There's a lot happening in the Little Red Dot this year. Don't miss these new attractions in Singapore
Minion Land, Universal Studios Singapore
Minion Land is an exciting new addition to Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore unveils Minion Land with fun experiences, themed dining and a live show. Inspired by Despicable Me and Minions, this highly-anticipated new ‘land’ inside the popular Sentosa island-based theme park will feature multiple new rides.
The land takes guests through the world of the Despicable Me and Minions films with three different areas, Minion Marketplace, Gru’s Neighbourhood and Super Silly Fun Land.
Highlights include Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, an immersive motion simulator ride through Gru’s super villain laboratory, the Silly Swirly with vehicles that twist and soar through the air and Buggie Boogie, a dance party-themed carousel featuring dance music remixed by the Minions.
“We’re thrilled to bring Illumination’s Minion Land to Universal Studios Singapore and transport fans in Southeast Asia into the world of Illumination’s globally popular Despicable Me franchise,” said Lee Shi Ruh, president of Resorts World Sentosa. “With its exciting line up of attractions, retail and dining - some of which are exclusive to Universal Studios Singapore - Minion Land is poised to be a popular draw.”
Opening date: February 14
Minion Land, Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore
Raffles Sentosa Singapore
Enjoy a signature afternoon tea at Raffles Sentosa Singapore
One of the most eagerly anticipated hotel openings in the region has finally been announced. Bookings for stays, dining and spa treatments are open now.
Raffles Sentosa is Singapore’s first all-villa property and the country’s second Raffles hotel. The original property, now at 1 Beach Road in Singapore, was opened in 1887 by Armenian hoteliers the Sarkies Brothers and was named for Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. In 2021 the Raffles brand announced a doubling of its portfolio with openings in recent years in Bali, London and Macau.
Raffles Sentosa is located atop a hill amidst 1000,000sqm of tropical greenery and with direct access to Tanjong beach. The resort also offers access to award winning local golf courses.
Designed by the Yabu Pushelberg studio, the resort features 62 villas that come in configurations of 210sqm one-bedroom pool villas, right up to the 650sq, four-bedroom Royal Villa. All villas come with a private pool and outdoor terrace.
The property is described as a “haven” of wellbeing, with a spa house in a converted heritage building offering 13 treatment rooms.
Dining options include five dining spaces as well as private dining. The resort’s signature Empire Grill specialises in Italian cuisine, while Royal China offers Canotense fare. There is Japanese omakase-style dining at Hashida and the famed Raffles afternoon tea will be served in the Raffles Room. The brand’s renowned Singapore Sling will also be available.
Opening date: March 1
Raffles Sentosa Singapore, 2 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa Island, Singapore
Rainforest Wild Asia
There are adventures for all ages at Rainforest Wild Asia (image courtesy Mandai Wildlife Group)
Singapore’s fifth animal park and Asia’s first adventure-based wildlife park opens its doors with a one-of-a-kind forest-themed experience.
Visitors can enjoy forest trails, trekking routes and eight zones demonstrating various habitats including karst formations and cavern chambers. The 36 animal species at the Southeast Asia rainforest experience will be displayed in "dynamic" habitats where animals are featured at different times of the day .
“We live in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions,” said Mike Barclay, group chief executive officer of Mandai Wildlife Group. “But many of the region’s species are under threat due to the loss of wild habitats and the negative impact of pollution. We want to raise awareness of the region’s incredible wildlife by shining a spotlight on them in this park.”
Exhibits include the Francois langur, one of the rarest monkeys in the world, the elusive Malayan sun bear and Malayan tigers.
The park is connected by a network of walkways and forest trails; visitors can explore a rainforest up in the tree canopy and on the forest floor or head into reconstructed cave chambers inspired by the Mulu Caves of Sarawak. There are also guided tours of various levels of difficulty and kids - or kids at heart - can enjoy a suspended, nature-immersive net playground at the AIA Vitality Bounce experience.
For harder core adrenaline adventurers, Adventure Plus and Black Adventure activities include a 13 or 20m free fall Canopy Jump, a Critter Crawl through a 60m cave and two- and three-hour harness tours including the Wild Cavern Adventure (pictured here).
Refueling points include Rangers Cafe, Sentinel Foodhall, Watering Hole Cafe and Cavern Restaurant, Singapore’s first and only restaurant in a cave.
Opening date: March 12
Rainforest Wild Asia, 20 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore
Images of Singapore at Madame Tussauds Singapore
Images of Singapore celebrates the city's 60th birthday this year
To celebrate Singapore's 60th birthday this year, Madame Tussauds Singapore has unveiled a new exhibition that whisks visitors through the rich tapestry of Singapore's story, from humble fishing village to 21st century powerhouse.
