In search of an exciting holiday getaway with the whole family? Great news, because you can now get to catch Pikachu and the squad at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS)’s “Pokémon Aqua Adventure” — for a limited time only!

From today until Jan. 1, 2025, Pokémon fans and water park lovers alike will be delighted with the attraction’s Pokémon-themed activities at RWS’ Adventure Cove Waterpark.

At “Pokémon Aqua Adventure,” guests can look forward to thrilling rides and water activities, where they can get to explore the wonders of marine life.

Kids and kids-at-heart will also get to meet beloved characters from the animated series, including Pikachu, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Charmander, through a Pokémon Parade, which will be held every Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 1 to 19 and daily from Dec. 20 to 29 and Jan. 1.

There’s also a meet-and-greet session with the characters every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Dec. 1 to 19 and daily from Dec. 20 to 29 and Jan. 1, at 11 AM and 4 PM.

For tourists, a one-day ticket for the attraction is priced at S$40 (adults) and S$32 (children from four to 12 years old). Meanwhile, Singapore residents can purchase their tickets for only S$35 (adults) and S$28 (children).

A Family Fun Combo package is also available at S$80, which comes with two one-day passes for adults and one for kids, along with two food and beverage vouchers and one retail voucher worth S$5 each.

To view more details about the “Pokémon Aqua Adventure” or to buy tickets, head over to RWS’ website. Book your tickets and catch Pikachu and the gang while they're here!

Prepare to feast your eyes (and stomachs) to the flavors of Lion City, as the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has announced a collaboration with viral social media chef and cookbook author Frankie Gaw for its new campaign, “Savoring Singapore!”

The collaboration campaign will showcase the city’s diverse flavors and its talented chefs through a content series with Gaw and a giveaway for global foodies who would love to explore Singapore.

Savoring Singapore: Exploring Lion City’s Culinary Scene

Under the campaign, the STB and Gaw will release a special content series on the latter’s travels to Singapore, where he immerses himself in the flavors and culture of the city. A special episode of his viral series “Turning American Classics Asian,” will also be dedicated for the campaign.

The content will likewise feature some of Singapore’s beloved hawker stalls, as well as its top-rated restaurants, bars, and local culinary talents such as Chef Malcolm Lee of Pangium, Chef Paul Liew of Keng Eng Kee, Chef-Artist Janice Wong, and Yi Jun Juan of No Sleep Club.

The first part of the content has already been unveiled on Gaw’s social media pages. A second part will be released on Dec. 2.

How to Win a Trip to Singapore

In collaboration with travel booking platform Klook, the STB is also sponsoring a vacation giveaway for one lucky traveler and one guest, inclusive of flight tickets and special activities at the foodie paradise.

To join the giveaway, head over to Gaw’s social media channels and comment all the things you’d love to explore in Singapore on the promotional content post. Make sure your profile is set to public for a chance to get picked!

Entries will only be accepted until Dec. 20, so make sure to write down your comments on or before the said date. For more details about the giveaway, click here.

To stay updated on “Savoring Singapore,” follow Frankie Gaw on TikTok and Instagram or search the hashtags #MadeinSingapore and #VisitSingapore.

Get ready for a larger-than-life Disney adventure on the high seas! Mark your calendars because Disney's brand-new cruise experience is opening for bookings in Singapore on Dec. 10, 2024, at 8 AM!

If you’re a Castaway Club Member, Disney Vacation Club Member, or Adventure Insider, you’ll get a special sneak peek and early booking dates starting Dec. 4, 2024.

The ship’s maiden voyage is set for Dec. 15, 2025, and pricing starts at SG$2,094 for this magical journey.

Want something a bit shorter? Three-night cruises start from SG$1,283, four-night adventures from SG$1,765, and for those looking to fully immerse themselves in Disney wonder, a five-night cruise beginning at SG$3,607 is sure to blow your socks off!

Onboard the magic fleet you’ll be treated to luxury spa treatments, Broadway-quality shows featuring beloved Disney characters, along with nightly fireworks and classic Disney movie screenings. Kids can dive into splash zones, wade pools, and waterslides, while younger fans can revel in the Royal Court Royal Tea party with their favorite Disney characters. For a magical transformation, kids can visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or The Pirate’s League, where the ultimate fun escapism awaits.

