How to find the biggest thrills in Singapore

Admin 15-Feb-2016 11:56:13 Inothernews

How to find the biggest thrills in Singapore


CNN Travel's series often carries sponsorship originating from the countries and regions we profile. However, CNN retains full editorial control over all of its reports. Read the policy. Despite being more than four decades old, Singapore's Sentosa Island is a tourist attraction that knows the importance of reinvention. In recent years, it's become the top destination in the city for those in need of a fast adrenaline fix, thanks to a huge cluster of adventure activities, from surfing to indoor skydiving. It also presents a great opportunity for someone like me -- fainthearted, petrified of heights -- to conquer their fears. I recently spent a weekend on Sentosa doing just that -- or trying to -- on the scariest thrill rides and adventures I could find. To gauge my terror during each exercise, I slapped on a Polar FT7 heart rate monitor watch during the trip. I also devised an ad hoc "nausea level" rating. These are my normal heart rate readings. Average resting heart rate: 77 bpm (beats per minute) Maximum resting heart rate: 87 bpm Average nausea level: 0/5 (though certain movies and TV shows can push that to 2/5) More on CNN: Best new restaurants in Singapore



MegaZip

Before making the leap from the 75-meter-high platform on Sentosa's MegaZip, I clung to the protective rail with the tenacity of a leech locked onto a meal.

But once I finally worked up the courage to let go, MegaZip was pure fun.

Singapore's first three-wire zip allows multiple people to zip-line at the same time, from a hilltop across a patch of jungle, over the beach and onto a small platform over the water.

The views along the 450-meter-long journey are exhilarating.

Conclusion: This one's addictive. I now plan to zip-line every chance I get.

Average heart rate: 141 bpm

Maximum heart rate: 150 bpm

Nausea level: 2/5

MegaZip

Jetpack

Two water-powered jetpacks are available for public use in Singapore thanks to Hawaiian Christina Tran, who brought SeaBreeze, her home state's watersports franchise, to the city in 2013.

"It can take you up to 10 meters high," says Tran. "I think it's the safest way to fly, as you have the power to control your flight."

When I slapped the jetpack on my back and headed out to sea, I could feel the jealousy emanating from all eyes on the beach -- until those curious spectators saw me struggling for the good part of an hour.

This one isn't easy.

"The first step is always the most difficult," said Alred Low, SeaBreeze business partner/instructor. "You cannot fight the machine, and you have to find your center of balance."

"Once you can balance then you can fly just by pressing a button -- like in a cartoon," said Low.

Conclusion: You'll have to conquer your fear of drowning before you tackle your height issues.

Average heart rate: 106 bpm

Maximum heart rate: 134 bpm

Nausea level: 3/5

Jetpack

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