More thrills for speed fiends at Sentosa luge

Two new downhill routes, another chairlift at attraction part of efforts to lure back local crowd

Skyline Luge Sentosa yesterday introduced two new downhill routes, which promise more twists and turns, including hairpin corners, for visitors. The island attraction also has an additional Skyride chairlift, which will cut the waiting times for ride
Skyline Luge Sentosa yesterday introduced two new downhill routes, which promise more twists and turns, including hairpin corners, for visitors. ST PHOTOS: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Skyline Luge Sentosa yesterday introduced two new downhill routes, which promise more twists and turns, including hairpin corners, for visitors. The island attraction also has an additional Skyride chairlift, which will cut the waiting times for ride
The island attraction also has an additional Skyride chairlift, which will cut the waiting times for rides - which can be more than 11/2 hours on weekends - to just about 30 minutes. ST PHOTOS: ARIFFIN JAMAR

Speed fanatics should enjoy Skyline Luge Sentosa's two new downhill routes, which promise more twists and turns, including hairpin corners and long slopes.

The tracks introduced yesterday - the 658m-long Expedition and the 638m-long Kupu Kupu - bring to four the total number at the attraction.

Skyline Luge Sentosa's first new tracks in seven years are part of a $14 million upgrade.

Lecturer Virginia Goh, 36, who visits the luge about once or twice a year with her family, said she enjoyed the new tracks, adding: "It's good that they provide something new for regular visitors to enjoy."

Another new feature at the attraction is an additional Skyride chairlift, which will cut the waiting times for rides - which can be more than 11/2 hours on weekends - to just about 30 minutes.

The 315m-long Skyride transports visitors from Siloso Beach to the luge's starting point on top of Imbiah Lookout. Reaching up to 16m above ground, it provides visitors with a view of the Singapore city skyline as well as out to the South China Sea.

The new facilities are part of attempts to revitalise the attraction and encourage more repeat visitors, said Skyline Luge Sentosa general manager Ryan Williams.

Luring thrill-seekers: Visitors enjoying the thrills and spills of Skyline Luge Sentosa's new 658m-long Expedition track, one of two new tracks launched yesterday. The other is the 638m-long Kupu Kupu track, bringing the total number to four and stretching 2.6km in all. The attraction's first new tracks in seven years promise more hairpin corners and long slopes for thrill seekers. They are part of a $14 million upgrade for the 12-year-old attraction. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

Though visitor numbers have risen over the years - from around 670,000 in 2007 to 1.2 million last year - there has been a drop of about 10 per cent in the number of local visitors in recent years.

"We wanted something new to draw back the local crowd, as they're our base clients," he said.

As part of a promotion that ends on Dec 31, Singapore citizens and permanent residents can enjoy $3 off for four luge and Skyride rides, which would normally cost $28.

Skyline Luge Sentosa will also be setting aside 700 tickets worth up to $15,400 for local charity and community organisations.

Sentosa works with its partners to "refresh and rejuvenate" the island's offerings, said Sentosa Development Corporation assistant chief executive Jacqueline Tan, adding that the new facilities will bring "even more fun and excitement" to visitors.

Skyline Luge Sentosa - an initiative by New Zealand-based Skyline Enterprises - is also collaborating with another firm in a tender for a new attraction on the island, said Mr Williams. He declined to say more as the tender has yet to be announced.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 17, 2017, with the headline More thrills for speed fiends at Sentosa luge. Subscribe