Viewed through the eyes of four historical icons, Sir Stamford Raffles, Ah Mei hte Samsui woman, Pillai the Chettiar money lender and Ahmad the Malay regiment soldier, the interactive exhibition brings Singapore's history to life. The four historical figures are larger than life digital icons who can tell their story and answer visitor questions.
Multi-touch interactive screens offer a wealth of information as visitors explore different locations and their stories. Time portal screens show Singapore's transformation and there are plenty of photo opportunities.
Opening date: March 15
Madame Tussauds Singapore, 40 Imbiah Road, Imbiah Lookout, Sentosa, Singapore
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
Stay in a treehouse at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
Set within the 126 hectare Mandai Wildlife Reserve in northern Singapore, this resort has been designed as an integrated nature and wildlife destination.
The 338-key property blends with its surroundings with rooms overlooking the Upper Seletar Reservoir or lush greenery.
Accommodation options include rooms in the main building and 24 Grand Mandai Treehouse suites that mimic seed pods and offer views over the Upper Seletar Reservoir.
Facilities include a rooftop pool and gym along with wellness experiences at the signature spa.
Opening date: April
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, 60 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore
Disney Adventure Cruise
Step aboard Asia's first Disney Cruise Line ship
Disney Adventure, the first Disney Cruise Line ship to homeport in Asia, sets sail from Singapore this year. Three- and four-night voyages promise "magical" days at sea where the ship is the destination.
Channeling Disney, Pixar and Marvel, the ship offers seven themed areas filled with characters and experiences. There are dedicated spaces and clubs for kids, tweens and teens, plus premium dining, lounge and spa experiences for adults. Add to the mix world-class live entertainment, signature events, first-film runs, karaoke and game shows and it’s sure to be a trip to remember.
Adventures include the San Fransokyo Street entertainment area with a street market, games, activities, shops and cinemas. Relax at Wayfinder Bay, a poolside retreat inspired by the Pacific Islands of Disney’s Moana. Or head to Marvel Landing for adventure attractions and experiences showcasing Marvel’s Super Heroes. Meanwhile at Toy Story Place kids can enjoy interactive play with water play areas and themed food venues.
Disney Cruise Lines estimates passenger capacity to be approximately 6,700 with around 2,500 crew members.
Start date: December 15
Disney Adventure Cruise, Singapore
Open now
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic
Hogwarts' fun at Harry Potter: Visions of Magic
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic was a sell-out event when it premiered in Germany and the Asian leg of the tour has been enhanced by Resorts World Sentosa with an additional 10,000 sq ft of space. The event is an interactive art experience exploring the wizarding world; delve into magical realms such as the Room of Requirement, the Newt’s Menagerie and the Ministry of Magic.
The multi-sensory installations use responsive video content and original soundscapes alongside interactive technology to create a memorable three-dimensional experience. Exclusive to Singapore are two new 'environments', including The Chamber of Secrets where visitors will hear whispers of Parseltoungue and access a series of chambers protecting a treasure beyond The Trap Door.
Guests navigate their way through the ten environments in total using a wand to illuminate the invisible and reveal visions of magic. They will be able to uncover the secrets of the Black family tree at Grimmauld Place and journey through a pool of swirling memories in The Pensieve.
The experience finishes with a chance to buy Harry Potter merchandise at the Charmed Retail Experience, as well as enjoy a cup of rich, frothy 'Butterbeer'.
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, Level B1, The Forum, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore
COTU
Jazz, cocktails and a rooftop pool at COTU
A rooftop lifestyle destination has opened at Marina Bay in Singapore with five stunning entertainment spaces.
COTU, which stands for Centre of the Universe, is a sprawling 18,000sqft dual-level area on the 38th and 39th floor of CapitaGreen in the city’s Raffles Place. Following a total revamp, the venue now boasts no fewer than five lifestyle ‘concepts’, including a dining space, cocktail lounge and sky pool. All soak up the stunning views over Marina Bay.
The journey begins with Little Birdie, an ‘experiential’ cocktail bar shaking up innovative drinks in an intimate setting.
For dining, Japanese-style steakhouse Enso offers an American steakhouse experience combined with Japanese culinary artistry. The space has a chef-designed beef ageing room where cuts are dry-aged for flavour and tenderness.
Enjoy live jazz and light bites in the elegant Whisper Room, or head to Dashi Go-Go Ultra Lounge for a ‘neo-Tokyo Bladerunner’ inspired nightlife experience with hip hop and R&B beats.
And relax in a cabana under the stars around the Dashi Sky Pool, a space that will be offering floating film festivals.
COTU’s design was shaped by award-winning architects Threaded Creatives. The design they've used maximises the full-height windows and prime vantage point above Marina Bay with entertainment areas flowing from one to the other. They also work as independent spaces, with Little Birdie serving as the focal welcoming point from where guests can hive off to the various spaces.
COTU, Levels 38 and 39, CapitaGreen, 138 Market Street, Singapore
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