and reach at least 15 mins early as the seats fill up pretty fast. These two shows are really ones not to miss
•      Avoid going on weekends if possible but if you do, take the fast / express, as it can save you a lot of time.

Dinner at Little India Saravana Bhavan

After 3 days in Singapore we were sort of missing our more traditional Indian food and headed over to Little India for a dinner. Unlike other restaurants Saravana Bhavan was real value for money and each of us had a South Indian Meal for SGD 7 and were pleasantly surprised by the standards and it was as good as any of their joints in Chennai.

Shopping at Mustafa Centre

Doing a night out at Mustafa centre shopping has become quite common in Singapore as it the go to place for a good bargain. We did not spend the whole night but felt 2-3 hours was sufficient. Mustafa had lots of products in sale and I managed to grab some good perfumes and skin care products.I bought St.Ives apricot scrub and avocado face pack.Mustafa shopping center has a great collection and variety, to spend a few hours and enjoy shopping.A really long day had come to an end and we went back to our hotel really tired but still looking forward to day 4.