[HALLOWEEN Review] Sentosa Spooktacular 2014

It's the month of October and this means that my blog will be clogged with Halloween-related entries!

Knowing that I am a HUUGGEE Halloween fanatic, my dokiboy secretly purchased tickets to Sentosa Spooktacular (He even topped it up with Express passes *cries*) as part of my birthday gift. The tickets are NOT cheap, definitely.

Thank you, my dokiboy. :')

As some of you may have heard about it, I lodged a complaint to Sentosa Spooktacular last year due to the horrendous waiting time that scarred me. 

(FYI, I purchased normal tickets last year)

Personally, I would say that purchasing NORMAL/STANDARD tickets to Spooktacular is pretty much pointless as you will find yourself spending the entire time queuing up rather than enjoying the experience in the haunted houses.

In other words, if you do not have the budget to top up for express passes - then be prepared to queue your asses off.

Since I had the luxury to have express passes this year, my experience was a complete opposite this time round.

Fancy that - We actually completed the WHOLE of 3 haunted trails in LESS than 1.5 hours. 

THIS AMOUNT OF TIME IS EQUIVALENT TO THE WAITING TIME OF 1 HAUNTED TRAIL WITH A STANDARD TICKET.

So much difference when one holds the express ticket, eh?

With the express ticket, we got to cross an alternate lane that granted us fast entries into the haunted houses with almost zero waiting time (while those with normal passes were still queuing at the back in another lane).

Unlike last year's version in which Spooktacular had 5 haunted trails, there were only 3 this year. (They were, however, built on bigger scales)

And of course, more wandering "ghosts" (Probably they expanded their budget this year to hire more scare actors, LOL)

I was actually prepared to dress up as Queen Elsa (Heck, I even purchased Elsa's costume and wig!) but ended up dressing up as a cross breed between Elsa and myself due to a last minute wig crisis.

What a waste of my money. Duh.

I had to dress down (My Dokiboy surprised me with an Elsa crown which I wore on my head happily that day. LOL) and here I was.

With one of the random wandering "ghosts".

I love this setting! It made me look... Mysterious. *smiles*

Uncanny resemblance. Sisters?

*cough*

And... This is my favorite :) I call it "Immortal Love". Don't we look like a sweet couple? LOL

Was kinda hungry after exploring the 3 haunted trails and we settled down to have dinner -Kampong style. Haha.

Satay and Seafood Tom Yam set!

(Not cheap either)

Sorry that they weren't taken in an appetizing manner as I took them under darkness using camera flash.

Surprisingly, the food wasn't that bad. They actually tasted good. 

Overall, I would say that my Spooktacular experience this year was great. (I will still emphasize that its due to the express ticket) I doubt I will say the same if I were holding a standard ticket.

So what's my favorite trail at Spooktacular, you ask?

I guess it would be "The Swimmers" or "Alone".

(I love that they created the atmosphere like the movies! The Swimmers will make you feel like you are trapped @ a haunted swimming pool and there were even water dripping down at some corners!)

From physical reconstruction of the scene to even the SMELL. they've nailed it.

I shan't talk more about it so as not to spoil the surprise! (NO SPOILERS!)

Do keep a lookout for more Halloween-related entries coming up in my blog before 31st...

Till then, Enjoy your Halloween and have a great one!!

My Halloween Memories!

It's August and I smell Halloween already! 

(Yeah, I know it's still a wee bit early, but well... ...)

It's a shame that Halloween isn't a WIDELY celebrated day in Singapore; but its getting more well-known now, with thanks to annual Halloween events such as Halloween Horrors (Universal Studios) and Sentosa Spooktacular, etc.

My love for Halloween began at a really young age, with my dad bringing me to an event that was held at Jurong Bird Park (I still remembered it was called Hocus Pocus). I was deeply intrigued by those scary-looking props and being "frightened" by humans dressed in ghostly costumes. 

As years went by, I began looking out for Halloween-related events in Singapore... and even had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity working for Universal Studios during its first Halloween Horrors Night. What an honor! It became part of my memories that I will NEVER forget, and I thank God for the opportunity.

Here were a few of my dress-ups from previous years:

This was for a Halloween Audition and all 3 of us went all out for the deal!
(YES, WE EVENTUALLY GOT THE JOB! *squeals*)

And here's another look @ the Singapore Flyer:
With le' bff, PW. :)

The 3 of us - That's Miao on the left; I did the make-up for her and it was a success as kids were frightened!

