Is Sentosa Island Worth Visiting?

Let’s explore Sentosa Island, a tropical escape just off the southern coast of Singapore. This little island offers a fun mix of natural beauty and a variety of attractions, making it the perfect retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. With its scenic sandy beaches, top-notch attractions, panoramic views, and upscale resorts, there’s truly something for everyone – including locals and tourists (at least in my humble opinion). Plus, it’s Singapore’s closest inhabited island and very easy to access. In this post, I’ll highlight some of the top things to do in Sentosa to help you decide if it’s worth visiting for you.

I’ve created this post for you as I found it difficult to find a nice quick overview of the island, how to get around, and where to stay as most of the information out there is more marketing focused. I hope it is helpful! Feel free to ask any questions that you may have.

Cable Car to Sentosa

The perfect start for your visit to Sentosa Island is to travel there from above via the Singapore Cable Car. I recommend starting from the peak of Mount Faber Park for the full panoramic view of the park and the Sentosa-HarbourFront skyline, but you can also catch it at the HarbourFront MRT Station.

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Mount Faber Park is one of the oldest parks in Singapore. The trail up to its peak is called Marang Trail, which is a series of well-maintained steps up through a shaded canopy, with great views of the harbor as the elevation increases. It’s a lot more effort than simply catching the MRT from the HarbourFront MRT, but I think the extra effort is worth it.

To get here, take the MRT to the HarbourFront MRT Station and take exit D, then follow the signs to Marang Trail. The hike up will take about 15 minutes. If you prefer, there is parking here, so you can also drive.

The regular Singapore Cable Car holds up to 8 people, while the premium SkyOrb, Cabin, which features a glass floor for extra viewing, holds up to 6. It stops at Sentosa Station, near the entrance of the island, within easy access to its top amenities.

Note that riding the cable car at sunset adds extra ambiance to the view, as do nighttime lights. It was a partly cloudy day when I rode the cable car, but still beautiful.

Top-Notch Attractions on Sentosa

There are so many attractions on Sentosa, it’s best to plan for your visit in advance. Here are some of its most popular attractions to choose from. Or, plan to stay a few days at one of its lush resorts and make a few days out of it (see where to stay below).

Universal Studios

Universal Studios is the most-visited attractions on Sentosa Island. You can visit Hollywood, New York, Ancient Egypt, Minion Land, Sci-Fi City, Far Far Away, and The Lost World, take thrill rides, like a roller coaster, enjoy a performance, or eat at various themed dining options.

This is very popular, so book it in advance.

S.E.A. Aquarium

The S.E.A. Aquarium is one of the world’s largest aquariums with over 100,000 marine animals in themed zones. There are also interactive experiences, educational opportunities, and an underwater tunnel.

The S.E.A. In its name stands for Southeast Asia, as it focuses on species found in Southeast Asian waters.

Skyline Luge

Skyline Luge is another family-friendly activity with rides on a variety of tracks with slopes, curves, and tunnels. This is another very poplar event.

Sensoryscape

Sensoryscape is an award-winning, multi-sensory attraction. It’s predominant a night based experience with free light shows at 7:50 PM and 9:40 PM. There’s even a mobile app, the ImagiNite app, that you can download to enhance your experience.

Wings of Time Fireworks

Wings of Time Fireworks is a multi-sensory show, but it uses fireworks, lasers, and 3D visuals that are choreographed to music. There are two shows nightly. Its the only daily fireworks show in Singapore.

The SkyHelix

SkyHelix is an open-air gondola ride that rotates as it ascends to a height of 259’ (79 m) above sea level.

Adventure Cove Waterpark

Adventure Cove Waterpark offers all kinds of water adventures, from the hydro-magnetic coaster Riptide Rocket, water slides, or a calming ride down the river to Dolphin Island, manta ray or shark encounters, or snorkeling at Rainbow Reef.

4D Adventureland

4D Adventureland is a high-tech entertainment zone with multiple interactive experiences. There’s the Haunted Mine Ride 4D, Extreme Log Ride, Desperados, and Pirates 4D.

iFly

iFly is another adrenaline activity. It has a 18’ wind tunnel with glass walls so you can simulate the free-fall of skydiving while enjoying views of the coast. iflysingapore.com.

Madam Tussads Wax Museum

In addition to wax figures of celebrities and famous people, Madam Tussauds also offers experiences, like a VR Racing Experience, a Thrill Coaster, and more.

Sentosa Nature Discovery

The Sentosa Nature Discovery is a great way to learn about the wildlife and plant life of Sentosa. It’s house in an old monorail building and is free.

Hiking Trails on Sentosa

If you’re more interested in the natural beauty of Sentosa Island, there are three family friendly treks that are free.

• Mount Imbiah Hiking Trail is a 2.1 mile loop that starts near Sentosa Nature Discovery. It takes you on tropical paths past several scenic waterfalls, a bird watchtower, and up to the ruins of an old British gun battery.

• Coastal Trail takes you through a coastal forest to a walkway along the coast of Keppel Bay. It’s on the northern-western side of the island. The trail is a little over a mile and ends near Fort Siloso.
• Fort Siloso Skywalk is a treetop-high walk. If you only have time for one walk, I recommend this one for the views and the history. As the Skywalk is up 11 stories, it provides amazing views of Singapore and the Sentosa. There is also educational signage along the way and the Skywalk ends at Fort Siloso. This fort was an important part of defense against pirates in the early 1800’s and enemies during WWII. To get to the trail, you can either take the stairs up, or the elevator by the tower. Note that while most activities on Sentosa are open late, the last admission to Fort Siloso is at 5:30 PM.

