Another week, and I’m back with another Singapore area guide (have I convinced you this amazing country needs longer than a couple of days yet!?). As anyone who reads this blog regularly knows, I absolutely love Singapore and the husband and I have been so many times that we’re almost losing count. Whilst I have done many posts on specific attractions, and overall itineraries and guides, I’m now also writing my area guides. Today it’s time to cover Sentosa Island.
If you’re looking for a quick tropical escape without leaving the city, Sentosa Island is Singapore’s playground of sun, sea, and endless attractions. Just a short ride from the mainland, this island packs in everything from pristine beaches to world-class theme parks, and it’s well worth a visit whatever your interests. So read on to find out more!
How to get to Sentosa Island, Singapore
Sentosa Island lies just off the mainland of Singapore, and therefore getting there is part of the adventure! There are quite a few options:
- Cable Car from Mount Faber; scenic and unforgettable but expensive ($35/adult, $25/child).
- Sentosa Express Monorail from VivoCity ($4 per person).
- Boardwalk from the mainland a leisurely stroll with sea views (free).
- Grab/Taxi for the quickest and most convenient option, especailly if you’re pushed for time (c$15 from central Singapore depending on traffic).
Note: All prices quoted are in Singapore Dollars.
Things to Do on Sentosa Island, Singapore
Beaches
Sentosa’s southern coast is lined with three distinct beaches; all of which are perfect for getting a bit of rest and relaxation in. None of the beaches are particularly big, but I do recommend allocating a few hours to them as there are some lovely bars and eateries along them too!
- Siloso Beach – lively, with beach bars and volleyball
- Palawan Beach – family-friendly, home to a suspension bridge to a tiny islet
- Tanjong Beach – perfect for relaxing or couples
Each offers a different vibe, so pick to suit you or you can beach-hop depending on your mood.
Top Tip: I personally love Tanjong beach as it’s quieter, and Tanjong Beach Club is one of my favourite spots for a chill out and a great lunch buffet!
Fort Siloso
History lovers can explore Fort Siloso, Singapore’s only preserved coastal fort, offering insight into World War II defenses. As a history geek, this is one of my favourite spots on the island. I really enjoyed learning from the galleries on Singapore’s WW2 story; including the Battle of Singapore, Japanese Occupation and daily life during the War.
Even better, to access Fort Siloso, you need to walk over the Fort Siloso Sky Walk, with sweeping views out to sea.
Sentosa Nature Trails
Beyond the beaches and theme parks, Sentosa Island hides a surprisingly lush, tranquil side. If you’re craving a break from the crowds, the island’s nature trails offer shaded paths and coastal views which make for lovely walking routes. We spent a half day hiking the two main paths on the island and loved it.
- Imbiah Trail & Nature Walk – easy well marked paths surrounded by secondary rainforest where you can spot lots of birds and butterflies
- Coastal Trail – near Fort Siloso, this is an elevated walkway through treetops with beautiful panoramic coastal views.
Top Tip: Start early to avoid the heat of the day and take plenty of water. The two routes join together by crossing a road, so we did them both back to back in 2.5 hours.
Universal Studios Singapore
No trip to Sentosa Island is complete without stepping into the cinematic world of Universal Studios Singapore. It is much smaller than its counterparts in the U.S. or Japan, but it still offers a fun day out especially if you’re with children (though to be fair we are two big kids and still loved it!). The park is divided into themed zones, each with its own personality:
- Hollywood – your entry point, lined with palm trees and the iconic Walk of Fame vibes. Great for photos and souvenir shopping.
- New York – a recreation of the city skyline, with some cool rides including my absolute favourite Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase!
- Sci-Fi City – home to the park’s most famous rides including Transformers 3D and Battlestar Galactica.
- Ancient Egypt – with Revenge of the Mummy; an indoor rollercoaster.
- The Lost World – split Jurassic Park Rapids and Water World shows.
- Far Far Away – my favourite part of the park with Shrek 4D adventure and Puss in Boots’ Giant Journey.
Important Note: Universal Studios gets BUSY. I recommend arriving before opening, and heading straight to Sci-Fi City to ride the big attractions early. Also consider an Express Pass on busy days (weekends in particular).
