Need a much-needed break from the stresses of life? Well, Resorts World Sentosa’s newest Frolic in the Tropics campaign might just be for you. Enjoy idyllic pleasures from its distinctively themed luxurious hotels and award-winning restaurants, to familiar world-class themed attractions just around the corner, like Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A. Aquarium!
Though this campaign from Resorts World Sentosa includes a whole variety of attractive packages to choose from, such as tropical staycation packages, in this article, I’ll be focusing on The Sea of Tiki at S.E.A. Aquarium, and Tropical Thrills at Universal Studios Singapore.
The Sea of Tiki
The S.E.A. Aquarium retains much of its familiar interior, with the calming blue waters and fascinating sea creatures to look at.
However, several highlights from the campaign include the Tropical Trail, where guests get to explore the aquarium and see tropical fishes native to Hawaiian waters. Home to more than 7,000 known species of marine animals, the tropical islands around Hawaii are known for their lush and thriving coral reef ecosystem.
As the Aquarium focuses on conservation and education, there are also many activities for children to take part in that will teach them more about ocean life. For the parents of curious kids, this is a perfect activity for you to take part in!
The native fishes are chosen from a whole catalogue by curators to ensure the fishes’ compatibility. At the Aquarium, guests will come face-to-face with the inhabitants of the tropical waters, such as the racoon butterflyfish, yellow tang, slingjaw wrasse, as well as, the aquarium’s iconic manta rays. With a tropical aesthetic mixed with the tanks, the tropical fish will be indicated by unique tiki totem icons on the trail, so do keep a lookout for those!
For veteran patrons of the Aquarium, the long-awaited dive-feeding session makes a return at the Open Ocean Habitat! Housing one of the world’s largest viewing panels, the area in front of the Habitat is now adorned with fairy lights and elegant tables for an unforgettable dining experience amidst the ocean life.
The Tiki Warrior Dive Feed, where aquarists don colourful garlands and tropical grass skirts, will see more than 40,000 marine animals across 120 species – including the zebra shark, white-spotted eagle ray and giant grouper – be hand-fed during this visual spectacle. Though it may be a little hard to spot the divers at first, they make their rounds to ensure that everyone gets a close-up look at the sea life. (One of the divers even led a manta ray right in front of us!)
Fantastical music accompanies the schools of fishes dancing in front of you, and I felt mesmerised by the whole experience myself. Though, do remember to keep to safe distancing measures!
Another highlight is the return of the much-missed S.E.A. Aquarium mascots –
Mika, Mako and Manja. Ever ready for a photo opportunity, they’ll have children squeal in delight at their themed costumes during the manta ray mascot meet-and-greet session.
Entering the area dancing to upbeat music, it was hard not to smile when the manta ray mascots appeared. Get ready to snap your photos with them to keep as a cute souvenir from your visit!
The Sea of Tiki experience is available up till 11 May 2021, so be sure to check it out while you can!
Tropical Thrills at Universal Studios Singapore
Upon entering USS, I noticed the surfboard displays and many beloved characters like Shrek dressed in tropical clothing, like grass garlands and flower crowns.
Also, it’s hard to miss the giant tiki head right at the end of the street. King Kaluha, is a fast-talking, joke-making and music-loving tiki who is eager to meet and entertain guests on Walamak Island.
I had the opportunity to go for the all-new meet and greet, Tiki Time with the Stars! I interacted with King Kahula and snapped photos of my favourite characters (which includes the Minions and Gru from Illumination’s Despicable Me and Minions films). The characters all don tropical island attire, and they parade down the street alongside stilt-walkers and hip-swaying hula characters.
Moreover, whenever you go up for a picture, King Kaluha speaks to you and spouts many dad jokes that are sure to bring a smile to your face. However, being someone a little more reserved, being the centre of attention there and having a giant Tiki King speak to me in a booming voice was a little intimidating. But, I’d say the photos were worth it!
We also got to meet Guy Diamond, from DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls franchise, making an appearance at USS for the first time! The jukebox music and sound effects corresponded to what King Kaluha said, and the characters also interact with the audience, which made for a pretty fun experience overall.
For fans of familiar USS characters, such as those from the Madagascar movies and Sesame Street neighbours, you wouldn’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime photoshoot opportunity!
Ending Thoughts
Resorts World Sentosa’s Frolic in the Tropics also includes many other unique experiences, such as tropical dining and staycations. No set end date has been announced yet, but to get the latest updates and information, visit their website here!
Photos by Darren Chiong of the DANAMIC Team.
