GOTO to USS: Top 5 Things for Couples to Do in Universal Studios Singapore

Because love is better with a little adrenaline.

Battle between good and evil on the world’s tallest duelling roller coasters

Let’s be real — theme parks aren't just for kids. They're actually the perfect place for couples. Whether you’re in the honeymoon phase or just need a break from adulting, Universal Studios Singapore (USS) is your ultimate playground for fun, laughs, and a little bit of hand-holding on roller coasters.

If you’re planning a day out with your person, here are the Top 5 things every couple should do at USS:

1. Scream (and Laugh) Together on Battlestar Galactica

Start with a bang — or more accurately, a scream. This dual roller coaster lets you choose between Human (red) or Cylon (blue). One’s seated, the other’s inverted. Pro tip: go for Cylon if you love loops and leg-dangling madness.

There’s nothing like a shared adrenaline rush to kick off a date. Bonus: holding hands right before the drop? Iconic.

2. Share a Giant Turkey Leg (or Any Over-the-Top Snack)

Theme park food isn’t always gourmet, but it is part of the fun. Grab a giant turkey leg or a box of popcorn to share while you wander through the park. It’s messy, it’s ridiculous, and it’s 100% a bonding moment.

Also, sharing snacks = couple goals.

3. Take the Most Extra Selfies

You’re in a place filled with movie magic — go wild with the photos! Snap a romantic shot in front of the spinning Universal Globe, pose with the Minions, or grab that moody-couple-in-Ancient-Egypt vibe.

Tip: The best light is in the late afternoon, and the Hollywood Boulevard area is perfect for that vintage, golden-hour glow.

4. Cool Off with a Water Ride (and an Excuse to Hug)

Jump on the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure for a semi-wet, semi-wild ride through dinosaur territory. You will get splashed. You might get soaked. Which means… cue the clingy, cute “I’m cold!” moments afterward.

It’s basically a rom-com scene waiting to happen.

5. End the Day with the Fireworks (or a Sunset Stroll)

If there’s a fireworks show happening that night, stick around — it’s the most magical way to end your day. If not, exit the park and take a sunset stroll down the Sentosa Boardwalk. It’s peaceful, free, and the perfect way to wind down from the chaos of roller coasters and Minion selfies.

Bonus Tip: Match Your Outfits (Just a Little)

You don’t have to go full-on cheesy, but coordinated colors or matching caps? Very cute. Very couple-y. Very Instagram.

Final Thought:

USS isn’t just a place for thrill rides — it’s a date spot, a memory maker, and a reminder that relationships should have room for play. So go ahead, ride the rides, eat the snacks, take the pics, and hold hands like it’s your first time.

Because honestly?
Love is the real ride. 🎢💛

When in Singapore, GOTO Universal Studios: Blockbuster fun on a budget — for two!

Singapore may have a reputation for being sleek and spendy, but if you're traveling as a couple and looking for big adventure on a smart budget, there's one place you have to add to your itinerary: Universal Studios Singapore.

Located on the resort island of Sentosa, this theme park is Southeast Asia’s answer to Hollywood — a one-day thrill ride through movie magic, playful nostalgia, and Insta-ready moments. But here’s the twist: you can do it all without blowing your travel fund. Here’s how.

Your Movie-Date Adventure Begins

From the moment you step into Hollywood Boulevard, you’ll feel like you’re on set. Neon lights, palm trees, and retro tunes — it’s the perfect photo op to start your day. Pro tip? Skip the souvenir shops for now — there are budget-friendly options outside the park later!

From there, explore seven themed zones, each packed with rides and attractions based on your favorite flicks. Whether you're flying through ancient tombs in The Mummy, screaming your lungs out on Battlestar Galactica, or getting soaked on the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, there’s enough adrenaline to keep your hearts racing — and your bond stronger.

Smart Spending Tips for Couples

1. Book Tickets Online
   Snag discounts on the official website or third-party apps like Klook or KKday. You can usually save 10–20% just by booking in advance.

2. Pack Snacks & Stay Hydrated
   Outside food isn’t allowed officially, but many couples sneak in small snacks. Better yet, share meals inside the park to save. A combo meal is big enough for two — and cheaper than getting two separate dishes.

3. Split a Locker & Travel Light
   Lockers are available for rides and day storage. Share one for the day and avoid overpacking. You'll move faster and avoid extra rental fees.

Free Shows = Free Romance
Take breaks from the rides with free shows like WaterWorld — a heart-racing stunt performance that’s a great excuse to snuggle up in the splash zone. Trust us, the chemistry builds quickly when you're dodging explosions and jet skis.  

