The Best Rides in Singapore

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Riders on the Battlestar Galactica rollercoaster at Universal Studios Singapore.

Adrenaline junkies rejoice! If there’s one thing Singapore isn’t short of, it’s a world-class thrill ride or six, from the frankly terrifying rollercoasters at Universal Studios to the towering Singapore Flyer observation wheel that overlooks Marina Bay. So saddle up and get ready for the time of your life as we reveal the best rides in Singapore, including:

  • Battlestar Galactica at Universal Studios Singapore
  • The Sentosa SkyHelix
  • The Singapore Flyer
  • The Sentosa cable car
  • AJ Hackett’s giant swing and bungee rope
  • Riptide Rocket at Adventure Cove water park

 

Universal Studios Singapore

Let’s not beat about the bush: around 90% of the best rides in Singapore are to be found at Universal Studios (USS) on Sentosa Island. There are nearly 30, so to list all of them here would take waaay too long, but here are three of our faves to give you a little taster...

Battlestar Galactica

Hold on to your hats: this one’s a beast. Based on the much-loved sci-fi TV series, it sees an evil Cylon robot coaster do battle with its human nemesis as the dueling rides twist, turn, intertwine and come within inches of colliding several times over. Cylon is the faster and more frightening of the two, an inverted rollercoaster that includes a corkscrew, a cobra roll and a (literally) hair-raising zero-gravity drop. The Human ride is – and we use this term advisedly – slightly more sedate; a traditional rollercoaster with no inversions but reaching higher speeds of up to 56mph. At 139 feet, these are the highest dueling rollercoasters on the planet, so it's fair to say that neither is recommended for the faint of heart.

Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey

Emerge from the ivy-clad turret and go in search of Mother Goose’s golden eggs with our heroes Puss and Kitty on this exciting family-friendly rollercoaster that will leave the kids screaming for more. You’ll find it inside the Shrek-themed Far Far Away Land, where King Harold’s Castle and the Enchanted Airways coaster are also popular attractions. Be aware that this kid-friendly zone is among the busiest in the park, so be prepared to queue or, better still, get there early!

Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure

There are hungry dinos galore on the loose at this Jurassic World-inspired facility where a drenching is all but guaranteed. Board your circular raft and ride the rapids past cute animatronic mum-and-baby stegosauruses and into the restricted zone, where hissing velociraptors and radio reports of an escaped T-rex will have you quaking in your boats. Will you escape uneaten and unsoaked? Spoiler alert: yes, you will and no, you won’t.

Sentosa’s Other Hot Tickets

Sentosa Cable Car

The very act of getting to Universal Studios requires you first to get to Sentosa. And what better way to do so than aboard the iconic Singapore cable car, one of the island’s more gentle rides, to be sure, but also one of its most essential. Awestruck passengers soar 200 feet above sea level on an epic 15-minute journey over the bay, taking in sweeping views of lush tropical foliage and Sentosa’s fine beaches along the way. You can even book a private sunset ride with dinner and drinks!

Sentosa SkyHelix

In case it isn’t already apparent, the majority of Singapore’s best rides are to be found on the island playground of Sentosa, and the SkyHelix is no exception, with its sky-high vantage point on Imbiah Lookout affording stunning views across the bay to the Southern Islands. This one’s a favorite with Instagrammers seeking the ultimate sunset snap as the rotating gondola spins skywards, reaching heights of around 260 feet above sea level.

Riptide Rocket

Also on Sentosa, the Adventure Cove water park comes with a fish-filled reef and stacks of rides, the most thrilling of which is the Riptide Rocket, a ride every bit as electrifying as its name suggests. This one is best done in pairs, with floats designed to maximize the speed with two people on board as you whip around gravity-defying loops and over stomach-churning drops before being ejected at very high speed (and no doubt still screaming) into a giant splash pool at the bottom.

AJ Hackett Sentosa

Ever fancied bungee jumping above the palm-fringed golden sands of a tropical beach paradise? Well, now’s your chance! AJ Hackett’s Sentosa attraction on sunny Siloso Beach is strictly for those with a head for heights. Get your bearings on the SkyBridge, a knee-trembling 150 feet above terra firma, before braving the bungee or having a go at the main event: a giant swing for up to three people that soars over the Siloso sands at potentially lunch-losing speeds of up to 120kph.

Last But Not Least...

Singapore Flyer

One of the tallest observation wheels in the world, the Singapore Flyer is – gasp! – not on Sentosa but in Marina Bay. Its vantage point (and height) affords 360-degree views right across Singapore and (ahem) Sentosa, and even as far as Indonesia and Malaysia on clear days. The wheel soars to a nerve-jangling 541 feet;, which is not far off half the height of the Empire State Building or Eiffel Tower so, yeah, pretty high. Book a ticket that includes a glass of champagne or Singapore Sling if you think you might require a little something to steady your nerves.