Beaches on Sentosa

There are also three beaches to explore on Sentosa. Each is a man-made beach with imported sand. Although you can tell they are man-made, and not exactly the most beautiful beaches in the world, they still offer scenic views, relaxation, and adventure.

Siloso Beach

This beach is promoted as the hippest beach on Sentosa. It offers a man-made wave, a whirlpool bath on the beach, zip lining, climbing, and more at Mega Adventure Park, bungy jumping at the Skypark Sentosa Bungy Tower, skim-boarding, kayaking, and beach volleyball, as well as bistros and bars.

Tanjong Beach

Tanjong Beach is generally the least crowded beach on Sentosa. This beach offers more traditional beach activity like swimming, kayaking, and volleyball. Tanjong Beach Club also offers additional amenities like a restaurant, a bar with signature drinks, live music, a pool, and surfing lessons on a man-made wave.

Palawan Beach

Palawan, offers a mix of relaxation and adventure with the HydroDash aqua park, UltraGolf, an 18-hole mini golf course, and HyperDrive go-kart arena. They also have a green space for dogs to play.

Where To Stay On Sentosa

If you choose to stay in Sentosa, either to explore the island more fully, or as a more serene choice while you visit Singapore, here are some of the highest rated places to stay. Of course, the moderate and splurge accommodation get the highest ratings.

Affordable

• The Outpost Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality is an adult-centric hotel for the fun and the stylish. They also offer curated brand experiences, fitness activities, customized mini-bar, and adults-exclusive access to 1-Altitude Coast, the island’s only rooftop pool and day club.

Moderate

• Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa features spacious guest rooms and suites with balconies and views of the South China Sea, pools and gardens. This is a family resort with daily activities, pools, including a pool with water slides for children, a fitness center, and complimentary bicycle rental. It’s located near Siloso Beach and gets excellent reviews.
• The W Singapore – Sentosa Cove is a luxury hotel in beautiful Sentosa Cove Marina. There are daily activities from yoga to movies. Rooms features views of the pool or ocean and some have a balcony. There’s a pool that has a slide for children, a spa, and a fitness center. This resort also gets excellent reviews.

Splurge

• Equairus Villas is located in Resort Worlds Sentosa, close to the Sentosa Station. Villas offer Provo are pools and views of the sea den surrounding forest. Transport buggies and personal 24-hour butlers and provided for all guests throughout the stay.

For a full list of the best places to stay in Singpaore, at a variety of price points, see my post on The Best Places To Stay in Singapore | The Ultimate Guide.

How To Get To Sentosa Island

There are multiple ways to get to Sentosa.

• The Singapore Cable Car is the most scenic way to get to Sentosa. As noted above, you can catch the cable car at Faber Park Peak, via HarbourFront Station MRT exit D, and then hiking up Marang Trail, or directly via the HarbourFront MRT exit B.
• Walking along the Sentosa Pedestrian Boardwalk from the HarbourFront Station to the island is one the least expensive ways to get to Sentosa. It’s less than a half a mile (670 m) and the walk will take about 15 minutes.
• The Sentosa Shuttle Bus is also inexpensive (it’s also free). Take it from the HarbourFront Bus Interchange or VivoCity to Beach Station.
• The Sentosa Express, or the monorail, is a very low cost option. Take it from the VivioCity Shopping Mall, Lobby L, Level 3.
• You can also drive to Sentosa. There is a small entry fee, but be aware that you will also need to pay for parking during your visit (unless your resort offers free parking).
• There are also several buses you can take to Sentosa. See the link below for full details as there are too many to list here (and these may change from time to time).

For all the details, see sentosa.com.sg.

How To Get Around Sentosa Island

Once you are on Sentosa, you will probably discover that the island is larger than you expected. There are several ways to get around without the inconvenience of having a car.

• There’s a second cable car that you can use to get around on Sentosa. It’s called the Sentosa Line Cable Car. It runs perpendicular to the Singapore Cable Car used to get to Sentosa. It runs between Merlion and Siloso Point Station. I added the photo below to help clarify the cable car options and a few of the top attractions.

• There are also two free buses that loop around Sentosa every 15 minutes, Bus A and Bus B.
• There is also a free Beach Shuttle that you can use to get between Tangjong, Palawan, and Siloso Beaches.

For more details on the buses and shuttle, see sentosa.com.sg.

So, Is Sentosa Worth Visiting?

So, is Sentosa worth visiting? Absolutely! There really is something for everyone here, whether you’re looking for adventure, enjoying nature, seeing the panoramic views, luxuriating at a nice resort, or just hanging out at the beach.

What is your favorite thing to do at Sentosa Island? And what are your thoughts? Is Sentosa worth visiting?

More of Singapore

For more of stunning Singpaore, see my other posts:

• Experience The Best Of Marina Bay | Must-See Waterfront Experiences
• The Charming Arab Quarter of Singapore
• 7 Must-See Sites in Little India Singapore
• Hidden Treasures & Things To Do In Chinatown Singapore
• Joo Chiat Road | Colorful Shophouses, Culinary Wonders & Cultural Fusion
• Singapore Night Safari Review | Is It Worth It?

Safe Travels!

Julie