And I was Michael Jackson last year. LOL

Ahh, so many fond memories just by looking back at my Halloween pictures. HALLOWEEN IS THE ONLY DAY WHEN I CAN DRESS UP FREELY WITHOUT ANYONE THINKING I AM CRAZY!

So.. You might be wondering what I am planning to be this year...

I have got my costume and wig ready..

So...

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Behold..

YES! I will be Queen Elsa from Frozen! 

LOL. I am quite excited about the turnout though *trembles*

Stay tuned to my blog for more updates nearer to the Halloween period! I'm just as excited as you are!

P/S: Do feel free to contact me if you do know of any Halloween event in Singapore that is worth joining!

Summarizing In Pictures

It has been a crazily fun period lately, and I am putting up a blog entry just to summarize my life in pictures!

My apologies as  there are no high resolution images since all of the pics below were taken using my Samsung S3.

You know, having a smart phone means that I am getting lazier to bring an actual camera out due to its bulkiness - unless I am attending events, which goes without saying as I wouldn't want to deliver shitty pictures to my sponsors and clients.

Anyway.. Here goes:

Firstly, I went to Hong Kong with my BFFs.

(Yeah... Right.. Dream on. This was actually an advertisement backdrop at a local MRT station =_=)

In fact, this photo below deserves a special mention as it was taken by a passerby who probably thought that we were looking pathetic since we were found squatting down and trying to do a self-shot. Oh damn.

It has been a looong while since the 3 of us hung out together as a trio. Talk about a Girls' Day Out! :)

Lo' and behold' - I was a 7-11 mascot for the day.

NOOOO - I was not paid in any way for this. I was just dressing up for fun - much to the amusement of many onlookers.

(In case you are wondering where I got that tee from... YES, I got it during my Bangkok trip!)

It seemed like I had to stop and take a photograph for every 7-11 that I came across.

Seriously, how about hiring me to be your actual mascot, 7-11? 

LOL.

We had a walkabout at Watsons; and I stopped short in my tracks when I noticed the store was having SALES!

Yes, you save $0.10!! Lai ah~ Lai ah~ Huge discount!

We ended up taking night scenery shots:

(Yes, we were really walking around aimlessly!)

No, we did not spend much money- but it was a happy trip. You know, the activities do not really matter when you are with your close friends.

Thank you for being a huge part of my life!

This may seem like a pointless entry, but having blogged it here is like part of my life journal.

And ohhh.. Before I end this entry on a happy note...

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL READERS OUT THERE! :)

P/S: And oh, oh... I have gotten myself a new bag from my latest online shopping spree! Danny Bear bag! Cute, huh?!

Just in case you are wondering, I got it from Taobao. (Who says China goods are bad?!)

#randomness

Complaint: Sentosa Spooktacular 2013

Well, I can't even fathom how infuriated I am right now at the time of typing this entry; but I just hope to voice out my opinions after attending the event.

(Credits to my boyfriend for helping me to carry my bags and taking the photos while I was in costume. Most of the below featured photographs were taken by him.)

In fact, it is heart-wrenching for me to be posting this as I am just an ordinary Halloween fanatic just like anyone else who deserves to have a well-spent one with loved ones ; and I had been looking forward to writing how much fun I've had.

Unfortunately, reality is just not the case but a far cry from my expected version of Halloween. Don't get me wrong - I am not a tough customer, but just one who simply wants to enjoy the event for the price I paid.

Just as some of you are aware, I was so, so looking forward to what was supposed to be one of the grand Halloween events in Singapore - Sentosa Spooktacular. 

After hearing about how highly raved it was from previous years, I decided to purchase the tickets for my boyfriend and myself despite feeling the pinch of how much I've paid. (Fancy that - It was NOT cheap at all even though I got them through a deal website for $66.60 with a few perks.)

In fact, I had been wanting to go for Spooktacular since it was held during previous years; but the price ALWAYS never failed to stop me in my tracks - and it took me a great deal of hesitation before I finally decided to go for it this year.

Of course, with that amount of hefty price paid - I was really expecting an awesome and one of the most memorable Halloween ever spent. I pinned my hopes way too high.

However, it was one of the worst turnouts for me - beyond ridiculous waiting time, illogical time frame of walking the haunted trails and the treatment of having to be classified as "low class" just because the tickets I purchased were just NORMAL passes instead of EXPRESS ones. (People who can afford the express passes will be given priority)

It was so apparent that money is still the bottom-line above all. 