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Things to do Alone in Singapore
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Things to do Alone in Singapore

Sometimes, you just need some time away from people. Interaction is great and all, but getting some space to be alone and clear your head is necessary once in a while. It's the same with vacations. Some may be fun to spend with friends and family, while others might be better off alone. So, if you're visiting Singapore this year by yourself and want to know what's good, we've got you covered. In this list of the best things to do alone in Singapore, we'll cover all of the city's best bits while riding solo. And who knows, you might even meet a special someone along the way. Including: City tours by bus, boat, or bike Gardens by the Bay Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin Virtual Reality Fighter Jet Experience Singapore Zoo and more! Image courtesy of Towfiqu ahamed barbhuiya/Shutterstock Big Bus Singapore If you're traveling alone, the thought of solo sightseeing probably fills you with giddy glee. Without the hindrance of human connection, you're free to soak up all the culture and landmarks with quiet contemplation and a keen ear. And where better to see all of Singapore's best bits than on a bus tour of the city? Thanks to the hop-on, hop-off nature of the tour, you can get off at any landmark, explore, and then hop on the next bus to move on. Your audio guide will fill you in on all the history of each stop, giving you insight into the era they were built. If you're interested in the melting pot of cultures present in the city, take the red line to see the likes of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Or, if you're in it for the spectacle, take the yellow line to see Singapore's most famous attractions like the Gardens by the Bay, Orchard Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore Art Museum, and Raffles Hotel. Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour If you prefer your sightseeing on two wheels with a dollop of adrenaline, then why not take a bike tour of the city instead? With your expert guide in tow, you'll visit many of Singapore's highlights, including Chinatown, the Singapore River, Boat, Clarke & Robertson Quays, Kampong Glam, The Museum District, and more. They'll make sure to keep you in the loop with the history, culture, and big events that have taken place in each area. And, over the course of the four-hour tour, you'll work up a nice sweat to boot - the perfect remedy to your calorific evening excursions! Singapore River Cruise And to round out our sightseeing portion of the day, if bikes and buses don't quite cut it, see the city from a different perspective on a Singapore river cruise! Board a traditional bumboat, and you'll float in style past famous sights like Old Parliament House, Raffles' Landing Site, Fullerton Hotel, Esplanade, The Merlion Park, and Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort. Just make sure your phones or cameras are at the ready - you'll want to snap dozens of pictures to the envy of everyone else. Gardens by the Bay One of the best things to do alone is to experience nature in its most peaceful form. And in Singapore, you've got the Gardens by the Bay, one of the most recognizable green spaces on the planet. Over 101 hectares and filled with 1.5 million plants from all over the world, you'll explore indoor and outdoor gardens, lakes, conservatories, huge sculptures, artwork, and more. Its beauty is so widely known that you might even recognize it - many films and TV shows have filmed scenes amid its luscious flora. Be sure to check out the Flower Dome, the world's largest glass greenhouse. Inside, you'll find displays representative of five continents, including 1000-year-old olive trees. And if you want to add a cinematic sheen to your visit, check out Avatar: The Experience at Cloud Forest. This immersive experience will transport you to Pandora and allow you to marvel at its cascading waterfalls, spiraling walkways, and fantastical creatures. Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin This is the second time on this list we'll be heading onto the water. But this time, you're free to go at your own pace. Well, to a degree. Ketam Island is one of the last villages in Singapore, so go exploring on this kayak adventure! You and a few others will join an expert guide as you roam the waters around Pulau Ubin, home to Ketam Island. Alongside the rustic village, you'll find plenty of untouched natural beauty, good vibes, and fresh air to fill your lungs with. And your guide will be happy to fill your withered brain with sweet, sweet knowledge about all the flora, fauna, and culture you'll find. If you're looking for relaxing things to do alone in Singapore, this kayak adventure should be top of your itinerary! Virtual Reality Fighter Jet Experience If you've ever wanted to take to the skies in a fighter jet, you can do the next best thing with this VR Fighter Jet Experience! Perfect for solo travelers, you'll get basic training from a qualified instructor. Then, you'll hop in the virtual cockpit and be pulling corkscrews, loops, and flashing past American landmarks like the Grand Canyon to the Golden Gate Bridge. All that without ever leaving the ground. Nice. Then, when you're done, you can attempt landing a multi-million dollar piece of tech. Good luck. Singapore Zoo And finally, we'll end our exploration of things to do alone in Singapore with a little visit to the animal kingdom. At Singapore Zoo, you'll have the chance to meet thousands of exotic animals from across the globe. If you like orangutans, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, crocodiles, monkeys, rhinos, and zebras, you'll be in your element. But this isn't any old zoo. It's more of an open concept, landing somewhere between a zoo and a safari. That means more space for the animals and happier animals as a result. And that's everything you need to know about things to do alone in Singapore! Looking for more fun things to do on your vacation? Check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can pick and choose the best of Singapore for one low price. Even things to do with others, if you happen to meet someone on your solo travels!
Dom Bewley
SkyHelix
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Beyond the View: Unmissable Stops Near SkyHelix Sentosa

