Yesterday, James and I made the decision to explore Sentosa Island, a sprawling haven of entertainment parks and intriguing places. Unfortunately, Yen couldn’t join us due to work commitments. Setting out from the hostel, James and I headed to Lavender Station around 9 am. Upon reaching Bayfront Station, we were presented with various options to reach the island. James suggested the cable car, asking, ‘So, Maarten, do you want to take the cable car to Sentosa Island?’ My response was casual, ‘I’m fine with anything. Do you want to do it?’ James agreed, saying, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’ I chimed in with a laid-back, ‘Sounds like a plan.’ Our laughter ensued, a shared moment of our easygoing backpacker attitudes.
Sentosa Island
Exploring Sentosa Island alone is already a captivating experience, even just by browsing pictures on Google. Today, however, we planned to explore only a fraction, a mere 3% of the entire island. Sentosa boasts a plethora of attractions, including hotels, two golf courses, amusement parks, a fort, and a picturesque beach. James and I had our sights set on the amusement park for the day, and we were optimistic, considering it was a Monday—typically less crowded with families.
To our surprise, our optimism proved misplaced due to the ongoing holidays, and the park was bustling with people. It marked the first time I found myself amidst a substantial crowd, including a sea of cheerful children and a chorus of deafening cries from many toddlers. It’s not that I harbor any ill feelings toward children; rather, it’s the overwhelming cries, loud yells, and spoiled behavior that I find challenging to tolerate. Of course, one might argue that I am accustomed to the privileged nature of this journey, making me a bit of a hypocrite in this regard.
The S.E.A. Aquarium
Our exploration of Sentosa Island began with the S.E.A. Aquarium, an enchanting showcase of marine life. The aquarium featured a diverse array of fish, from graceful jellyfish to delicate seahorses, all housed in meticulously decorated display tanks. The attention to detail inside the tanks was impressive, with wooden sunken ships, vibrant rocks, stunning coral life, and well-placed lighting creating a visually stunning experience. Every time we thought we had reached the end of one section, another set of tanks would emerge to captivate us.
Boasting a total of 100,000 marine animals representing over 800 species and 45 million liters of water, including the colossal Open Ocean tank, this aquarium proudly held the title of the world’s largest at the time. I found myself particularly fascinated by the sea urchins, a sentiment that would ironically turn into frustration one day. Despite the sizable crowds, James and I managed to thoroughly enjoy our time at the S.E.A. Aquarium. A quick internet search later confirmed its status as the world’s largest aquarium, with S.E.A. Aquarium holding the record for the world’s largest viewing panel (though, as of 2019, this record has been surpassed by Chimelong Ocean Kingdom).
Universal Studios Singapore
While Universal Studios Singapore offered fantastic sights, the downside was the persistent crowds that appeared to shadow our every move. Every attraction boasted a minimum wait time of 90 minutes, prompting us to forgo several experiences.
In the end, we opted to join the queue for the wild water rafting attraction (Jurassic Park ride), which had a posted wait time of 90 minutes. Both fellow visitors and warning signs informed us of potential splashing that could leave our clothes wet. Heeding this advice, we decided to rent a locker. Anticipating a two-hour wait, we believed the 8 SGD locker rental fee would suffice. Unfortunately, our actual wait time stretched to a staggering 2.5 hours! While the ride proved to be more exhilarating than typical wild water rafting experiences, the extended wait certainly did not justify the experience.
Unexpected Charges
Our locker had expired, and our belongings were still inside. Ultimately, we had to pay an additional 4 SGD to the employee for her to unlock it, presenting a challenge as our wallets were still within the locker. Initially, it seemed like a predicament. When our wallets were returned, the girl requested the 4 SGD. While I might have chosen the easy way and paid, James, being the entrepreneur between us, stood his ground and refused to pay. He rightly made a fuss about the situation, emphasizing that the displayed waiting time was significantly incorrect.
After a five-minute discussion, the lady conceded, agreeing that we didn’t have to pay an extra 4 SGD. However, as we distanced ourselves about 20 meters away, she promptly returned. Her manager had witnessed the exchange and instructed her to retrieve the money. Needless to say, we were furious, particularly James. What added to the frustration was the fact that we didn’t even get wet, meaning we could have taken our belongings on the ride.
After that, we just walked through the park taking pictures. James went in the mummy roller coaster and came out thrilled. It was his best roller coaster ride in the world, he said. He constantly had the feeling he actually would die on that ride, haha. James had fun and forgot about the situation that had happened earlier and I was glad about it. Around 5 pm we walked to the exit, tired of all walks and the crowds. Time to leave Sentosa Island.
Drinks at the Food Court
Back at the hostel, we reunited with Yen and enjoyed a dinner at the food court. Over the meal, James and I shared the details of our day with Yen. We lingered at the food court for an extended period, sipping a few beers and sharing waves of laughter in a vibrant atmosphere. Yen and I then collaboratively devised an exciting plan for New Year’s Eve, intending to gather fellow hostel residents for a celebration. The plan involved watching the fireworks at Marina Bay and proceeding to Clark Quay for some clubbing. James was set to invite his friend to join us. Unfortunately, in the end, James couldn’t be part of our New Year’s Eve celebration.
