To see the less urban side of Singapore, don’t miss out on tackling some of the best things to do in Sentosa Island.
Sentosa Island is full of beaches, theme parks, commercial strips, and five-star hotels. It’s a popular getaway for Singaporeans and is a must-see while visiting Singapore. But with the huge selection of tourist attractions in Sentosa Island, planning a trip to the resort island can be challenging.
Among the places to see in Sentosa Island, there’s something for everyone. Adults will love spinning roulette wheels at casinos and perusing upscale shopping malls. Kids will love the island’s amusement parks and aquariums. There’s also plenty of restaurants and beach bars—and even man-made surfing!
Not sure what to do in Sentosa Island? Plan your trip with this Sentosa Island attractions guide including the best places to visit in Sentosa Island…
Need more ideas for your trip? Check out our complete guide for what to do in Singapore and our complete Singapore Travel Guide!
Why Treksplorer? Founded in 2011 by Ryan O’Rourke, Treksplorer provides travel recommendations and advice to millions of readers every year. Our content is rooted in our writers’ firsthand experiences, in-depth research, and/or collaborations with other experts and locals. Read more about our editorial policy.
What to see & do in Sentosa Island
Get a panoramic view of the island from the Singapore Cable Car
One of the top points of interest in Sentosa Island is also the easiest way to reach the island. The Singapore Cable Car zips you from the mainland to Sentosa. On the way, you’ll get an impressive aerial view of the area.
The Singapore Cable Car is the perfect way to start your Sentosa Island sightseeing tour. If you’re visiting Sentosa as a day trip from Singapore, it’s the most interesting way to get here. It’ll give you a broad overview of the land before setting foot on the island.
The trip on the Singapore Cable Car takes about fifteen minutes. There are two starting points. You can get on the lift at the peak of Mount Faber or from the Harbourfront Station. With multiple cabins, you never need to wait long for a ride.
Stop for food and shopping along the Sentosa Boardwalk
The cable car isn’t the only way to reach Sentosa. You can also travel to the island via the Sentosa Boardwalk.
The Sentosa Boardwalk is a pedestrian-friendly walkway connecting the island to Singapore. It’s one of the top Sentosa Island points of interest.
As it’s free to walk or cycle across the boardwalk, it’s the cheapest way to reach Sentosa Island. It’s also quick. You can reach the other side in five to ten minutes, depending on your pace.
The Sentosa Boardwalk also offers a few places to stop and shop. At about the halfway mark, you’ll find a few dining options. The Sentosa Boardwalk Bazaar opens on the weekends. The market sells a little bit of everything.
Splash in the water and view fish at the Marine Life Park
The Marine Life Park takes up a large part of the island. It also houses two of the top tourist attractions in Sentosa Island. It’s home to the Adventure Cove Waterpark and the S.E.A. Aquarium.
The waterpark contains a mixture of thrilling water slides and kiddie rides. Highlights include a 620-metre long lazy river ride with 13 different tropical jungle scenes. For an immersive experience, go snorkelling in a contained reef system. You’ll get to swim with over 20,000 tropical fish.
After spending part of the day at the waterpark, visit one of the world’s largest aquariums. S.E.A. Aquarium holds over 45 million litres of water with more than 100,000 marine animals.
The Open Ocean Tank gives you the impression of walking on the ocean floor. As you stroll along, various fish and marine life swim around you.
Visit the future during a trip to Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore tops the list of the best places to visit in Sentosa Island for the whole family. As with the Marine Life Park, it’s part of the Resorts World Sentosa. It’s located near a cluster of five-star hotels and other attractions.
Attractions at the large theme park are based on popular movies and TV shows owned or produced by Universal Studios. It’s separated into seven themed zones. The zones include Hollywood and the Lost World. Among them, you’ll experience dozens of attractions and rides.
For a futuristic experience, visit the Sci-Fi City section of the park. It’s built to resemble a metropolis of the future. The area houses the massive Battlestar Galactica roller coaster. You’ll also find the Transformers dark ride motion simulator here.
