Things to Do in Sentosa Island, Singapore

Sentosa Island is Singapore's premier resort destination, a man-made playground that transforms a former military fortress into Southeast Asia's most popular leisure island. Connected to mainland Singapore by causeway, cable car, and monorail, this 500-hectare island packs world-class attractions, pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and entertainment complexes into a compact tropical paradise just minutes from the city center. From the thrills of Universal Studios Singapore to the tranquil beaches of Palawan and Siloso, Sentosa offers something for every traveler. The island seamlessly blends high-octane attractions like the S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark with serene beachfront dining, championship golf courses, and upscale spa retreats. Whether you're seeking family fun, romantic getaways, or adrenaline-pumping adventures, Sentosa delivers a complete resort experience with the convenience and efficiency Singapore is famous for.

Top Things to Do in Sentosa Island

Universal Studios Singapore

Southeast Asia's first Universal Studios theme park features seven themed zones with world-class rides and attractions based on blockbuster movies and TV shows. Experience the world's tallest dueling roller coasters, explore ancient Egypt, and meet your favorite characters from Shrek, Madagascar, and Transformers. The park combines Hollywood magic with cutting-edge technology to create immersive experiences for all ages.

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance for 10-15% savings, with single-day passes starting around S$79. Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and consider Express Passes (additional S$30-80) during peak periods. Look for combo packages that include other Sentosa attractions for better value.

S.E.A. Aquarium

One of the world's largest aquariums houses over 100,000 marine animals across 1,000 species in 45 different habitats. The centerpiece Open Ocean habitat features a massive viewing panel showcasing manta rays, whale sharks, and schools of tropical fish. Interactive touch pools, educational exhibits, and feeding sessions provide engaging experiences for marine life enthusiasts.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost around S$41 for adults, with significant discounts for online advance booking. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Combo tickets with Adventure Cove Waterpark or other attractions offer good value for multi-attraction visits.

Sentosa Beaches

Three pristine man-made beaches - Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong - offer different vibes along 3.2 kilometers of golden sand coastline. Siloso Beach buzzes with beach bars, volleyball courts, and water sports, while Palawan Beach features the iconic suspension bridge to Asia's southernmost continental point. Tanjong Beach provides a more tranquil setting perfect for relaxation and sunset viewing.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but water sports equipment rentals range from S$10-50 per hour. Book beach clubs and restaurants in advance for weekend dining. Consider staying at beachfront hotels for easy access and complimentary beach amenities.

Singapore Cable Car

Soar above the harbor and jungle canopy in glass-bottomed cable car cabins connecting Mount Faber to Sentosa Island. The 15-minute journey offers spectacular 360-degree views of Singapore's skyline, harbor, and Southern Islands. Special themed cabins and dining experiences in the sky add extra magic to this iconic transportation experience.

Booking Tip: Round-trip tickets cost around S$35 for adults, with online discounts available. Sunset rides offer the most spectacular views but book early as they're popular. Consider the Sky Pass for unlimited rides and access to both Mount Faber and Sentosa lines.

Adventure Cove Waterpark

This marine-themed waterpark combines thrilling water slides with unique marine encounters, including snorkeling with tropical fish and swimming with dolphins. Eight slides cater to different thrill levels, while the Adventure River lazy river winds through 14 themed scenes including a grotto and rainforest. The park's integration with marine habitats creates a one-of-a-kind aquatic adventure.

Booking Tip: Day passes start at S$38 for adults, with online booking discounts of up to 20%. Arrive early to secure premium cabanas (S$150-300) and avoid long queues for popular slides. Combo tickets with S.E.A. Aquarium provide excellent value for marine enthusiasts.

Getting There

Sentosa Island is easily accessible from mainland Singapore via three convenient options. The Sentosa Express monorail departs from VivoCity shopping mall (connected to HarbourFront MRT station) every 5-7 minutes, taking just 6 minutes to reach the island with stops at Waterfront, Imbiah Lookout, and Beach stations. The scenic Singapore Cable Car offers a 15-minute aerial journey from Mount Faber or HarbourFront Tower II. Alternatively, you can walk or drive across the Sentosa Boardwalk, a 670-meter pedestrian walkway with moving walkways, or take a taxi/car via Sentosa Gateway. All entry methods require a small island admission fee of S$1.

Getting Around

Sentosa's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, with most attractions within walking distance of monorail stations. The free Sentosa Express monorail system connects three main stations, while complimentary island buses (Routes A, B, and C) circulate between major attractions every 10-15 minutes. Beach trams run along the coastline connecting all three beaches for easy beach-hopping. For more flexibility, rent bicycles at various locations around the island, or use the hop-on-hop-off bus service that covers all major attractions. Many hotels and attractions also provide complimentary shuttle services for guests.

Where to Stay

Resorts World Sentosa (luxury integrated resort)

Siloso Beach area (beachfront hotels and hostels)

Palawan Beach vicinity (family-friendly resorts)

Sentosa Cove (exclusive waterfront villas)

Imbiah Lookout (mid-range hotels near attractions)

Tanjong Beach (boutique beachfront properties)

Food & Dining

Sentosa's dining scene ranges from celebrity chef restaurants to casual beachside cafes, with options concentrated around Resorts World Sentosa, the beaches, and major attractions. Resorts World features high-end establishments including Ocean Restaurant (dining underwater), while the beaches offer relaxed bars and grills with sunset views. Malaysian Village serves authentic regional cuisine, and numerous food courts provide affordable local favorites. Beach clubs like Tanjong Beach Club and Coastes combine dining with seaside ambiance, perfect for sunset cocktails and fresh seafood. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating to take advantage of the tropical island setting.

When to Visit

Sentosa enjoys Singapore's tropical climate year-round, making it suitable for visits any time, though the dry season from February to April offers the most sunshine for beach activities. Weekdays are ideal for avoiding crowds at popular attractions, while weekends bring a livelier beach club and nightlife scene. The island can get busy during school holidays and major events, so plan accordingly. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities, while midday is perfect for indoor attractions like Universal Studios and the aquarium.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Sentosa Fun Pass for significant savings if visiting multiple attractions - it offers up to 35% off admission fees and comes in various packages

Stay on the island to enjoy early park access at Universal Studios Singapore and avoid the morning rush from mainland visitors

Download the Sentosa app for real-time information on attraction wait times, dining reservations, and exclusive mobile-only promotions and discounts

Things to Do in Sentosa Island