Find of the week: we've been checking out the brand new digital attraction in Singapore – HeadRock VR!
Always on the search for new and exciting things to keep the kiddos entertained with, we took ourselves over to Sentosa this week to check out Singapore’s first-ever VR theme park – HeadRock VR. With 11 rides designed with kids (and kidults!) aged six and up in mind, this is definitely a new weekend and school holiday activity to pop on your radar. It’s already up ‘n’ running in the US, Japan and Korea, and now it’s Southeast Asia’s turn to get in on the VR fun. Here’s our lowdown on what you can expect at our Find of the Week: HeadRock VR.
VR experience
As a parent, it’s always nice to daydream into an alternative world every now and then, so we’re well up for a spot of Virtual Reality, and Headrock VR is packed with such experiences. Most of the attractions use a VR headset (essentially a pair of goggles you put on to be immersed in the world) and then you’re good to go. And for the germophobes amongst you? Don’t worry: you’ll be given a cloth mask for hygiene purposes before you can strap on the headset. Once these bad boys fixed in place, you’ll basically be blindfolded to the real world, so do make sure the kiddos are strapped in securely before you are!
The attractions
The attractions are split into three categories: Blue, Orange and Green. If you’re new to VR, we suggest you start with the Green attractions. This is where you’ll find fun and easy things like shooting games, zombie butt kicking activities and different kinds of sports, all designed to ease you into the VR groove.
Once you’ve mastered the easiest attractions, move on to the Orange zone, which is perfect for kiddos who love adventures and exploring. Expect to ride a train to the skies or take part in a spot of whitewater rafting through the Jurassic period here! And for the more adventurous amongst you, try out the Horror Room (hint: there WILL be zombies) or the Skyscraper attraction where you can test your steely resolve when it comes to heights.
And finally there are the Blue attractions: intense, immersive experiences that will get your heart racing. From braving a blistering blizzard on a dog sled to bungee jumping into a jungle, this is as close to real life daredevil action as it gets. If you’re brave enough, take the Flying Dive to dip your toes in a volcano – you’ll be strapped into a harness and dropped into the ‘magma’. Trust us – it definitely feels real!
The packages
We love a package that gives us more bang for our buck when it comes to a day out with the kids, and HeadRock VR doesn’t disappoint. Packages for all three zones start at $30, and there are plenty of combos to choose from depending on what the fam fancies trying out. Hot tip: it’s free to look around, so have a gander first before deciding on what package to take! Tix can be bought beforehand online at trusty ol’ Sistic, or on-site at the ticket booth.
The verdict
We actually ditched the kids to try this one for ourselves and had a great time, and know the kiddos would love it too. There’s oodles of fun to be had at this novelty VR theme park, and as the action happens virtually, it’s way safer than letting the kids loose on bungee jumps and rollercoasters. There’s just the right amount of intensity for little ones who aren’t big enough for roller coasters and families who are tired of having outdoor plans ruined by the rain.
We’ll be honest though, thrill-seeker teens may feel like it’s a bit of a cop out (yes, there is a spray bottle used during the Jungle Rafting 4D experience), so we’ll bring our own teen reporter along soon to get his verdict. And fair warning also for those who get vertigo at the spin of a hat – if you’re not used to VR you may feel some motion sickness.
All in all though it’s a great new adventure to be had in Singapore, and one that’s definitely worth checking out.
Opening hours: 10am – 8pm
Where: HeadRock VR, 26 Sentosa Gateway, #01-38/39, Singapore 098138
Cost: $30-$55
www.rwsentosa.com/en/attractions/headrock-vr
