There’s something magical about Universal Studios Singapore. Whether it’s the life-sized replica of Fiona’s castle, the realistic TRANSFORMERS The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle, jaw-dropping Battlestar Galactica: HUMAN vs. CYLON™ rollercoaster, or the cream-coloured Egyptian statues that stand majestically, the theme park transports its visitors to a different world. Bringing the magic of movies to life, the enormous Universal Studios Singapore theme park spans over seven zones themed after blockbuster movies like Madagascar, The Mummy, Jurassic Park, Battlestar Galactica and Shrek to name a few, and houses 24 exhilarating rides, live-action shows, meet and greet sessions with favourite movie and television characters, and more.
With so many adrenaline-pumping rides and attractions to enjoy for the whole family at USS in Singapore, what’s not to love about this theme park?
For starters, the admission tickets range on the pricey side. Starting at S$79 for adults and S$59 for children for 1-day admission, some may find the admission ticket prices too high, especially if you’re going with a large family. Throw in a hotel stay in Singapore, dining expenses, some shopping and transportation costs, and you have a very expensive vacation on your hands.
But fear not, we’ve collected some wallet-friendly tips to make that Singapore dollar stretch to the maximum. Here’s our savvy guide to a thrifty trip to Universal Studios Singapore.
Dine Outside of the Park
There are a number of restaurants sprinkled throughout the theme park (most of them Halal too!), so there’s no shortage of food if hunger strikes. However, meals at the Universal Studios Singapore theme park can eat into your budget with pricey pizzas, fusion hot dogs and top-dollar local cuisine on the menu.
So what’s one to do? While you can’t bring food into the theme park, you can exit and re-enter the park at any time.
Our suggestion: Grab your lunch nearby at The Forum, Resorts World Sentosa. The mall is brimming with numerous dining establishments to suit any budget from casual restaurants such as 24-hour Chinese cuisine at Ruyi to fast-food establishments like McDonald’s, KFC and Texas Chicken and snacks galore at 7-Eleven, Krispy Kreme and Little Hokkaido. So fuel up and let your food digest on the walk back so that you can get right into thrilling rides as soon as you reach the bustling theme park.
If you’re worried about having your lunch eating into precious theme park time, don’t be! Universal Studios Singapore opening hours start from 10am to 6pm, so there’s plenty of time in between rides for you to hop out, grab a quick bite and explore the rest of Resorts World Sentosa before diving back in.
Purchase a Promotion Package
Another way to save is to look for Universal Studios Singapore ticket promotions. Some hotels often offer promotions that include credit card discounts, free meal vouchers and even the occasional flash deal for entrance tickets. Not only do you get to save on your admission ticket, you also get to save on accommodation when you’re booking hotel packages with Universal Studios Singapore tickets.
Beyond that, carry out a quick search on the web and you’ll also find family admission packages to Universal Studios Singapore theme park and discounted Singapore hotel packages on most travel sites. Discounts can range from a few dollars to hearty savings that will keep your wallet happy, so keep your eyes peeled for the best purchasing opportunity.
Vacay in Johor Bahru with a Stopover at USS
Instead of spending money on hotel bookings in Singapore, enjoy a Universal Studios Singapore holiday package within Malaysian borders with a vacation in Johor. Staying in Johor Bahru opens you up to a host of opportunities you wouldn’t get in Singapore.
For one, currency exchange rates won’t put a hole in your wallet so you’ll be free to explore the city and do more for less. As Malaysia’s southernmost state, Johor Bahru is more than just a state that shares a border with Singapore, it’s home to some exciting attractions like a wet and dry theme park built entirely out of LEGO®s at Legoland® Malaysia, a Parisian experience along the cobblestone streets of Little Paris, and let’s not forget oodles of shopping with massive discounts on high-end retail brands at Johor Premium Outlet.
Whether you opt to dine on brunch fare at the rustic hipster cafes in the city, shop till you drop while saving a buck at Johor Premium Outlet or plan your vacation into a double theme park edition with a trip to Legoland® Malaysia, there are opportunities aplenty to make your family vacation more memorable.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, why not check out Tune Hotel Danga Bay?
Tucked in the heart of the Danga Bay Waterfront City Development, you’ll have stunning water views to wake you up each morning, while the contemporary rooms themselves are fitted with King Koil beds, en-suite bathrooms and electronic key locks for a 5-star stay at budget rates.
Plan Your Day Trip Well
Travelling from the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Johor to Sentosa Island can take anywhere from an hour and a half to twenty minutes, depending on your mode of transportation (shuttle bus or rented car) while the cost of transportation can range upwards from RM25 per person.
Therefore, it’s important that you plan your USS trip well, especially if you are planning a 1-day Universal Studios Singapore trip from JB. Staying in a hotel close to the CIQ Complex means less of a hassle when you need to wake up early to catch the morning bus to Resorts World Sentosa. Tickets are on a first-come-first-serve basis, so be sure to buy your bus tickets early enough to avoid any disappointments.
While planning a vacation is undoubtedly expensive, with a little ingenuity, thrifty skill and a willingness to travel, you’ll be able to make your trip to Universal Studios Singapore much more affordable. Keep our savvy tips in mind and if you’re planning to stay in Johor Bahru, it’s no surprise that Tune Hotel Danga Bay is the perfect place to rest your head. Enjoy wallet-friendly hotel stays, Universal Studios Singapore experience and a variety of other facilities during your visit.
So, don’t put that Universal Studios Singapore trip on hold any longer, book your thrilling Johor Bahru and Universal Studios Singapore adventure today and save on stays at Tune Hotel Danga Bay !