Get ready to race away at HyperDrive, the indoor go-kart circuit at The Palawan where it is not just about getting around the track as fast as possible but there are also gamified elements with the launch of Game of Karts earlier this year in January 2024 to make the experience even more fun.
HyperDrive at Sentosa’s Palawan Beach is Asia’s first indoor gamified electric Go-Kart Circuit. You can experience the thrills of racing whatever the weather is outside.
You can either choose to go regular go-karting around the indoor circuit, or opt for the Game of Karts which allows you to immerse yourself in a video game-like experience around the tracks.
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For those who have always dreamt of playing Mario Kart in real life, Game of Karts is for you.
It is a mix of strategy and skill as drivers zip around the HyperDrive track to pick up power-ups and use them to slow down opposing drivers.
The gamified go-kart experience may just bring out the treachery that you never knew you had in you as you claw your way to the top of the leaderboard.
In the interactive Game of Karts race, there are five bonus collection points on the track. These are marked out by orange symbols projected onto the track.
Drive on top of these bonus collection points to pick up random “power-ups”.
Possible power-ups include bombs, missiles, boosts and shields. The one that you pick up will appear on the screen embedded into the steering wheel.
To activate the bonus power-up, you simply press a silver button on the steering wheel.
You can launch a homing missile at the go-kart in front of you, drop a bomb on the track for the go-kart behind you and even active a super power that slows everyone else down so that you can get ahead.
Choose when to make use of the special powers against your opponents as you race around the track. The target go-kart will light up with a red light once you have successfully sabotaged it with your power-up.
It is fun experience that creates a little healthy competition amongst friends and family.
However, just beware that they can also tell who has been using the power-ups on them and may come looking for payback!
Game of Karts adds an exciting dimension to the HyperDrive. You now not only have to race as quickly as possible around the track, but also make decisions on whether to pick up the power-ups and when to use them.
The first driver to eight laps wins.
Game of Karts at HyperDrive, The Palawan will be available from 22 January 2024.
The pricings for Game of Karts is as follows:
General
Mondays to Fridays: 2 pm to 9 pm
Saturdays, Sundays, Public and School Holidays: 10 am to 9 pm
(1/2/3 sessions) $55/ $105/ $149
Off-Peak
Mondays to Fridays: 12.30 pm to 1.50 pm, excluding Public and School Holidays
(1/2/3 sessions) $45/ $86/ $122
Riders must be at least 9 years old and 140 cm tall.
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HyperDrive: Three-Level Indoor Go-Kart Circuit
To find out more about the go-karting experience at HyperDrive, read on.
HyperDrive at The Palawan features a three-level race track located within a standalone building at Palawan Beach.
The race action at HyperDrive comes down to a fleet of 36 eco-friendly electric go-karts that come in senior, junior and tandem kart configurations to cater to the young and young-at-heart.
Even though electric powered, the karts can go fast.
The Novice level go-karts can go up to a top speed of 30km/h while the advanced level ones max out at 50km/h and drivers will need to meet additional requirements in order to operate them.
The HyperDrive race track is 308 metres long and was designed by karting champion David Terrien from PSD Entertainment.
It meanders around the indoor space with 14 turns to challenge driving enthusiasts as well as a straightway for those who feel the need for speed.
At 5.3 metres wide, the circuit has ample space for go-karters to get up to different shenanigans. However, for best results, racers may wish to stick to the preferred cornering line.
Before you are allowed out on the track, you will have to attend a pre-race briefing. Here, you will be taught how to enter the vehicle, how to accelerate and brake, as well as the different types of flags that you can come across while on the track.
Each play session can accommodate up to 12 karts at a time and will takes approximately 30 minutes. This duration includes the pre-race briefing, the fitting of helmets and an exhilarating eight-minute race on track.
There are lockers for you to stow away your bags just after the briefing room.
There are safety checks before you are allowed out on to the track.
The facility even has a podium where racers can pose for pictures.
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View a reel on the experience above.
HyperDrive Cafe
Those who want to take in the action from a “safer” vantage point can head up to the 110-seater HyperDrive Cafe on the second floor of the building.
The 32-metre long open cantilevered gallery provides a viewing spot to look on at the action while enjoying diner-style classics that are on the menu such as SweetStacks pancakes, flatbreads, and milkshakes.
Useful Things to Know About HyperDrive: Indoor Go-Karting at Sentosa
Operating hours:
Mondays to Fridays, 12.30 pm to 9 pm, last entry at 8.30 pm
Saturdays, Sundays, Public and School Holidays, 10 am to 9 pm, last entry at 8.30 pm
There are three kart variants.
| Junior Kart | For 9 years old and above, 130c m and above |
| Senior Kart | For 9 years old and above, 140c m and above |
| Dual Kart | Driver – 18 years old and above, 140cm and above, must possess a valid car or motorcycle licence; Passenger – 90cm and above |
Take note of the following requirements for the Novice and Advanced Levels (i.e. speed of the kart):
- A car and motorcycle licence is not required for eligible participants at the Novice Level (maximum speed of 30km/h) for Junior and Senior karts.
- Participants who wish to drive at the Advanced Level (maximum speed of 50km/h) need to attain a novice lap time of 34.5 seconds and below, 18 years old and above and possess a valid car or motorcycle licence.
Ticket prices start from $30 for a Junior Kart during off-peak times.
HyperDrive is just a three-minute walk away from Sentosa’s Beach Station.
Find out more about HyperDrive.
HyperDrive is part of The Palawan beachfront precinct at Sentosa. Other attractions at The Palawan include the Splash Tribe family beach club and UltraGolf, an 18-hole mini-golf course.
If you are looking for fun and games, you may also want to check out these bumper cars that you can drift.
