An ideal location for tourists in Singapore City, Sentosa Island presents a perfect blend of nature and heritage.
That is why it is no surprise that Sentosa Island is a world-famous resort island because of its history, its beaches, and its climate.
Statista.com has reported that in 2020 alone, Sentosa Island was visited by over 8.6 million people!
Sentosa Island is one of the attractions featured in our 5-day Singapore Itinerary which you might want to check out if you’re planning on going on a trip to Singapore on a budget!
In this article, we will know more about Sentosa Island’s history and the places you need to add to your to-do list
A Brief History of Sentosa Island
The history of Sentosa can be traced back to the 14th century when Prince Sang Nila Utama of Palembang in Sumatra was exiled to the island.
Before it was named Sentosa, the island was once known as Pulau Blakang Mati which means behind (the) dead (island).
Sentosa Island Singapore was originally a fishing village in the 15th century. It was the home of people from Malaysia who were known as Orang Laut.
In the 1820s, the island was seen to be a strategic location in the protection of the shipping passages into Keppel Harbour. Then, in the 1880s, three artillery forts were constructed: Serapong, Connaught, and Siloso.
Sentosa Island became the base of the Royal Artillery units in the 1930s after being fortified.
The Island witnessed the Battle of Singapore in the 1940s where the Japanese Military took control, and became a training base during the height of the 2nd World War.
It was only in March 1971 that the government planned to develop Sentosa into a resort destination and a year after, the S$124-million plan was unveiled.
Today, Sentosa Island stands as one of the leading travel destinations in Singapore!
Things To Do in Sentosa
Sentosa Island is small in size but it offers A LOT of activities for you to do! One day is simply NOT enough to explore the many attractions here. So, here are the top 10 things you definitely should do in Sentosa Island!
Let’s start by visiting Sentosa’s three beaches. After all, these are what made Sentosa Island a top-tier travel destination!
Siloso Beach
Siloso Beach is a popular spot for families on a picnic during the weekends. Its 30-minute distance from the center of Singapore City makes it easier to get to.
The beach is also quite popular as a venue for different sports events like volleyball, beach football, and even canoeing but its true magic reveals itself as night comes to life.
Nightlife in Siloso Beach is lively, especially because of the number of restaurants and bars situated along the beachfront.
But if you’re only visiting and do not want to spend a ton of money on food, no need to worry because there are stalls selling snacks on sticks.
Also check out ‘Magical Shores’, a beautiful light show in Siloso Beach every Tuesday to Sunday at 7:30p.m to 9:30p.m.
One thing to remember though is that although the water is good enough to swim in, it may not be the clearest since Singapore is one of the busiest ports in the world. There are always cargo ships and tankers around Singapore’s sea.
Location: 51 Imbiah Walk Sentosa Singapore 099538, Singapore
Palawan Beach
Palawan Beach is another popular beach spot in Sentosa because of its suspension bridge that looks like it came straight out of a Pirates of the Caribbean movie or Indiana Jones!
The small island that the bridge connects to is not far and you can even swim or walk your way there. (I still do recommend running from one end of the bridge to the other like Jack Sparrow!)
Although Palawan Beach does not have a lot of options in terms of food and drinks, it does have amazing restaurants that serve food from mid-morning until evening.
Location: Palawan Beach, Sentosa Island Singapore 099981, Singapore
Tanjong Beach
If you’re looking for a place to hide away from all the stresses of the world, Tanjong Beach is the perfect place to do that!
Tanjong Beach is a crescent-shaped hideout with warm shallow waters, adorned with palm trees and pristine white sand.
Another thing you might want to check out at Tanjong Beach is the club of the same name.
Tanjong Beach Club is popular for the parties it throws almost twice a month! Food options are also good according to Google reviews but can be a bit pricey for people traveling on a budget.
Just make sure to book a reservation at least two weeks before you go to Tanjong Beach Club as it may be fully booked if you were to simply walk in.
Location: 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Singapore 098942
Universal Studios Singapore
Did you know that Universal Studios Singapore is the second Universal Studios theme park in Asia? The first one is Universal Studios Japan.
Universal Studios Singapore debuted with 7 themed zones, countless rides, and shows back in 2010. Now, it has over 18 attractions within its 20-hectare land!