Budget-Friendly Memories

A theme park date is as much about the experience as the photos. Keep your phone charged for selfies with Minions, Transformers, and Shrek — they’re all walking around the park waiting to pose.

Want a cheap keepsake? Look out for fun, affordable merch like pins, magnets, or park-exclusive postcards under $10 SGD. Or better yet, make your memory free: find the big globe outside the entrance and take your iconic couple shot — it’s the ultimate “we were here” moment.  

The Love Doesn’t Stop There

After your day of action, take a budget-friendly stroll along Sentosa Boardwalk — it’s romantic, breezy, and lit up beautifully at night. For the cost of zero dollars, it’s one of the most peaceful ways to wind down.  

Final Take: Big Date, Little Budget

Universal Studios Singapore proves you don’t need a luxury resort or fancy dinner to create core memories with your partner. With a little planning, a dash of spontaneity, and the spirit of adventure, this blockbuster date can fit perfectly into your couple’s travel story, without breaking the bank.

So if you’re in Singapore and looking for the perfect date?

GOTO Universal Studios.
Love, laughs, and a little scream therapy await.  

When in Singapore, GOTO Sentosa - Your island escape within the city

Singapore is a city of contrasts — a place where futuristic skyscrapers stand beside centuries-old temples, and hawker stalls hold their own against Michelin-starred restaurants. But for locals and tourists alike, there's one escape that feels worlds away from the buzz of the city: Sentosa.

Once a British military fortress and now dubbed "The State of Fun," Sentosa Island is Singapore's premier resort destination. Just a short drive or cable car ride from the mainland, it offers a vibrant mix of adventure, relaxation, and tropical charm. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a beach lover, a history buff, or a family traveler, Sentosa’s got something with your name on it.

Adventure Awaits

For those who like their vacations with a shot of adrenaline, Sentosa doesn't disappoint. The Skyline Luge and Mega Adventure Park offer gravity-defying thrills with sweeping views of the island. Zip-line over lush canopies or race your friends down a twisting luge track — the choice is yours.

But no visit would be complete without a stop at Universal Studios Singapore. This theme park brings Hollywood to Southeast Asia with movie-themed rides, Broadway-worthy shows, and Instagram-worthy street sets. It's not just for kids — adults will find themselves screaming with joy on the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster or singing along during the Waterworld stunt show.

Sun, Sand, and Serenity

If your ideal day involves more ahhh than aaaah!, Sentosa has you covered with three stunning beaches — Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong — each with its own personality.

• Siloso Beach is perfect for the social butterfly: volleyball courts, beach clubs, and buzzing bars.

• Palawan Beach, with its suspension bridge to the “Southernmost Point of Continental Asia,” is ideal for families.

• Tanjong Beach is the peaceful, romantic hideaway — think sunbeds, sunset cocktails, and soft music.

There’s something oddly magical about sipping a coconut drink under swaying palms while the Singapore skyline glimmers in the distance.

A Splash of Culture and History

Sentosa isn’t all thrills and beaches — it’s also steeped in history and culture. Fort Siloso, Singapore’s only preserved coastal fort, offers a sobering yet fascinating look into the island’s wartime past. Walk through underground bunkers, see original WWII artifacts, and take in panoramic views from the Fort Siloso Skywalk.

In the evening, the island transforms into a glowing wonderland. Catch the Wings of Time show — a dazzling multimedia performance set against the open sea, blending water jets, lasers, and pyrotechnics in a tale of friendship and courage.

Luxury Meets Leisure

For those with a taste for the finer things, Sentosa is also home to world-class resorts like Capella Singapore, W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, and Sofitel Sentosa. Add in championship-level golf courses, wellness spas, and gourmet dining, and it’s easy to see why this island is a favorite staycation spot for Singaporeans themselves.

Want to try your luck? The Resorts World Sentosa casino offers high-stakes gaming alongside luxury shopping and restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs.

Getting There is Half the Fun

One of the joys of visiting Sentosa is how you get there. Take the scenic cable car ride from Mount Faber, stroll down the vibrant Sentosa Boardwalk, or hop on the monorail. However you choose, the journey sets the tone for a day (or more) of pure escape.

Final Word: GOTO Sentosa

In a country known for efficiency and innovation, Sentosa is a playful reminder that fun and relaxation are just as important. It’s where Singapore lets its hair down — and invites you to do the same.

So the next time you find yourself in the Lion City, remember the golden rule:
When in Singapore, GOTO Sentosa.

