It’s clear that Singaporeans can’t get enough of Harry Potter. We’ve got a Harry Potter themed cafe and Harry Potter escape room, and now we’ve got the Forbidden Forest right on our shores in Sentosa. Unicorns, pixies, and Nifflers – these are just some of the magical creatures you’ll encounter at the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Sentosa.
That’s right, the enchanted forest is now open to us muggles from 3rd February to 30th April 2024. We visited it and here’s what you can expect when you head down:
If you’ve read or watched any of the Harry Potter books and movies, you’d already know by now that the Forbidden Forest is one of the most terrifying places to be, in the series. In the fictional world, those who enter may encounter everything from creepy spiders to wolves and other unmentionables.
Thankfully, at Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, it’s quite the opposite. You’ll have plenty of photo ops and interactive stops – plus creatures you’d love to meet, such as a friendly Hippogriff and adorable Nifflers. There are also tonnes of memorable references from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series, which we’ll talk about more below. So if you’re wondering if it’s family-friendly and appropriate for children, it most definitely is.
The exhibit also takes over the scenic Coastal Trail at Siloso Point, Sentosa. That said, it is completely outdoors, so we recommend bringing an umbrella or poncho in case it rains, and spritz on some mosquito repellent in case of bug bites. It’s also advisable to wear comfortable shoes and clothes, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid weather. It also only takes place after sundown. The first entry is at 7.15pm and the last is at 10.15pm. The exhibit closes at 11pm.
That said, the trail is incredibly easy to walk and is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. You can expect to spend about 45-60 minutes exploring the trail. Take your time, though, as there is no time limit for your visit. Remember, before you start your adventure, download the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience app (Google Play | App Store). No spoilers here, but know that there are interactive elements which you can access via the app.
As for how much it costs, tickets go from $44/adult and $35/child. All children under the age of 3 need not purchase a ticket. For students and seniors above 60, each ticket will cost $39. You can also opt to upgrade to the Deluxe Bundles ($77/adult, $68/child) – this includes entry, a magnet, a light-up lanyard, and a tote bag.
Already, the start of your journey is lit. No, literally. You’ll walk through rows of wispy trees that are illuminated by tonnes of lights, flashing red, green, and blue. Here’s your chance to snap a “I was here!” picture.
Here’s a tip for you: bring along a portable ring light. Flashes are allowed since none of these creatures are actually alive, so go ham on the flash.
Then, brave the smoky mist and you’ll come face to face with everyone’s favourite giant – Hagrid. Okay, face to back since the friendly giant is preoccupied with chasing away centaurs. But his pet hound, Fang, is ever so ready to greet you.
Moving on. What’s big, has a beak, and a horse’s butt? A Hippogriff. Buckbeak, the iconic Hippogriff, has come to say hi. Being the proud creatures they are, you are only allowed to approach them after bowing and receiving the same bow from them. So, remember to humbly bow to Buckbeak, even if you’re trembling in fright, and see if you’re worthy of a bow back.
Look! Up in the trees! It’s not a plane, it’s Hedwig. There are plenty of owls perched on the trees, but take your time to spot Harry’s snowy owl. It took us a while, but we managed to identify the adorable bird by its shiny white coat.
Pesky cornish pixies.
Here’s where the app comes in handy. There are indicative logos on the floor where you can hover your phone above, and details of the next creature will be displayed on your phone. Here, we were warned informed that nifflers have been sighted.
Nifflers may be small and darling, but these creatures are notorious for pickpocketing all things shiny. So before you walk over, remember to hide your jewellery. Thankfully, none of our expensive cameras were stolen. Phew.
Harry wasn’t spared from facing the menacing dementors, and you won’t be either. Fret not, for Harry will be in the woods summoning his Patronus to save you, and you can yell “Expecto Patronum” along with him for double the power. Lo and behold, the famed stag Patronus will appear to save the day. NGL, this sent a chill up my spine.
We can’t miss out on the Weasley family’s flying car. It might’ve ended in a tragic crash in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, but it gave us hope that our own vehicles could magically fly. Sadly, our public busses will remain on the ground at the SBS Transit bus depots.
Face the fearsome Aragog.
Not of all us are as well-versed in spells like Hermione. I can barely remember if it’s “leviOSA” or “leviosAAAA”. But we’ve got cheat codes here at the Forbidden Forest. Each interactive spell station will have signs stating what spells are to be used, and a friendly staff will be there to guide you too.