And the magic doesn’t stop on board! At Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, in the Bahamas, you can snorkel in stunning lagoons, zip down waterslides, and enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch. While the little ones are entertained, adults can indulge in exclusive yoga classes or simply relax. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to set sail on the vacation of a lifetime!

Visit Disney Cruise Line's website to find out more information, or check out their Instagram, or Facebook.

Movies don’t just give us incredible stories and memorable characters- they are a chance to escape to a world beyond our wildest imagination. And it doesn’t have to be Far Far Away, maybe your fantasy world looks more like New York or good ol' Hollywood.

Universal Studios is the production company behind some of the world’s most beloved silver screen classics. More than that, they have also transformed these films into theme park attractions, allowing visitors to experience escapism like never before. You don’t just get to watch “Jurassic Park” on a screen, you get to be in one.

Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park opened in 2010 in Singapore bringing thrilling adventures, heart-pumping rides, and exciting street parade shows. Nestled on Sentosa Island, Universal Studios Singapore (USS) offers a variety of attractions and exclusive rides leading it to rank alongside other world-class theme parks.

Although USS may be smaller than other Universal Studios parks, it still has so much to explore. But first-timers and those to maximize their next trip, we’ve got you covered. The Beat Asia has put together a comprehensive guide that details ticketing info, itinerary and travel tips, and the best ways to experience and enjoy everything USS has to offer.

So, buckle up, folks- we’re going for a ride!

Best Time to Go

Singapore is a relatively tropical-climate place so it’s great to visit all year round. But if we’re talking about peak seasons or if you want to know if there’s a time when the park is likely to be less crowded, July to October is a good time to avoid tourist traffic.

The city-state also experiences monsoon seasons so it’s best to avoid going at this time because 95% percent of the park’s attractions are situated outdoors and are best enjoyed under the sun. February to April are the driest months.

The park opens at 10 AM, but here’s an insider tip: they actually let people in earlier than that! We’d recommend getting to the entrance at least an hour early to avoid long queues. There were also instances when the park offered early entry passes for a limited time, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for that.

The park closes at 5 PM but will extend to 7 to 9 PM in the next few weeks. View their calendar here to know the specific operating hours.

How to Get There

USS is located on Sentosa Island within Resorts World, which is easily accessible through various modes of transport.

The most cost-effective way is by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit). You can take the North-East Line (purple) or Circle Line (orange) to HarbourFront Station. From there, just follow the signs to VivoCity Lobby L, Level 3, and board the Sentosa Express. The monorail will take you straight to Resorts World Station. A standard ticket costs SG$4. You can purchase tickets here, at the station, or simply tap your EZ-link, Mastercard, Visa, AMEX, or public transport concession cards at the gantry. The first train leaves at 7 AM, while the last at 12 AM.

Alternatively, you can also take the bus route. Board the RWS 8 and alight at the RWS 8 bus stop outside the Forum, Sentosa. You can also take Bus 123 and get off at Resorts World Sentosa bus stop 14519. For more information, click here.

If you want a more point-to-point option, you can always get a Grab (or book other ride-hailing services) or Taxi, which is the most convenient option. Fares depend on your point of pick-up and time of travel, but it will get you right to the basement drop-off at RWS.

If you want to learn more about transportation options in the city, you can check our travel guide here.

Ticket Information & Prices

One-day passes are at SG$83 (Adult) and SG$62 (Child). These are dated admission tickets, which means you can only enter the park on the selected date you booked.

After you’ve added a ticket to your cart, you can also opt to get a Universal Express Pass which is a fantastic way to skip the queues once at participating rides and shows. This also includes Priority Access to the park through a dedicated lane for the first two hours of park operations. Passes start from SG$50.

USS also offers a VIP Experience package where you can experience the park with a guided tour and enjoy A-list treatment with VIP access to rides and shows. This package also includes complimentary beverages, private meet-and-greets, and commemorative souvenirs! Tours are approximately five hours long and are available in English and Mandarin (from 11 AM daily). Prices are as follows:

• Non-peak: S$358 (Adult), S$298 (Child)
• Peak: S$398 (Adult), S$368 (Child)
• Super Peak: S$428 (Adult), S$398 (Child)

Where to Buy Tickets?

Tickets can be booked via their official website or through authorized re-sellers such as Klook, GetYourGuide, and Singapore Tickets. They each have their own promos and deals from combo entry passes with other attractions around Singapore to passes with private transfers, so make sure to check what best suits your trip!

