Those who are passing through Singapore may just go for a walk around Chinatown, Little India, the colonial district and the Orchard Road. However, if you have a little more time and money, you should not miss the chance to have a trip to the recreational island of Sentosa.
Sentosa is a small island of five square kilometers on the south coast of Singapore. In Malay its name means ‘peace’ and ‘tranquility’.
With 70% of its extension covered with a lush tropical forest, Sentosa island is home to numerous animal and plant species.
Where to Go At Sentosa Island
Resorts World Sentosa
It is a large hotel and entertainment complex that changed the face of Sentosa. Among other things, it has a casino, the largest oceanarium in the world, a water park and the Universal Studios park. If you stay there, you won’t be able to see anything else.
Imbiah Lookout
It is a high point of the island, which was part of the old amusement park and now, after a great modernization, it concentrates eleven attractions. Such as Madame Tussaud’s Museum, Tiger Sky Tower, Butterfly Park…
Siloso Point
It is the most western point of Sentosa island. There you can find a historical-military themed museum located in a fort built by the British.
Serapong
It occupies much of the eastern part of the island of Sentosa. Its main attraction is the Sentosa Golf Club.
Beaches
What is the best place to simply relax and do some sports or to party? Of course, a beach! Visit three beaches of Sentosa Island and choose your favorite one. Youth, tranquility or the best views?
Siloso Beach. It is the most western beach of the Sentosa island and one of the most famous beaches of Singapore. Around it you can spend time in bars, shops and restaurants. On the beach you can practice volleyball, kayaking and cycling. At night the Siloso beach is the perfect scene for night parties.
Palawan Beach. It is located in the center of the south coast of Sentosa. It is a family beach and its additional attraction is a small islet that has two observation towers. The islet is reached by a suspension bridge.
Tanjong Beach. It is located on the eastern side of the south coast of Sentosa. If you are searching for some tranquility, Tanjong beach is the best place for you.
Sentosa Island Passes
To see Sentosa’s attractions you can buy individual tickets for each of the attractions or buy passes that include the entrance to a part of the island’s attractions (not all are included in the passes). But if you are about to spend every day visiting many attractions, then is better for you to buy a pass.
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- Telok Ayer. In addition to being known for its picturesque places of worship, this district also has extravagant shops, cafes and places to have a drink.
- Bukit Pasoh. With historical associations housed next to trendy hotels and restaurants, Bukit Pasoh is a lovely blend of old and new.
- Tanjong Pagar. Formerly the hub of rickshaws, it is a hodgepodge of residential apartments, commercial buildings and night spots.
- Kreta Ayer. It is the heart of Chinatown. This district is home to a variety of traditional crafts, homegrown brands and some of the finest hawker food.
- Ann Siang Hill. A recent influx of new businesses and developments have filled the slopes of Ann Siang Hill with extravagant shops, coffee shops and gambling dens, making it a great weekend gathering place for young people.
How to Get There
On the island you can move around by bus. But there are several options to get to Sentosa.
The Direct Bus
Is the most comfortable option. The direct bus leaves from some tourist areas of Singapore and is called Sentosa Rider. It passes through the Orchard, Chinatown, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer, Suntec and Raffles Hotel.
The Cable Car
The most “aerial” and also the most expensive option. The trip starts at Mount Faber, but you can take the cable car at Harbor Front. To do this, take the metro to the Harbor Front station (orange and purple lines), exit the station at exit B and after a five minute walk you will reach the Jewel Cable Car Station.
Combination of metro and public transport
It is the cheapest option. The main access point to Sentosa is the Harbor Front subway station and the Vivo City Shopping Center. From Vivo City you can reach Sentosa in two different ways. 
The first option is to walk along the footbridge known as the Sentosa Boardwalk. It costs SGD $1. The second option is to get on the Sentosa Express, the monorail that leaves from the Vivo City and crosses the island.