Simply put; if one cannot afford the express passes (which will require a top up of around $26?) ; then one shall suffer the fate of having to go through the long waiting time just for a trail that lasted less than 15 or 20 minutes; whereas those with express passes will be able to smile happily and complete the 5 haunted trails.

The main reason WHY I am so infuriated was because we were only able to complete ONE freaking trail out of the FIVE that we were supposed to enjoy for the price that were paid. It's not even justifiable as we were not even late when we got there; but somehow wasted majority of our time on queuing up.

In other words, we spent money to QUEUE and waste our time - Just because OUR tickets were NORMAL passes.

Don't get me wrong - I am fine with queuing; but the waiting time can make even the most tolerant person flare up.

 Let me recount how I spent my Halloween at Sentosa Spooktacular:

- We reached Beach Station at 7pm. (Spooktacular was supposed to start at 7pm and end at 11pm)

-We had to wait for the tram that would be sending us straight to the venue at Fort Siloso (We had no other option as it was our first time there and thought it was good that there was transport to the destination). However, the tram queuing part was quite bad as well; and we had to spend quite some time waiting for it.

-I believe it was nearly 8pm when the tram dropped us off where Spooktacular was held - BUT alas; there was still a long walking distance away from the ACTUAL destination. So we had to spend more than 10 minutes walking through the pathways that led us there, etc.

- We were made to wait again and watched scary videos on a large screen at the entrance before the curtains were opened for us. (Note: Time was wasted on the waiting part before the video was shown)

-When we FINALLY got in, there were wandering scare actors; which I thought was kinda cool as I loved the atmosphere. We took some photographs together before proceeding to the queue for the haunted trails. As there were 5 trails available, we had to choose one randomly (since we thought we would be going for the rest eventually anyway). However, we were completely appalled when it was stated that the queue was around 60 minutes long PER trail. In reality, it took MORE than that. (And can you imagine they only allow small batches to enter at one time? This added on to the insanity of queuing as we felt as though the queue was taking forever. Is this right that we should feel like this for the amount of price we paid?)

-After so much impatience and helplessness, we finally got our turn (like FINALLY!!). Right, the haunted trail was quite good and the scare actors were very professional - there is no denial about that. The whole trail lasted for around 15-20 minutes.

And... That was it. 

Yes.. Just like that.

There was no chance for us to queue up for any other trail anymore. The queues for the rest of the trails were INSANELY long - so ridiculous that I felt it was impossible for us to complete even the slightest 2nd trail. I believe the event staff were busy filtering between those with express passes and normal ones ; as those with express ones would be given priority to enter. We were asked what type of passes we had - and could only helplessly reply they were the normal ones. The staff took a look at the queue, and gave us an embarrassed smile. It was apparent that it was impossible for us anymore should we want to catch the last train back home.

Can you imagine how sucky I felt at that very point of time? For the $66.60 paid PER person, I actually felt cheated. In fact, I can safely say that I spent $66.60 just to take photographs with the scare actors; queuing up for ONE of the FIVE haunted trails.... and that was it.

Let me breakdown the time frame and you will understand why I mentioned it's illogical:

Sentosa Spooktacular event: 7pm to 11pm (4 hours)

There are 5 haunted trails in total. 1 trail requires around 1+ hour of waiting time for normal passes. (There were people who experienced up to 90 mins of waiting time!)

5 haunted trails = 5 x 1 hr+ = Approx. 6 hours

And the approx 6 hours are SOLELY the time spent on waiting and EXCLUSIVE of the amount of time spent on walking the haunted trails.

So how..? Technically speaking, one will need around 7- 8 hours to complete everything; whereas the event is only 4 hours. Even with extended hours, I doubt they are enough!

So can I safely assume that this event is only catered for people who can afford express passes?

Normal passes were treated as the lowest class of the lot; and I believe it is one of their gimmicks to get people to "upgrade" to express ones so they could earn more. Well, Sentosa Spooktacular - If this is one of your ways to scare off those with normal passes using the "wasting-time" method, then I shall tell you that you have succeeded.

You have successfully scared my friends and I, YOUR first-time customers into not returning anymore. I know that you could make do with not earning our money since there are still so many people out there who were willing to PAY for express passes and get to enjoy what they wanted; but I just hope to voice out my displeasure and opinions on what I think of the event as a normal pass holder.

To cut the long story short, if YOU do not have the capability and ability to cater to the amount of people, then there is no point in pushing your ticket sales because there are bound to be very unhappy customers like me who felt underprivileged to go through this undeserving experience.

