There’s nothing like having a dose of adrenaline to inject excitement in any family outing. Over the years, Singapore has added to her play-worthy landscapes many such new attractions ranging from indoor gyms to outdoor parks.

I brought the daughter to revisit a family-friendly adventure activity that not many know has been around for a decade. Recently revamped, I dare say the Skyline Luge Sentosa is the ONLY place in Singapore to offer this unique dose of adrenaline rush complete with stunning sea view and a literally uplifting experience. Judging by the crowd (even on a weekday), one can tell it’s really popular among tourists and local families alike. To add to its accolades, Skyline Luge Sentosa has also been awarded the Certificate of Excellence for four consecutive years (2011 to 2014) by Trip Advisor.

Skyline Luge, Beach Station, Sentosa

The Skyline Luge gives your family an addictive and entertaining ‘Alpine’ experience right here in sunny Singapore by first hoisting your entire family up on skyride chairlifts to the top of the Sentosa hill where you will then race down your luge in one of the two winding tracks Swiss-style. All this without breaking the bank account or subjecting yourself to jet-lag to fly to the land of the Matterhorn! What impresses me is that we can experience the Skyline Luge Sentosa with the entire family, even children as young as 3 years old!

I still remember I went on the Luge for the first time with Dana on my lap 3 years ago when she was still a tiny tot. I was apprehensive initially but the moment I steered the luge down the tracks with relative ease and heard my daughter giggling non-stop, I knew we had to come back. And we did!

Here are some family-friendly pointers from our Skyline Luge Sentosa experiences:

Safety: 

At the Luge, safety is paramount. Before your first ride, the helpful staff will brief you how to steer, maneuver, slow-down and come to a complete halt (all in a 4 simple pull-push-left-right motion). To gain speed, just leave it to gravity and the gradual slope. You’re in total control of how fast you want to go. Release the steering completely and you come to a complete stop. It’s seriously simple and safe. The low CG (Center of Gravity) and wide bottom of the Luge will ensure that you will not skid off or fall off. Helmets, customized by age and size, are given and must be worn. If you have a child with you, there is ample space for both of you to sit comfortably together on the Luge. The additional weight of your child only makes the Luge more stable. For children to ride the Luge alone, they must be 6 years or older (or 110cm in height).

I can ride the Luge on my own, yay!

Safety briefing for your first ride

The helmet selection and safety briefings are done before your first ride. For subsequent rides, the queue will move much swifter. During our recent visit on Youth Day, the wait was 30 to 40 minutes for first riders. If you want to avoid queues and heat, I suggest you go either early in the morning or in the evenings. They open from 10am till 9:30pm daily.

Red helmet for our adventurous little Luger…

Sun:

This is an outdoor activity. Right after you purchase the tickets, you’re out there with the elements. Go armed with sunscreen, mozzie repellant and lots of drinking water. The ride allows you to bring a small water bottle or small haversack as long as you can sling it securely over your head and across your shoulder.

The most fun outdoor family activity in Sentosa!

Speed:

You’re in absolute control. There are no accelerators. Just a simple all-in-one brake and release steering mechanism which allows you to control the speed of the Luge. As a beginner, you may want to avoid the crowded time-slots as there may be more maneuvering needed to steer clear of other riders on the tracks. During our visit, it was the wifey’s first time on the Luge. Those who know her well would know that she’s not extremely sporty and adventurous sort but despite that, the Luge was enjoyable and simple enough for her to go on it not once, but 5 times!  When they say once is not enough, you gotta believe it! It’s that addictive, even for a novice!

The satisfaction at being able to ride in her own Luge!

Selection:

There are two tracks offering only slightly different levels of excitement. After all, they both merge midway. To us, the Dragon Trail starts off with a bit more bends allowing more thrills at the corners while the Jungle Trail with lesser bends allows you to gain speed right from the start. I personally prefer the Dragon Trail whereas the wifey and daughter like the Jungle Trail.

Waiting for our turns to start Luging!

The tracks take on an entirely different feel at night.

During the day, you’re able to see details of the tracks more clearly allowing you greater control. Also, the day ride on the chairlifts allows you to photograph the panoramic vista with ease.

The skyride at dusk…

At night, the tracks are lit with multi-coloured lights, bright enough to illuminate the bends and fellow thrill-seekers. Seeing the lights whiz by amidst the darkness adds to the level of thrill and excitement. The night rides tend to be also way cooler and less crowded.

Mesmerizing track lights at night…

A totally different Luge experience!

Did she like it? You bet!

Undecided? There is a day and night combo ticket for those who want the best of both worlds.

Scenery:

Gorgeous scenery. Day and night. The 10 minute ride on the ski lift rewards you with a bird’s eye  views of the sea and our city beyond Sentosa. The night view is mesmerizing albeit more challenging to photograph. Unlike the cable car, the skyride chairlifts have no ‘cabins’ so you’re ONE with the stunning views. Exciting and not for the faint-hearted!

Enjoying the views on the skyride…

Going uphill was a rewarding experience in itself!

Night vista…

Souvenir Photos:

No need to stand in front some green screen and have ‘fake’ scenery superimposed onto your family portraits. The photos taken during the skyrides and luge rides are as real as they get – they capture your family’s thrill-seeking, spontaneous moments! Should you wish to purchase a photo, just inform the friendly staff at the counters to reserve them under your name for viewing once you’re done.

‘Once is never enough’: we can’t agree more!

Getting there:

Whether you commute or drive, head towards the Beach Station in Sentosa. Once there, follow the signs to the Skyline Luge or, better still, look up and you’ll see the skyride…for you, the thrill has just begun.

Here we go again! Seriously addictive fun!

SKYLINE LUGE SENTOSA
Website | Facebook

Ticket Prices here
Opens 10am – 9.30pm daily all year

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!!!

The Skyline Luge Sentosa is sponsoring 3 lucky PrincessDanaDiaries readers with a Four Ride Family Pass (for 2 adults and 2 kids) each! Simply follow the steps to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to readers residing in Singapore and ends on midnight of Thursday 31 July 2014. The lucky winners will be notified by email. All the best!

Terms and Conditions:

* Family deals are applicable for families with children below 16 years old.
** Children under 6 years or shorter than the required 110cm to ride alone, may ride the Luge in tandem with a full paying adult.