Timezone Isn’t Just Arcade Machines Any More

Here’s what Timezone in Singapore has besides arcade machines, and which outlet has what. The bigger outlets now have bowling, bumper cars, a six-player VR arena and a drift track, which is enough for a two-hour outing whatever the weather.

The smaller outlets are still mostly game machines and claw machines, so it is worth picking your outlet by what you want to do.

Two kinds of bowling

Mini bowling has shorter lanes and lighter balls, made for small children, so they get fewer gutter balls and quicker games. Some outlets have a ramp to help little ones aim.

Social bowling is full-size, with music and lights, and is set up for a group having fun rather than keeping a serious score.

You don’t need bowling shoes for either. You play in what you’re wearing.

Both kinds are at Orchard Xchange, Westgate and Jurong Point, and there is mini bowling at VivoCity and Pasir Ris Mall too.

Bumper cars, including drift cars

Ordinary bumper cars are at Orchard Xchange and VivoCity, in proper arenas with lights and music. The minimum height is 112cm and the minimum age is four.

Jurong Point has the Maxi Drift Bumper Cars, the first and only drift bumper cars in Singapore. There are ten Italian-built cars on an 11 by 20 metre track with an island in the middle, and you can slide the car sideways round the corners instead of just bumping. A ride lasts about three minutes.

Each car takes two people, which suits a parent and child: drivers need to be 130cm and passengers 105cm, and anyone between those heights must ride with an adult. For a child who loves cars, it is worth the trip across the island.

VR for six at once

Arkadia, at Orchard Xchange and Jurong Point, is a VR arena for six players. The whole group plays the same sci-fi or military game together, working towards one goal.

Most VR in malls is one person in a headset while everyone else watches, so this is very different. Westgate and several other outlets also have 3D VR games.

Active and skill games

ColourGrid is a floor of light-up panels where you race to tap the right colours before the time runs out, on your own or against someone else. It is at Orchard Xchange and Jurong Point.

Break the Plate has you throwing real balls at plates on a screen.

Boxing machines, basketball hoops and air hockey are at most outlets, and are good for a competitive group with only half an hour.

The biggest outlets

Westgate is 18,000 square feet, with more than 170 games split into three zones — Carnival, Racing and Music — so a group can head straight for what they want.

Orchard Xchange is the biggest, at 22,000 square feet with about 160 attractions, connected to Orchard MRT. Jurong Point is 17,000 square feet, with about 160 games and the drift track.

Planning a visit

• You don’t need to book for bowling, bumper cars or VR. Just turn up during opening hours. Only parties and group events need booking.
• Pick your outlet by what you want to do. Drift cars are only at Jurong Point. Bumper cars are at Orchard Xchange and VivoCity. Social bowling is at Orchard Xchange, Westgate and Jurong Point.
• Check heights before you go if a small child has their heart set on a ride: 112cm for bumper cars, 130cm to drive a drift car.
• The big outlets open at 10am at weekends and stay open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
• One card works everywhere. Your Powercard works at every outlet, on the attractions as well as the games.

Attractions vary by outlet and change over time — confirm what’s running before you travel. If something on one of our listings is out of date, there’s a form at the bottom of every one.

Every Timezone, ranked → · Family venues → · What’s open right now →

— arcades.SG