Chiong-Worthy Rides At Marina Bay Carnival
Needless to say, we’re all suckers for thrilling rides.
Prudential’s Marina Bay Carnival is set to be Singapore’s biggest carnival ever, covering an area of 3.5 football fields in two areas around Marina Bay. With more than 40 rides and games, the carnival also promises food and music, which means post-work plans are basically settled. The carnival kicks off on 8 Dec,and boy are we excited.
But there’s no need to rush though, because the Marina Bay Carnival will be open for four months, until 1 Apr 2018. We promise that’s not an April Fools’ joke.
Here are our 6 chiong-worthy picks from the star attractions, so you can emerge victorious in the queues.
1. The Star Flyer
Featuring chairs that swing from a height of almost 10 storeys, the Star Flyer is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Image courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
But for all you brave souls, just try to enjoy the 360˚ panoramic view of the Singapore skyline while twirling 30 metres up.
Image courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
2. Booster Maxx
Spelled with an extra “x” for x-tra speed, Booster Maxx stands at almost 15 storeys high. That’s even higher than the Super Trees at Gardens By The Bay.
Image courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
It’s also expected to whoosh you around in circles at speeds of 96km/hour in under 8 seconds. Here’s some proof from a similar ride in Germany.
3. Log Flume
Log Flume is for the wet and wild ones.
Image courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
It promises a splashing finale after a series of ‘gentle turns’. Umbrellas and raincoats sold separately.
4. Das Fun Schiff (Pirate Ride)
Das Fun Schiff looks like some German pirates decided to invade our favourite swinging pirate ship ride.
Image courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
Culturally confusing, but probably fun anyway.
5. Cyclone Coaster
The Cyclone Coaster from Italy will take you on a round trip across a spaghetti-coloured track.
Image courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
Image courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
You probably should lay off the actual pasta before sitting on this one.
Image courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
6. Apple Coaster
Apple Coaster is our pick for your child’s first foray into thrill rides.
This bright-green caterpillar is located at the Celebration Zone, which will also be home to many other kid-friendly rides at the carnival.
Bread and Circuses
When you’re done hitting all the rides, you’ll probably be looking to reward your cooperative stomach.
Staple carnival stalls like Sofnade, Bao Makers, and Hyde & Co will be open to ply you with lemonade, pulled beef mantous, and salted egg shrimp baos.
Sofnade’s Twists on Lemonade
Image courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
Pulled Beef Mantous – Hyde & Co
Image courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
Salmon Mentaiko Baos – The Bao Makers
Image courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
Salted Egg Shrimp Baos – The Bao Makers
Image courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
Prices start at $4 for offerings from 20 different vendors, with weekly menu updates.
Time to get your money’s worth and indulge like there’s no tomorrow.
It is all fun and games
Having satisfied your hunger pangs, you may want to try your luck on some notoriously tricky carnival games. Unlike other carnivals, the risk here seems well worth the reward.
We’ve been told that there’ll be 30 different game stalls offering some 1.2 million authentic Pixar and Marvel plushies. How’s that for evening the odds?
Here’s a glimpse at what’s in store for you.
Image courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
Image courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
Image courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
Pre-ordering your tickets online
Convinced? You can actually pre-order your tickets now.
While the carnival is free to enter, the rides and games cost tokens.
On the day of your visit, simply exchange your pre-ordered ticket voucher for your Carnival Token Cards and Food Vouchers at the carnival’s Klook Redemption Box Offices.
These are located at the main entrance of both zones, whichever you’re planning on targeting first.
Let’s talk prices
The carnival rides and games will be based on a token credit system.
This means you’ll pay per ride and game in pre-credited tokens on your Token Card.
Carnival games are priced from $4-$8, and rides are priced from $6-$10.
One Token Card with $35 credit would let you and your friend ride on about 2 rides each, or play 2-4 carnival games each.
If that doesn’t sound enough to you, you can always charge your Token Card at the venue itself.
For now, you may choose between two packages, a Family Pack or Couples Pack.
Family Pack ($90):
- Priority queue entry
- 2 Token Cards ($35 credit each)
- 1 set of Special Food Bundle coupons (worth $20)
Couples Pack ($45):
- Priority queue entry
- 1 Token Card ($35 credit)
- 1 set of Special Food Bundle coupons (worth $20)
How to get there
We’ve even helped you to start planning your route in advance so you’ll be able to get to the entrance of your preferred zone in no time.
The carnival is split into two venues:
- The Promontory
- The Celebration Zone (Star Flyer, Main Stage for free performances)
- Bayfront Event Space
- The Thrill Zone (Cyclone Coaster, Log Flume and rest of the thrill rides)
If you’re heading to the Thrill Zone first, you can walk directly from Bayfront MRT station towards Red Dot Museum.
11 Marina Boulevard, S’pore 018940
If you’re visiting the more family-oriented Celebration Zone first, consider walking over from Raffles Place MRT station or Downtown MRT station.
The closest bus stop is also called The Sail, serviced by Buses 97, 106, 133, 400, 402, 513 and 982E.
10 Bayfront Ave, S’pore 018956
Don’t forget to check our handy guide if you’re taking the train. Just in case your MRT line may be affected by MRT station closure.
If you’re driving, the nearest carparks are Wilson Carpark at Marina Bay City Gallery, Marina Bay Financial Centre and OUE Building.
Getting in the zone
The massive carnival occupies two huge event spaces, The Promontory and Bayfront Event Space with over 40 rides and carnival games hailing from Germany, Italy, and the UK.
Celebration Zone
Source
The main attractions here are the Star Flyer, Lighthouse Slip, Orbiter Cars, and Paddle Boat. With tons of carnival games and even trampolines, this family-friendly zone is definitely for those intending to bring the motley crew.
Celebration Zone’s Map
Source
The Celebration Zone is also home to the Main Stage. You can catch free caroling performances by Evokx every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday evening.
Thrill Zone
Source
Self-proclaimed daredevils will probably be more interested in the aptly named Thrill Zone.
Thrill Zone’s Map
Source
This zone includes rides like Cyclone Coaster, Log Flume, Booster Maxx, Das Fun Shiff (Pirate Ship) among others.
Plan ahead to beat the crowd
If train fault-related adrenaline rushes are not enough to sustain you on your daily commute, fret not fellow citizen.
The carnival will kick off from 8 Dec 2017 to 1 Apr 2018, and will open from 4pm – 11pm daily. Last entry for regular days will be at 10pm.
On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve however, it will open for longer hours from 3pm – 2am, with the last entry at 12am.
Since 8 Dec is only a week away, you may want to formulate your foolproof carnival game plan now.
We’ll see you there then. Just hopefully not in the queue ahead of us.
Featured image courtesy of Prudential Marina Bay Carnival.