Before Your Visit

Now before we tell you more about what’s in store for you inside the park, here are a few preparations you can make to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Bring the Essentials

First on the list is your tickets. Once you’ve booked them online, the tickets will be sent to your email. No need for printouts, simply present the e-ticket on your phone at the entrance.

It could get seriously boiling out there so sunscreen, sunglasses, and refillable water bottles are a must! Some rides can also get you wet so a change of clothes can be useful. Speaking of clothes, wearing light, breathable clothing is advised as it could get really warm, and make sure to have your comfortable shoes on as you’ll be traversing through the park’s six zones.

If you’re worried about carrying too many things on rides, there are free lockers at some attractions where you can store your loose items for the duration of the ride. If you need to store bags and luggage, you may opt to use the lockers located at the park’s entrance. Oversized pieces of luggage can be stored at the Rental Services counter for SG$35.

Download the App

Just like with other major theme parks, the official USS app provides important information you’ll need while inside the park such as the park map, real-time ride wait times, show schedules, and dining options. It’s incredibly convenient to have everything on one app as it allows you to plan and schedule your visit strategically and prevents you from getting lost when roaming around the park.

Getting Around: Park Zones, Rides and Attractions

We’ve made it to the most-awaited part of this article, which is getting around the park. USS is divided into six themed zones namely: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, and Far Far Away. Each zone offers unique rides and attractions and is meticulously designed to transport visitors into the world of their favorite films or TV shows.

Now, our rule of thumb for theme parks is to go for the popular rides first because these tend to have longer lines as the hours pass. Either that or save them for last — about an hour before closing, but this option may not be as effective compared to parks like Hong Kong Disneyland, where most guests will be too busy finding a good spot to watch the fireworks show, leaving the queues for rides mostly empty. USS doesn’t have a nighttime display, so we would recommend going for them first.

Most of the time the most popular rides are “thrill rides.” So here are the top heart-pumping rides in USS you should definitely put on the top of your itinerary. Be warned though: there are some spoilers ahead!

Battlestar Galactica: Human or Cylon

This is one roller-coaster adrenaline junkies wouldn’t want to miss and is an attraction you can see from the moment you step into the park. This outdoor, high-speed coaster is exclusive to USS, so you won’t find it anywhere else in the world!

You can choose between two types, Human or Cyclone — the latter being an inverted-type roller coaster. This ride takes you on a dueling journey as both coasters crisscross each other mimicking a space battle adventure filled with sharp twists and turns, high rise and drops, and all the other ways to shake your very core. Safe to say our souls left our bodies before, during, and after this ride. 10/10 would ride again.

Zone: Sci-Fi City

Height Restriction: Guests under 125cm are prohibited from riding.

Revenge of the Mummy

Here’s another thrilling ride for you, but this time it’s an indoor roller coaster in total darkness! This is one of those rides that give you a 360-degree experience. Right from the start as you line up for the ride, you’ll be submerged in its storytelling as you walk through a tomb filled with Egyptian artifacts and stone walls carved with hieroglyphics. There are a few jump scares along the way which we thought added to the excitement of this ride and made the queue a lot more entertaining. It’s not every day we see park guests encouraging others to go first just to make sure nobody’s waiting for them on the next turn!

The ride itself is excellent, immersive, and downright spine-chilling with the high drops and pyrotechnics. Definitely felt like we were running from Imhotep’s curse, entombed inside a dark pyramid with no way out. 11/10 one of the best dark rides ever!

Zone: Ancient Egypt

Height Restriction: Guests under 122cm are prohibited from riding.

Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure and Canopy Flyer

Head on over to The Lost World where pre-historic creatures roam free searching for a snack. One of the most immersive zones in the entire park is the Jurassic Park-themed area where you can meet dinosaurs and explore a wild, untamed world.

The rapids is a wild water ride that takes you through the Jurassic Park waterways. The ride includes state-of-the-art animatronics, pyrotechnics, and a surprising water drop. It’s exhilarating and wet, which makes it all the more fun!

Zone: The Lost World

Height Restriction: Guests under 107cm may not ride. Children between 107cm and 122cm must have a companion.

We also want to include another ride, the Canopy Flyer, an aerial outdoor ride that will make you feel as if you’re soaring through the sky like a pterodactyl.

Height Restriction: Guests under 92cm may not ride. Children between 92cm and 122cm must be accompanied by a companion.

Shows to Watch

There aren’t a lot of shows in USS but the handful of them are definitely worth queuing for and checking out!