It beats me why there were even express and normal passes in the first place; it's just like encouraging people to invest in the express ones for the ultimate experience and normal ones are just for people who couldn't afford it and yet trying their luck to get the most out of it.

Even if this is not their intention; but this is exactly what and how I feel like as a customer.

I thought that it would be better if Sentosa Spooktacular only charges for what we go for. In other words, to charge per entry to one haunted trail instead of making customers pay full price and yet had us give up the rest of the trails due to the insanely-long queue which we have no control of. I understand that we are at the losing end no matter what- but still; it's just a simple welfare and spare of thought for people like me. At least, I will be contented with only paying what I go for.

Nonetheless, I shall post the few photographs that were taken at the event - Now the only thing we can do is to make ourselves look like we are soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the event when we are apparently not...

With my love:

Ending this entry with a bear I bought at the event; the only thing that I thought was cute:

I am not posting this with any means of "spoiling" Sentosa Spooktacular's reputation or anything for that matter; but I am just expressing how unjustifiable I felt the whole event was for me. So much for a Halloween!

[Official Launch Invite] Sentosa 4D Adventureland~

I was invited to Sentosa 4D Adventureland's Official Launch! 

Being a MAJOR fan of anything 3D or 4D related, I knew I would be in for a good time.

Read on to find out my first-hand experience of all the shows and rides!
(Hint: I had one hell of fun and laughter!!)

Despite the fact that I didn't have much make-up on, I rushed over after work to attend the launch.

(Special thanks to my monk for accompanying me to the event and helping to take photos! The photos turned out better than I expected! Hahaha.)

The Sentosa 4D Adventureland is conveniently located at Imbiah Station (Just take the monorail from VivoCity and alight at Imbiah Station. Spot the escalator and follow it all the way...You will eventually reach the amazing land!)

I spotted the boards and immediately ran over to take a photo to prove that I was there! Hahaha.

Excited much!

The Sentosa 4D Adventureland consists of 3 different activities that you will definitely enjoy while you are here.

The entry wrist tag!

Wow, we were greeted with food as well at the launch.

(Thanks for the great welfare!)

They even hired a photographer to take photos - which were framed with "Sentosa 4D Adventureland" logo and gave us as souvenir! 

Awww...

Here's the one I was given:
(Even though I looked unglam without much make-up on, but I still love it - So much sentimental value!)

Having some good food before we were off for the exciting activities that awaited us...

Some food photos for your eyes:

My favorite!

Random. I don't know why but I looked so "white" in most of my photos.

If only I were really that fair in real life. *sigh*

Here, we embark on our first journey - Journey 2 - The Mysterious Island!

(**THIS IS A MUST WATCH!**)

Length of Experience including Pre-show: 15 minutes

Description of Show: The star of, the 2008 Hollywood Blockbuster, 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' is back in another Jules Verne - inspired voyage. While looking for his long lost grandfather, Sean (played by Josh Hutcherson), decodes a secret map that points him to the elusive, 'Mysterious Island'. 

Join Sean and his friends in an immersive 3-D/4-D Experience as they fly through a tornado, encounter giant lizards, discover the lost city of Atantis, and pilot Captain Nemo's submarine. Featuring an all-star cast, including Michael Caine Dqayne Johnson, Vanessa Hudgens, and Luis Guzman, this is one-of-a-kind adventure you won't want to miss.

I was really excited while queuing up in anticipation.

The holding area...

Yep, it was really dark... Somehow reminds me of the good old Halloween days! Haha.

Sorry I just have to insert this spoiler image here.

Hahahaha.

This is the 3D glasses that we had to wear for the effects.

As taking photos was prohibited during the experience, I was unable to capture any exciting ones for you guys - but I do have a wonderful experience to share!

If you are one who loves the thrill of 3D movies, I am sure you will totally be screaming in glee and excitement with this ultimate 4D experience. No kidding.

I was really impressed by the effects. It was like we were a part of the characters in the movie, and we could even see, feel, hear and SMELL what was happening in the scenes!

There was a part when there was a thunderstorm and I could feel the water on my face! 

Not to mention that there was a spear-like object being thrown by the character in the movie, and I could feel something "stab" me  lightly at the back.
(There were screams from everywhere . I guess it just took everyone by surprise!)

I was grabbing onto my seat tightly throughout the experience as I was totally enjoying the "not-knowing-what-to-expect" feeling.. It was like uncovering new experiences every second, and no words can describe how much I love it!

