A 5 square kilometers stretch of land just a quarter of a mile away from the southern coast of the main island of Singapore, Sentosa (meaning ‘peace and tranquility’) is the fourth largest island of Singapore and a popular holiday destination visited by around 2 million people per year. Once a little fishing village by the name of Palau Blakang Mati and later functioning as an island fortress and a military base in colonial times, today the island has been developed into a nature and recreation resort that is considered Singapore’s play land, with unbelievable choice of activities and attractions sure to delight every family member, no matter of age.
Three beaches and an amusement area highlight the island’s attractions, and several hotels offer high-end accommodation with the ultimate in terms of facilities and service so that you can make the best of your visit to this picture-perfect and adventure-filled getaway. Head to this lively kid-friendly destination and enjoy great holidays in a truly majestic atmosphere.
Imbiah
Imbiah is the main amusement area and the first stop on the train from the mainland, featuring Merlion, an imaginary 121-foot statue symbolizing Singapore, with the head of a lion and body of a fish. Tiger Sky Tower is another attraction in this area, from top of which visitors can admire breathtaking views of the city. Other points of interest in Imbiah include: the Singapore Luge and Skyride, the Images of Singapore exhibit and much more.
Universal Studios Singapore
A popular attraction in Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore welcomes families with kids, movie enthusiasts and adventure lovers to relive their movie fantasy and indulge in 24 movies-themed rides and attractions, including Madagascar, Lost World, Ancient Egypt, Hollywood, Sci Fi City and New York. From traveling to an era when the entire Pharao’s tombs were discovered and their terrible curses unleashed, to discovering the dense tropical jungle, filled with strange animals like lemurs and foosas of the Madagascar zone, to feeling the spirit and energy of the Big Apple by soaking the impressive city skylines, neon lights and facades, your visit to Universal Studios Singapore in Sentosa will turn into a dream to cherish forever.
Underwater World & Dolphin Lagoon
For those looking for a traditional aquarium experience, the amazing Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon is the best choice. Here you’ll be surrounded with huge aquarium, featuring the best of marine life from, sharks and giant octopuses to thousands of colorful Asian-Pacific fish to stingrays and the gorgeous little weedy sea dragons of Australia; in total some 2,500 marine creatures from 250 species. Do not miss out to take your kids to the Dolphin Lagoon, to see the artful play of pink dolphins. The admission fee is $26 for adults and approximately $18 for a child between 3 to 12.
Butterfly Park and Insect Garden
Another way to immerse yourself with nature is to visit the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, where colorful fluttering butterflies and exotic varieties of insects await to delight you with their beauty and unique appearance. Open to the public from 9 am to 7 pm every day (with the last entry at 6:30 pm), the attraction will take you through a tamed wilderness, where you can experience the sights, scents and sounds of a genuine tropical rainforest. The entrance fee is $16 for adults and $10 for children 3 to 12 years old.
Sentosa Beaches
Among the above mentioned attractions, Sentosa beaches are the most obvious free things to do in Sentosa you can enjoy with your kids. At first sight, the water may not look much inviting, but the spotless white sand is ideal for lazing out and soaking up the tropical sun. Beaches in Sentosa offer a variety of beach-side activities, including volleyball, kayaking and banana boat.
Siloso Beach is perhaps one of Singapore’s hippest with plenty of beachfront bars, serving great cocktails and food, as well as playing live music, while Palawan Beach, located right at the center of the southern coast of the island, boasts a wide range of fun water sports and activities and is a perfect venue for family holidaymakers. And if you are after something romantic, go for a stroll at the crescent-shaped Tanjong Beach, the most secluded part of Sentosa, which is also famous for its spectacular sunset.
With easy access from the mainland of Singapore, the charming Sentosa Island is a place that you can never forget and a remarkable site in the country that one must visit.
