Visited on: 12 April 2022, Tuesday
It is April 2022. The borders from Singapore to Malaysia are freshly opened and so is the new theme park, built 6000 ft up in the sky in Genting Highlands, covering 26 acres of land. It features 26 rides, according to their website, in 9 exciting Worlds — Eagle Mountain, Central Park, Liberty Lane, Robots Rivet Town, Andromeda Base, Ice Age, Studio Plaza, Epic and Rio.
As with every theme park, this place has its ups and downs (and upside downs!) so I hope to share some of the ins and outs from our experience in Genting Skyworlds.
I am sharing my personal experience as well as information I think could be useful to those looking to visit the park! I also stated if I noticed a ride has flashing lights for those who may be sensitive. The features may change between my visit and yours so please heed the instructions and warnings provided by the park for each attraction. Do ask the staff if you have any concerns as my notes are not exhaustive nor frequently updated.
Andromeda Base
This World has a futuristic spaceship theme with attractions for those who are more adventurous.
Terraform Tower Challenge*
As thrill seekers, we just had to start our visit with the Terraform Tower Challenge! It features a tower that takes you up into the sky, giving you a spectacular view of the park before it sends you into an exhilarating freefall.
Notes:
Has storage to put bags and loose items (in front of each section of seats)
Remove loose footwear
Advised to tie up long hair
Height requirement: 122cm/about 4’
Safety restraints: Individual over shoulder
Personal experience
This was a fun ride but not as scary as we had hoped. A taller, faster drop would have been more exciting. This is a good ride for new thrill seekers to start off with!
There was no wait in the morning but it seemed to be closed later in the day due to technical issues.
Spoiler Alert (Click here to skip)
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The tower is taller than it seems ;)
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Alpha Fighter Pilots*
This was the 2nd ride on our agenda. This ride takes you round and round and upside down in 360° turns.
Notes:
Has storage to put bags and loose items (common area for all riders near the holding section on the ride)
Remove loose footwear
Advised to tie up long hair
Height requirement: 122cm/about 4’
Safety restraints: Individual over shoulder
Personal experience
Again, fun but not too scary. Perfect for new thrill seekers looking for something to start off with! The waiting is a nightmare due to technical issues.
Boot Camp Training
Strapped by a safety harness, you move through the Adventure Course, across high elements that test your balance and agility. Some sections of the Adventure Course have two path options. Pick the one with higher difficulty if you're up for more of a challenge. You can change to an easier or harder path at the next section if you fancy.
Then you take a flight of stairs to the top of the tower to zoom back down on the Zip Coaster zipline.
There are also non harnessed climbing sections that we did not have time to try. While waiting, I noticed there were other climbing walls with what looked like automatic belay devices that weren't available for use that day. Perhaps they didn't have enough staff on hand to supervise the kids or the machines weren't ready for use yet. That's just something to look forward to in future visits!
Notes:
Has no storage to put bags and loose items (We exceeded the free time limit for lockers)
Allowed to bring phones in secure pockets. Not allowed to take pictures while going through the activities (My guess is they don’t want you holding up the line for selfies but you also risk dropping your phone or tripping)
Advised to tie up long hair
Height requirement: 110 cm/about 3’7” (110 – 140cm/about 3’7” – 4’7” with supervising companion)
Wear good shoes (My sister wore sneakers, my dad wore rubber loafers, and I wore lace up ankle boots)
Safety restraints: Individual over the shoulder and around thighs safety harness
Personal experience
We were eyeing this from the moment we stepped into Andromeda Base. We decided to go later in the day as it looked physically taxing. Bad idea! What we should have done was book a slot in the virtual queue immediately as mandated according to the hardcopy map. We were turned away when we tried to queue at about 2pm/3pm. The staff member kindly advised and helped us book a time slot using the Genting SkyWorlds app at 5pm. We did come back at about 3.30pm to ask her if any time slots had opened up from last minute cancellations. A time slot had opened up at 4pm. Yay!
Even with a booking, we still had to wait in line to get harnessed up. We also had a long wait for the Zip Coaster at the top of the tower as they can only send one person down at a time.
Make sure your harness is positioned properly around your thighs on the Zip Coaster or it could press on your body parts uncomfortably, as someone in our group complained. Remember your whole weight will be pressing into it which could cause it to ride up and rub if it’s not well fitted.
This attraction was not as physically draining as I had anticipated so if we had done it earlier in the day, it would have been fine too. It's an exciting physical activity for energetic, hyped up kids or those who want something different from just getting in a ride and whirled around.
Rio
Themed after the movie, Rio, this World features vibrant decorative houses in the park’s own take on the colourful streets of Brazil.
