Sentosa

Sentosa (Malay for "peace and tranquility" — ironic for an amusement island) was a British military base until the 1970s. Today, the island is Singapore's playground: theme parks, beaches, luxury hotels, a casino, and enough attractions to satisfy adrenaline junkies and families alike.

Getting There

• Sentosa Express: Monorail from VivoCity Mall (MRT HarbourFront), 4 SGD, 3 stations on the island (Waterfront, Imbiah, Beach).
• On Foot: Via the Sentosa Boardwalk from VivoCity — a 700 m long covered walkway with escalators. Free and pleasant (air-conditioned sections).
• Cable Car: The most spectacular arrival — by cable car from Mount Faber or HarbourFront over the sea to Sentosa. 35 SGD (round-trip), breathtaking view.

Getting Around the Island

The island is compact: Between the beaches, Resorts World, and Imbiah Lookout, there are free shuttle buses and the Sentosa Express. Everything is reachable on foot in 15–25 minutes, but in the heat, the bus is recommended for longer distances.

Universal Studios Singapore

Southeast Asia's only Universal Studios theme park has 28 rides and shows in 7 themed zones — from Hollywood to New York to Ancient Egypt and Far Far Away (Shrek!). The main attractions: Battlestar Galactica (roller coaster with two tracks — suspended or seated), Transformers: The Ride 3D, and the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure. Admission: from 82 SGD (adults). Tip: Buy an Express Pass (from 50 SGD extra) if you come on weekends or holidays — the lines are brutal.

S.E.A. Aquarium

The S.E.A. Aquarium (South East Asia Aquarium) is one of the largest aquariums in the world — with over 100,000 marine creatures in 49 different habitats. The highlight: the giant Open Ocean Panorama Window (36 m wide, 8 m high), in front of which manta rays, sharks, and schools of fish glide by. Admission: 43 SGD. Tip: The first 30 minutes after opening are the quietest.

Adventure Cove Waterpark

Singapore's best water park with slides, wave pool, lazy river, and a snorkeling reef where you swim among 20,000 tropical fish. Perfect for hot days (so almost always). Admission: 40 SGD.

Skyline Luge & Skyride

First, take the Skyride (chairlift) up the hill, then race down the serpentine tracks on the Luge (a type of go-kart on wheels) — four different tracks, increasingly steep. 2 rides: 25 SGD. Most fun in the dark (Night Luge with illuminated track).

Siloso Beach

The busiest beach on Sentosa: volleyball courts, bars, restaurants, and the Mega Adventure Park (zip-line, bungee, climbing park). It gets crowded on weekends — more pleasant during the week. Fine sand, but the sea is shallow and the water is not crystal clear (harbor area). Nevertheless: beach bar atmosphere under palm trees.

Palawan Beach

The most family-friendly beach: shallow water, a suspension bridge to a small offshore island (the "southernmost point of continental Asia" — at least that's what's claimed), playgrounds, and quiet coves. Port of Lost Wonder is a children's water park on the beach.

Tanjong Beach

The quietest and most beautiful beach on Sentosa — fewer tourists, more locals, and the Tanjong Beach Club (pool, loungers, cocktails, DJ on weekends) is one of the coolest beach clubs in Singapore. Reservation recommended on weekends. View of the giant container ships gliding through the Strait of Malacca — a surreal backdrop for a beach day.

Resorts World Sentosa

The Resorts World Sentosa is a mega-resort with a casino, six hotels (from the Hard Rock Hotel to the Equarius Hotel with its own waterfall), over 60 restaurants, and the S.E.A. Aquarium. The casino is open 24/7 — entry for foreigners: free (Singaporeans pay a 150 SGD entry fee, an anti-gambling measure). Smart-casual dress code, bring your passport.