We’ll start off simple – by lighting up a row of lanterns. Forgot the spell? Don’t worry, we’ll help you. With a flick of the wrist and a swish of the hand, shout a firm command of “Incendio!”. Seeing each lantern flicker to life made our eyes widen in awe, and it was so satisfying we had to give it another go.
Then, battle it out with your buddy at the duelling station – just like Dumbledore and Voldemort’s fight. You’ll even get your pick at which wands you’d like to use.
Frightening creatures and spells aside, there are plenty of IG-worthy photo spots in the forest too. Take this interactive spot for example – this romantic cave is covered in fairy lights, and it’ll light up once you walk inside it. Get your bb to stand in the middle, and take snaps from a bottom-up angle.
Another favourite of ours was trying out the Nox spell – AKA the spell Harry and Hermione used to extinguish the lights from their wands.
Let’s admit it: you’ve probably taken dozens of online quizzes to find out what your Patronus charm is. Good news – you can find out your Patronus right here, and see it come to life. All you have to do is execute the Patronus spell, and your animal guardian will whiz out to protect you. How we wish our Patronus could follow us home.
If you’re anything like Ron Weasley, you’ll love the F&B stands located at the end of the Forbidden Forest.
Quench your thirst with a cup of non-alcoholic butterbeer ($14) – it’s sweet, creamy, and a definite hit amongst kids.
There’s also the zesty Signature Mocktail Colovaria Cooler ($12) and Housed Iced Chocolates ($14) you can go for. The latter has 5 different flavours, ranging from strawberry chocolate to mint chocolate.
Food-wise, there are Chargrilled Chicken Wings ($15) that come with various sauces like salted egg and BBQ. Finish your meal with a sweet treat – the Hogwarts House Surprise Buns ($8) have a thick custard centre, and the Forbidden Forest Cupcakes ($12) taste just as good as they look.
Our favourites included the Chocolate Frog Mud Cake ($12), a chocolate-y number with a nod to the popular chocolate frog snack that Ron adores, and the Golden Bon Bons ($15). Don’t let the latter fool you – these circular treats might look unassuming, but they’re coated in popping candy and perfectly satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Commemorate your time here by bagging a few souvenirs. Choose from Harry Potter-themed magnets ($12), bracelets ($15), notebooks (from $24), and water bottles ($45) so the world knows you’re a certified Potterhead.
You don’t have to head to Ollivanders for a wand; you can get your own at the gift shop too. These light up wands go at $72 each, and you can choose between 2 designs.
By MRT: The nearest MRT station is Harbourfront Station. From here, you can take the Sentosa Express to Beach Station, then take Sentosa Bus A or the Beach Shuttle to the Coastal Trail at Siloso Point.
By bus: You can take Bus 123 to Beach Station. From here, take Sentosa Bus A or the Beach Shuttle and alight at Siloso Point.
By car: For those who are driving, you can park at Beach Station which is a 15-minute walk from the trail. From Beach Station, you can also take the Beach Shuttle which is a 10-minute ride to the trail. There is also limited parking at Southside, Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa and Imbiah Walk, which may cost a little more. If you are taking a taxi or ride-sharing service, simply drop-off at “5 Siloso Bch Walk, 099002” where you can alight at the Siloso Point Station taxi stand.
Step inside, if you dare. Not me, not Hermione. YOU. The Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience brought us tonnes of nostalgia, and we’re sure it’ll do the same for you too. And if you have little ones who are eagerly awaiting their letters from Hogwarts, bring them along so they’ll know what to expect. If not, geek out at all the Harry Potter Easter eggs you can find at the exhibit, and enjoy some outdoor time while you’re at it.
The experience will be here till 30th April, so if you’re a Potterhead and haven’t yet paid a visit, now’s the best time to do so. In any case, if you’re still craving for more, you can look forward to Harry Potter: Visions of Magic Asia that will be premiering in Resorts World Sentosa later this year.
If you’re looking for more family-friendly and aesthetic things to do in Sentosa, check out the island’s newest attraction, Sentosa Sensoryscape. You can also pay a visit to Quayside Isle for an array of restaurants and scenic views of the quay. During the day, check out The Palawan @ Sentosa for a myriad of adventurous activities such as beach clubs, mini-golf, and go-karting.
Originally published on 8th November 2023 by Aditi Kashyap. Last updated on 12th April 2024 by Jessica Fang.
Photography by Ian Sim.
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. However, all opinions are ours.
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