One of Singapore’s islands is located off the southern coast, and Sentosa Island is the perfect place to visit if you’re visiting Singapore. Connected to the city via cable car, monorail, and road, this island is a popular place to spend the day. The main attraction is the Tiger Sky Tower, which offers panoramic views of Indonesia and the southern region of the island. If you’re looking for a calmer atmosphere, head to the Palawan Beach, which is lined with food stalls. Tanjong Beach is quieter and less busy, but still has a lot to offer.
A visit to the Trick Eye Museum is a great way to experience Singapore’s culture and history. Augmented Reality Technology makes the museum’s displays more immersive and believable. The interactive app also offers a short film about the Merlion’s origin and how the sculpture was created. The museum is also illuminated at night, which makes it a wonderful destination to spend a day on the island.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, the Sentosa Giant Swing is a great option. At the same location as the bungee jumping attraction, the 40-meter-high swing offers amazing views of the entire island. The ride also offers the option of tandem racing, with two people riding against each other at speeds over 100 kph. While the Giant Swing is not for the faint-hearted, the experience is unforgettable for the entire family.
Sentosa Island is home to some of the most spectacular activities in Singapore. The S.E.A. Aquarium is the ultimate place for aquatic fun. This attraction offers a wide variety of thrilling rides, including the first hydro-magnetic coaster in Southeast Asia. There are also numerous water slides and wave pools. During your visit to Sentosa, be sure to spend some time at the S.E.A. Aquarium.
If you’re looking for more modern activities, Sentosa is a great place to visit. You can explore the island’s rainforests and wetlands, or you can take a boat ride around the entire island. The area is very modern and has plenty of restaurants and shops. You can find everything you need to spend your holiday on Sentosa. There are also several attractions for children.
There are several things to do in Sentosa Island. You can watch shows or play games. Moreover, the park also features an interactive museum that you can visit with your children. Its iguanas are also home to brightly-coloured parrots and butterflies. A few of the best things to do in Sentosa Island are a beach, a theme park, and a day in the city.
Best Hotels on Sentosa Island
- Resorts World Sentosa (RWS): This integrated resort complex offers a selection of luxurious hotels, including Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Hotel Michael, Equarius Hotel, and Festive Hotel. Staying here provides easy access to attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark.
- Capella Singapore: A five-star luxury resort nestled amidst lush greenery, Capella Singapore offers a tranquil and secluded retreat on Sentosa Island. The heritage buildings and modern architecture blend seamlessly to create an opulent yet serene atmosphere.
- W Singapore – Sentosa Cove: Situated in the upscale Sentosa Cove area, W Singapore is a trendy and contemporary hotel known for its stylish design and vibrant ambiance. It’s a great option for those looking for a chic and lively stay.
- Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa: This family-friendly beachfront resort offers a wide range of amenities, including a kids’ club, water play area, and a dedicated family pool. It’s an excellent choice for families seeking a fun-filled vacation.
- Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa: Set amidst lush tropical greenery, this luxurious resort offers a blend of French elegance and local charm. The hotel features a stunning pool area and a tranquil spa for relaxation.
- The Barracks Hotel Sentosa: If you prefer a boutique hotel experience, The Barracks Hotel is a stylish choice. Located in a restored colonial building, it exudes a sense of nostalgia combined with modern comforts.
- Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa: This charming resort boasts colonial-style architecture and lush gardens, offering a serene ambiance away from the bustling city. It’s ideal for a romantic getaway or a relaxing retreat.
- Village Hotel Sentosa: For a more budget-friendly option, Village Hotel Sentosa provides comfortable accommodations and is conveniently located near the island’s attractions.
- Siloso Beach Resort: As one of the eco-friendly choices on Sentosa, Siloso Beach Resort offers a unique natural experience with its open-air corridors and greenery surrounding the property.
Best Places to eat in Sentosa Island
While exploring the many wonderful options on Sentosa Island, it is important to find a restaurant that appeals to your particular taste. The following restaurants will satisfy your palates in different ways. First, we recommend visiting the famous Cassia restaurant at Shangri-La. It offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a cozy interior. You can even book a table for lunch or dinner. It has a 4.6-star rating on Google and its menu changes on a weekly basis.
