Isaac NeoWhether you’re with your family or a group of friends, young or young at heart, there’s nothing better than spending a day at a theme park. Thrill-seekers can get their fix of adrenaline on the gravity-defying roller coasters, while the younger kids and not so adventurous adults will have plenty of other activities and themed attractions to explore as well.
From the big theme parks like Universal Studios and Disneyland to niche and unique ones like a Japanese onsen theme park, here are some of the best theme parks in the Asia-Pacific region that you must visit for an exhilarating holiday with the whole family!
Theme Parks in Japan
1. Universal Studios Japan
Image credit: Universal Studios Japan
Located in Osaka, Universal Studios Japan is one of the top theme parks in the world. In addition to a wide variety of roller-coasters and 4-D shows, the most popular attraction at Universal Studios Japan is surely the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a wizard, now’s your chance! Ride on a hippogriff roller-coaster, sip on some rich butterbeer at Hog’s Head, pick out your own wand at Ollivanders or take a picture with the Hogwarts Express.
Image credit: Universal Studios Japan
Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031, Japan
Prices:
Adult tickets from $97
Child tickets from $65
Click here to learn more about Universal Studios Japan package prices!
2. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
Image credit: Tokyo Disneyland Resort
Relive your childhood or bring the family for a fun day out at Tokyo Disney Resort! At Disneyland, it features six different themed sections such as Tomorrowland and Fantasyland that feature the famous Space Mountain coaster and Cinderella’s castle. It’ll definitely have you feeling like you’re living in an actual Disney cartoon!
Or you can also head over to DisneySea, the only of its kind! Experience the myths and legends of the seas through various water-themed attractions and end the day with a captivating light show and impressive fireworks.
Address: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture 279-0031, Japan
Prices:
Adult tickets from $91
Child tickets from $59
Click here to learn more about Tokyo Disney Resort package prices!
3. Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari
Image credit: Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari
We bet you’ve never been to a hot spring-themed park before! At Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari, located at Odaiba near Tokyo Bay, you can relax by experiencing 13 different types of natural hot spring baths, including an indoor bath that uses water pumped from 1,400 metres below the ground. Your tired muscles will surely be soothed by soaking in the warm waters.
Image credit: Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari
After you’re done, you can wrap yourself in comfortable yukata robes and stroll down the Hirokoji and Happakuyacho shopping arcades. Order some delicious Japanese street food from the food stalls or play some festival games in an atmosphere that mimics the old Edo era.
Address: 2 Chome-6-3 Aomi, Kōtō-ku, Tōkyō-to, Japan 135-0064
Prices:
Adult tickets from $24
Child tickets from $12
Special 1 Adult + 1 Child promo from $30
Click here to find out more about Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari package prices!
4. Sanrio Puroland
Image credit: Sanrio Puroland Facebook
If you like Japanese cartoon characters like Hello Kitty, Gudetama and My Melody, Sanrio Puroland is for you! Located in the Tokyo suburb of Tama, this kawaii theme park offers you the chance to tour Hello Kitty’s house, take photos with life-sized mascots of these cute characters and take home some unique souvenirs. Perfect for the kids or die-hard Sanrio fanatics!
Image credit: Sanrio Puroland Facebook
Address: Japan, 〒206-8588 Tokyo, Tama, Ochiai, １丁目31
Prices: Adult/Child tickets from $26
5. Legoland Japan
Image credit: Legoland Japan
The second Lego-themed park aside from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Legoland Japan promises a fun time for all. Build and race Lego cars at Bricktopia, which is unique to the Japan branch, or go for a Lego Factory tour to see how they produce their iconic bricks. You can also see reconstructions of famous Japanese city skylines and other iconic landmarks using Lego bricks at Miniland.
