Sentosa Island, Singapore

Sentosa Island, a vacationers’ paradise is situated ½ km from the southern shore of the Singapore mainland. Stretching over an expanse of 5 sq. km (500 hectares), Sentosa is a hub of tourist attractions.

It includes innumerable theme parks such as the most famous Universal Studios, Madame Tussauds, etc; historical places like Fort Siloso; Southeast Asia’s first 4-dimensional theatre, Sentosa 4D adventure land; official mascot of Singapore, the gigantic Merlion; 2 golf courses, 2 casinos, and a man-made 2 km stretch sheltered beach.

Prior to 1970, today’s Sentosa was referred to as Pulau Blakang Mati, which when translated means “Island of Death Behind” in Malay. It was historically used by the British as the military fortress till Second World War (1942) and later by the Japanese as a Prisoners-of-war camp until its surrender to the British in 1945. If you're interested in exploring this historical site, consider booking a Singapore tour package to delve deeper into its intriguing past.

It served as the base for the Singapore Naval Volunteer Force, Maritime Training school, first naval Medical center, and the School of Field Engineers’ military base under independent Singapore Government, before transforming into Sentosa, a tourist hub around 1970-80.

Sentosa, which literally means “Peace and tranquillity” in Malay, is the fourth largest island with 70% rainforest cover, topical landscapes, golden sandy beaches, and significant biodiversity.

A $420 million private corpus fund along with $500 million Government sponsorship saw Sentosa transmogrify into a pagan’s paradise with award-winning Spas, plush hotels, sheltered coastlines, unabashed amusements, adrenaline-pumping games, gastronomic delights, and infinite shopping arcades.

Visitors of all ages and tastes get more than their money’s worth of pleasure and amusement at Sentosa Island. The multitudes of attractions at the island are broadly segregated under the following heads - Family fun, Adventure Sports, Beaches, Iconic or historical sites, Museums, Natural & Wildlife Sanctuaries, Trails, and Shows.

There are some free attractions too, where explorers can enjoy without buying any ticket such as Animal Encounters at Palawan Beach, Crane Dance, Lake of Dreams at Resorts World Sentosa, Fort Siloso and skywalk at Siloso point, Siloso Beach, Tanjong Beach, Sentosa Nature Discovery, etc.

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• The Universal Studios at Sentosa Island is an award-winning theme park and has many adventures for all age groups.
• Hydro Dash is the first floating aquatic park here and has lots many thrill-filled rides
• If the underwater world excites you then we ought to tell you that the S.E.A aquarium is home to more than 10,000 varieties of fish in all sizes and colors.
• Put on your zombie-busting cap and dive into a stormy blizzard, travel onboard an extreme train, raft through jungles while facing waves, and fight off storms with a stormy blizzard at Head Rock VR.
• Enjoy snorkeling with over 20,000 aquatic animals at Rainbow Reef, a colorful attraction at Adventure Cove waterpark.

- By train: Take the North East Metro Line and alight at the Harbourfront Station. Walk to VivoCity Shopping Mall and head over to the third floor. Here, you will come across the Sentosa Express Monorail Station, which will take you directly to Sentossa. 

- By Bus: Bus no. 123 takes one directly to Sentosa. 

- By Road: Those taking a car or a cab can enter Sentosa via the Sentosa Gateway Bridge. It is also possible to walk to the place via the Sentosa Boardwalk.

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The weather at Sentosa remains consistent except for its unpredictable rain patterns. The rate of rainfall generally tends to be higher around November, so an ideal time to visit the Island would be between December and February.

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1. Here is the list of best Restaurants to Eat at Sentosa Island

a. Coastes (Casual): A bistro in the natural environs that exudes rustic charm and laid-back beach ambience, where sunbeds and deck chairs extend to the water’s edge. The beach bar offers the finest beers, rail drink spirits, and delightful burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, pasta, curry Laksa, and scrumptious unsullied seafood.

b. Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora: Enveloped by the waters of S.E.A Aquarium and set against the backdrop of myriads of marine life, the out of the world experience of dining in Singapore’s only underwater restaurant leaves visitors enchanted and satiated. The diner’s Pink Shrimp, crispy skin Barramundi, crisp Foie Gras, Scottish Salmon, and Roasted Peach are a gourmet’s delight.

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c. Malaysia Food Street: The air-conditioned building is replicated to look like an open field, where the ceiling is painted black, the floor is transformed into the street with road markings and street signs, and street lamps are turned on to imitate a perpetual night scene of Singapore and cafes appear as street food vendors of the 20 street stalls,

some of the notable ones are Heun Kee Claypot Chicken Rice, Penang Hokkien Prawn Mee, Penang Cendol, KL Jalan Alor Hokkien Prawn Mee, Penang Assam Laksa, Petaling Jaya Toast & Drinks.

d. Cable Car Sky Dining: Faber Peak (Fine Dining ): For those special occasions or memorable experiences that you cherish for an entire lifetime, such as celebrating your wedding anniversary with your soul mate or proposing to your beloved, there is no better place than Cable Car Sky Dining.