You should definitely allot one whole day if you plan to visit USS because a few hours is simply NOT ENOUGH!
Expect to see your favorite characters like Puss In Boots, Kevin the minion, and more! Go on epic rides like the Revenge of the Mummy, which is not recommended for kids. But there are a lot more rides for the little ones, so no need to worry!
You’ll never get hungry at Universal Studios Singapore because just like any other Universal Studios theme park, USS also has tons of restaurants that will surely satisfy your food cravings.
Look out for shopping stops that sell merch of your favorite Universal Studios film as they are so cute and are exclusively sold at USS!
Location: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269, Singapore
Admission
Regular Rates
| One-Day Pass | Universal Express | Universal Express Unlimited | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Adult | SGD82 | From SGD50 | From SGD80 |
| Non-Resident Child (4-12 y.o) | SGD61 | From SGD50 | From SGD80 |
| Resident Adult | SGD73 | From SGD50 | From SGD80 |
| Resident Child (4-12 y.o) | SGD58 | From SGD50 | From SGD80 |
Adventure Cove Waterpark
Adventure Cove Waterpark is a go-to for people who are ready to get down and wet! With over 7 water rides, you’ll surely have your adrenalin rushing through the sky!
Afraid of being tossed around like a giant bowl of salad on these water rides? Don’t worry because Adventure Cove Waterpark also offers other water-based activities or you can head on to Ray Bay and Rainbow Reef and say ‘Hello!’ to over 20,000 fish!
Location: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore
Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm-Daily
S.E.A. Aquarium
The S.E.A in S.E.A Aquarium most probably stands for Southeast Asia, but really, it’s best to call it the ‘Sea’ Aquarium!
S.E.A Aquarium is ‘home to more than 100,000 marine animals of over 1,000 species, across 45 different habitats, this marine aquarium in Singapore will bring you up close to sharks, jellyfish, sting rays, and many other exotic marine creatures’, according to Sentosa’s official website!
This is a highly recommended attraction that will surely entertain everyone!
Location: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
Admission:
| S.E.A Aquarium Admission | |
|---|---|
| Non-Resident Adult | $39 |
| Non-Resident Child (4-12 y.o) | $29 |
| Resident Adult | $39 |
| Resident Child (4-12 y.o) | $28 |
Skyline Luge Singapore
Going from one place to another in Singapore does not have to be boring! Take the Skyline Luge!
Despite it being an actual mode of transportation, Skyline Luge has become quite popular among tourists and residents because while riding one of the cable-driven chairlifts, they get to see the view across Singapore!
Skyline Luge in Sentosa Island also offers other rides like the Go Kart. You might catch a sight of the fireworks display too!
Ticket prices for the Skyline Luge rides start at $26 for 3 rides! They’ve got Luge and Skyride combos on their website, so you better check it out!
Madame Tussauds Singapore
Somewhere out there, you probably already heard of the name ‘Madame Tussauds’. Of course, since it has 21 locations all over the world!
But what is Madame Tussauds? It is a wax museum established in 1835 by a French sculptor named Marie Tussaud. Ever since then, it has gained popularity for making wax sculptures of influential people and celebrities such as Queen Elizabeth II, who had 20 sculptures over her 70-year reign.
On October 25, 2014, the 7th Madame Tussauds in Asia was opened in Singapore. Currently, Madame Tussauds Singapore houses 75 wax figures.
Location: 40 Imbiah Rd, Sentosa, Singapore 099700
Admission: Standard ticket prices start at $25. To know more about experience bundles at Madame Tussauds, visit their website!
Images of Singapore
It’s nice to see the modernity Singapore has achieved but behind all of this is its history that helped shape not just the country but also the culture of its people.
That’s why, when you visit Singapore, don’t forget to include on your itinerary ‘Images of Singapore’.
Images of Singapore is a historical museum that tells the story of the people in Singapore through audio-visual presentations.
The presentations include the Malaysian rule, the British colonization, and the Post-colonization period.
Singapore has come a long way and it’s good to know the roots of this little giant!
Location: 40 Imbiah Road Sentosa, Imbiah Lookout, Sentosa Island 099700, Singapore
Opening Hours: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 6 pm
Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 7.30 pm
Wings of Time
After a long day exploring the island of Sentosa as much as you can, there’s one last thing to do: Watch the light water show at Wings of Time!