Batil-Patong Bliss: The Soul of Tuguegarao in a Bowl

If you ever find yourself basking in the heat of Tuguegarao City, the sunniest place in the Philippines,  you’ll quickly learn that the true local heat isn’t just from the sun. It’s from a sizzling plate of Pancit Batil Patong, the city’s beloved noodle dish, and arguably one of Northern Luzon’s best-kept culinary secrets.

More Than Just Pancit. “Pancit” may sound familiar across the Philippines, but Tuguegarao’s take is anything but ordinary. Batil Patong roughly translates to “stirred” and “topped,” referring to how this pancit is made and served.

What lands on your table is a glorious mess of homemade miki noodles (egg noodles), stir-fried with ground carabeef (yes, that’s carabao beef), sauteed vegetables, and topped generously with a fried egg. On the side? A small bowl of batil, a rich, savory egg-drop soup made from beef broth, which you're meant to sip or pour over your pancit for that extra hit of umami. And if you're doing it like a local, don’t forget the chopped onions, calamansi, and the ever-essential siling labuyo to kick things up.

A Dish with a Story. Pancit Batil Patong’s history is as layered as its flavors. Born in the 1970s in Tuguegarao's carinderias, the dish was the working man’s power meal—filling, affordable, and packed with protein. Over time, it grew into a cultural icon. Today, it’s not just a favorite among locals; it’s a must-try for travelers, balikbayans, and even food bloggers hunting for the country’s best pancit.

In fact, Tuguegarao has more panciterias per capita than most cities in the country. Friendly debate over who serves the best version of Batil Patong is a local sport.

Where to Try It. Ask around Tuguegarao (or just ask your Tricycle Driver) and you’ll hear names like:

- Jomar’s Panciteria

- Long Life Panciteria

- Cherry's Panciteria

- Triangle Panciteria

- Billy Jack’s Panciteria (often praised for its creative twists)

But honestly? Even hole-in-the-wall spots can serve you a plate that will blow your mind.

More Than Just a Meal. Eating Pancit Batil Patong is an experience. It's loud, saucy, slightly messy, and oh-so-satisfying. It's a dish that locals identify with, a staple at birthdays, reunions, and random lunch breaks.

In Tuguegarao, it’s not unusual to hear someone say, “Tara, pancit tayo, and know that they’re inviting you not just to eat, but to connect, laugh, and share a moment over a bowl of something that feels like home.

Whether you're a foodie, a cultural explorer, or just someone who loves discovering local flavors, Pancit Batil Patong is a dish that delivers on flavor, tradition, and community. Come to Tuguegarao. Come hungry. And get ready to fall in love, one forkful at a time. 

LINKS:  

• Tuguegarao Pancit Batil-Patong Tour  
• The Best Pancit-Batil Patong (Tuguegarao City)  
• Different Panciterias of Tuguegarao 

When in Tuguegarao GOTO the Billy Jack’s Panciteria

Tuguegarao City is famous for its Pancit-Batil-Patung as the city is swarming with panciterias of various sizes, it is served from the smallest food shack/turo-turo to the high-end tourist hotels and restaurants with dozens of variations. One such popular panciteria is Billy Jack’s Panciteria along the Tuguegarao-Santiago Road in barangay Buntun, Tuguegarao City.  It has lots of variations of the original Tuguegarao Pancit Batil-Patung, the place has a unique ambiance which transports you back to the 80’s and some great music too. An important tip is to come early as it is teeming with pancit batil-patung lovers during the dinning rush hours.

Billy Jack’s Panciteria along the Tuguegarao-Santiago Road in barangay Buntun, Tuguegarao City

Filipinos easily understand that pancit or pansit means noodles. The truth is, it is not of Filipino origin but comes from the Hokkien (language family of Fujian, China) word “pian i sit” which actually means “convenient food” or “conveniently cooked food” like today’s fast food. It has become one of the standard food fare of Filipinos and establishments that specialize in noodles are simply called panciterias.  It also commonly served during special occasions due its association by the early Chinese settlers as birthday dish as according to folklore, noodles symbolize long life.

The unique ambiance of the panciteria brings you back to the 80's of Metro Manila discos and watering holes. 

The original Pancit Batil-Patung (or patong) in Tuguegarao simply consisted of sautéed minced carabao meat (carabeef) and poached egg on top of the cooked miki noodles, accompanied with a cup of soup made from carabeef stock complemented with another egg cracked and stirred in the soup. Thus, the term Batil-Patung, batil because of the stirred egg in the soup and patung because another egg, pouched, that is, is placed on top of the cooked miki noodles (with the sautéed ground carabeef).

