As the school holidays officially began for us JC-ians, my pal, Alex, and I were deciding what we could possibly do, referring to attractions, fabulous food & beverages of course, since we’re tour maniacs who crave for amazing delicacies. This was yet another (almost) last-minute decision made to visit Madame Tussauds Singapore, and so on 3rd Dec (Thurs), we went.
Strange, or if you prefer “unique”, as it may seem, the attraction doesn’t change the impression it has left in us despite being set 4 levels off ground. Luxuriously built, grand and “atas” exteriors, little did we know the insides would be more impressive.
The full experience consists of two parts. Part one is the guided show/tour/boat-ride Images of Singapore LIVE. It lasted 40 minutes and much as I wanted to show pictures of what it was about (i.e.: quick look at the summary of Singapore’s history from birth of the nation to today’s phenomenal Red-dot), we weren’t allowed to take pictures. But it was rather well-crafted and set, at least the visual aspects. It quite served as a reminder and revision lesson on Singapore’s history. However, of course, this wasn’t the MAIN objective of our visit so let’s move on.
The entire stretch extending from the end of the boat-ride and as we enter Madame Tussauds proper, to the end of the attraction, was well-designed I’d say. From Singapore to the United States, we’ve seen and took a rather disgusting number of pictures and selfies with world-renowned political leaders. The spectrum begins with Singapore’s first president, Mr. Yusof Ishak, moving on to world peace political leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, and ending with radicals and giants like Mao Ze Dong and Barack Obama. Now… I didn’t take many pictures with them, well, but at least Alex did, let’s take a quick look at a few photos here.
Next section, the world-famous Sports celebs. I ain’t gonna say much for now till my ACTUAL review later. However, this wasn’t a section both of us favour much for, so there’s only the selfie of Alex and David Beckham.
Next, the TV legends, mostly Singapore’s and Oprah Winfrey.
Next, haizzz, crazy fanmode of Alex switched on, Music and world icons.
Next, my crazy fanmode switched on, Film stars and characters, and ABBA (wrong section?).
Last section, the A-list. ALL of those whom Singaporeans know and look up to, if not, crazy insane fanmode on for.
*Phew* So many pics…… and after the entire stretch, the gift shop was yet another pleasant surprise.
Now, as we left the place, of course, we submitted a tourist feedback and we really thought there’s actually some improvements to be made and also some compliments to make. So, my review goes now.
Firstly, remember I said the attraction’s impression wasn’t changed by the fact that it’s 4 levels off ground? To us, fine, but to some aged tourists, this may be a small hassle. As far as I noticed, there isn’t a lift there, or I could be wrong, but a lift would certainly be much better in terms of convenience.
Next, at the political leaders’ section, perhaps ESM Mr Goh Chok Tong’s figure can be refined. His figure is slightly inaccurate in dimensions and the colours and toning can be improved as well. Also, this is Singapore’s Madame Tussauds, a figure of Mr and Mrs Lee Kuan Yew will not suffice, There needs, yes, needs, to be a solo standing figure of the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, probably in his slightly younger years, dressed in suit. The impact of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s presence can then be much more enhanced.
Next, figure ratio. I am quite picky about the figure’s precision as to the actual person’s height and size. Apparently, a few figures’ ratio weren’t 1:1, but perhaps 1:1.01 or 1:099 and so on. Mao Ze Dong, PM Lee, Obama, Huang Wen Yong, JJ Lin, E.T., Andy Lau and Nicole Kidman are figures that ratios are a little inaccurate. Figure ratio’s inaccuracy can dissatisfy some tourists as the realism and liveliness of the pictures taken would be less convincing.
And of course, last but not least, figures that we expected to be there but aren’t. I shall spare you any grandmother story and just list them down. Steven Spielberg (my hero and master c’mon), Ang Lee (personal liking, the most successful Chinese filmmaker who made it to Hollywood), solo Mr Lee Kuan Yew (definitely will be much more impactful a figure), S.R. Nathan (Alex’s opinion, which I agree), missing a Singapore’s history section, someone like Lim Bo Seng can be considered putting there as well. Also, many singers were featured but only ABBA was there but no other group/duo/band, can consider The Beatles, Queen and maybe even Mayday for the mandopop fans, etc. Not to mention giants such as Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey should be featured too. The A-list section can include more stars, I’m sure George Clooney will be welcomed, perhaps even Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, can even consider stars from the Marvels/DC (i.e.: Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Batman (Christian Bale), etc), not my type personally but would sure help leave a better impression in the tourists. Not to mention since Dick Lee is featured, why not Mr Liang Wern Fook? He is one of the founders of Xinyao (新谣), which is a defining uniqueness and culture in Singapore. Mr Liang is also one of the most influential and important music figures in Singapore alongside Mr Lee.
Overall, a pretty impressive attraction, would recommend to family and friends. 8/10. Perhaps if they do improve themselves on the areas I’ve suggested and other areas too maybe, the attraction can be expanded and tourists would feel even more worthwhile a place to visit.
My life, my films, my world 