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Resort World Sentosa

The Resort World Sentosa is developed by Gentings Singapore Limited, a subsidiary of Gentings Malaysia. At a development cost of US$4.93 billion, this is ranked as one of the top most expensive resort in the world. The Resort World Sentosa makes it home on the northern tip of Sentosa and occupies a land area of 121 acres. The resort includes 6 hotels, 1 casino, Universal Studios Singapore, a Marine Life Park, a theatre and the FestiveWalk which features world class eateries and shops.

To make way for Resort World Sentosa, some of the former attractions such as the ferry terminal, the A&W restaurant on the Riverboat, Volcano Land and the Musical Fountain were being demolished.

There are several ways of getting to Resort World Sentosa. You could take the Sentosa Boardwalk from right hand side of Vivocity. Parts of the boardwalk is on the travelator  and parts of which requires a leisurely walk and should not be too hard on the legs. Entrance to Sentosa through the Boardwalk would cost S$1 and can be paid by EZLink Card or Cash. Alternatively, you could hop on the Sentosa Express from Vivocity which would cost you S$3. If you opt for the Sentosa Express, you can alight at either the Waterfront (at the Door Step of Universal Studios Singapore) or at the Imbiah Station which is a 5 minutes walk to Resort World Sentosa.

Bus 188 at the bus stop outside of Vivocity would take you to Resort World Sentosa for S$2. This will bring you inside the lobby of Resort World Sentosa.

All return trips either by walking, Sentosa Express or the buses to the mainland is free. You could take the Boardwalk to Sentosa and return by the Sentosa Express.

Sentosa Express at Imbiah Station

Merlion Plaza on the right

Walkway from the Merlion Plaza to Resort World Sentosa

Crockfords Towers. This is the All-Suite Invitation Only Hotel

Hotel Michael. A tribute hotel to one of America’s Contemporary Architect, Michael Graves

Water Fountain at Festive Walk with the Merlion in the background

The Thinking Man contemplating life

The Lake of Dreams

The Step which almost make me fall after taking a second look ;)

In the background is Universal Studios Singapore

The Forum. This is the entertainment and dining area of the resort

Voyage Di La Vie is a multi-million dollar staged theatrical staged rock circus which is a permanent fixture in Resort World Sentosa. It boast of a cast from over 19 different countries performing death defying acts to the thrill of the audience.

There is a Hard Rock Cafe and Hard Rock Hotel in Resort World Sentosa

CIMB Bank for both the lucky or unlucky gamblers

On the day of my visit, the bulk of the visitors to Resort World Sentosa was heading towards the Casino

Gantry Gates at the Casino Entrance

Entrance to the Casino by tourists and non-residents of Singapore is free and all you need is to show your passport to enter. The standard minimum age requirement and dress code applies. For Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents, there is a S$100 per 24 hours visit levy to the Casino or for frequent visitors to the casino, you can opt for the S$2000 per year levy. Singapore has two casinos, one at Resort World Sentosa and another at Marina Bay Sands. The levy is valid per casino and to visit both, you need to pay for both levies. The National Council for Problem Gamblers allows you to place an exclusion order on yourself or your loved ones to prevent them from entering the casinos.

I am not a gambler and the last time I gambled was at the slots machines in Brisbane where I lost AUD$2 and I am still bitter about the experience. So my visit to the Resort World Sentosa ends here. Enjoy!

 

 

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Hollywood After Hours at Universal Studios Singapore

When Universal Studios Singapore opened its doors in Sentosa, Singapore on March 18 2010, like many Singaporeans, I was both curious and excited. Finally, we have a state of the art theme park which can rival those in the region, something we can be proud of.

Singapore had several theme parks in the past, some of which I visited when I was young included Gay World (Gay means Happy and not the alternative kind), New World and Great World in the 70s and 80s. And subsequently, Haw Par Villa and Tang Dynasty Village in the 80s and 90s. All of which are mere memories now as the 2 worlds (Great World and New World) have made way of new housing and shopping developments. Gay World and Tang Dynasty Village are now empty grass areas. Haw Par Villa used to have rides and attracted long queues of visitors in the past but now is a mere shadow of what it used to be.

During the soft launch at Universial Studios Singapore, they came out with the “Hollywood After Hours” package which is held at several Fridays and Saturdays of the week. Admission to the park during this time was S$5 and you can explore all the open areas of the theme park between 7pm to 10pm, enjoy the food and be wowed by the fireworks display at 9pm. I thought that was a swell package as my doctor does not encourage me to engage in heart stopping activities and evening in Singapore is typically much cooler than the days. There is also something magical at night. By the way, ticket goes on sale from 6:30pm during those days.

The iconic Universal Studio Globe

The Ticketing Counters

The rock themed Sentosa Express monorail crossing overlooking Universal Studios Singapore

Entrance to Universal Studios Singapore

Entering Universal Studios Singapore will transport you into an alternate universe where the movies come alive

I’ve managed to take several pictures of the Hollywood Boulevard before it turned dark

Night falls and Hollywood Boulevard takes on a different persona

Scenes from the Hollywood Boulevard

Mel’s Drive-in is one of the many themed restaurants in Universal Studios Singapore

The Cahuenga Water Works is actually a nicely themed Toilet

Be transported into Gotham City and fight crime with Batman

The Battlestar Galatica Roller Coaster Ride

Shrek’s Far Far Away Castle

The Hollywood Lake Spectacular Fireworks Show is about to begin.

Sit Back and Enjoy the Pyrotechnic Show

 Fireworks Grand Finale

I had a magically night in Universal Studios Singapore and if you happened to be in town, do drop by and be wowed!

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