After your SkyHelix ride, explore these must-visit spots that promise fun, flavor, and fantastic views.
Gardens by the Bay Singapore
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How to Save Money in Singapore

There’s no denying that Singapore is an expensive city. It’s home to some of the most luxurious properties and facilities on the planet, so you’d expect to pay a premium. That being said, everyone wants more for their money. We’ve compiled a list of our best strategies for saving money in Singapore. Avoid the busiest months in Singapore While Singapore’s a year-round destination, some months are better than others. Avoid the busy months if you want to get the most out of your visit. High Season - June-July and February. The shops are full, some attractions charge a higher entrance fee, and accommodation costs more. The weather is perfect though, so it all depends on your travel budget. Low Season - August-November. The weather may be a little chillier, with more rainy days, but it’s still glorious. The streets are less crowded, you’ll have more room to breathe in the shops, and restaurant reservations will be easier to make. It’s the perfect time to visit for budget travelers. September - The Formula 1 race comes to town, and it gets busy! Accommodation prices also spike. Visit during Singapore’s Sale Season Visiting Singapore during the sale season can be one of the best decisions you make. Take advantage of huge discounts, explore a multicultural city, and shop till you drop. It lasts only 4 weeks from June to July and, during this time, many shops are open late and offer huge discounts. Singapore’s shopping scene is among the best in the world, with world-class shopping malls and boutiques all around the city. You’ll find designer clothes, top fashion labels, electronics, souvenirs, and much more. Keep in mind, this bustling city can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. If you don’t like crowds, the sale season may not be for you. Explore Singapore’s many beaches A visit to Singapore isn’t complete without taking a dip at one of the island’s beautiful beaches, and it costs nothing to soak in a few rays. Whether you prefer long stretches of white sand, secluded coves, family-friendly locations, or water sports, Singapore has just what you need. Here are some of our favorites, so you can make the most of your beach holiday. East Coast Park is Singapore’s most popular beach, so it gets very crowded on weekends. This is where locals flock to for BBQs and beach sports. It’s also a very family-friendly beach with a playground and ample space for running and cycling. Changi Beach is another popular attraction for tourists. The beach is fringed by shops and restaurants, making it a glorious spot for picnic lunches. As well as beach sports and activities, you’ll also find plenty of places to chill out and relax. Siloso Beach is a favorite with families and kids. The beach has many shaded areas and a playground, making it perfect for children to play and for parents to relax. If you’re traveling with young children, this is the place for you. Tanjong Beach is along one of the island’s most scenic coastlines. It’s a popular spot for swimmers because of the calm blue waters, and the white sand is perfect for lounging the days away. Make the most of Singapore’s free viewpoints It doesn’t cost a penny to take a photo, and Singapore’s full of great viewpoints to get some insta-worthy shots. Here are three free viewpoints you should add to your bucket list. Changi Point Ferry Terminal This 118-year-old ferry terminal is perched on top of a cliff overlooking Changi Bay and is a great place to enjoy a sunset with your loved ones. There is also a coffee shop at this viewpoint that sells cheap food and drinks. Mount Faber Take a hike up to the top of Mount Faber for a spectacular view of the city below. Time it for sunset and treat yourself to one of the best views in the country. It’s also where you take the cable car across to Sentosa island, so it should definitely be on your itinerary. Fort Canning Hill This heritage park in Singapore’s Central Business District offers stunning views of the Marina Bay skyline and Gardens by the Bay. It’s also home to several cultural attractions, such as the National Orchid Garden and Fort Canning Museum. Shop around for Kids Eat Free deals around Singapore Kids Eat Free (KEF) deals are a common marketing ploy used around the world by restaurants to attract customers. These deals usually come as a 2-for-1 or 3-for-1 meal deal where the kids eat for free with the purchase of an adult meal. However, some places offer other deals, such as free meals for children on weekends or discounted meals for kids during certain times of the day. As Singapore’s a major touristic destination, everyone’s vying for your business. Take advantage of this, and save some Singapore dollars, by shopping around for excellent meal deals. Enjoy happy hour savings in Singapore’s many pubs and bars Singapore’s not the cheapest place to go for a bar crawl. With a high tax on alcohol, plus goods and service tax, your bar bill can quickly spiral out of control. If you want to enjoy a tipple in the sunshine, you’ll want to shop around for a happy hour deal. Luckily they’re