Nestled amidst the vibrant city of Singapore lies an exhilarating adventure waiting to be explored—the Skyline Luge in Sentosa. The Skyline Luge offers a one-of-a-kind downhill ride that combines the thrill of speed with breathtaking views.
But how did I end up embarking on this adrenaline-pumping journey? It all started with an annual corporate challenge that brought together colleagues from various departments. Little did I know that this year’s challenge would lead me to a unique opportunity – a chance to experience the Skyline Luge for free.
Origins of Skyline Luge Singapore
The Skyline Luge Singapore is an exhilarating adventure activity that traces its roots back to New Zealand. It was in 1985 when the first-ever Skyline Luge track was introduced at Bob’s Peak in Queenstown, offering visitors breathtaking views of the majestic Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
The concept of the Skyline Luge was inspired by a fusion of traditional tobogganing and go-karting, resulting in a unique and thrilling gravity-driven ride. The founders of the Skyline Luge were determined to create an experience that would be both safe and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities. Through innovative design and engineering, they developed a specialised three-wheeled cart, known as the luge, which enables riders to have full control over their speed and direction.
Following the immense success of the Skyline Luge in Queenstown, the demand for this exciting activity grew, leading to its expansion to various destinations worldwide. In 2005, the Skyline Luge experience made its way to Sentosa Island in Singapore, captivating the hearts of locals and tourists alike.
Getting to Skyline Luge Singapore
To access the Skyline Luge at Sentosa, you can conveniently take the Sentosa Express and disembark at Beach Station. The Sentosa Express is a train service that connects mainland Singapore (HarbourFront) to Sentosa Island. From there, it’s just a short walk to the entrance of the Skyline Luge.
It’s worth noting that a fee of $4 is required for the Sentosa Express ride. This fee covers the round-trip transportation, allowing you to explore Sentosa Island and experience the excitement of the Skyline Luge.
The experience
The Skyline Luge experience at Sentosa is divided into two parts: the Skyride and the Luge ride, each offering its own unique thrills.
Skyride
The adventure begins with a scenic chairlift ride, the Skyride that takes you to the top of the luge track. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Sentosa Island, the surrounding sea, and the Singapore skyline in the distance. Oh, do grab a helmet before heading up. Don’t worry if you forget, as helmets are also available at the top for your convenience. Pro tip – bring a shower cap or a cap if you don’t want to share sweat germs from the last wearer.
The queue for the Skyride can sometimes be quite long. On average, I waited an approximately 20 to 30 minutes to board. While in line, you’ll notice two Skyrides, both heading in the same direction towards the top of the Luge tracks. Not only does the Skyride transport passengers, but it also carries the Luge carts to the summit. A pretty efficient system, I must say.
The queue attendants diligently manage the flow of riders, ensuring a smooth and orderly process. They assist in guiding passengers to the Skyride and help maintain safety protocols. The attendants work efficiently to maximise the number of riders per round, minimising wait times as much as possible.
Then you reach the top of the Skyline Luge tracks area. The next step is to queue (again!) to access the tracks themselves.
Luge tracks
When you disembark from the SkyRide, you’ll notice two track entrances available for riders.
The first track entrance is specifically designed for first-time riders. Here, the staff members are readily provide detailed instructions on how to operate the Luge cart safely and confidently. They will guide you through the process, explaining the controls and ensuring that you are comfortable before embarking on your Luge adventure.
The second track entrance is for seasoned riders who are already familiar with operating the Luge cart. Unlike the first-time rider queue, no instructions will be given, allowing you to quickly get allocated a Luge cart and proceed to the tracks without any further delay.
Before being assigned a Luge cart, staff members will scan your tickets, so keep them handy for easy access. The queue generally moves at a steady pace, and while waiting times can vary, you can anticipate spending approximately 10 to 20 minutes in the queue.
| There are four distinct tracks available for you to choose from, each offering its own unique thrills and scenic views: 1. Kupu Kupu Trail – 638m Translating into the word butterfly in Malay, the Kupu Kupu track runs for 638 metres through the mystical forest. Take in the sights and enjoy the freedom of riding down one of Sentosa’s newest Luge tracks. 2. Expedition Trail – 658m Calling all thrill-seekers! Embark on an exciting journey down the 658m track that runs through Sentosa’s lush rainforest. Be sure to bring along your sense of adventure, as you zoom through exhilarating tunnels and twist and turn around thrilling corners. 3. Jungle Trail – 628m Leave the city behind and escape to the jungle! This 628m trail begins with a thrilling ride through a tunnel covered in luxuriant plant-life. Feel the wind in your hair as you zoom around hairpin corners and down long straights with your family and friends. 4. Dragon Trail – 688m Feel the adrenaline run through your veins as you navigate your way down Skyline Luge Sentosa’s longest track. Be sure to keep an eye out for mythical dragons hiding in the forest alongside the track – you never know when they will appear! |
Now comes the most exhilarating part—the Luge ride itself
Initially, I didn’t have high expectations for the Skyline Luge. After all, how thrilling could a gravity-powered Luge cart really be? However, as I embarked on my first ride, I quickly realised that how dead wrong I was in underestimating the excitement it held.
The Luge track offers a thrilling and winding path, complete with twists, turns, and a few surprises along the way. The best part? You have complete control over your speed, so you can go as fast or as leisurely as you desire. It’s a heart-pounding adventure that guarantees an adrenaline rush like no other.
If I have one complaint, it would be that the tracks are somewhat short. While 600+ meters may initially seem like a considerable distance, the speed at which you zoom down the hill makes it feel shorter than expected. However, the excitement and thrill packed into those precious moments are well worth it.
Best time to visit Skyline Luge, Sentosa
The best time to visit Skyline Luge, Sentosa is around 6 PM, especially if you want to enhance your experience with an additional treat. This timing allows you to enjoy both the daytime and nighttime Luge adventures.
By starting your visit around 6 PM, you can begin with the daytime Luge ride, taking advantage of the warm sunlight and enjoying the stunning surroundings. Feel the thrill of the tracks as you race down, soaking in the views of Sentosa Island. This early evening ride offers a delightful and invigorating experience that sets the stage for what’s to come.
As the sun begins to set, the tracks transform into a captivating spectacle of vibrant colours, adding a whole new dimension to the Luge adventure. This exclusive night-time Luge experience is available only on Friday and Saturday nights though. The tracks come alive with an enchanting display of lights, creating a magical ambiance that amplifies the excitement and wonder of the Luge ride.
By visiting around 6 PM, you have the unique opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds—the exhilaration of the daytime Luge and the mesmerising charm of the nighttime Luge.
Verdict
The Skyline Luge Sentosa experience is suitable for riders of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a first-time rider or an experienced adrenaline junkie, the Luge provides an exhilarating experience that can be tailored to your preferences. And if you’re worried about safety, fear not—each Luge cart is equipped with a state-of-the-art braking system and all necessary safety measures are in place to ensure a fun and secure ride.
So, if you’re seeking an unforgettable adventure that combines excitement, natural beauty, and a touch of adrenaline, make sure to add Skyline Luge Sentosa to your itinerary. Prepare to unleash your inner thrill-seeker and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Get tickets at Klook.com!
Why pay more when you can experience the exhilaration of racing down the Luge tracks at a discounted rate? Klook offers exclusive deals that make your Luge adventure even more affordable. Get ready to feel the wind in your hair as you navigate the twists, turns, and breathtaking slopes of the tracks.
Opening Hours
Open from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM on Mon to Thur
Open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Fri
Open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Sat
Open from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM on Sun