WaterWorld

Top of mind would be the WaterWorld show which involves death-defying stunts, pyrotechnics, and intense fire and water effects inspired by the blockbuster film, “Waterworld.” If you’ve ever wondered how they created those incredible effects in Hollywood action movies, you should get a seat to this spectacular stunt show.

Lights, Camera, Action! Hosted by Stephen Spielberg

This is your chance to experience seeing a soundstage come to life! Be enthralled by the magic of Hollywood as renowned director Steven Spielberg walks you through behind the scenes. For one, you'll witness a hurricane blow into New York City right before your very eyes! It was incredibly mind-boggling to see a storm happening live without getting wet.

Shrek’s 4D Adventure

Far Far Away is only a stone’s throw away from The Lost World where you’ll find Shrek and Fiona’s castle housing a massive 4D theatre! This ride plays a fun and comical 4D fairytale adventure short film perfect for the whole family!

The Far Far Away zone is also the perfect place for photo ops as the area is decorated like a fairytale courtyard with fountains and sculptures of some of the beloved characters from the films. You might even catch some of them for a meet and greet!

Where to Eat

Each zone has a restaurant and snack stalls that sell quick bites and refreshing drinks to quench your thirst from the heat.

Some of our favorite dining spots include Mel’s Drive-In in the Hollywood zone, which is your regular drive-in diner for some of your all-American favorites such as burgers and milkshakes. You’ll feel like you’ve been taken back to 1955 as jukebox hits filter through the restaurant’s speakers. If you like what you hear, it’s also worth checking out a show happening right outside on their mini stage called, “Mel’s Mixtape,” where Universal Singers perform all-time-favorite hits through the decades.

Have a slice of a massive New York-style pizza and other Italian favorites at Loui’s NY Pizza Parlor in the New York zone or indulge in some Japanese cuisine at Starbot Café, a space-themed restaurant right across a popular photo spot where you can chance upon Autobots and Decepticons.

Looking for a snack to nibble on? Fossil Fuel at The Lost World has these 9-inch hotdogs loaded with flavorful toppings sandwiched between soft buns that are the perfect fuel before heading to your next adventure.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat, you can get some New York-style gourmet cookies from Cookie Monster at the Me Want Cookie stall. There’s also Pops! Popcorn Delight where you can buy a buttery popcorn snack in a Minion-themed popcorn bucket, and a Starbucks located in the Hollywood zone.

You can find more delicious treats to try here.

Where to Find Merch and Souvenirs

Just like its attractions and dining hotspots, each zone has a specific store that sells merchandise of the films and shows they represent. The Universal Studios Store up front in the Hollywood zone holds the largest collection of Universal Studios memorabilia in Singapore. It’s basically you’re all in one shop, so if you’re saving the souvenir shopping for last, we’d recommend this place.

There’s also That’s a Wrap, a smaller retail store located at the Entrance Plaza, giving RWS visitors a chance to shop for USS merch without having to enter the park.

Here’s a list of the other boutiques and specialty stores per zone:

Hollywood

• The Universal Studios Store
• Minion Mart – for Minions and “Despicable Me” merchandise
• Hello Kitty Studio Store - for all things “Hello Kitty"
• The Dark Room - the place to browse through and retrieve the photos snapped of you on all the rides you took during your visit. You can even have them printed and placed in lovely, branded frames!

New York

• UNIVRS – Where you’ll find exclusive apparel and merchandise inspired by Universal characters like Woody the Woodpecker and Minions x Buff Monster
• Big Bird’s Emporium – for “Sesame Street” merchandise

Sci-Fi City

• Transformers Supply Vault - for “Transformers” merchandise

Ancient Egypt

• Carter’s Curiosities - for “The Mummy” merchandise and Egyptian-inspired collections including jewelry, fossils, and artifact replicas

The Lost World

• The Dino-Store – for “Jurassic Park” merchandise

Far Far Way

• Fairy Godmother’s Potion Shop – for “Shrek” merchandise

Things to Look Forward To

In 2025, Minion Land is set to become USS’ newest zone, replacing the previous Madagascar zone. We’ve already revealed a first look here and can’t wait to see all the exciting new features such as the Gru Neighborhood and the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride where guests can experience being transformed into a Minion!