Other Attractions
Sentosa Island is stuffed with other attractions for all of the family. Most of these do get quite busy so it’s important to book in advance. Some more attractions that may take your interest include:
- Singapore Oceanarium – Dive into one of the world’s largest aquariums, where manta rays and sharks glide past massive viewing panels.
- Sky Luge – Race downhill on a luge and take in panoramic views on the Skyride; equal parts fun and scenic.
- Adventure Cove Waterpark – one of Asia’s most famous water parks, full of crazy rides.
- Madame Tussaud’s Singapore – work famous celebrity waxworks.
- Harry Potter Visions of Magic – An immersive experience bringing the set from the books to life.
Important: Most of the above attractions, and Universal Studios, are located in an area called “Resorts World”, which is home to the attractions, hotels and dining.
My personal view: I much prefer the quiet side of the island (Fort Siloso, the beaches, and the nature walks) than the attractions centre in Resorts World. They are still fun, but the crowds are big and require a prepared mindset. I have to confess that we bought tickets to Harry Potter and quickly gave up as even with tickets the queue was 45 minutes long.
Where to Eat & Drink on Sentosa Island, Singapore
It’s important to say upfront that Sentosa is more like a destination dining venue, than great street food or budget value. However, it’s food scene is still pretty diverse – so think of it as resort style indulgence with global flavours!
- Beachfront – I love Coastes, Tanjong Beach Club and Trapizza; all offer nice cocktails and casual beachside food.
- Quick Eats – Normal chains like Shake Shack, Baristrart Coffee and KFC are on the island. Can’t beat a Shake Shack milkshake!
- Local Asian Flavours – try JUMBO Premium, Singapore’s famous chilli crab chain, or head to Forest for modern Chinese cuisine or Feng Shui Inn for refined Cantonese.
- Upscale Dining – We enjoy Blue Lotus for creative Chinese cuisine and The Cliff for some delicious Italian food.
Where to Stay on Sentosa Island, Singapore
Staying on Sentosa Island turns your trip from a day visit into an island escape. The hotels on the island broadly fall in to two categories – luxury resorts for an idyllic beach focused getaway, or family friendly hotels close to the resorts and attractions.
- Luxury Resorts
- Capella Singapore is my absolute favourite, set in a lush rainforest with private pools and villas.
- Raffles Sentosa, a sister hotel to the famous central Raffles, but home to private pools and a beach setting.
- W Singapore located on the east of the island at Sentosa Cove; definitely one for people who enjoy a stylish vibe.
- Resort Hotels
- Resorts World is home to lots of different hotels, including Laurus, Equarius and Ora. I’ve not stayed at any of them but they look good for families.
- Shangri-La Rass, the best beach front hotel with kids’ clubs and water play areas.
- Village Hotel Sentosa which is fun, colourful, and close to attractions like Universal Studios
Important: Whatever your choice, Sentosa isn’t known for cheap stays. Expect to pay around $800+/night for any of the above hotels. If you are looking for better value, options include The Outpost Hotel, Hotel Michael or Siloso Beach Resort (all come at around $300/night)
So there you have it, my ultimate guide to Sentosa Island, Singapore’s attractions capital. Whilst it’s famous for its theme parks and family attractions, the side of Sentosa I love is the quiet nature trails, beautiful beaches and interesting history. There really is something for everyone here, whatever your interests.
And if you’re interested in reading more of my Singapore posts, you can do so below. Stay safe and happy travelling!
- Singapore 2 Day Itinerary HERE
- Singapore Layover Guide HERE
- Free things to do in Singapore HERE (coming soon)
- Gardens by the Bay HERE
- Singapore Botanic Gardens HERE
- Mount Faber & The Southern Ridges Walk HERE
- Singapore’s Best Gardens HERE
- Singapore’s WW2 history HERE
- Jurong Lake Gardens HERE
- MacRitchie Treetop Walk HERE
- Rail Corridor Walking Guide HERE
- Bukit Timah Nature Reserve HERE
- Singapore Museums HERE (coming soon)
- Civic District Area Guide HERE
- Chinatown Area Guide HERE
- Marina Bay Area Guide HERE
- Bukit Timah Area Guide HERE
- Hotel Reviews: Raffles Singapore HERE, Conrad Marina Bay HERE, The Clan Hotel HERE
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