If there is one thing about the experience I can complain about, it would be that I didn't have enough of it!

(How awesome it would be if it was a 2 hr long movie. HAHAHA. Ok, I'm very greedy, ain't I!)

So do be sure to catch this exclusive experience (be it whether you are a tourist or local Singaporean) - You will NOT regret it.
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After we came out from the thrilling show, there was an exciting segment prepared for us too.
*squeals*
Scroll down and you'll find out... ...

Yes! We were given the opportunity to catch an exclusive video (We were the first to watch it!) of famous Vloggers who were involved in a crazy competition.

Can you spot your favorite stars in the shot I captured below?

(Yes, BINGO!)

And guess what... One of them from the video, Ridwan - the Ah Boys To Men star-, was there at the launch too!
(I know some of my friends are huge fans of him... Heh.. Jealous??!)

A cute move that sent his fans screaming.
Shaking his bom bom!

He prepared a song for his fans too, and it happened to be one of my favorite ones as well - BABY by Justin Bieber. Hahaha.

I just had to capture this shot. LOL.
You can imagine how thrilled his young fans must be feeling at that moment.

After the segment and more food, we were directed to our next stage of another exciting experience -
Desperados.

Length of Experience including Pre-show: 6 minutes

Description of Show: Doc the Sheriff needs your help again. Go on a wild chase in the canyons and mine tunnels as you and Doc take on the evil El Cascador at his secret hideout and battle it out in the ultimate gun-fight. Save the day and be crowned as the top shooting saviour!


Argh, even though there was no photograph taken as well (the entire area was too dark to take any photos anyway), but I shall fill you in with details using my own words.

Picture this in your head. You riding on a horse and holding a gun in your hand, ready on a mission to fight the villains.
And feel the adrenaline rush as you shoot the villain successfully and watch your points grow... Whoa.
I think I was holding the gun and shooting away like a madwoman during the experience - but unfortunately didn't score enough points to be crowned.
(GUESS WHAT?! MONK WAS THE ONE WHO GOT CROWNED AT A WHOPPING 280 POINTS! HOW COULD HE??!! *Jealous*)

Ah, Desperados is like an arcade game, but tons better. Its SO fun fighting villains with other strangers who are involved in the game as well.

In short, Desperados was a really interactive experience - and it almost made me forget that I was actually in a virtual world!
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After Desperados, we went straightaway to the 3rd experience : The Extreme Log Ride!!


Extreme Log Ride:
THIS IS MY OMG FAVORITE!!

Length of Experience incuding Pre-show: 10 minutes

Description of Show: Welcome to the land of Himalamazon and follow the spectacular journey of a Super-Tree log as it travels through the mega harvesting plant. Ride through deep caves and dive into crocodile-infested waters. You'll be gripping on for dear life!

OMG. No words can describe my feelings about this ride. If you are a fan of roller coasters, you will love, love, LOVE this as much as I do.

I was so impressed by the visuals that seemed so real. SO REAL that it was hard to believe that it was only a virtual ride!

With 6 seats per capsule, we were requested to put on the 3D glasses and fasten our seat belts. 

It was not long before the side doors were closed and the visuals in front of us changed. 

Screams could be heard throughout as we were taken on a crazy ride. Can you imagine that - There were actually sensory effects that include WIND and motion!

There was this part that simulates a long roller coaster ride, and the effects were too real! Bumps, wind, swaying of left and ride motions... You will find it hard to believe that everything happened indoor.

It was like I could sit on a roller coaster without having the fear that I would fall off from a tall height. HAHAHA.

The feeling was awesome!

And I remembered feeling disappointed when the ride came to an end.

Why couldn't it be longer??!! 

Well, here you go : -

The 3 different experiences at Sentosa 4D Adventureland.

Seriously... Your life can't be considered fruitful enough if you haven't been there, done that!

Opening Hours and Admission Charges:

Opening Hours: 10am to 9pm daily (last ticket sale, redemption & entry at 8.15 pm)

One-Day Adventure Pass (from 1st April 2013): *Unlimited entries on day of visit.
Adult - S$38.90
Child - S$26.90 (age 3 to 12 years old)

*Free entry for children below 3 years of age.
*Sentosa Island admission and transport charges apply.

Address: 51B Imbiah Road, Sentosa, Singapore 099708 (Imbiah Lookout).

For more information, do feel free to log on to:
www.4dadventureland.com.sg

Thanks, Sentosa, for the invitation!

     Enjoy and have fun! (I am sure you will!)