I have basiphobia, or more commonly known as the “fear of falling”. Roller coasters siphon life energy out of me and every (near-death) experience I’ve had with such rides has never helped me conquer this fear.
There are, however, people who relish the thrill these rides give and scream “AGAIN!” as they return to the back of the queue, forcing their lifeless friends to re-live the agony once more.
Unfortunately for me, most of our team here at HYPE&STUFF are not like that, and thank goodness none of us were admitted to the A&E for cardiac arrest when we paid a visit to Sentosa to bring you this guide to all the heart-pumping activities the island has to offer.
Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or someone who nauseates at the very thought of roller coasters, you can definitely find something on this list that can get your heart pumping without any fatality, fingers crossed.
1. Spend A Day At Universal Studios Singapore
Being the biggest theme park in Singapore, it is no wonder that this is one of the places that come to mind straight away when someone mentions Sentosa. You can buy an entry pass for S$75, or get an express pass for S$60-S$100 (depending on peak period).
Enjoy thrilling rides from different Universal Studios movies, such as the Battlestar Galactica and The Mummy which are hot favourites amongst guests other than myself— The Mummy gave me PTSD and I just could not get onto the Battlestar Galactica afterwards.
Milder rides include the Puss In Boots Giant Journey as well as the Transformers 3D ride. A tip from one scaredy-cat to another—if you can bring your bag on to the ride, it is definitely tolerable.
It’s not merely about the rides at USS. When you stay past sunset on certain days, you can enjoy the Universal After Hours programme, where you can treat yourself to a parade by the talented crew members of USS, as well as a stunning fireworks display. To learn more about how to maximise your USS visit, check out our After Hours guide here.
Price: S$75(entry pass), S$60-S$100(express pass)
Operating hours: 10am – 7/10pm; depending on peak period; After Hours: 5pm – 10pm | check the USS planner.
Universal Studios Singapore: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269 | Website
2. Beat The Heat At Adventure Cove Waterpark
Singapore’s humid weather getting to you? Time to take a plunge into the Adventure Cove.
If you crave some heart-pumping action, you should definitely check out the Pipeline Plunge and the Tidal Twister.
Of course, there are other things for the mild-hearted. You can swim along with beautiful fish and coral reefs in the Rainbow Reef, and take in the wonderful sights with the provided snorkel masks—a stark contrast from the Pipeline Plunge which makes you spew every vulgarity imaginable. The only catch is that you have to be able to swim in order to enter the Rainbow Reef.
Prices: S$38 for Adult day tickets, S$30 for children and seniors. S$34 for tickets purchased with Klook.
Operating hours: 10am to 6pm daily
Adventure Cove Waterpark: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 089269 | Website
3. Go Up And Down With The Skyline Luge
While the Skyline Luge may primarily be a ride which requires you to drive a cart downslope, you don’t need a driving license to take part in this activity. All that is required is a need for speed.
There is a minimum age of 6 and a minimum height of 110cm in order for you to be able to do this activity. During the ride, each participant must wear a helmet as the track meanders down a thrilling slope. What I like about the Luge is that it caters to people of all fear levels as you are able to easily adjust the speed of your cart.
After you’ve reached the end of the slope, strap yourself onto the Skyride and enjoy picturesque views of both Sentosa and the South China Sea. I do not recommend swinging your legs too much, or wearing loose-fitting footwear if you do not want to risk your beloved Havaianas falling into the forest below.
True to its tagline, riding once on the Luge is never enough. The tickets are often sold in bundles, which allows one to ride the Luge and Skyride up to 4 times.
Prices: Luge & Skyride combos (S$24 for 2 luge & Skyrides, S$27 for 3 luge & Skyrides, S$29 for 4 luge & Skyrides) Family combos range from S$54 to S$130 ; Ticket prices start from S$16 if purchased from Klook! 20% off packages between 7pm and 9.15pm
Luge:
4. Enjoy A Milder Taste Of Adrenaline At The Mega Adventure Park
If USS or Adventure Cove sounds too much for you to handle, you may want to start off with Sentosa’s Mega Adventure Park.
At the Mega Adventure Park, you will be able to take part in four high-element activities. You can do a series of activities such as obstacle courses, zip line, bouncing on trampolines as well as a free-fall jump.
With a height limit of 120cm, kids can join in the fun too. There are all sorts of obstacle courses to do, for those who want to take the plunge or take baby steps in overcoming their fear of heights.
