Enter the Upside Down at Singapore’s new ‘Stranger Things’ experience
Can’t wait for the fifth and final season of Stranger Things? Gather one and all to the Hellfire Club at the Stranger Things - The Encounter: Singapore.
This immersive entertainment and retail experience brings the much-loved Netflix series to life in a nostalgic 1980s setting. The experience takes you on a thrilling adventure into the Upside Down, where you can let your imagination run wild by exploring life-size replicas of the show's sets, enjoying the themed food and drinks, and more.
PhilSTAR L!fe was invited by Mighty Jaxx Singapore to visit the event in Bugis+ along Victoria Street, and we must say, it's something you should add to your itinerary the next time you visit Singapore. It's something new for fans (and even non-fans) to enjoy and explore!
Join the Hellfire Club and take a trip to Hawkins
The Encounter begins with a good ol’ fashion Dungeons and Dragons game with the Hellfire Club. We were thrilled to channel our inner Dustin as we roleplayed with the Dungeon master.
Next, we were instantly transported to Hawkins and inside Joyce Byers' living room. Here, you will see and interact with some of the most iconic props from the series. Eggos, anyone?
Pro tip: Get your cameras ready and find the best spot for your poses. Answer the phone to hear voices from the other end, and don't forget to look out for the secret message on the flickering lights on the wall!
We then headed to the Hawkins lab, where guests can play a matching game. It's simple but a bit tricky. The lab also features CCTV monitors where you can see the Demogorgon. On the way to the Creel House, you will see the terrifying vines as seen underneath Hawkins. Remember Dustin's pet, Dart? There is a life-size Demodog as you go deeper into the Upside Down.
The experience culminates with a chilling encounter inside the Creel House. We won’t spoil the details but the special effects complete with theatrical fog gave us the creeps. We thought someone (or something) might grab us from behind!
Retailtainment at its finest
After getting an adrenaline rush, guests are ushered into a mini version of the Starcourt Mall. You can grab a scoop or more of gelato at Scoops Ahoy by Burnt Scones. You can even top Eleven's favorite waffle with ice cream.
Pro tip: Try the creamy black sesame flavor or the uniquely Singaporean flavor Milo Dinosaur.
If you’re more into savory treats, you can also get some pizza at Surfer Boy Pizza by SJS Group. The Singapore Stranger option with the braised beef brisket and rendang sauce is a must-try for those looking for a more local twist. Props to SJS Group for having a vegan option, too!
The Starcourt Mall is a budol heaven where fans of the series will be thrilled to shop exclusive merchandise from Magic 8 balls, toy collectibles, as well as the complete Hellfire Club outfit.
Stranger Things - The Encounter: Singapore is a true immersive experience
From start to finish, Stranger Things: The Encounter - Singapore is as immersive as it can be. The digital ticket called the XPass allows guests to collect digital assets named FRGMNTS by scanning their power bands while going through each room. These digital collectibles can then be used to personalize your merch like tote bags and souvenir t-shirts.
Pro tip: Tap your power bands to collect as many digital assets as you can to design your personalized merch.
“As you go through the journey, as you scan your power bands then you are actually doing two things: You are collecting power and you are unlocking these what we call as FRGMENTS and these are really iconic things from the show,” Mighty Jaxx’s Head of Meta and Project Lead Darryl Tan explained.
Talking about the difference between the Singapore encounter from the Paris and US editions, Darryl says the Singapore experience is centered around a different storyline, bringing stuff from season 4 of the beloved series.
Aside from Singapore, Mighty Jaxx hopes to bring the thrill of Stranger Things: The Encounter to other Asian cities as well. (Crossing our fingers that they bring it to Manila, too!)
Ready to enter the Upside Down?
If you’re seeking to try something new in Singapore, Stranger Things - The Encounter is now open until October 1, 2023, at Levels 2 and 7 of Bugis+ from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. (weekdays), 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Fridays and weekends).
Tickets start at S$15 for access into the Starcourt area, S$39 for a full Encounter on weekdays, and S$49 on weekends. You may also choose the VIP XPASS for S$109, which includes a Hellfire Club shirt and cap.
Visit their website to know more about how to get your XPASS tickets.