No visit to Singapore would be complete without a fun day out at Sentosa! ? Home to Universal Studios Singapore, the S.E.A. Aquarium, Wings of Time, Skyline Luge Sentosa, sunny beaches, and so much more. There’s something for the whole family to enjoy on this mini island getaway. To help you plan your Sentosa getaway when the border reopens, we’ve created an ultimate guide to Sentosa so you’ll know just what to see, eat, do, and even stay! ?
Safety & hygiene
Before heading to Sentosa, here are some hygiene tips to keep in mind:
- Check what the crowds are like using the Spaceout website. Select the ‘Sentosa’ option to see crowd levels at beaches, carparks, and other attractions.
- Remember to scan the SafeEntry QR codes when entering or exiting attractions and eateries in Sentosa. When you’re out and about, remember to activate the TraceTogether app too. These 2 methods help facilitate contact tracing if necessary. You can download the TraceTogether app on the Google Play store and iOS App Store.
- Keep your mask on at all times and make sure it covers your mouth and nose. Wash and sanitize your hands frequently, and you should always bring hand sanitizer with you.
- Travel in small groups, and ensure you keep a distance of at least 1 metre from other groups.
- Pre-book your tickets to attractions or call ahead to make reservations at eateries! This will help ensure you get your preferred slot without having to wait, as eateries have a limited seating capacity during the COVID-19 period.
- Look out for attractions, hotels, and eateries that have attained the SG Clean mark issued by the Singapore government. This certifies that they have met the government standards for hygiene and cleanliness across their facilities and amenities.
Things to do in Sentosa
1. Get your heart rate up at Resorts World Sentosa
One of the must-see attractions on Sentosa is Resorts World Sentosa. With hotels, eateries, and world-class attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and the S.E.A. Aquarium all under its umbrella, there’s something for everyone here. Check out our Muslim family’s guide to Resorts World Sentosa for more tips on where to stay, what to eat, and of course what to do while you’re there! Don’t forget these top 12 insider tips to Universal Studios Singapore to make your day there truly unforgettable. ?
P.S. All of RWS attractions have attained the SG Clean certification.
2. Lounge on the beach and soak up the sun
Each of Sentosa’s beaches have unique atmospheres that suit every type of traveller. From family-friendly Palawan Beach to tranquil Tanjong Beach to adrenaline-filled Siloso Beach - find out which one is perfect for you! Beach opening hours are currently 8AM-7PM daily, with last entry at 6PM. If you’re visiting during peak periods like weekends or school holidays, pre-book your slot at the beach ahead of time to ensure you can get a slot - check out the individual pages of Palawan Beach, Tanjong Beach, and Siloso Beach for more information.
#HHWT Tip: Take a prayer break at Beach Station before you head to the beach. There’s a prayer room (open 9AM-9PM daily) at the B1 carpark that includes separate ablution (wudhu) facilities for men and women. Do bring your own prayer garments and prayer mat along. Here are some hygiene tips you can follow:
- If you forget to bring your own prayer items, we recommend using some form of sanitizer or disinfectant to sanitize the items before and after praying.
- Make sure you keep a safe distance from others during prayer, by taking turns and not crowding the space.
- If possible, take your wudhu (ablution) at your accommodation before arriving at the prayer room.
- Wear your mask at all times during prayer.
- Store your footwear in a plastic bag or keep them away from the prayer area if using communal facilities. Avoid walking across communal mats or areas with your shoes on.
Palawan Beach
Families will love the excitement at Palawan Beach. Take a dip in the calm waters, or dive into a day of excitement at HydroDash! HydroDash is Singapore’s first floating water park with inflatable obstacles and slides the whole family can enjoy navigating. You might take some time to figure out your balance, but once you’ve got the hang of it you won’t want to leave!
Tanjong Beach
Tanjong Beach has a more laid-back, tranquil atmosphere that’s perfect for a couples’ day out or a relaxing afternoon with friends or family. Stroll along the sand, watch the sunset across the horizon and enjoy some quiet quality time with the ones you love.
Siloso Beach
For non-stop excitement, it’s time to head to Siloso Beach! Here’s where you’ll find the Sky Park by AJ Hackett Sentosa which has adrenaline-pumping attractions like Bungy Jump, Giant Swing, and a 47-metre tall Skybridge!
P.S. AJ Hackett Sentosa has attained the SG Clean certification.
There’s also the Mega Adventure Park where you can glide over the trees on the Megazip, tackle your fear of heights at the Climb & Jump high element course, or soar in the sky with the Megabounce. All ages are welcome, so the whole family can enjoy an afternoon adventure together.
P.S. Mega Adventure Singapore has attained the SG Clean certification.
Credit: @tasnimshah_ on Instagram
Siloso Beach is also home to the Skyride which will take you up to Skyline Luge Sentosa. Skyline Luge is a gravity ride where you sit in a cart and descend a track full of twists and turns. The best part is the rider gets to control the speed of the cart so you can enjoy a leisurely ride down the slope, or turn up the speed and race along with your friends!
P.S. Skyline Luge Sentosa has attained the SG Clean certification.
