Sentosa Island

A giant version of the Merlion -- symbol of Singapore -- on Sentosa Island.

 
Singapore's playground, this small island just a few hundred yards from the mainland has something for just about everyone. There's an excellent aquarium, dolphin lagoon, butterfly park, musical fountain and many other attractions. Older kids may want to just laze on the beach. There's an admission charge to the island as well as to many of the attractions, so a day here can get a little expensive.

There was a time in the late 1990s that Sentosa was seen as a big flop, an expensive waste of time. A new management team was bought in, and they have lowered fees, opened new, cheaper food outlets, and have undertaken a massive multi-billion dollar redevelopment of the entire island. Some of the new projects include more hotels, a new water and light show, and a big integrated resort focused on either a theme park or casino. Some projects will take until 2009 to complete.

Sentosa Attractions

There are many things to see and do on the island. The attractions tend to change over time, as people get bored with some sights and new ones are built to take their place. The current big attractions that look set to stay around include:

Underwater World

This large aquarium features a long walk-through tank where you can experience sharks and rays swimming right over your head. We especially liked the little sea dragons, relatives of the sea horse.

Dolphin Lagoon

Admission to Underwater World also includes a show at the Dolphin Lagoon, where trained rare pink dolphins put on a show.

Fort Siloso

This historical fixture on the west tip of the island is an old British Fort.

Merlion Statue

This 120-foot tall symbol of Singapore dominates the skyline around much of the island. You can climb up for a great view from the lion's mouth.

Carlsberg Tower

Observation tower affording views of Singapore as well as far-away Indonesia.

Getting There

Sentosa is one destination where getting there really can be half the fun. For a grand entrance and overview of the whole island, take a taxi to the Mount Faber cable car terminus and take the aerial tram across to the island. The cable car sets you down in the middle of the island, so it's a great way to go, although also the most expensive.

If you're looking for a cheaper way, or just afraid of heights, then take the new North-East MRT line all the way to the Harbourfront station and catch the ferry from there to the island.

Packaged Tours

Alternatively, you can book a packaged tour and let someone else do all the work. Check out the following options from our partner Viator:

	Morning at Sentosa Island from Singapore   based on customer feedback
	4 hours. Departs from Singapore	Starting from USD $27.55 per person
	Sentosa an island of peace and tranquility is just minutes away from the main Island of Singapore. On the island visit 'Images of Singapore', where you'll embark on a journey to experience the colourful culture and vibrant heritage of Singapore, re-told through life-size figures, animatronics and special effects. The beauty of a whole different world beneath the seas will overwhelm those who have opted to visit Underwater World and the Dolphin Lagoon, where you can watch the adorable pink dolphins perform their natural antics such as spy-hop, tail-flapping and vocalisation. End the tour with a scenic cable car Ride from Sentosa to Mount Faber where you can see the beautiful lanscape of the city. Private chartered transportation between attractions will make your visit more comfortable. More information & booking »
	Afternoon Till Sunset at Sentosa Island - Singapore   based on customer feedback
	6.5 hours. Departs from Singapore	Starting from USD $45.92 per person
	Expand your Singapore experience with an afternoon visit to Sentosa Island, Singapore’s relaxing island resort. You’ll travel to this island haven by scenic cable car, see pink dolphins at play in the Dolphin Lagoon, visit the Underwater World oceanarium, see the “Images of Singapore” story and after dinner enjoy the multi-sensory sound and light water show “Songs of the Sea”. This action-packed, family-friendly afternoon tour to Sentosa Island is guaranteed to please children and adults alike. Your afternoon Sentosa Island afternoon tour begins with panoramic views from a cable car as your swoop over the water from Mt Faber to the Sentosa island resort. You’ll be amazed by the playful antics of the pink dolphins at the Dolphin Lagoon, with their tail-flapping, calling and synchronized tail-walking. Your view of fascinating sea life gets even closer at Sentosa’s Underwater World. You’ll be taken on a “voyage to the bottom of the sea” as you walk through a transparent underwater tunnel with close-up views of more than 2,500 sea creatures. At “Images of Singapore” you'll experience the colorful culture and vibrant heritage of Singapore, retold through life-size figures, animatronics and special effects. After dinner, you’ll head for "Songs of the Sea", Singapore's multi-sensory extravaganza. The world-class water show features dramatic effects, water jets, lasers, burst of fire and foot-tapping music in an underwater setting, transporting you to an enchanted world where mystical sea creatures, a dashing young hero, beautiful princess and all things magical come to life. Your return to Singapore is by private air-conditioned coach. More information & booking »

Admission Fees

Admission to the island is just S$2 (1.41 USD) per person. The cable car costs $8.50 (5.98 USD) for adults ($15 / 10.55 USD for the special 'glass-bottomed' cars). Many of the other attractions, including Underwater World, have their own admission fees.

Sentosa Accommodations

We're not sure why you'd want to stay on Sentosa, but there are two luxury class hotels on the island.

Rasa Sentosa Resort Singapore by Shangri-La

Located on the western tip of Sentosa island, Rasa Sentosa Resort is Singapore's only beachfront hotel. Set on a stretch of sandy white Siloso Beach and overlooking the South China Sea, the hotel blends beautifully with the surrounding environment. It has all the deluxe facilities to make it a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Sentosa Resort & Spa Singapore (The)

This elegant 5-star resort hotel is perched atop a cliff overlooking the magnificent South China Sea. Choose from any of the spacious 214 suites and rooms spread over 27 acres of lush tropical woodlands. Or pamper yourself and check into a luxurious Pool Villa, complete with your own terrace and swimming pool. The resort also boasts Spa Botanica, as it is home to the region's first mud pools, flotation pools, mediation labyrinth and Turkish-styled steam baths, and also comprises indoor treatment rooms and outdoor pavilions. The resort offers guests a variety of dining experiences. The Cliff's stunning décor perfectly complements the artfully-presented seafood dishes, and the cocktails at The Pavilion are positively irresistible. You may also want to tuck into a sumptuous buffet at The Terrace Café.

More Information

Visit the Sentosa web site for more information on the island and current admission charges.