Universal Studios Singapore: The Ultimate Park Guide
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.
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