SkyHelix Sentosa Review: Singapore’s Highest Open-Air Panoramic Ride With Scenic 360° Views At 79 Metres
There’s nothing quite like gazing down from a great height, for it brings this sense of thrill and unparalleled freedom, while giving us a greater appreciation of the beautiful sights we have on this earth. Other than the hot air balloon experience at Marina Bay, there’s another new attraction in Singapore that’ll have you on top of the world in more ways than one, and that’s SkyHelix Sentosa - Singapore’s highest open-air panoramic ride, which just opened on 15 December 2021.
Read on for our review on SkyHelix Sentosa in Singapore!
Photo from SkyHelix Sentosa
Standing tall at 79 metres above sea level, SkyHelix Sentosa is Singapore’s highest panoramic ride, which offers gorgeous 360-degree views of the island, its surrounding seas, and even Keppel Bay as it rotates at its peak. You’ll be cruising up way higher than the cable cars in the vicinity!
Photo from SkyHelix Sentosa
The seats are arranged in a circular formation with everyone facing inwards, and there's a platform in the middle where your friendly SkyHelix guide will stand and deliver interesting nuggets about the very ride you're on.
Before embarking, you'll first have to put away your bulky items on a cubby stand. Each seat number has its own corresponding storage shelf, so there's no need to worry about fighting for space. The good news is, you're allowed to bring your phone and camera, but make sure they're secured properly so that nothing comes hurtling down from the skies onto innocent passers-by.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Your ticket will entitle you to a free non-alcoholic beverage that you can sip on as you take in the soothing sights. When we visited, we had a choice between canned fruit tea, soft drinks, and good ol' alkaline water from the snack bar, among others. Each seat has a dedicated drink holder so you don't have to worry about spills, but do note that the water comes in boxed packaging that can't fit, so hold on tight!
Photo from Mount Faber Leisure Group
Previously told that the SkyHelix Sentosa would be a slow and comfortable ride, I was mentally preparing myself - a lover of roller coasters and thrill rides - to be a tad bored. But boring it was not; While definitely manageable even for faint-hearted folk, the ascent was faster and more exciting than I expected it to be, and I actually had butterflies in my tummy when I glanced down at my dangling feet and the ground far below.
In essence, you’ll get the thrill of being perched at a great altitude, but without the heart-dropping feeling you’d experience on a roller coaster or bungee jump. No need to worry about losing your lunch here! This also makes it suitable for younger children, as long as they’re above 1.05 metres in height. For safety reasons, those who are shorter than this requirement will not be allowed to board.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
After you hit the apex , the gondola will rotate at the top for about 10 minutes, during which you will get a 360-degree eyeful of the area. This is also the best time to take selfies or scenery shots. Our guide very nicely offered to help everyone snap photos so we didn't have to grapple with our mobile phones and selfie sticks, which was a real relief for this butterfingered writer.
We visited at night and it was delightfully breezy, with the wind streaming through our hair as we gazed upon the twinkling lights coming from the hotel resorts and other attractions below. At the same time, we also got a good dose of nature views, with the best of both forestry and the sea's horizon.
Photo from SkyHelix Sentosa
We recommend coming by in the evening to catch the sunset, just before the structure gets illuminated with lights that change colours along the way. Speaking of which, our guide informed us that the coloured lights can be altered according to your preferences, should you be booking up the entire space for a private celebration. For example, if you're dropping by as part of a hen's night activity, you can request for pink and purple to suit the occasion - or any other colours that your bride-to-be friend might like the best.
Photo from SkyHelix Sentosa
Those who would rather not risk having a full bladder while stuck right at the top can opt for an exclusive SkyHelix Sentosa souvenir instead of the free drink. Alcoholic beverages and small snacks like muffins and savoury pies can also be purchased from the same snack bar at an additional fee.
Photo from SkyHelix Sentosa
The total duration of the ride is around 12 minutes long. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $15 for children - surprisingly reasonable, considering that entertainment at Sentosa doesn’t usually come cheap! Overall, we found the experience to be relaxing and enjoyable, and it's definitely worth a try at least once in your life.
Photo from Mount Faber Leisure Group
SkyHelix Sentosa is located a stone's throw from the Skyline Luge. It's especially easy to get here if you're coming via Cable Car - you'll spot the attraction immediately upon alighting from Imbiah Lookout station.
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Text by: GirlStyle SG