Address: 2-1. Chrome 2, Kinjofuto, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Prices:
Adult One-Day Pass from $85
Child One-Day Pass from $68
Theme Parks in Malaysia
6. Sanrio Hello Kitty Town
Image credit: Sanrio Hello Kitty Town Facebook
Hello Kitty fans in the Southeast Asia region rejoice! You don’t have to fly all the way to Japan to hang out with your favourite cartoon feline – you can just drop by Sanrio Hello Kitty Town in Johor Bahru. Catch special performances on stage by Hello Kitty and her friends, take a tour of her house or create your own Hello Kitty-themed souvenirs to take home. With many family-friendly activities, this is a must-go attraction for all Hello Kitty fans!
Address: Persiaran Puteri Selatan, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
Prices: Adult/Child One-Day Pass from $21
7. Sunway Lagoon
Image credit: Sunway Lagoon
One of Malaysia’s oldest theme parks, Sunway Lagoon contains over 80 rides and attractions, including water-themed ones. Go surfing in the Water Park’s surfing simulator, or scream your lungs out on the roller-coasters in the Amusement Park. You can also get up close and personal with more than 150 species of animals in the Wildlife Park, or even go bungee jumping in the Extreme Park. A great day out for the whole family can be had at Sunway Lagoon!
Address: 3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Prices:
Adult ticket from $52
Child ticket from $43
[Bonus] Singapore to Malaysia Private Transfer Service
Travelling to and from Malaysia is even more affordable and fuss-free with the Singapore to Malaysia Private Transfer Service available on Changi Recommends. Perfect for families with young children or the elderly, you can pass the immigration checkpoint in comfort without worry. The private transfer service will also be able to drop you off at various theme parks, premium outlets, shopping malls and eateries as well.
Theme Parks in Korea
8. Everland
Image credit: Everland Resort
At Everland, Korea’s biggest theme park, a wide variety of attractions will ensure that you’ll never have a moment! With five unique themed zones, the whole family will be entertained. Ride Korea’s first wooden roller coaster, the T-Express, or visit Zootopia, where over 200 species of animals are on exhibit over 15,000 square metres of the park.
K-Pop fans can also catch their favourite stars at the Live Hologram Theater, which features realistic hologram concerts that feel just like the real thing! Illuminated floats will brighten the night sky at the Moonlight Parade, while spectacular fireworks will draw the day to a close and mark the end of an exciting visit to Everland.
Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogog-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Prices: Adult/Child tickets from $47
9. Lotte World
Image credit: Sascha
Situated in the heart of Seoul, Lotte World is an indoor theme park that combines entertainment and sightseeing all under one roof. Couples on a romantic date can go ice-skating or catch a ride on the Aeronauts Balloon, a mid-air observation course. A folk museum with cultural items dating back to 5000 years of Korean history is also on show, or you can visit the aquarium to see a wide variety of marine life. Get ready for a great day out at Lotte World!
Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Jamsil 3(sam)-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Prices: Adult/Child tickets from $36
10. Seoul Land
Image credit: Seoul Land
Built in 1988, Seoul Land is Korea’s first theme park, and still remains one of the most popular to this day. There are five uniquely themed areas and up to 40 roller-coasters, as well as a World Square where you can see traditional architecture and folk items from all over the world. Seasonal festivals are also held in the Seoul Grand Park inside the theme park itself. When it comes to Seoul Land, old is definitely gold!
Address: 181 Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Prices: Adult/Child tickets from $22
Theme Parks in Hong Kong and Macau
11. Hong Kong Disneyland
Image credit: Hong Kong Disneyland
Enter a magical kingdom of Hong Kong Disneyland and relive your childhood with your favourite Disney characters. The kids will definitely enjoy newly opened rides like the “Iron Man Experience” and “Star Wars: Tomorrowland Takeover”. Watch your favourite animated shows come to life as well with the Flights of Fantasy Parade and Festival of the Lion King. There are endless adventures to be had at Hong Kong Disneyland for the whole family!