This World was so lively and gorgeous I just had to come back for pics after we had caught all the other rides and attractions we wanted.
Shoutout to the kid that saw me posing and decided to copy me. So adorable!
Samba Gliders
With a faux hang glider above your head, this two-way ride takes flight at 65ft/20m up in the air across the park with tight turns and quick drops. You heard that right! Two-way. The forward-facing seats give you the first look while the backward-facing seats give you time to admire the scenes that pass you.
Notes:
Has storage to put bags and loose items (A wooden box for each batch of riders, not sure if separate families have to share a box)
Remove loose footwear
I don't remember if it was advised to tie up long hair but I would
Height requirement: 95 cm/about 3’2” (95 – 122cm/about 3'2” – 4' with supervising companion)
Safety restraints: Individual lap bar
Personal experience
The queues on this ride are long, given it was a weekday and not a public holiday. I would book time slots or queue up early as this ride seems to be ridiculously popular amongst families. And I can see why! From a front-facing seat, I got a refreshing brush of wind in my face and a fantastic bird’s eye view of the park, great for looking out for the next ride to hop on. That’s how we spotted Sid’s Rock ‘N’ Slide! It's also fun without being overly terrifying for those who shy from a thrill.
Toilets
The toilets in the park are so clean compared to a lot of other theme parks. Perhaps it’s because it’s new or that there weren’t too many guests that day but I hope they will maintain this standard. There were also more than enough stalls that I didn’t have to wait in line for a stall at all that day. This was particularly reassuring as I had to run to the loo multiple times during my visit.
The toilets at Rio were very clean despite being right next to one of the more popular rides. You also get to listen to the catchy soundtrack of the movie, Rio, blaring throughout the World while you do your business. I had a stomach ache here for 30 minutes. 10/10 would poop again!
Blue Sky Carousel
Despite it being classified under Rio on the map, this joyful merry-go-round is a fusion of 3 Worlds — Rio, Ice Age, and Epic. This ride features characters from each of the 3 movies in a festive double-decker carousel.
Notes:
No storage to put bags and loose items (Bring it on the ride)
Height requirement: The map and app stated different height requirement. I did not notice this until after I had left. Do ask the staff in case of confusion (and comment down below if you manage to get an answer. Thanks!)
Map: 105 cm/about 3’5”
App: 100 cm/about 3’3” (100 – 140cm/about 3'3” – 4'7 with supervising companion)
Safety restraints: Individual waist belt or none depending on which seat you take
Small flashing lights with daylight
Personal experience
There was a short queue on this merry-go-round. There were a large variety of characters and seats to choose from including straddling ones that move up and down or stationary seats that just move with the rotation of the ride. You’re not allowed to stand up during the ride. My dad wanted to help us take pictures but a staff member told him before the ride started that he had to remain seated. We still got some cute selfies during the ride and some shots after. The front of the carousel is decorated with beautiful topiary designs of Sid and Scrat from Ice Age, Blue and Jewel from Rio, and a hummingbird from Epic.
Ice Age
This World is themed after the movie, Ice Age, and its prehistoric characters.
The classic Genting fog rolling in really compliments the snowcapped mountainous atmosphere of the Ice Age.
Sid’s Rock ‘N’ Slide
Get spun round and round and flung side to side in this log ride with Sid and Diego.
Notes:
Has storage to put bags and loose items (common area for all riders near the holding section on the ride)
Height requirement: 100 cm/about 3’3” (100 – 122cm/about 3'3” – 4' with supervising companion)
Safety restraints: Shared lap bar for each row
Small splashes of water
Personal experience
This ride is another fun one for the family. We reserved slots for this ride. There seemed to be a queue.
Central Park
Independence Day: Defiance
Start this adventure off with a staff briefing of your interplanetary mission. Then, step into your seats for a virtual motion escapade as you fly out of the stratosphere to defeat the extraterrestrial beings.
Notes:
Has storage to put bags and loose items (under each seat)
Allowed to keep glasses on. No 3D glasses needed
Advised to tie up hair
Height requirement: 100 cm/about 3’3” (100 – 140cm/about 3'3” – 4'7 with supervising companion)
Safety restraints: Individual seat belts
Language: English
Not sure if there are screenings available in other languages but it could be enjoyed even without the plot
Dark room with flashing lights
Small splashes of water
Personal experience
This was a magnificent ride with detailed props during the briefing and incredible imagery during the virtual motion display. We had reserved time slots for this ride. During the briefing, we stood in the front row. When we got to our seats, we appeared to be in the back row but as the ride started, each row was moved to be stacked atop each other and we were at the highest row which offered a great view!