If you are traveling with children, you should consider a place with a kid-friendly menu. The Ocean Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa serves traditional Chinese dishes and modern seafood creations. It is located right next to the aquarium and is a popular dining spot. You can also try the famous crab cakes at the restaurant’s beachside location. It’s recommended that you visit this restaurant before leaving Sentosa.
For lunch or dinner, you should head to Arbora. Located on the island 100 meters above sea level, this restaurant offers panoramic views of the harbor and Sentosa Island. It serves authentic Thai food and Italian dishes with Western accents. The staff at Arbora are friendly and hospitable, and the music is perfect for a summer day at the beach. The restaurant also has a great selection of water sports equipment that you can rent.
For dinner, you should head to the island’s famous restaurants. Besides serving international fare, Sentosa Island offers a plethora of dining options for all types of food lovers. You can dine on Thai, Italian, Japanese, and Malay cuisine. For a staycation, you may want to check out a halal restaurant or an upscale halal restaurant.
One of the best restaurants in Sentosa Island is the Blue Lotus Chinese Eating House. This authentic Chinese restaurant has a beautiful view of the aquarium and is helmed by renowned Spanish chef Cat Cora. Its intimate setting and excellent service make it an excellent dining option. Its location on the island makes it a great choice for a romantic meal. You can also dine at the Ocean Bar, which is a popular destination for chilli crab lovers.
Another must-try restaurant in the area is the Royal Taj. This restaurant, with its contemporary decor, offers Indian cuisine using both traditional and modern methods. It is the only Indian restaurant in the Sentosa Islands. It offers buffet meals and a la carte options. Executive lunch sets can also be purchased. All of the restaurants in the area offer a comprehensive bar. The restaurants on Sentosa Island offer a unique dining experience and a wealth of culinary delights.
10 interesting facts about Sentosa Island
- Historical Significance: The name “Sentosa” is derived from the Malay word for “peace and tranquility.” In the 19th century, the island was known as Pulau Blakang Mati, which translates to “Island of Death from Behind” due to its role as a British military fort.
- Size and Location: Sentosa Island covers an area of approximately 5.5 square kilometers (2.1 square miles) and is situated just off the southern coast of Singapore. It is easily accessible from the city by road, cable car, monorail, and boardwalk.
- Man-Made Island: Sentosa was originally a hilly fishing village and a British military base. In the 1970s, the Singapore government decided to develop it into a leisure destination. The island was significantly expanded through land reclamation, transforming it into a man-made island.
- Integrated Resort: Sentosa is home to Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), a world-class integrated resort that opened in 2010. RWS includes a casino, Universal Studios Singapore theme park, S.E.A. Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and several luxury hotels.
- Fort Siloso: As a reminder of its military past, Fort Siloso, built-in 1885, is the only preserved coastal fort in Singapore. Today, it serves as a museum, providing visitors with insight into Singapore’s wartime history.
- Southernmost Point of Continental Asia: Sentosa Island’s southernmost tip, known as Palawan Beach, is marked by a suspension bridge leading to a small islet. This bridge symbolically connects Sentosa to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia.
- Merlion Statue: The iconic Merlion statue, a half-lion, half-fish creature, stands at 37 meters (121 feet) tall and weighs 70 tons. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the island and offers stunning views of Sentosa and Singapore from its mouth.
- Sentosa Nature Discovery: For nature enthusiasts, Sentosa Nature Discovery provides an interactive exhibition showcasing the island’s flora, fauna, and biodiversity. The facility also offers guided tours and educational programs.
- Adventure Activities: Sentosa offers a wide range of adventure activities, such as zip-lining at Mega Adventure Park, indoor skydiving at iFly Singapore, and bungee jumping at AJ Hackett Sentosa.
- Sentosa Island Beaches: Sentosa is renowned for its beautiful beaches. Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach, and Tanjong Beach are the main beach areas where visitors can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy various water sports.