Tickets for Singapore's big attractions

Question 1

Do I need to book Universal Studios Singapore, or can I buy at the gate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can buy at the gate, but tickets are subject to availability, and the park encourages booking before you arrive. Tickets are for a set date and can't be refunded or exchanged, even in bad weather, so book once your day is fixed. There's no separate reservation to make, and adult tickets start from S$76: Universal Studios Singapore lists the price tiers.

Question 2

How much time do I need at Universal Studios Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Plan on a full day at Universal Studios Singapore if you want the major rides, the shows and Minion Land. Closing time shifts with the date, and the park sells a shorter evening ticket if you only have an afternoon. We'd arrive at opening and start with the headline rides. Universal Studios Singapore has the closing times.

Question 3

How much does it cost to enter Sentosa?

Accepted Answer

Entering Sentosa costs nothing if you walk in over the Sentosa Boardwalk, cycle in or ride bus 123, which charges only its normal fare. The Sentosa Express from VivoCity is S$4, and a car or taxi pays S$2 or S$6 at the gantry depending on the hour, which a taxi adds to your fare. Once you're in, rides on the Express and the island's buses are free. We'd walk in unless you're heading straight to Universal. Sentosa has the stops.

Question 4

How long do I need at the zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari?

Accepted Answer

Allow most of a day at the Singapore Zoo, about 3 hours at River Wonders and about 3 hours at the Night Safari. They sit side by side on the Mandai ridge, so we'd give each park its own slot rather than stack them. If you want two, do the zoo in the morning and come back for the Night Safari after dark, though it makes a long day on your feet. Mandai, One Park at a Time plans it.

Question 5

Do I need to book Night Safari tickets in advance?

Accepted Answer

Mandai's own advice is to buy your ticket online before you visit, so you can secure your preferred date. The Creatures of the Night show is a separate booking: its seats must be reserved online, and booking opens two hours before each presentation. We'd buy the ticket ahead and reserve show seats once you know when you'll arrive. Night Safari lists the show times.

Question 6

Is SkyPark worth booking ahead, and can I swim in the pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes, book the SkyPark Observation Deck ahead, because entry is time-based and Marina Bay Sands highly recommends buying in advance to secure your slot. The Infinity Pool is a different matter: it's reserved for hotel guests, you can't pay to swim, and the deck ticket doesn't change that. If the view is the point, we'd book an evening slot.

Question 7

Are the Gardens by the Bay domes worth it over the Botanic Gardens?

Accepted Answer

Start with the Botanic Gardens, because they're free every day and only the National Orchid Garden inside charges. The Gardens by the Bay domes need a ticket, but they stay at 23°C to 25°C, which earns its price in the midday heat. We'd walk the Botanic Gardens in the cool of the morning and take the domes after lunch.

Question 8

What time is Wings of Time, and do I need to book ahead?

Accepted Answer

Wings of Time runs at 7.40pm and 8.40pm every night, and a reservation is required on top of your ticket. After you buy, book your visit through the reservations link, because you'll be turned away at the gate without one. Standard seats start from S$22, gates open 15 minutes before the show, and the show lasts about 20 minutes. We'd book the 7.40pm and have dinner after.

Question 9

Mount Faber Line or Sentosa Line: which cable car should I take?

Accepted Answer

Take the Mount Faber Line first, because it links the mainland to Sentosa: it runs from Mount Faber to HarbourFront and on to Sentosa. The Sentosa Line only moves you around the island, between Sensoryscape, Imbiah Lookout and Siloso Point. The Sky Pass covers a round trip on both, so we'd buy it if you're doing Mount Faber and Sentosa in one day.

Question 10

Is the Singapore Flyer worth it?

Accepted Answer

The Singapore Flyer is worth it for a slow half hour above Marina Bay, and less so if you'll also stand on the SkyPark deck. You get one turn in a shared capsule, with the bay and the Helix Bridge below. We'd ride it near sunset, then cross the free Helix Bridge on foot. Singapore Flyer has the fare and the hours.

Question 11

Can I do Universal Studios and the beach in one day?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but do the park first and the beach after, because a standard Universal ticket isn't valid for re-entry once you walk out. Resorts World Station on the Sentosa Express serves Universal, and Beach Station, two stops on, serves Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches; rides inside the island are free. We'd end the day at Palawan Beach, which is quieter than Siloso.