Also part of the Resorts World Sentosa mega expansion plans is bringing the Super Nintendo World to Singapore. The news came out in April 2019 alongside the plans for Minion Land, but nothing else has been revealed as of writing. We’re keeping our eyes peeled for updates, though, and we can’t wait to see Super Mario and the entire gang in the park soon.

Universal Studios also has seasonal events throughout the year such as the annual Halloween Horror Nights which transports guests into their worst nightmares through immersive haunted houses and scare zones, as well as spine-chilling live performances.

For more information and all the latest park updates follow Universal Studios Singapore on Instagram. You can also follow Resorts World Sentosa on Facebook and Instagram to discover more attractions and other fun experiences on the island.

It’s about time we plan that well-deserved holiday, don’t you think? Singapore Airlines “Time to Fly” Travel Fair couldn’t have come at a better time, offering discounts on more than 200,000 Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class round-trip tickets from Singapore to 78 international destinations.

Additionally, Scoot, the airline’s low-cost subsidiary, is offering 220,000 discounted ScootPlus and Economy Class one-way tickets to 57 destinations across its network. The virtual travel fair will run from Oct. 25 to Nov. 7 on Singapore Airlines' and Scoot’s websites and mobile applications, as well as through appointed travel agents.

The travel promo includes discounted flights to some of Singapore Airlines’ newest destinations: Brussels and London Gatwick, as well as its upcoming services to Beijing’s Daxing International Airport. Meanwhile, Scoot covers flights across the Asia Pacific region and Europe, as well as three new destinations: Kertajati (Greater Bandung), Koh Samui, and Malacca.

Travel periods for SIA flights are from January to September 2025, while Scoot flights are from November 2024 to October 2025.

Mastercard holders can also use the promo code FLYSQ2025 from Oct. 10 to 20 to enjoy special fare deals and unlock more exciting perks such as dining and shopping gift certificates. The travel period is from Oct. 10 to Sept. 30, 2025.

Got time to shop in person? Time To Fly is also having a physical travel fair from Oct. 25 to 27 at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre’s halls 401 and 402. The three-day travel event will feature exclusive travel deals from participating travel agents and partners, as well as fun activities and giveaways, including a grand raffle draw for three pairs of SIA Business Class round-trip tickets with hotel accommodations to Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Istanbul.

Wait, there’s more! The top Kris+ spender at the fair will also win a four-day, three-night trip to the Maldives! KrisShop will also be selling new merchandise at the event, including limited-edition figurines featuring a secret new character.

Mark your calendars, folks! It’s time to fly! For updates, follow along Singapore Airlines’ Facebook and Instagram pages.

The Standard is set to open its Singapore outpost in November 2024!

The stylish boutique hotel has 143 rooms and suites, from snug 23 sqm studios to spacious 43 sqm suites perfect for a relaxing retreat. But its selling point comes from its prime location on the illustrious Orange Grove Road, right across Shangri-La Singapore, and within walking distance from the UNESCO Botanic Gardens and the famed Orchard Road shopping district. Guests who book their stay here can be sure they’ll be at the center of it all.

Designed by The Standard’s in-house team in collaboration with the Ministry of Design and developed by Invictus Development, this new accommodation is one of the few hotels to be built from the ground up and features its signature restaurants and nightlife; arts and cultural programming, as well as an infinity pool and bar set within a lush botanical garden.

Guests and visitors can expect to experience The Standard’s famed Café Standard bistro where you can start your morning with a good cup of coffee and unwind later in the day with some after-work drinks. Another venue open to the public is Kaya — their twist on the Japanese izakaya with a vibrant cocktail bar.

You can book a stay for a single room with a pool view from S$272 per night and a standard suite from S$527 per night. They also have a limited opening offer where guests who book by Dec. 30 can get 15% off their best available rates, breakfast for 2, and 20% off dining & drinks. This offer is available for stays through June 30, 2025.

The Standard Hotel brand was founded in West Hollywood in 1999. Today, it has expanded to several outposts across the world including New York, London, and The Maldives. The Singapore outpost follows behind several openings in Southeast Asia such as in Hua Hin and Bangkok, which opened in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The Standard is also reported to be developing more outposts in other major cities such as Melbourne, Lisbon, Brussels, Vienna, Dublin, Dubai, Mexico, and Austin.

You can book your stay here. Follow along The Standard Singapore’s Facebook and Instagram pages for more updates on special deals and offers.

Location: The Standard Singapore, 12 Orange Grove Road, Singapore, Singapore, 258353