Ticket Prices: MegaJump and MegaClimb Package (Usual Price S$65, Now S$39), MegaZip (S$55), MegaZip, MegaClimb and MegaJump Package (Usual Price S$120, Currently S$70)
Add-Ons: MegaZip Express Pass S$25 – S$45
Opening Hours: 11am to 7pm
Mega Adventure Sentosa: 10A Siloso Beach Walk, Singapore 099008 | Website| +65 3163 4394
5. Embrace VR Technology At Headrock VR
If you’re as timid as a mouse, check out Headrock VR. Instead of huge drops and colossal rides, Headrock VR harnesses the power of VR technology to put you through immersive rides.
At Headrock VR, you will have the chance to experience many immersive rides that take you on journeys through different storylines. Thrill-wise, Headrock VR pales in comparison to those at USS. There are also games that can be played while stationary, and are also as immersive.
Headrock VR is the first of its kind in Singapore, offering virtual reality rides that you can’t find in any other VR place here in Singapore.
Price: S$35 (Big 3), S$50 (Big 5), S$65 (Big 7)
Operating Hours: 10am – 8pm (last admission at 7pm)
Headrock VR: 26 Sentosa Gateway #01-38/39, Singapore 098138 | Website | Tickets | Tel: 69634609 / 6963412
6. Catch Waves At The Double Flowrider At The Wavehouse
Looking to do something more skilful than just sitting on a carriage? Want to experience thrill and pick up a skill?
Here’s where the Double Flowrider at the Wavehouse comes in. While the Double Flowrider may not be able to offer the same “kick” as a natural wave, the skill level required is harder.
You will have the opportunity to choose from two boards— the flowboard which requires you to stand on and balance, and the body board which you lie down on. Whichever board you choose, you can expect a lot of tumbling as you are flung backwards by the power of the artificial waves at the end of every turn.
Don’t know how to surf? Don’t worry, as there are friendly instructors around to guide you along. Very soon, you’ll be able to master the Double Flowrider— and who knows, after a session, you may even know how to catch a real wave the next time you travel.
Prices: S$35 for one hour, S$55 for two hours (weekdays), S$40 for one hour, S$65 for two hours (weekends)
Operating hours: Mon-Fri: 12:00pm – 9:00pm (last session starts at 8:00pm) Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 11:00am – 9:00pm (last session starts at 8:00pm)
Double Flowrider at the Wavehouse: 36 Siloso Beach Walk, 099007 | Website | Tel: 6377 3113
7. Swing From Singapore’s First And Only Bungee Tower At AJ Hackett
If you have an insatiable lust for adrenaline, look no further than AJ Hackett. This 50-metre monster towers over Siloso Beach and beckons guests to come in and challenge their acrophobia.
At AJ Hackett, there are three gravity-defying activities you can take part in, namely the bungee jump, the giant swing, as well as the skybridge. One look down the bungee jump was enough to make my colleague go “NOPE” and I can totally understand why.
No offence to my gallant friends, but you must possess a certain level of raw courage to want to nosedive 47 metres. Take note that the bungee jump has a weight requirement of 45kg, so might want to order a pizza now if you are underneath that weight but want to get that shot of adrenaline.
If you require some strength in numbers, try the giant swing. For this 40-metre high ride, your arms will be locked with your friends’ and your entire body encased in a protective harness, offering that little bit of security. Did it help at all? I believe my colleagues’ faces are enough to answer that question.
The Skybridge is well, a sky bridge. The 40-metre walkway hoisted 47 metres above the ground, comes with glass panels at regular intervals, offering glimpses of greenery. This place is definitely not for the faint-hearted and I can never imagine myself even stepping foot into its premises.
Prices: Bungy* S$159 , Giant Swing* S$69 (Bookings to be made in advance) , Skybridge S$10 (Tickets available on site)
Operating hours: 10 am – 7.30pm (Sunday to Thursday), 10 am to 9 pm (Friday and Saturday) . Registration begins at 10 am and activities start at 11.30am
AJ Hackett Singapore: 30 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa Island, Singapore 099011 | Website | Tel: +65 6911 3070
Adventures For Everyone
If you’ve done so much as to attempt all of these places once, I salute you for your bravery. Call me a wuss, but there is no amount of money that can make me want to do half of the items on this list. If you’re still feeling a little scared, don’t be—most of the places listed above have different activities catered for you as well.
I would recommend that you visit Sentosa with a friend with the same level of fear as you so that both of you can gauge the intensity of the rides before attempting—and if you do end up regretting your decision, you won’t have to do it again. From one acrophobe to another— you’ve got this.
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