RaiTravel: Singapore (part 1): Universal Studio Singapore

Singapore: February 5-8, 2016 (5th Asian destination)

A place, a dream… there’s always one and none… you never stop, a one ticked out of the list, will be replaced by two or three... more to go, I know, I feel, I’ll do.

On February 5, 2016, I ticked off my 5^th Asian country visit, Singapore, though a search from google could bring you on a numerous sites and pages that offer numerous information about the country, yet still, for my memory’s sake, I will cover my personal account on one of the most expensive countries in the world.

There are 10, 20, even 50 must do in Singapore, but we only went as far and as many as our tired, soared feet and meager budget could brought us. If you just feel like reading and if you think that the information below could help you, then scroll down.

Singapore is not a priority on my list, considering that it requires a huge cut on my almost zero bank account, but an accidental proved on Cebu Pacific site led me and my friends to a compulsive decision to purchased a roundtrip ticket to Singapore for Php6,500.00, not bad indeed! It was September 2015, and the flight is scheduled on February 5 and return on 8, 2016 in time for the Chinese New Year. We made an extra effort to save for hotel, entrance fee to UNIVERSAL STUDIOS and food, shopping is certainly not included.

Day 1: Depart Manila via Cebu Pacific at 1:35PM, arrived in Terminal 2, Changi Airport at 5:30PM

Armed with all the information from the famous google and downloaded maps from this place to that place, we embarked to a more thrilling city adventure. As we exited the plane, you’ll easily notice that there are lots of Filipinos roaming around the vicinity, so you wouldn’t feel lost. Lucky for the Pinoys, most of the staff and attendants can understand and communicate in English.

Hangout @ Mt. Emily's common area

Getting to our hotel was one of the most challenging part of the journey, we purchased a valued ticket for 30SGD that is good for 3 days unlimited access to At that point, we relied solely on the map, from terminal 2 of Changi Airport we took a train to Tenah Merah station, transferred to East West Line to City Hall then transferred to North South Line that brought us to Dhoby Ghaut Station, the nearest station at the famous Orchard Road. By then, we were already a bit accustomed to the system map.
train and bus system.

After an hour of wrong turn and missed cross, we’ve finally took the hardest ascend to Hangout @ Mt. Emily Hotel, which proved to be worth our time and effort, as it is located inside the park, far from the busy and bustling streets of the city.

A predominant curry laksa from a 24 hour restaurant near Mt. Emily's park

As we were reminded that we only have 3 days left to explore the city, we immediately put our change for a quick peek at nearby sites, and the hunt for the best Chili Crab and noodle soup commenced.

Orchard Road

Day 2: Universal Studio – February 6, 2016, 8:30AM

USS Singapore is a theme park located within Resorts World Sentosa. That day reminded me how to be child again even for one day, my world turned into a playground where I was allowed to jump, run, shout and dance upfront without reservation and without hesitation.

You’ll never go wrong with the big USS logo in the middle of the park, the sight leaped my heart with amazement and anticipation (I remember the sudden surged of excitement seeing the Angkor Wat for the first time and running through a short bridge open arms).

The Hollywood Boulevard welcomes you to a dynamic architecture, adorned by palm trees and introduce you to your favorite Hollywood stars at the Walk of Fame.

1^st stop: Madagascar – perhaps the most child friendly ride.

Based on the hit DreamWorks Animation film, Madagascar, this zone brings you to a dense tropical jungle, filled with strange and wonderful animals like lemurs and foosas.

A Crate Adventure.

2^nd stop: Welcome to the Land Far Far Away

Movie stars and talking donkeys… come experience the lifestyles of the rich and fairy-taled. Guests can enjoy Shrek 4-D Adventure or go on the world’s first Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey.

1. We were tricked to ride a junior roller coaster, “Enchanted Airways,” which put me afloat and made me swear not to ride any other rides at all.

The Enchanted Airways

Single princess seeks prince or better. Seven little men can’t be wrong! You’ve has the rest. Now try the fairest of them all.

2. Shrek 4-D Adventure: Shrek 4-D Adventure is an amazing real action feeling of Princess Fiona & Shrek’s fairytale adventure.

3. The Dance for the Magic Beans - watch the slick flamenco moves of Puss in Boots and Kitty Softpaws.

3^rd stop: The Lost World

Divided into two themed areas: Jurassic Park™ and WaterWorld™, this zone is for fans of the two blockbuster movies, as they can experience a dense tropical forest where dinosaurs lurk, then watch death defying stunts filled with thrills and spills!

The shrilling sounds of screams and laughter of those riding the “Canopy Flyer” chilled me, so I just treat myself with ice pops whilst Phoebe and Mike bravely lined up for the ride.

4^th stop: Ancient Egypt – Is truly a magnificent area for photo op, my favorite spot of all.

Ancient pyramids and obelisks stand fast against the sands of time as you are transported to 1930’s Egypt, the Golden Age of Egyptian Exploration. Travel to an era when entire Pharaohs tombs were discovered- and their terrible curses unleashed.

Phoebe and Mike went for “Revenge of the Mummy” ride, which dubbed as the scariest rides as you will be plunged into total darkness and you will come face to face with mummies and scarab beetles, please note that you will also be thrilled by surprised movement and unanticipated directions of the roller coaster.

Meanwhile, I entertained myself by more selfies and slomo shots.

4^th stop: Sci-fi City

The city of the future has arrived. Through the impressive portals of Sci-Fi City you will experience the ultimate intergalactic battle of Good vs. Evil and visit a vibrant metropolis with all the ultimate modern conveniences.

Transformers the Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle is officially my ultimate favorite ride. The ride took us to the most thrilling battle amidst Optimus Prime and the Autobots as we joined them as freedom fighters against the forces of evil. Two thumbs up to a truly exhilarating ride. Please note that this is the most popular ride in USS, thus the queue would take up 45 minutes the least, but the line grew thinner towards 5:00PM.

5^th Stop: New York

Feel the spirit and energy of America's biggest and grandest city as you stroll along the sidewalks and enjoy all the classic landmarks. Soak in the impressive city skylines, neon lights, and facades that set the scenes for big city fun and real-time movie production.

6th Stop: Lights! Camera! Action! Hosted by Steven Spielberg

Be blown away by incredible special effects as an empty soundstage becomes the setting for a Category 5 major hurricane about to hit New York City. As you stand in a boathouse by the harbor, watch how a calm day suddenly turns stormy.
Brace yourself as hurricane-force winds sweep in from the sea and drive a cargo ship and debris towards the boathouse you’re in. Calm soon returns and the damaged boathouse restores itself, all thanks to movie magic. - USS

Parade
This amazing and truly entertaining parade of the stars happens daily, but don't let your day ends here.... there are still other interesting things to do around the park.

Entertainment along holywood lane, after a whole day of fun, have some more fun by listening to this band of 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

Lastly and my favorite part!! Shopping!!! You can find interesting souvenirs at every corner of each attraction sites but the biggest shop is located along Hollywood lane, so as we waited for Mike who got lost in the crowd, we diverted our attention to find the lease expensive “pasalubong.”