Pic credit: Unsplash
Miss not being able to travel overseas? Fret not for you can still do that in Singapore! Well, kind of, if you’re visiting the island of Sentosa. Known as one of the must-visit spots in Singapore, the State of Fun has something for everyone.
Whether it’s relaxing on a staycation or challenging yourself to jump off a 46m tower, Sentosa promises adventure after adventure. To sweeten the deal, the island is waiving its entrance fee until 31 December 2020, so there’s no better time to plan a trip to Sentosa!
How to get to Sentosa
Pic credit: Sentosa
There are 5 ways to get to Sentosa: by car, bus, foot, cable car or via the Sentosa Express.
Do note that only entry by foot, car and Sentosa Express is free, so if you wish to take either the cable car or bus, separate fees apply.
Getting around the island
Pic credit: Sentosa
Sentosa is a pretty big island, so getting around on foot may not be the best option, especially if you plan on visiting multiple places throughout your trip. Once you’ve entered the island, you can travel for free via the Sentosa Express, Sentosa Bus and Beach Shuttle!
The Sentosa Express covers 4 stations: VivoCity Station, Resort World Station, Imbiah Station and Beach Station. The train runs from 7AM to 12AM daily.
If you’re heading to one of Sentosa’s pristine beaches, the Beach Shuttle has got you covered. Alternatively, you may take the Sentosa Bus, as there are 3 different routes that cover different parts of the island. All 3 routes start at Beach Station, so make sure you board the right bus! Find out more about the schedule and route here.
Now that you know how to get around the island, here’s 8 things to do at Sentosa for FREE!
1. Have a picnic by the beach
No visit to Sentosa is complete without a trip to the beach, and the best way to get some Vitamin D is with a picnic by the beach!
While there are plenty of beach clubs at Sentosa, spending the day there can be costly, as there usually is a minimum spend set by the clubs. Given the social distancing measures in place as well, it may be tough to get a spot unless you make a booking in advance.
The beaches are still open to the public, so you can still have a relaxing day by the beach, and at a lower cost too. All you need to bring along is a picnic mat, some snacks and you’re good to go! If you’re not sure what food to prepare, check out this handy guide here.
P.S Our recommendation is making a pit stop at Don Don Donki to grab some food from their Food Hall.
Make sure you take a dip in the ocean once in a while to escape the heat, but watch out for jellyfish in the water! Do also note that you may only swim between the Red and Yellow ‘Swim Here’ flags, as there are Beach Patrol Officers stationed at these areas to ensure your safety. Don’t worry about having to wait to rinse off till you’re home, as Sentosa has public showers available at most toilets located near the beach.
Do note that from 17 October 2020 onwards, you will be required to pre-book your entry to Sentosa’s beaches on weekends and public holidays. For more details on booking, please refer to this website.
2. Cycle around the island
Pic credit: Unsplash
Did you know that Sentosa is a popular place for cycling enthusiasts? The island has 3 interconnected cycling routes, each of a varying level of difficulty.
The Family Bonding route runs mainly along the beach and on flat ground, making it the perfect activity for families looking to workout. If you’re looking for a slightly more challenging route, the Fun & Nature route explores the Imbiah Hill and surrounding nature trails. The Nature & Lifestyle route is the most challenging out of the 3, and covers slopes and cycling lanes before eventually leading to Sentosa Cove Village and Tanjong Beach. You may download the route map here.
Don’t own a bike? No worries, you can rent one from GoGreen Cycle located near Siloso Beach! A 1-hour rental will set you back $9.90, and a 2-hour rental costs $14.90. Bicycles are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, so we recommend making a booking online before heading down.
3. Learn about Singapore’s history at Fort Siloso
Pic credit: Sentosa
If you didn’t know, Fort Siloso was part of Singapore’s defences against the Japanese in World War II. The site was conserved and turned into a museum, complete with replicas of the weapons used during the war.
One of the highlights of Fort Siloso is its labyrinth of underground tunnels, which now houses wax figures that show how the tunnels were used during the war. Above ground, another museum showcases the struggles Singapore faced during the war, when Singapore was known as Syonan.
