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Experience thrilling activities or interact with dolphins - these are the exciting escapades for your kids this summer.
Unveiling the charm of Sentosa Island over a three-day itinerary in Singapore.
Recently, Minh Thư from Hanoi embarked on a journey to Sentosa Island in Singapore with her daughter. Here, she shares insights from their 3-day trip.
Sentosa, an island situated off the southern coast of Singapore, witnessed the historic meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. There are now direct flights from Vietnam to Singapore offered by various airlines.
Opting for a 10:30 AM flight from Hanoi via Vietnam Airlines, I secured a round-trip ticket for just over 5 million dong when booked in advance.
Day 1
Opting for the luxurious retreat at Hard Rock Hotel, I indulged in a fusion of high-end design, global standards, and the unique 'rock and roll' vibe, epitomizing a 5-star experience.
The hotel offers Limousine service for a lavish airport transfer. Post-customs and baggage collection, our chauffeur seamlessly brought us to the hotel. Room rates start from 5.5 million VND, inclusive of airport transfers.
Sentosa Island boasts 6 hotels, over 1,500 rooms, with the standout Ocean Suite providing a mesmerizing view of the world's largest aquarium. The Tree Top Loft, elevated 12m above ground, adds to the enchantment. Notably, there's a large saltwater pool where my daughter, Vân, immersed herself in joy until closing time.
After a delightful swim at the hotel's pool, my daughter and I decided to explore the Malaysian street food enclave. Within the hotel premises, a 5-minute stroll took us to a variety of affordable delicacies like stir-fried noodles, chicken rice, spare ribs rice, fried rice, and deliciously compact noodles, perfect for dinner.
Day 2
Typically, Universal Studios Singapore (USS) opens its doors at 10 am every day and closes at 7 pm. However, the operating hours may vary depending on the time of year. Adult tickets, for individuals aged 12 to 60, are priced at 76 SGD (1.2 million VND), while children aged 4 to 12 can enter for 56 SGD (950,000 VND). Seniors aged 60 and above enjoy a discounted rate of 38 SGD (640,000 VND), and children under 4 enter for free.
Depending on your preferences and desires, you can opt for either gentle or thrilling rides. For instance, if you're accompanied by young children, you might choose the A Crate Adventure in the Madagascar zone. Here, you and your child will board a boat on an artificial channel inside a pirate ship. Alternatively, you can go for the high-speed mini roller coaster, AirWays, or experience the 4D Shrek film in the FarFarAway building.
For thrill-seekers, try your hand at the Canopy Flyer or Water World rides in the Lost World zone (Dinosaur zone). If the high-flying Canopy Flyer elicits screams of excitement, Water World will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions with its action-packed live shows featuring real actors. The Line Cyclon ride offers an even more exhilarating experience with its multiple twists and turns, securing you with a shoulder harness while your legs dangle freely.
Within the entertainment complex, you'll find numerous eateries and cafes. To save on costs, bring a reusable bottle to refill with free water available at the entrance of restrooms, as bottled water inside the park can cost up to 8 SGD (approximately 136,000 VND).
Keep in mind that outside food is not allowed in USS, and staff may inspect your bags. To avoid spending valuable time queuing at USS and ensure you have ample time to enjoy all the attractions, consider purchasing an Express pass, priced between 30 to 70 SGD (500,000 – 1.1 million VND), depending on the day.
In the evening, I opted to treat my daughter to a meal at a Teppan restaurant, renowned for its Michelin-starred chef. The restaurant consists of only three rooms, each with seven seats. The dishes here are meticulously prepared and cater to the Asian palate. Lunch prices start from 78 SGD (1.3 million VND), while dinner prices start from 188 SGD (3.1 million VND).
On the 3rd day
Making the most of our final day in Singapore, my daughter and I eagerly headed to Dolphin Island. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in close encounters with the well-trained dolphins.
More than 20 Indian Ocean dolphins are nurtured in 11 interconnected large pools. Daily, they consume over 160 kg of high-quality imported food from countries like the USA and Canada. The water is crystal clear, allowing observation of the adorable creatures' swimming activities.
If you wish to engage in friendly activities with the dolphins, such as petting, touching, playing, and receiving friendly kisses, you need to wear a full-body swimsuit. It's essential not to bring any hard objects to avoid scratching the dolphins' skin before entering the water. A group is typically divided into small teams of 3 to 4 people. You'll receive instructions and information from the trainer on how to interact with the dolphins safely.
Before entering the pool with the dolphins, the trainer will provide thorough guidance using a dolphin plush toy to ensure both your and the dolphins' safety. There are three packages for visitors to choose from for this unique experience. The half-hour package is priced at approximately 90 SGD (1.5 million VND).
By noon, after indulging in delightful playtime with the dolphins, we checked out and were transported to the airport for our flight back to Hanoi. Currently, Vietnam Airlines' check-in counter is located in Terminal 4 (Gate 4), a newly constructed area equipped with self-check-in facilities.
Exploring Sentosa Island in Singapore with Minh Thư from Vnexpress
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Check out the travel guide at Mytour
MytourJune 22, 2018