Spoiler Alert (Click here to skip)
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The alien animatronic that appeared during the briefing was very impressive.
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Food
Harry Ramsden World Famous Fish & Chips || Central Park
We ordered cod fish and chips with a soft drink. My family just despised it. The fish was bland. At least it was crispy so it was salvageable with some tartar sauce. Perhaps I should have asked for some salt. The chips, which seemed more like potato wedges, were not crispy.
Crash and Eddie’s Frozen Treats || Ice Age
The Mango Madness (18RM) was simply wonderful.
A large cup was filled with milky mango flavoured shaved ice, topped with nata de coco, mango chunks, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzled in sweet mango syrup. It was finished with Scrat’s iconic acorn(chocolate and biscuit) on top. What a treat!
It reminds me of bingsu or mango snow ice.
App
Before your visit, do download the Genting Skyworlds mobile app which is available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. This app is an app-solute essential! We got our tickets straight from the app (151RM/S$50.59 for those above 110cm, 128RM/S$42.89 for those 90cm – 110cm tall, above 60 years old, or with disabilities) but you can also scan the QR code to link your ticket to the app.
The app has a map that has more details about each attraction than the hardcopy we got at the park. On top of height restrictions, accessibility info for wheelchair users, and loose item restrictions that are in the hardcopy, the app also includes info about types of attractions, thrill level, supervising companions, availability during rain, and operation status. That's just for the attractions! While the hard copy states halal statuses of each dining establishment, the app has info about vegetarian options, payment methods, and operation status.
I did notice some information that was inconsistent in the maps such as height requirements for the Blue Sky Carousel. The hardcopy also stated that virtual bookings are required for Boot Camp Training which was not mentioned in the app.
This brings me to the best feature of the app — the Virtual Queue (VQ) reservation, which allows you to book time slots for each attraction to avoid wasting your precious play time waiting in line. You can even book time slots in groups at once which is perfect if you’re visiting with a group of friends or family.
Crowds + Queues
We came on a non–public holiday Tuesday. Walking around the park, there were people but the crowd was at a comfortable size. Some of the attractions had long winding queues. This is where booking time slots in advance becomes a godsend. I can only imagine what lines might be like on a public holiday now that the Singapore borders are opened!
*Technical Issues + Closed Rides
At this time, a lot of rides are “coming soon”. As if we weren't limited enough, a lot of rides faced technical difficulties.
We ran to Terraform Tower Challenge first thing in the morning (about 11.05am) and managed to get on without too long a wait. We did notice throughout the day that the ride was closed (perhaps due to technical issues). Pity that we couldn’t ride it again and a larger pity for anyone who arrived later in the day and missed it altogether.
It was completely disappointing to wait in line and watch other riders get their turn, only to be told the ride will be closed due to technical difficulties right after we put our bags in the loose item storage area. This happened to us on 2 different rides.
The first being Alpha Fighter Pilots. We got in line right after going on Terraform Tower Challenge, so it was still pretty early in the day (about 11.20am). The ride was active when we got in line. We were first in the holding area and waited as it filled with other riders before we were all turned away because the ride was facing technical issues. After half a day in the park, we saw a queue forming at the ride. Excitedly, we joined the line. After a round or 2, the next batch of riders were not boarded. Technicians were discussing amongst themselves if the ride could resume. We were sceptical of our chances on this ride. Fortunately, we finally got a turn on the ride.
We weren't so lucky with River Town Roller. They had us waiting as the ride took a few batches of riders. When it came to our turn, we were turned away.
Weather
We experienced warm sun and rain all on the same day. We started off with hot sunlight. Most of the day followed with cloudy skies. We were fairly lucky that the rain only hit us towards the end of our visit. We did unsuccessfully try to squeeze in one last ride, the River Town Roller, which was sheltered. There are sheltered areas in the park for when the rain hits. You can also refer to the app to check which rides are operating during rain.
Language
Most signs are in English with a few that have Chinese translations. I did not notice signs in any other languages.
In all Veracity,
The park is beautifully decorated with gorgeous displays and vibrant colours, perfect for photo taking. The staff members are friendly and the place is clean, which will hopefully be maintained into the future. The rides that we got to go on were entertaining. The target audience seems to be more fun lovers than thrill seekers like ourselves. Some rides were opened and closed unpredictably due to technical issues so be prepared for rides to turn you away. Many rides have yet to be opened at all. Hopefully these will become available soon and they will have the technical kinks sorted quickly. Remember to download the app. You can use it to reserve time slots in the virtual queue to limit time you have to spend waiting in line, especially if you’re visiting during peak periods.
xoxo,
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