plentiful, all over the city. Some, like Al Capone’s Ristorante & Bar, run all day, while others have specific hours, usually ending by 8 PM. Depending on the deal, you could save up to 50% on your entire bill. The promotions are always changing, so do a quick online search when you land to find the best deals around. Sample Singapore’s delicious and varied street food Singapore’s a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population and a myriad of cultures, which is reflected in the street food that’s on offer. Singapore cuisine is a blend of traditional Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European cuisines, and the food scene here is constantly evolving to reflect new tastes and preferences. Hainanese chicken rice: This is a popular dish in Singapore, which originated from Hainan Island in China. This dish usually comprises poached chicken served with rice cooked in chicken broth, ginger, and garlic. Hainanese chicken rice is usually served with chili and soy sauce, and it’s common street food in Singapore. Bak kut teh: A soup dish that originated in China. The ingredients include pork ribs, knuckle, belly, and tendon, and Chinese herbs such as ginseng. Chilli crab: A popular dish in Singapore and Malaysia. The ingredients usually include crab cooked in a thick, spicy chili sauce. Laksa: This dish usually comprises coconut milk, rice noodles, lemongrass, shrimp, fishcakes, egg, prawns, bean sprouts, and chili paste. Roti prata: This popular flatbread originated in Malaysia. It’s usually eaten with curry. You can eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Singapore’s food scene is diverse, and it’s one of the best in the world. There are thousands of food stalls with hundreds of different dishes to try. Be adventurous and indulge in the variety of food halls and street vendors. A top tip, which applies to any city around the world, is to go where the locals go. If you see a food stall surrounded by locals, that’s a sign the food is both delicious and reasonably priced. Download local apps for food delivery around Singapore If you’re in Singapore for any length of time, you can download apps for ordering food deliveries. This is handy if you’re in town for an extended period, or maybe it’s a rainy day and you don’t want to leave the comfort of your hotel. Here are some of the food apps you can download for Singapore: FoodPanda This food-delivery app lets you order food from over 500 restaurants in Singapore. FoodPanda delivers your food from restaurants to the location of your choice in Singapore, whether you’re at home or in your workplace. Deliveroo Deliveroo is a food-delivery app that lets you order food from over 800 restaurants in Singapore, including fast food, salad, coffee, dessert, pasta, and pizza delivery. Deliveroo delivers your food from restaurants to the location of your choice in Singapore, whether you’re at home or in your workplace. GrabFood GrabFood is a food-delivery app that lets you order food from a vast range of eateries, including hawker fare to Michelin restaurants. GrabFood delivers island-wide and even lets you order up to 2 days in advance. It’s also worth checking online when you’re in Singapore to see if there are any active promo codes. There’s usually a discount on your first purchase, and various promotions depending on the time of year. Get a local prepaid SIM card for cheap calls and data in Singapore While there’s Wi-Fi in most cafes and bars, it can make your trip that much easier, safer, and less stressful if you have data on your phone. Checking opening times, directions, and even language translations can all save you headaches while you’re out and about exploring. While you could pay for an expensive data roaming package through your domestic provider, it’s usually much cheaper to pick up a local prepaid SIM upon arrival. There are 3 big network providers in Singapore: SingTel, M1, and StarHub. They each offer a tourist SIM and are all available at Changi Airport when you arrive. Shop around between them to find the best deal based on your time in Singapore, if you’ll be traveling to nearby countries, and your expected data usage. The benefits of getting an EZ Link Card in Singapore The EZ Link Card is Singapore’s contactless transport card you can use to travel on public transport. It’s handy for tourists because it’s one card for use on all buses, trains, and MRTs. With all the EZ Link services available, it makes navigating Singapore a breeze, plus it’s much cheaper than taking taxis everywhere. All you need to do is scan your EZ Link card at the nearest station or bus stop and hop on. Topping up your card balance is simple, with machines at any MRT station, bus interchange, or selected convenience stores around the city. You’ve got plenty of other options to top up, including via debit cards, credit cards, cash, or via the official app on your phone. Save on Admission to Top Singapore Attractions Explore the best things to do with a pass for Singapore by Go City®. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, where you’ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers, and events to help you make the most of your travels.
Adam Fraiel

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