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We got to USS by mid morning, in humid summer heat. Tickets to the Theme Park is S$77.00 of which, while certain rides are still not in operation, S$15.00 can be used for food and drinks. Battlestar Galactica, the “world’s tallest dueling roller coaster,” is still closed after they found a problem when they did a routine pre-opening inspection. Vekoma, the Netherlands-based manufacturer, and independent inspectors are insidiously working to make the star attraction of USS guaranteed safe to open to the public within the year.
A welcome haven was the canopied Hollywood Boulevard where one could see replicas of the facades of shops and cubbyholes of tinsel town. Next is the equally canopied “streets” of New York, ending at the doorsteps of the New York City Library. It’s Manhattan in the late 40s and early 50s…then, Marilyn Monroe coyly wiggles her behind to passersby and barbershop trios sing at street corners. Catch “Monster Rock” at Pantages Hollywood Theater – meet you favorite monsters as they shake and roll.
Universal Studios Singapore shuts down rollercoaster due to glitch
10:41:57 am, by edalegre 
, 116 words 
Barely a week after it opened to much fanfare, the Universal Studios Singapore theme park’s main attraction has shut down indefinitely.
The action was taken after a technical glitch was found in the Battlestar Galactica duelling rollercoaster ride during a pre-opening inspection on Thursday.
The theme park is located within the Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) integrated resort.
In a statement, RWS said that it decided to close the ride -- the world’s tallest duelling rollercoaster -- to reaffirm its commitment to employee and guest safety.
However, it did not elaborate on what the glitch was or how it occurred.
In a separate statement Thursday night, the police said the ride’s licence has been suspended with immediate effect.
Singapore - Kuala Lumpur - Penang - Bangkok
The train trip from Singapore to Bangkok is 1,946 km or 1,249 miles and involves 2 or 3 separate train rides, depending on where you want to stop off and change trains. I'd recommend stopping off at Kuala Lumpur and Penang, both fascinating cities. So stage 1 is to take a train from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, choose between two modern air-conditioned daytime trains or an overnight sleeper train. Stage 2 is from KL to Butterworth (linked by frequent ferry to Penang), with a choice of two daytime trains or an overnight sleeper. Stage 3 is to take the 'International Express' leaving Butterworth at lunchtime and arriving in Bangkok next morning. It's entirely up to you whether you do this journey all in one go in 48 hours or stop off and see places on the way, as each train is booked and ticketed separately. All 3 trains can be booked at any railway station in Malaysia or Singapore, or by email with Malaysian Railways. There is a detailed map of train routes in Malaysia on the Malaysian Railways website, www.ktmb.com.my.
What are Malaysian trains like? |
Daytime express trains...
Daytime express trains between Singapore & Kuala Lumpur are modern and air-conditioned. They have 1st & 2nd class seats, marketed as 'Premier' & 'Standard'. The trains have a refreshment trolley and buffet car with a very limited selection of drinks and snacks, but it's a good idea to bring your own food and drink along.
Penang - Butterworth ferry...
Penang is an island, and the main town on Penang Island is called Georgetown, once capital of British Malaya. The railway station for Penang is Butterworth, which is on the mainland directly opposite Georgetown. When you arrive by train at Butterworth station, you go up a short walkway from the platforms to the ferry terminal, and ferries from Butterworth to Penang (Georgetown) operate around the clock at frequent intervals, taking just 15 minutes. Georgetown has some excellent British colonial buildings, interesting museums and temples, and a large Chinatown. Well worth a visit!
For hotels in Penang, use the hotel search engine below or see TripAdvisor's Penang hotels page. The most famous & historic place to stay in Penang is of course the historic Eastern & Oriental Hotel, around £110 for a double room.
Right: The Butterworth to Penang ferry, linking the railway station with Georgetown.