Absolute privacy, a delectable 4-course meal, an exciting 90-minute mid-air journey, a picturesque background, and a romantic vibe are perfect settings for exchanging endearing words and sweet nothings.

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e. The Cliff: The bistro located in Sofitel Hotel with classy and snazzy insides boasts of heartwarming hospitality. It dishes out a large collection of homemade pasta, starters, desserts, and mouth-watering pizzas combined with best in class wines.

f. 8 Noodles: A casual eatery with bright interiors and traditional coffee shop-style table and chairs that serve local favourites like Wonton Noodle soup, Char Kway Teow, Chinese style roast meats and self-indulgent local desserts.

g. Bikini Bar (Bars): The buoyant and vivacious beach bar in Singapore offers an array of ice-cold beers, cocktails, and a menu, which includes yummy chicken and beef kebabs and scrummy sauce. It provides marvellous views, large screen TVs, a beer pong table,and a pool table.

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2. Best Resorts to Stay in Sentosa Island

a. Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa: The only true beachfront hotel with high-class interiors, wonderful facilities, affable service, alluring views of the ocean and landscape and 454 capacious and well-appointed guest rooms and suites, makes it a visitors’ favourite.

Huge outdoor pool, waterslides, splash zone, Fun Zone and supervised kids’ club activities, Spa, Gym, Open-air play space called Nestopia, and Sea Sports centre are additional attractions. 4 Restaurants with a wide array of dishes and unique ambiences along with 2 bars & lounges will test your selection skills.

b. Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa: The building showcases a mix of intricate French design styles with Singapore's colonial-era architecture creating a distinctive setting. Engulfed in verdant meadows and housing sprawling outdoor Spa gardens, the resort offers a serene atmosphere that relaxes both the mind and body of the visitors.

A variety of accommodations in the form of capacious, air-conditioned Luxury Rooms, Suites and Villas with pleasing interiors and luxurious amenities provides an unforgettable stay at this Sentosa resort.

c. Equarius Hotel: Resorts World Sentosa: Aquarius Hotel is located at the periphery of the tropical jungle of Sentosa, at the southernmost tip of continental Asia. It is a preferred destination for nature lovers and families due to its proximity to nature hikes and attractions like Universal Studios, S.E.A Aquarium, etc.

Capacious and well-furnished Deluxe Rooms and Suites with balconies that offer bird’s view of either Forest or Sea, world-class amenities and a Forest restaurant run by a famous chef Sam Leong modelled on forest theme gratify the visitor’s senses.

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d. The Outpost Hotel by Far East Hospitality: The Outpost Hotel is located on a cliff overlooking the beautiful Singapore channel. The up-market hotel caters to adults and couples seeking excitement and adventure. Motivated by the Islands military history, 193 guest rooms (Deluxe Rooms with Sea view/Island view/Pool view) are decorated in black & white marble.

Customized service, branded beauty care products, pool-deck, complimentary mini-bar, Pool bar, All-day dining restaurant delight the customers.

e. W Singapore Sentosa Cove: The Hotel is situated in the upscale residential area of Sentosa Cove. A preferred destination of top-notch executives, Business Tycoons, affluent staycationers and classy globetrotter.

240 ultra-posh commodious Guest Rooms and Suites with resplendent interiors, unlimited contemporary amenities, and unrestrained recreational facilities such as Gym FIT, swimming pool WET, pub WOOBAR, and best meat & seafood restaurant SKIRT, and gourmet Kitchen render a matchless experience.

f. Capella Singapore: Capella Singapore is housed in 2 resurrected Tanah Merah heritage buildings, which date back to 1880. The hotel comprises gardens and grounds that dot the shore. The range of habitation, which includes 112 Rooms, Suites, Villas, and Manors, is spread over 30 acres of serene verdant vista.

Custom-made contemporary amenities, renowned upholstery, distinguished Rivolta Carmignani napery, Aesop bath & body essentials, private plunge pool, and luxurious comfort guarantee a cosy stay. The in-house diners, Cassia and The Knoll offer visitors appetizing and authentic Cantonese and Mediterranean food, while Bob’s bar lifts the spirits further with custom-made cocktails.

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3. Tips for Visiting Sentosa Island

- As the climate in Sentosa, Singapore is generally hot, it is better to wear light, loose-fitting, cotton clothes.

- Sentosa can be reached via Car, Bus, monorail, cable car, and on foot.

- Sentosa is open on all days including public holidays between 9 A.M -10 P.M. One is allowed to enter 30 minutes before closing time.

- Visitors are not permitted to stay on the island unless they are staying in Cove or any hotels located on the island.

- Get to the adventure rides early in the morning before it gets hot. 

- Visitors should shower before entering the pools or going on rides.

- Visitors are permitted to shoot photos and videos for personal use.

- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid side effects of humidity such as inflammation of the fingers, hands, etc

- Always carry a pair of Sunglasses and umbrella to save yourself from sudden short showers.

- Pack shades, hats, and Sun protection essentials to avoid scorching Sun, as it gets hot between late mornings to mid-afternoon.

- Guests are instructed not to fly drones or other remote-controlled devices in Sentosa Island.

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