Gong xi fa cai! Strawberry Moments wishes everyone a Happy Lunar New Year of the Tiger and a prosperous and fulfilling year 2010 ahead!
2010 was a roaring start for us! Ted and me headed to the much anticipated new attraction at Sentosa Integrated Resort (IR) - the Resorts World (owned by Genting Singapore Public Limited Company (PLCHoldings Ltd) ) on 17 February 2010 and to visit the Casino which was newly opened on 14 February 2010 (First Day of the Lunar New Year). We had to take a look at the latest hype and to also visit the new 4 Resorts World Hotels, the shopping galleries and the much awaited "Universal Studio Singapore"!
It was a smooth ride into the Sentosa island. Surprisingly, there were no island entrance charges, as we all Singaporeans expected when we drove in to the island. We found out later that if you were to visit the Resorts World and follow the track in, there are no entrance charges. But if you drive in to Sentosa on the other path, there will be $7 island entrance charges though.
In we went, and we were met with a huge carpark. It was as if we were going to the checkpoints to visit Malaysia. Very interesting. The helpful guards gave us useful directions that if we were to visit the hotels and to see the Resorts World / Casino, we can park at the end of the East Carpark. If we were to visit Hard Rock Hotel, we can head for the West Carpark instead. (Daily max carpark charges is only $20) We finally were able to find carpark lots at the Green Zone after making about 3 rounds around the huge carpark. There was really a huge crowd that day! We then walked in to the basement of the Resorts World and we were greeted with the MGM and Casino.
Crockfords Tower
We strolled the entire Resorts World, splurging money at the souvenir shops, shopping galleries beside the Crockfords Tower, Hotel Michael, Festive Hotel.
As the Preview Universal Studio tickets at $10 were all snapped up for this Lunar New Year festive period, we were unable to get in to the Studio. We were able to see the entrance and could only envy those who can go in. Instead, we hung around and indulged in the delicious Hershey's Chocolate World. I found my long-lost heavenly Reese buttercup chocolates at the Chocolate World and I couldnt stop eating away! Yummy.
After, we finally headed to the highlight of the evening - the CASINO! Singaporeans had to pay a $100 Casino Entrance Levy (for an unlimited 24 hour visit) to get in the Casino. Despite that, it was no deterrent for the many curious Singaporeans. We were one of them too! Passing through a train of semi-circular hoops, we had to show our NRIC for registration and to pay our levy.
Many security guards were stationed outside the Casino. There were 2 paths, one for Singaporeans and the other for overseas visitors. Singaporeans had to scan their NRIC to go in and we have 24 hours to the Casino. No photos allowed so I wont be able to share what I see there. Jackpot machines and many gaming tables lined the Casino. For hungry guests like me, there are 3 eateries, a cafe, bar, lounge, Japanese restaurant and also a foodcourt, much to my delight! (For Casino dining, please refer to Resorts World dining here)
Most of our time was spent standing around the tables and looking at people play as the place was just too crowded. It was quite fun observing the games though! We tried our luck at the Blackjack table (at minimum $10 per game) and Lady Luck was shining at us! We won a few games and left the Casino with some good money but still unable to cope back our Levy though ... Jackpot machines were simply impossible for you to touch as there were long queues and all the people seem stuck to their chairs (at 5 cents per games, it is no wonder!) Many gamblers were practically shouting away in the Casino with the excitement getting thicker into the night! It was a fun experience overall. Entertainment of a different sort in Singapore now. That said, its provided you know your limit and where to stop.
Resorts World is at Sentosa Integrated Resort, 39 Artillery Avenue, Sentosa, Singapore 099958 Tel: +65 6577 8888.