Address: Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Prices:
Adult One-Day tickets from $95, Two-Day tickets from $110
Child One-Day tickets from $71, Two-Day tickets from $80
12. Ocean Park
Image credit: Ocean Park
Half theme park and half zoo, at Ocean Park, you’ll be able to sit on thrill rides and learn more about different types of marine life at the same time. A mountain separates the park into two areas – The Summit and The Waterfront – with a cable car system and funicular railway connecting the two.
Image credit: Ocean Park
Ride the thrilling roller-coasters at The Summit, or get up close to sharks, otters and giant pandas at The Waterfront. Don’t forget to take the world’s second longest outdoor escalator between Marine World and Adventure Land, for some stunning unobstructed views of the park for miles around!
Address: Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Island
Prices:
Adult tickets from $70
Child tickets from $38
13. Planet J
Image credit: Planet J
Ever wanted to be an adventurer? Now you have your chance with Planet J, the world’s first live-action role-playing theme park. Located on the third level of Shoppes at Cotai Central in Macao, Planet J houses eight distinct gaming zones featuring more than 200 games. With the help of an electronic “Magic Scroll” device, you and your friends or family will play the role of intrepid adventurers to save the Magic Stone Kingdom from disaster. Up to the challenge? Book your ticket now!
Address: Planet J, Level 3, Shoppes at Cotai Central, The Cotai Strip, Taipa, Macau
Prices: Adult/Child tickets from $25
Theme Parks in Australia
14. Warner Bros. Movie World
Image credit: Warner Bros. Movie World
Experience a taste of Hollywood in Gold Coast, Australia, at Warner Bros. Movie World. Sit on some thrilling rides named after your favourite superheroes (and supervillains as well) like the Green Lantern Coaster and the Doomsday Destroyer, or dance with your favourite Looney Tunes characters at a dance party. Families with young children need not worry as there are family-friendly rides like the Looney Tunes Carousel as well!
Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford, Gold Coast, Queensland 4210, Australia
Prices:
Adult tickets from $58
Child tickets from $45
15. Dreamworld
Image credit: Dreamworld
Adrenaline junkies will love the Big 9 Thrill Rides at Dreamworld, Australia’s largest theme park. With over 50 exhilarating rides in eight different themed zones, you’ll definitely need more than a day to cover the entire park. If roller-coasters are not your thing or you have young children with you, the Dreamworks Experience will bring your favourite cartoon characters to life and provide plenty of family-friendly fun.
Address: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera, Queensland 4209, Australia
Prices:
Adult tickets from $50
Child tickets from $34
One Adult + One Child tickets from $74
16. Sea World
Image credit: Sea World
This one’s definitely for the animal lovers! Experience a whole host of sea-themed exhibits and shows when you visit Sea World at Gold Coast. Get up close and personal with dolphins and seals, or feed the penguins and admire the polar bears lounging in their natural habitat. Kids will also have plenty of fun at the Castaway Bay interactive adventure playground. You’ll surely have a splashing good time at Sea World!
Address: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach QLD 4217, Australia
Prices:
Adult tickets from $56
Child tickets from $50
17. Luna Park
Image credit: Luna Park Facebook
Sometimes, there’s nothing quite like an old-fashioned carnival theme park. At Luna Park, which opened in 1935 and is the longest-running amusement park in Sydney, you can unwind and have fun by playing the sideshow games or sit the Ferris Wheel for great, uninterrupted views of the Sydney Harbour.
Check out the Coney Island Funhouse as well, which will dazzle you with illusions at the Mirror Maze and enthral you with Australia’s largest collection of pinball machines. Fun for the whole family is guaranteed at Luna Park!
Address: 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point NSW 2061, Australia
Prices:
Yellow (130cm and taller) tickets from $48
Green (106-129cm) tickets from $39
Red (85-105cm) tickets from $22
Now that you’ve seen the best theme parks that the Asia-Pacific region has to offer, what are you waiting for?
Check out Changi Recommends for great deals on tickets and passes to these theme parks, as well as other attractions, tours and transport passes. Make your next holiday an unforgettable one with loads of excitement and adventure!
* All prices are true at the time of publishing.