3. Dive into an unseen side of Singapore at Fort Siloso and the Fort Siloso Skywalk
Credit: Michael_Spencer on Flickr
Sentosa’s attractions aren’t just non-stop excitement - there’s a rich history to uncover too! Head to Fort Siloso to see the last remaining preserved coastal fort in Singapore as well as Singapore’s latest collection of WWII-era artefacts. Explore the various structures including coastal guns, military tunnels, and wax recreations of WWII scenes.
Viewing historic monuments can feel a little heavy, so recharge your energy with a stroll down the nearby Fort Siloso Skywalk. This 11-storey high treetop walk is 181 metres long and has gorgeous views of Sentosa’s greenery and beaches as well as mainland Singapore landmarks like Reflections at Keppel Bay. ?
P.S. Fort Siloso and the Fort Siloso Skywalk have attained the SG Clean certification.
4. Get up close with beautiful butterflies at the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom
Credit: @butterflyparksentosa on Instagram
Nature lovers will be amazed by this multi-sensory outdoor experience that takes you up close to beautiful butterflies and fascinating insects. Watch butterflies land on your hand in the Butterfly Aviary, and get to feed and dance along with vibrant birdlife at the Bird Aviary!
P.S. Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom has attained the SG Clean certification.
5. Step into a whole new world at HeadRock VR Singapore
Credit: HeadRock VR Singapore on Facebook
If you’re looking for something exciting, family-friendly that isn’t Universal Studios Singapore, visit HeadRock VR to step into a whole new world! Located within Resorts World Sentosa, there are a total of 11 family-friendly themed rides and interactive games across 3 separate zones. This indoor attraction is great for a rainy day plan, with activities including archery and jungle rafting.
P.S. HeadRock VR has attained the SG Clean certification. Remember to wear your face mask at all times during the activities and rides, and pre-book your tickets in advance to ensure you’ll be able to enter at your selected time.
6. Enjoy the tranquillity of nature at Sentosa Nature Discovery
Credit: GT#1...thanks for millionth support on Flickr
After a non-stop day of excitement, unwind with some free nature attractions at Sentosa Nature Discovery. Located near the Imbiah Lookout Point, this former monorail station has over 8 different habitats and dozens of Sentosa’s heritage trees and flowers. Take a 40-minute walk and enjoy being around native wildlife including butterflies and cockatoos - see if you can spot them amongst the trees!
P.S. Sentosa Nature Discovery has attained the SG Clean certification. The trail is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, with free admission for all visitors. Tickets are not required, but do travel in small groups and maintain a distance from other groups of visitors when walking.
Halal food in Sentosa
1. Food in Resorts World Sentosa (All listed eateries are halal-certified)
If you’re spending the day at Resorts World Sentosa you won’t have to worry about finding halal food as there are plenty of halal-certified options to choose from! Check out our Muslim-friendly family guide to Resorts World Sentosa to see what you can dine on in Universal Studios Singapore and Adventure Cove Waterpark. And remember that it’s best to dine in smaller groups (from 28 Dec 2020 onwards the maximum number of diners in one group is 8 but this may change accordingly).
P.S. All eateries within Resorts World Sentosa have attained the SG Clean certification. There are also halal-certified eateries located near RWS that you can access without paying for an entrance ticket. This includes Bagus Cafe, Bali Thai, Streats Asian Cafe, and Texas Chicken. Do call ahead to reserve your table, especially for eateries within attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, as eateries have a limited seating capacity during the COVID-19 period.
2. Good Old Days (Halal-certified)
If you’re near Siloso Beach, dine at Good Old Days to enjoy the best of local Singaporean favourites. The restaurant dishes out a wide range of local cuisines for every palate and even has desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. Make sure to try their signature dishes such as Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chinese Double Boiled Black Chicken Soup, and fusion Hainanese Chicken Chop as it’s hard to find halal versions elsewhere!
P.S. Good Old Days has attained the SG Clean certification.
3. Marrybrown (Halal-certified)
Looking for fast food with a Malaysian twist? Marrybrown's your answer! Their fusion dishes are Western fast-food classics with a Malaysian spin, such as the Nasi Marrybrown that pairs fragrant nasi lemak with Western-style fried rice. The eatery is located at Siloso Beach, so it’s nearby some exciting attractions. Do plan your visit in advance to ensure safe distancing with other diners can be maintained. While Marrybrown may not accept reservations, do stick to safe distance rules within the establishment - or consider packing your food to eat somewhere else if it’s too crowded.
P.S. Marrybrown has attained the SG Clean certification.
Where to stay in Sentosa
Staying in Sentosa is a sure-fire way to keep your holiday enjoyable and convenient - you’ll only be a short journey away from the best attractions the island has to offer! ? With scenic beachside views, a variety of hotels for every type of trip, and easy access to Singapore’s public transport system via Harbourfront MRT station, you can consider staying at Sentosa to have a whole new experience the next time you get to visit Singapore. It’s time to check out the amazing hotels that Sentosa has to offer.