Get starstruck at Madame Tussauds Singapore
Madame Tussauds Singapore tops the list of interesting things to see in Sentosa Island. It’s part of the famous wax museum chain known for its realistic depictions of celebrities.
Snap a photo next to deceased and living superstars from around the world. The celebrities “waxed-out” here include political figures, sports stars, and actors.
Along with wax figures, Madame Tussauds entertains visitors with several other attractions.
If you have the need for speed, hop on the VR Racing Experience. Superhero fans should check out the Marvel 4D Experience. It places participants in the centre of the action as famous caped crusaders fight evil.
Relax on the white sands at the sprawling Palawan Beach
Palawan Beach is where to go in Sentosa Island for fun in the sun. Although the island is home to most of the best beaches in Singapore, Palawan Beach has the whitest sand. To reach the beach, you need to travel across a long rope bridge. You can also climb a tower for scenic views of the coastline.
The beach offers a few attractions for adrenaline junkies. Get a different view of the beach from a zip line ride or take a thrilling bungee jump. When you need to quench your thirst, the beach has several seaside bars to choose from.
Lose yourself in interesting illusions at the Trick Eye Museum
Wondering what to do in Sentosa Island for an unforgettable experience? Visit the Trick Eye Museum. The museum is chock-loaded with wall paintings & installations designed to trick the mind.
At the Trick Eye Museum, you’ll find over 80 interactive optical illusions. The paintings cover a variety of themes. They include supernatural, fairy tale, fantasy, and excitement.
In the “world of masterpieces,” you can step into world-famous paintings. It’s an immersive experience and fun for visitors of all ages.
The museum encourages visitors to touch and interact with the installations. You’ll want to take plenty of photos here!
Get mesmerized by the light show at the Wings of Time
Wings of Time is one of the top things to do in Sentosa Island—even if you don’t spend an entire day on the island. At the end of the day, travel to the southern coast of the island to see the nightly light show.
You need to pay a fee to enter the venue. It’s located near the beach. The park includes over 25 minutes of light displays, water features, and fireworks.
The Wings of Time event starts with a short story. It features real actors and is followed by a dazzling array of lights over the water. If you want good seats, book early or show up for one of the later showings.
Where to stay in Sentosa Island for sightseeing
Many travellers visit Sentosa Island on a day trip. If you’re looking for a relaxing night away from the city hustle though, you can choose to stay in Sentosa. The best hotels in Sentosa Island are some of the best in Singapore. Here are a few ideas to start your search…
- Le Meridien Singapore Sentosa: This 5-star hotel is located close to many of the top tourist attractions. It’s a superb choice for families and couples alike. Le Meridien is one of the better value choices in the Sentosa Island mid-range.
- W Singapore Sentosa Cove: Looking to escape the bustle of Singapore? There’s hardly a better choice than this top-notch luxury hotel. Located on Sentosa Cove on the island’s east, W Singapore is loaded with amenities. At the hotel, you’ll enjoy a spa and a fitness centre. You’ll also get to experience the massive 24-hour WET pool. It’s, quite possibly, the best outdoor hotel pool in Singapore!
- Capella Singapore: This high-end resort is nestled in the rainforest of Sentosa Island. It’s one of Singapore’s finest luxury hotels. From its award-winning spa to its luxurious suites, the Capella is one of the most tranquil & rewarding escapes in Singapore.
How to get to Sentosa Island
The resort island is located south of Singapore’s city centre. Getting to Sentosa Island is a cinch. The island is accessible by car, bus, monorail, cable car, and walking.
By MRT/Monorail: The easiest way to get to Sentosa Island by Singapore public transportation is via the MRT and monorail. Take the MRT to Harbourfront Station on the North-East Line. From the station, head into VivoCity. Make your way to the third floor. Embark from the Sentosa Express Monorail Station to access the island.
By Singapore Cable Car: The most scenic route to Sentosa Island is via the Singapore Cable Car. The cable car departs from Harbourfront Tower 2 and Mount Faber on the mainland. A round-trip ticket costs S$33.
