Skyhelix Sentosa is an open-air panoramic ride with fantastic views! Credits: @adelinebabysuns on Instagram
In Malay, sentosa means peace and tranquillity. The island on the southern coast of Singapore is aptly named, thanks to its natural landscapes and multitude of attractions, like beaches and resorts.
Headed to Sentosa to find out why tourists flock to this Singaporean paradise? To have a hassle-free journey, here’s our guide to everything you need to know about Sentosa Island:
- What is Sentosa Island?
- How to go to Sentosa Island
- Things to do in Sentosa Island
- For families
- For friends
- For solo travelers
1. What is Sentosa Island?
Sentosa Island has a notable lineup of beaches for some R&R! Credits: @mayatong on Instagram
Sentosa Island in Singapore is a manmade island in the southern part of the Southeast Asian nation. Formerly a military base, the island was converted into a tourist destination with abundant attractions geared towards serenity and just having a good time. You’ll find many resorts and family-friendly destinations for getaways well spent!
2. How to go to Sentosa Island
Riding a cable car is one of the most popular ways to go to Sentosa
The great thing about Sentosa is that it’s accessible from the mainland through the following modes of transportation:
- Cable car
One of the most famous ways to go to the island is via cable car. In fact, it’s a famous Sentosa Island attraction in and of itself! You can conveniently book a ride on the Singapore Cable Car here:
- Car
If you opt to drive to Sentosa Island in Singapore, you can take the new access road to Tanjong Beach, off Artillery Avenue. You can also book a Grab Car, which has the following pick-up and drop-off points:
- Imbiah Lookout
- Siloso Point
- Palawan Beach
- Tanjong Beach
- Beach Station (carpark basement level near Lift B)
- Roundabout outside Beach Car Park
- SDC Office
- Sentosa Golf Club
- Quayside Isle
- Sentosa Cove Village
- Village Hotel at Sentosa
- Bus
You can take buses numbered 23 which directly go to Sentosa from multiple pick-up points in Mainland Singapore. Another option is to take buses numbered 65, 80, 93, 188, 855, 10, 30, 97, 100, 131, 143, 145, and 166. Then you’ll hop off at Vivocity, Merrill Lynch, or Harbourfront and take the bus numbered RWS8 to Resorts World Sentosa.
- MRT
Another great way to go to Sentosa Island in Singapore is via the MRT or Mass Rapid Transit. You can start by taking the North-East Line or Circle Line, then alight at Harbourfront MRT station. From here, you can transfer to Sentosa Express at level 3 of Vivocity.
- On Foot
If you’ve reached Vivocity either via bus or the MRT, you can opt for a leisurely walk on Sentosa Boardwalk, which offers views of a lush garden landscape.
3. Things to do in Sentosa Island
There are a plethora of great things to do on Sentosa Island that will help you sit back, relax, and give you the time of your life! After all, it’s known as the State of Fun!
For Families
Explore Universal Studios Singapore
Come face-to-face with the minions at Universal Studios Singapore
Bringing the whole fam? Then check out the very first Universal Studios park in Southeast Asia, where the world of film comes to life! Meet all your favorite characters, from the minions of Despicable Me to the Autobots of the Transformers franchise and more. Expect plenty of rides, musical shows, and meet-and-greets to leave lasting memories!
Check out more than 10,000 marine life at S.E.A Aquarium
S.E.A. Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia! Credits: @seaaquarium.sg on Instagram
Another family-friendly attraction on Sentosa Island is S.E.A. Aquarium, located in Resorts World Sentosa. Here you’ll find 10,000 marine animals in total, separated by nine distinct zones, offering insights into the different types of aquatic animals. Keep your eyes peeled for the threatened species such as the manta ray, Napoleon wrasse, and an array of corals preserved in the aquarium.
Race your friends at Skyline Luge
Before luging, you’ll take the four-seater chair lift up the track
Enjoy some fresh air and embark on a race with your family outside a screen. At Skyline Luge, you can race down four thrilling tracks: Kuppu Kuppu Trail, Expedition Trail, Jungle Trail, and Dragon Trail. If you want to witness a fantastic display of lights throughout the track, you can try it at night!
For Friends
Get a dose of adrenaline on the waterslides at Adventure Cove Waterpark™
Adventure Cove Waterpark is the only integrated aquatic and marine life park in Southeast Asia
Another great thing to do on Sentosa Island in Singapore is bringing your friends and fam to Adventure Cove Waterpark. Experience the thrills of racing down the slides or floating along the Adventure river, the waterpark’s iteration of a lazy river with themed zones and an underwater tunnel. As the only integrated aquatic and marine life park in Southeast Asia, you can even go snorkeling at Rainbow Reef or have a close encounter with manta rays!
Fly without the sky and go indoor skydiving
Indoor skydiving is so safe, that even little ones can enjoy it!
Have you always wanted to try skydiving with your friends? At iFly Singapore, you can try skydiving safely without going thousands of feet up in the air. You’ll be as safe as possible in your gear and with the guidance of your instructors.
For Solo Travellers
Relax by the beach
Pose by the famous hanging bridge over the sand and waters of Palawan Beach Sentosa Island. Credits: @blushblushtomato on Instagram
Sentosa has plenty of manmade destinations, and its stunning beaches are one of them. The island has a 3.2km strip of manmade white sand beaches that are as gorgeous as the real thing. These beaches (namely Siloso, Tanjong, and Palawan Beach) have tropical vibes and zen environments ideal for unwinding during solo travels.
Visit Images of Singapore at Madame Tussauds
The Malay Fishing Village set depicts the signing of a treaty during the founding of Singapore. Credits: @mtssingapore on Instagram
An engaging way to learn about Singapore's history, culture, and people is by visiting Images of Singapore, an exhibit at Madame Tussauds. It features several sets that showcase important moments and places in Singapore’s history, from Malay Fishing Village to Commercial Square and Chinatown.