The place is also popular among foreign and local tourists for a taste of the Ybanag delicacy.

 

Today, there are a lot of Pancit Batil-Patung topping variations in Tuguegarao panciterias such as ground pork chicharon (cracklings), sautéed chopped cabbage with carrots, sautéed sprouted mongo, sausage (Chinese Chorizo) toppings, sautéed liver, chopped lechon carajay, etc. Condiments such as the traditional chopped onions, calamansi, soy sauce, vinegar with chili, etc. are also served alongside every serving of Pancit Batil-Patung.

Left photo: The many variations of the Tuguegarao Pancit Batil-Patung. 

Other popular variations of the pancit-batil patung at Billy Jack’s Panciteria comes by simply adding on some of the available toppings such as: balut, the Tuguegarao longganisa, tapa, chorizo, sisig, etc. People from Metro Manila and other places, specially returning college students after the semestral break and summer break flock to the panciteria  for some bouts of the famed pancit with their own variations of choice. The place is also popular among foreign tourists who want a tang of the Ibanag delicacy  in Tuguegarao City. 

Your choice of one or more variations of the Tuguegarao Pancit Batil-Patung. 

When in Batanes GOTO Fundacion Pacita

Your visit to Batanes is not complete without visiting one of the Philippines’ best Boutique hotels, the Fundacion Pacita  Batanes Nature Lodge. It lies on top of a hill with perfect views of mountains, the Pacific Ocean and the clear blue skies.

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge.

It was once the home of the internationally acclaimed artist Pacita Abad, in whose memory the lodge was named after. Pacita Abad was born in Basco, Batanes on October 5, 1946 and later became an globally recognized Ivatan gypsy artist who left behind some 3,500 works of art prior to her death in Singapore due to cancer. She was buried on the Tukon Hill adjacent to the Fundacion Pacita. Some of her work adorn the corridors of the hotel.

A sculpture of the Abad Patriarch and Matriarch in one of many gardens at Fundacion Pacita. 

The rooms in the hotel carry a distinct interior design and its architecture mirror the traditional stone and wood houses of the Ivatan with a remarkable window view of natural landscapes. It is said that no two rooms have the same views in the hotel. The rooms are fully air-conditioned with its own private toilet and bath. Accommodations include breakfast and airport transfers are also available.

Artwork at the fireplace before the dinning room. 

Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge continues to promote the unique culture of the Ivatans through its cuisine served at the adjacent Café du Tukon. It also supports projects that benefit the Ivatan artists and it regularly undertakes some projects for Batanes’ heritage conservation.

Some of the many artworks adorn the corridors. Its like having an art gallery right in your home. 

The Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge is an icon of the people’s struggle to adapt with Batanes’ harsh weather and how they thrive with their own endemic flora and fauna. There are at least fifty (50) varieties of root crops on the islands of Batanes. The landscape is also teeming with mountain goats, organically grown pigs and large cattle who freely roam and graze along the mountain slopes. The seasonal flying fish locally called Dibang abounds in the waters around Btanes. It is usually processed as Spanish sardines and some are dried for the lean season. 

When in Batanes GOTO Mahatao Church (AD 1789)

Facing the West Philippine Sea in Batan Island in Batanes lies the Spanish colonial Mahatao Church, also known as the Church of San Carlos Borromeo.  It was declared by the National Museum as a national cultural treasure on July 31, 2001 and is under the conservation program of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts(NCCA).

The Mahatao Church faces the West Philippine Sea. 

The church was built by the Dominicans in 1789 and in 1873, originally a wooden structure, it was improved with limestone walls and cogon roofing. Like the traditional houses in the typhoon frequented islands in Batanes, the church is made of stone and lime (common building materials in Batanes) to withstand the typhoons.  

The San Carlos Borromeo Church is one of 26 Spanish colonial churches recognized as a cultural icon in the Philippines. 

On top is a belfry with old bells dating back to 1874. Its baroque interiors is adorned with flowers and image of the patron Saint CharlesBorromeo, also Saint Joseph, Saints Dominic de Guzman and Saint Rose of Lima.

The Baroque interior of the Mahatao Church. 

The church was also the place were Ivatan Katipunan revolutionaries raised the flag of the Katipunan on the bell tower on September 19, 1898. The Katipunan (KKK) was a Filipino revolutionary movement founded by Andress Bonifacio and revolutionary Filipinos in Manila in 1892 to fight for indenpendence from Spain.