Singapore has a thing for light shows because just like the Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay, Wings of time is also a multi-sensory light show about friendship and courage.
The show uses a laser, water, and fire effects which are perfectly orchestrated to a magical soundtrack! And after the show is a wonderful fireworks display!
The ticket price of $16 is also quite inexpensive for the eye candy you’ll get to see, which is why Wings of Time is the best day-ender in Sentosa Island!
Location: 50 Beach View, Singapore 098604
Time: There are two shows which start at 7:40 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. every evening.
How to get to Sentosa Island
There are 3 ways to get to Sentosa Island: MRT with Sentosa Express, Cable Car, and Sentosa Boardwalk.
via MRT-Sentosa Express
The fastest way to go to Sentosa Island is through the Sentosa Express. Here is a quick guide on how to go to Sentosa Island.
- Take the Northeast or Circle MRT Line to HarbourFront MRT Station.
- At HarbourFront MRT Station, head towards Exit E for Sentosa Express Station
- Head upstairs and take an escalator to level 3 in VivoCity Shopping Mall.
- Take the Sentosa Express to Sentosa Island.
Admission to Sentosa Island is free until March 31, 2023 may it be via Sentosa Express or by driving there.
Effective April 1, 2023, rates will apply and standard fee will be $4.
To know more about the rates, visit sentosa.com.sg here!
Travel time: 3 minutes (VivoCity Station to Resorts World Station)
4 minutes (VivoCity Station to Imbiah Station)
5 minutes (VivoCity Station to Beach Station)
via Sentosa Boardwalk
The cheapest way to go to Sentosa Island is through the Sentosa Boardwalk.
Don’t worry about being exposed to the heat of the sun since there are moving walkways installed.
Follow these steps to go to Sentosa Island via Sentosa Boardwalk:
- Take the Northeast or Circle MRT Line to HarbourFront MRT Station.
- At HarbourFront MRT Station, head towards Exit E for Sentosa Boardwalk.
- Take the escalator to level 1 of VivoCity Shopping Mall. Stay on the left lane, then head straight.
- Simply follow the Promenade Sentosa Boardwalk sign and keep straight until you get to the cross-junction.
- Turn left at the cross-junction and then go straight ahead and continue following the Promenade Sentosa Boardwalk sign until you reach the VivoCity Shopping Mall exit.
- From the exit, go straight until you reach the end, and then turn left.
- You’ll spot the Sentosa Boardwalk. Simply follow it and when you reach the other end, you’ll find the visitor information counter where you can ask for a map of Sentosa Island.
via Cable Car
This is not the fastest nor the cheapest mode of transportation to Sentosa Island but it is definitely worth trying too!
Here is a quick guide going to HarbourFront Cable Car Station:
- Take the Northeast or Circle MRT Line to HarbourFront MRT Station.
- At HarbourFront MRT Station, head towards Exit B.
- From Exit B, turn left and then turn right and you’ll see a sign showing to go straight to HarbourFront Centre/Cable Car.
- Follow the sign and keep heading straight until you reach an escalator. Go up using the escalator.
- Next, you’ll find short stairs, go down those stairs and you’ll be facing an escalator. Take that escalator up to level 1 and it will lead you to HarbourFront Cable Car Station or follow the sign.
- After going up the escalator, turn right towards KFC and go straight to the link bridge.
- Use the link bridge and then go down the escalator.
- Go straight until you reach the cable car station direction board which will tell you to turn left.
- Go straight after turning left, go down the stairs and walk straight again until you see HarbourFront Cable Car Station located on the right.
- Book your cable car at the ticketing counter or you can also book online thru Klook here for discounts!
Standard Ticket Price: SGD35 (Adults), SGD25 (Children)
In Conclusion…
Sentosa Island truly is a wonder on its own with so much to do and so much to see. There’s so much to see and experience on the small island which will make every traveler not want to leave the place.
The attractions listed above are only some of the things you can do but we believe that these attractions will create memories for you and your family, friends, and loved ones.
Don’t forget to explore more in Singapore! Who knows what great things you’ll find!
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