Sentosa Island Review

Having visited Singapore numerous times with kids, I have spent a lot of time in Sentosa Island. It is where most families head and is famous for its beautiful beaches, children-friendly attractions, adventure activities, and bars.

Sentosa is easy to get around with the Sentosa Express, Sentosa Bus, and Beach Shuttle.

Read on for my full review of Sentosa Island.

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.

Where is Sentosa Island?

Sentosa is an island just off the southern coast of Singapore’s mainland. It is only separated by Keppel Harbour.

An island bathing in the pink glow of the sunset with hotels and swimming pool

How do you get to Sentosa?

It is very easy to get to Sentosa Island from Singapore. We usually take the Sentosa Express but the cable car is a lot of fun or you can walk through the tunnel.

Cable Car

There are two cable car lines operating; one from Singapore and the other on Sentosa.

Taking the Sentosa cable car from Harbourfront in Singapore gives you panoramic views of the city and Sentosa Island.

Book tickets online here with instant confirmation.

MRT & Sentosa Express

Catch the MRT to Harbourfront station and follow signs to the 3rd level of VivoCity shopping mall (Lobby L).

ocean with cable cars cruise ship clouds in the sky

Walking

The Sentosa walkway is the cheapest option as you only have to pay for entry onto the island. Travelators run parallel to the vehicle bridge and feature tropical landscapes.

You get to it from VivoCity Lobby F, Level 1.

Car

There is a variable entry fee for cars depending on the time plus car parking costs.

Top 10 Things To Do in Sentosa Island

Universal Studios

Universal Studio Singapore has always been our top reason for visiting Sentosa Island. Our daughters have always been little thrill-seekers and enjoyed the rides at USS Singapore. It’s a must-do for us and the best attraction for families in Sentosa.

You can read our full article on the best rides at Universal Studios Singapore which includes all the essential information you will need for your visit to this popular attraction, including the USS opening hours.

Tickets can be purchased online for instant confirmation and as you can enter the venue directly with this voucher, it saves time queuing.

sesame street characters standing on steps at universal studios singapore one of the things to do in sentosa island

Fort Siloso & Skywalk

Anyone with a love of war history will be fascinated by this free attraction. Fort Siloso is a great way to learn about Singapore during the Japanese Occupation and is the only preserved fort in Singapore.

The museum has an interactive video as well as lots of WWII collectibles and the remains of military structures and tunnels.

The elevated skywalk provides great views of Siloso Beach and is a great place for sunset photos. You can take the lift up from the bottom if you can’t walk up.

Siloso Beach

Siloso Beach is where it all happens. Here you will find Mega Adventure Park for all the adventure junkies which includes Asia’s number one zipline. If water is more your thing, Ola Beach Club combines a combine a water sports centre with Hawaiian-themed beach club vibes.

It is also where the majority of restaurants and bars are. As you can imagine, it really comes alive at night.

If you prefer to people watch, like me, you can hire a sun lounger from one of the beach clubs. There’s always something going on.

sandy beach with people walking with a hotel in the background

Palawan Beach and the Floating Bridge

Palawan is quieter than Siloso and the calm lagoon makes it perfect for swimming. It’s a great family beach with the opening of Hydrodash, an open water obstacle course.

The floating bridge takes you from Palawan Beach to an islet touted to be the furthermost point in continental Asia.

Here you will find towers with views over the South China Sea.

Tanjong Beach

A sandy crescent beach backed by palm trees with views out to the sea and masses of container ships. You can hire sunbeds and umbrellas from the Tanjong Beach Club which hosts parties of a weekend. It’s the beach club to be seen at.

Skyline Luge

Skyline Luge Sentosa is owned by the same company who operates in Rotorua, Queenstown, and Calgary. This fun but safe adventure is loved by all ages. Definitely one to put on the list of Sentosa attractions if you haven’t done it before.

They offer different price options for Sentosa Luge and Skyride combos and have 4 tracks to choose from.

See Prices Here

Wings of Time

Wings of Time is a night time magical show about a pre-historic bird called Shahbaz. The 20-minute production includes laser lights, fireworks, and water effects all to a soundtrack.

We opted for the free show at Marina Bay but you can buy tickets online here.

S.E.A. Aquarium

This giant aquarium is home to over 100,000 marine animals. Some of the favourites include nurse shark, hammerhead shark, clownfish (yes, Nemo), reef manta ray, and bottle-nose dolphin.

Wander past the giant glass windows as these magnificent creatures swim by.

Dive feeding shows at Sea Aquarium Singapore are included in the price of your ticket where divers enter the tanks to feed the marine life.

You can buy them online through Klook with instant confirmation and to save time queuing.

See Prices Here

Adventure Cove Waterpark

If you enjoy waterparks then you will have fun at Adventure Cove Waterpark. It would be a good option for the afternoon when the humidity sets in. Lots of entertainment for all with water slides and a relaxing lazy river. Apparently, one of the best activities is the rainbow reef where you can snorkel with 20,000 different fish (included in the price of the ticket).

See Prices Here

One downside to the last two places is that they have animals in captivity. I don’t agree with this, especially if they have been captured from the wild and exploited. I, personally, would not go to either S.E.A Aquarium or Adventure Cove due to this but have included them in my list as they are popular choices. It is a personal decision and one that I would like to leave up to you.

Ifly Singapore

If you like adventure, this activity is for you. Experience the thrill of skydiving with Ifly Singapore, one of the world’s largest themed wind tunnel for Indoor Skydiving. Purchase discounted tickets online through Klook here.

Other Things to Do in Sentosa

If you have more time and are looking for extra activities, have your photo taken with the lifelike wax figures at Madame Tussauds.

For a bit of extravagance, set sail aboard onboard Singapore’s largest and most stable superyacht, The Royal Albatross. Take in the views with a drink before your delicious 3-course dinner served at your private table whilst watching the sunset. Book your spot on this fabulous dinner cruise today.

In the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, there are various experiences as well as the butterflies that fly freely around you. We didn’t visit this attraction due to poor reviews that the butterflies weren’t visible. Apparently the best time to see the butterflies active is in the morning.

Get your adrenaline pumping at AJ Hackett Sentosa with their Bungy Jump, Giant Swing and Skybridge. This is fast becoming Singapore’s most popular adventure attraction.

Save Money with a Multi Attraction Pass

Why not save $$$ with a Singapore tourist pass which includes general entry to your favourite Singapore’s attractions – find out more here.

Klook.com

Tour of Sentosa Island

If you would prefer to do a tour of Sentosa Island, Viator have an Ultimate Sentosa Package. This action-packed day tour, with 2-way coach transfers from selected hotels, includes a ride on the cable car, the Skyline Luge, seeing the incredible view from the Tiger Sky Tower, the Wings of Time show, Madame Tussauds, the Trick Eye Museum, 4D Adventureland, and butterfly garden. The full itinerary can be found here.

Viator have great cancellation policies in place. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Learn more by reading their cancellation policy.

Klook offer a much cheaper option of a bus tour around the beautiful and charming island to glimpse points of interest like Resorts World Sentosa, Sentosa Cove, and more, whilst learning about the island’s evolution and transformation.

Where To Stay

Luxury

The Marina Bay Sands is on my bucket list. I will get there one day! For those that are lucky enough, why not splurge on at least one night at this fabulous modern hotel.
Take a look at how incredible the rooms are and the views from the rooftop infinity pool here.