Admission Prices for Singapore's Tourist Attractions in the Spotlight

Attractions here say they have rolled out special discounts and programmes for locals

- Chin Soo Fang

The last time that homemaker Esther Lim visited one of Singapore's tourist attractions was before the Covid-19 pandemic, when she played host to an overseas friend at the Night Safari.

In 2020, she used her Singapore Rediscovers vouchers to pay for a full-day tour of Singapore's southern islands, with dinner included for her family of four.

The $100 vouchers were issued to each Singaporean aged 18 and over that year as part of moves to boost domestic spending and save jobs, at a time when the tourism sector was decimated by travel restrictions.

Ms Lim said the high price of admission to attractions here was a major reason why she has not done any domestic tourism recently.

"It would be good if the SG60 vouchers can be used to pay for tickets," said Ms Lim, 48.

"The price of tickets is definitely one big consideration, and that's not the only cost (for a visit) - together with transport and food costs, it all adds up."

The opening of several mega tourist attractions in 2025 has burnished Singapore's tourism offerings, among them Rainforest Wild Asia by Mandai Wildlife Group, Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) and Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore (USS).

The two integrated resorts have, in recent months, also announced multibillion-dollar investments in their projects here.

But some locals have voiced concerns about the affordability of enjoying marquee tourist attractions in their own backyard.

In July, two letters sent to ST Forum said that local attractions can be made more accessible and enjoyable for residents.

One suggested offering discounts, especially during school vacations. Another proposed that SG60 vouchers be allowed to defray ticket prices at iconic places of interest such as the Singapore Zoo and Gardens by the Bay, to draw large families and encourage inter-generational bonding.