Sentosa Island: The Ultimate Visitor Guide | Singapore Purple Travel Guide

(map, reviews)

Sentosa, which means ‘tranquility’ in Malay, is the premier island resort of Singapore. Once a British military base and a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, it was transformed in the 1970s into a world-class leisure destination. Spanning over 500 hectares, the island offers a mix of adrenaline-pumping theme parks, historical sites, and lush nature trails, all accessible via a short journey from the mainland.

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

The island is a complete escape from the urban density of mainland Singapore. It is a place where you can travel from a high-tech movie theme park to a 19th-century coastal fortress in a matter of minutes. Whether you are seeking a family adventure, a quiet afternoon in a world-class aquarium, or a thrill-seeking ride down a mountain, the area integrates these diverse experiences into a single, easy-to-navigate tropical environment.

Major Attractions

• The Beaches: For us, the three beaches: Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong, are the star attractions. Each offers a different atmosphere ranging from energetic beach bars to quiet, secluded sands. Please see our detailed articles in this Singapore Purple Travel Guide.
• Wings of Time: The day typically concludes at the Beach Station for this spectacular outdoor night show involving water, laser, and fire effects set against the open ocean. Please see our detailed Wings of Time article in this Singapore Purple Travel Guide.
• Universal Studios Singapore: This is the only Universal Studios theme park in Southeast Asia. It features 24 rides and attractions across themed zones, including Sci-Fi City and Ancient Egypt. In 2025, the park has expanded with the highly anticipated Minion Land, which includes new 3D motion simulator rides and immersive environments.
• S.E.A. Aquarium: This facility houses over 100,000 marine animals from more than 1,000 species. The centerpiece is the Open Ocean Habitat, featuring a massive viewing panel that provides the sensation of standing on the ocean floor surrounded by manta rays and sharks.
• Skyline Luge & Skyride: A favorite for all ages, the Luge is a gravity-fueled ride where you control your speed as you navigate four different tracks featuring hair-pin corners and tunnels. Afterward, the Skyride chairlift takes you back to the top with views of the South China Sea.
• Fort Siloso & Skywalk: For a dose of history, visit the only preserved coastal fort in the country. You can explore underground ammunition stores and gun emplacements used during WWII. The Skywalk, an 11-story high elevated bridge, provides a treetop trek to the fort with incredible views of the harbor.
• SkyHelix Sentosa: This is the highest open-air panoramic ride in the city. You sit in a gondola that gently rotates as it ascends to 79 meters above sea level, allowing you to enjoy a drink while dangling your feet in the air with 360-degree views of the island.

History and Facts

• The Name Change: The island was renamed in 1970 following a public contest, moving away from its grimmer historical name to signal its new identity as a place of peace.
• Military Heritage: Despite its resort status, the island still holds significant military relics; many of the luxury hotels are housed in beautifully restored British colonial barracks.
• Global Recognition: The island hosted the historic 2018 North Korea–United States Singapore Summit, marking its place in modern political history.

Self-Guided Information

Traveler Tip

If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, look into the Sentosa Fun Pass. It allows you to purchase tokens in bulk, which can save money compared to buying individual tickets at each counter. Also, keep in mind that internal transport, including buses and the monorail, is completely free once you are on the island.

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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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