Fort Siloso is a peek into Singapore’s past and future generations must learn about these events. Despite the sad story it tells, Fort Siloso is a good chance for families to appreciate the luxuries they have in life now.
If you’re keen on finding out more about Fort Siloso before heading over, check out a virtual tour here.
4. Visit the Southernmost point of Asia
Pic credit: Sentosa
A lesser-known fact about Sentosa is that it’s home to the southernmost point of continental Asia! Located at the tip of Palawan beach, you can access the islet from a suspension bridge located at Palawan Beach.
With a viewing deck that offers a gorgeous scene of the sea, the southernmost point is also flanked by 2 viewing towers for those who wish to get a better view. The islet is also known to have a calm and quiet atmosphere, which makes it the perfect spot to escape to if the beaches are too crowded for your liking!
5. Escape the city life and explore a nature trail
Pic credit: Sentosa
Did you know that Sentosa has a nature trail hidden on the bustling island? Located near Imbiah Station, the Sentosa Nature Discovery Trail allows you to get closer to the wildlife native to the island!
While Sentosa is known for its scenic beaches, the island is also home to 8 different habitats, which you can explore along the trail. From flora and fauna to insects and even rare birds, this nature trail will let you explore Sentosa’s native species through interactive exhibits. There’s also a lookout point for you to get a better view of the island!
Entry to the trail is free, so grab the family and head down to learn more about the tranquil side of The State of Fun. Guided tours are available if required, but make sure to contact Sentosa before your visit. Do note that due to current Covid-19 measures, only the upper passageway leading to the trail is open.
6. Squeeze in a fun workout with friends
Pic credit: Sentosa
Getting restless while relaxing by the beach? Challenge your friends to a little friendly match of volleyball at Sentosa’s Beach Courts! There are courts marked out along different stretches of the beach, so no matter which beach you decide to visit, there will be a chance for you to show off your skill.
If beach volleyball isn’t your type of workout, don’t worry as you can play other types of ball games there as well. Just take note that due to current safety distancing measures, no more than 5 persons are allowed in each court, with no mingling between groups permitted.
Similar to Sentosa’s beaches, you will need to make a booking online from 17 October 2020 onwards if you wish to head down during peak periods. You may pre-book your entry up to 7-days before your visit. For more details, please refer here.
7. Help clean up Singapore’s beaches
Pic credit: Sentosa
From 6 October 2020 onwards, Sentosa will be launching a marine conservation programme, and this will run till 27 May 2021. The Marine Conservation programme aims to educate the public on the importance of keeping our oceans clean, and includes hands-on experiences for participants.
The event will be held on Tuesdays and Thursday, with a morning session at 11AM and an afternoon session at 4PM. Each session will be approximately an hour, which includes an educational portion as well as the opportunity to help clean-up Sentosa’s beaches.
For more details regarding the programme, do check out Sentosa’s website.
8. Get a bird’s-eye view of Sentosa from a skywalk
Pic credit: Sentosa
Many may have heard of the AJ Hackett Skywalk, but did you know that there’s another skywalk on Sentosa? Not only is the Fort Siloso Skywalk free, but it provides a scenic trek up to Fort Siloso too!
Standing at 11 storeys high, the skywalk spans 181m long and connects Siloso Point to Fort Siloso. Make sure to bring along your camera to capture the gorgeous views the tree-top trail has to offer.
P.S: Take the trail right before it closes to get as close to golden hour possible, giving the best view of Sentosa.
The perfect day of fun
Pic credit: Sentosa
With such a wide variety of activities available for all different age groups, you’ll need a whole day just to explore what Sentosa has to offer you. Better yet, make the most of your SingapoRediscovers tourism vouchers and plan a trip to The State of Fun! If you’re not sure how to plan your day to fit in as much fun as possible, here’s what we recommend!
Did you know that Fort Siloso is now a national monument of Singapore? If you have yet to see Fort Siloso, try checking out our puzzle hunt! Help Pepper, our mascot, find his grandfather's letters written during the war time and hand them over to their recipients addressed on the letters! You will get to win a special prize that can be collected at the end of the puzzle hunt! Click here for more information.
If you're interested in checking out the other parts of Singapore, sign up for one of our in person tours!