Here are some must-know tips before booking your hotel stay:
- Stay at hotels that have received the SG Clean certification, indicating that they meet the safety and hygiene standards set out by the Singapore government.
- Book your hotel in advance to ensure you can get a suitable room, as hotel capacities may be limited during the COVID-19 period. Some hotels may offer free change or cancellation policies up to 24 hours before your arrival - do check before booking your room!
- Do check the maximum number of guests allowed to stay in a hotel room before booking, as this may change according to the COVID-19 situation.
- Hotel facilities such as gyms, pools, and spas may be closed or enforce safe distancing measures such as pre-assigned time slots. Do check the hotel’s individual websites for detailed information, and pre-book your slot respectively.
- Buffet courses (including breakfast buffets) are now served a la carte due to safe distancing measures. Simply order from the menu or QR code at your table, and your dishes will be served directly to your table.
1. Resorts World Sentosa
Sentosa’s only integrated resort has a variety of hotels to choose from so you’re sure to find the perfect one for you and your loved ones. The Equarius Hotel is great for families with its spacious and breezy beachside rooms, and a Kids Club where your little ones can enjoy fun and creative activities. Whereas honeymooners or those looking for a romantic getaway may prefer the Beach Villas which have luxurious rooms and private lap pools for selected villa types. ?
P.S. Currently the only RWS hotels that have attained the SG Clean certification and are open for booking are Beach Villas, Crockfords Tower, Equarius Hotel, Hotel Michael, and Ocean Suites. Find out more about RWS’s COVID-19 safe management measures on their website.
2. Village Hotel Sentosa
Credit: Village Hotel Sentosa on Facebook
The Village Hotel Sentosa is conveniently located next to the Merlion Station and Universal Studios Singapore, and its rooms are designed with families in mind. Enjoy their spacious rooms, 4 fun themed pools, and Sentosa-wide perks and discounts if you present your key card at participating merchants!
P.S. Village Hotel Sentosa has attained the SG Clean certification. Find out more about their COVID-19 safety measures here.
3. Outpost Hotel
Credit: The Outpost Hotel on Facebook
For an upscale adults-only stay, the Outpost Hotel is a great choice for romantic getaways or an unforgettable trip with your BFFs. Centred around privacy and exclusivity, you can relax in your chic and elegant hotel room, or take a dip in the sky pool and Sentosa’s first and only rooftop day club.
P.S. Outpost Hotel has attained the SG Clean certification. Find out more about their COVID-19 safety measures here. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Marrybrown, 10-minute walk from Resorts World Sentosa, and is located next to Beach Station for a convenient commute around Sentosa and to mainland Singapore.
4. The Barracks
Credit: The Barracks Hotel on Facebook
For a hidden hideaway steeped in luxury, book a stay at The Barracks, a former British artillery outpost now converted into an upscale hotel. Its beautiful rooms blend Old World charm with modern luxury, making it the perfect place for a romantic getaway with your spouse or a special celebration stay with your closest friends or family.
P.S. The Barracks has attained the SG Clean certification. Find out more about their COVID-19 safety measures here. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Marrybrown, 15-minute walk from Resorts World Sentosa, and is located next to Beach Station for a convenient commute around Sentosa and to mainland Singapore.
How to get to Sentosa
You can get to Sentosa in a variety of ways - from walking in for free to taking a scenic Cable Car ride across the water!
- Walk/Cycle: Take a short 10-minute stroll from VivoCity shopping mall (directly connected to Harbourfront MRT station) via the Sentosa Boardwalk. If you have a bicycle with you, you can also cycle in for free!
- Public train: Travel to Harbourfront MRT station and go to the 3rd floor of VivoCity shopping mall to the Sentosa Express at Lobby L. The Sentosa Express is EZ-Link compatible and costs $4 per person ($2 for concession card holders, free for children below 3 years old). The trains run between 7AM-12AM.
- Public bus: Bus service 123 brings you directly into Sentosa island.
- Cable car: If you’re a fan of Singapore’s skyline scenery, you’ll need to take the cable car into Sentosa! Book your ride at Singapore Cable Car and enjoy the scenic views of Mount Faber, Resorts World Sentosa, and Universal Studios Singapore. Do note that there is a limit to the number of pax per carriage to ensure social distancing.
Here’s a recap of the safety measures to keep in mind when planning for your trip:
- Travel in a small group if possible
- Pre-book your attraction tickets or reserve your tables at eateries in advance as both attractions and eateries have limited capacity during the COVID-19 period. Do check in advance if attractions may be closed to enforce safe distancing.
- Keep your face mask on at all times (except when eating or drinking), and carry around hand sanitizer with you.
- Bring your own prayer garments and prayer mat with you at all times.
- When entering a public attraction or eatery, remember to scan and check-in the SafeEntry code at the entrance, and activate your TraceTogether app when you’re out in public. These are to help facilitate contact tracing.
- Don’t forget to check-out of SafeEntry once you leave the attraction or eatery.
If you’re hoping to visit Sentosa in the future, we hope that this guide comes in handy in planning your vacation!
This article is brought to you by Singapore Tourism Board.