The HarbourFront Precinct: VivoCity & HarbourFront Centre | Singapore Purple Travel Guide

Harbourfront Mall (map, reviews, website)
VivoCity Mall (map, reviews, website)

The HarbourFront precinct serves as the primary gateway to Sentosa Island, anchored by two of Singapore’s major retail hubs: VivoCity and HarbourFront Centre. While they are physically connected, they offer very different experiences. VivoCity is a modern, sprawling lifestyle destination famous for its architecture, while HarbourFront Centre is a more traditional hub that links directly to the regional ferry terminal. Together, they provide a seamless transition from the mainland to the tropical attractions of Sentosa.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

Why You Should Visit

These malls are shopping centers and transit and entertainment hubs. You should visit them before you embark on the Sentosa Express to the island to experience the sheer scale of Singaporean retail and to enjoy some of the best waterfront views in the city. It is the perfect place to grab a meal, stock up on supplies, or enjoy a sunset walk before or after your island adventures. For those traveling to Indonesia’s Riau Islands, the ferry terminal here makes it a vital part of any regional itinerary.

What is Special About It?

• The Sky Park: On the third level of VivoCity, you will find an expansive outdoor deck featuring shallow wading pools and a large amphitheater, offering a breezy space for families to relax with views of the Sentosa skyline.
• A Waterfront Promenade: A scenic 300-meter boardwalk connects the malls to Sentosa, allowing you to walk across the water surrounded by lush greenery and harbor views.
• The Golden Village Cinema: VivoCity houses one of the largest cinema complexes in the country, including premium ‘Gold Class’ theaters for a luxury movie-going experience.
• Maritime Integration: HarbourFront Centre is uniquely integrated with the Singapore Cruise Centre, meaning you can watch massive cruise ships and ferries dock just meters away from the dining areas.

History and Facts

• MRT Arrival: You will arrive at the HarbourFront MRT Station, which is the southern terminus for both the North-East Line (Purple) and the Circle Line (Yellow). The station is located directly beneath the malls, with multiple exits leading into the basement levels of both VivoCity and HarbourFront Centre.
• Sentosa Express Departure: To reach the island by monorail, head to the third floor of VivoCity (Level 3). Look for the ‘Sentosa Station’ (also known as the VivoCity Station for the monorail). This is where the Sentosa Express departs, taking you to the island's beach and attraction stations in just a few minutes.
• Cable Car Access: For a more scenic route, a link bridge from HarbourFront Centre leads to the HarbourFront Tower II, where you can board the Singapore Cable Car for an aerial journey across the harbor to Sentosa.

Self-Guided Information

Traveler Tip

If the queue for the Sentosa Express at VivoCity is too long, consider taking the Sentosa Boardwalk on foot. It is located on the first floor (Level 1) of VivoCity. The walk is covered, features travellators to save your legs, and is currently free of charge to enter. It takes about 25–35 minutes from VivoCity to Beach Station on Sentosa Island and offers much better photo opportunities of the harbor than the monorail does.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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