Sentosa Island

A giant version of the Merlion -- symbol of Singapore -- on Sentosa Island.

 
Singapore's playground, this small island just a few hundred yards from the mainland has something for just about everyone. There's an excellent aquarium, dolphin lagoon, butterfly park, musical fountain and many other attractions. Older kids may want to just laze on the beach. There's an admission charge to the island as well as to many of the attractions, so a day here can get a little expensive.

There was a time in the late 1990s that Sentosa was seen as a big flop, an expensive waste of time. A new management team was bought in, and they have lowered fees, opened new, cheaper food outlets, and have undertaken a massive multi-billion dollar redevelopment of the entire island. Some of the new projects include more hotels, a new water and light show, and a big integrated resort focused on either a theme park or casino. Some projects will take until 2009 to complete.

Sentosa Attractions

There are many things to see and do on the island. The attractions tend to change over time, as people get bored with some sights and new ones are built to take their place. The current big attractions that look set to stay around include:

Underwater World

This large aquarium features a long walk-through tank where you can experience sharks and rays swimming right over your head. We especially liked the little sea dragons, relatives of the sea horse.

Dolphin Lagoon

Admission to Underwater World also includes a show at the Dolphin Lagoon, where trained rare pink dolphins put on a show.

Fort Siloso

This historical fixture on the west tip of the island is an old British Fort.

Merlion Statue

This 120-foot tall symbol of Singapore dominates the skyline around much of the island. You can climb up for a great view from the lion's mouth.

Carlsberg Tower

Observation tower affording views of Singapore as well as far-away Indonesia.

Getting There

Sentosa is one destination where getting there really can be half the fun. For a grand entrance and overview of the whole island, take a taxi to the Mount Faber cable car terminus and take the aerial tram across to the island. The cable car sets you down in the middle of the island, so it's a great way to go, although also the most expensive.

If you're looking for a cheaper way, or just afraid of heights, then take the new North-East MRT line all the way to the Harbourfront station and catch the ferry from there to the island.

Packaged Tours

Alternatively, you can book a packaged tour and let someone else do all the work. Check out the following options from our partner Viator:

	Sentosa Island Images of Singapore Morning Trip with optional Underwater World
	4 hours. Departs from Singapore	Starting from USD $26.49 per person
	See a different side of Singapore on a morning tour to Sentosa Island, a relaxing island resort just minutes away from Singapore by scenic cable car. On tranquil Sentosa Island you'll visit the “Images of Singapore” attraction to experience Singapore's colorful culture and vibrant heritage, then be back in bustling Singapore in time for lunch. At “Images of Singapore” the history of Singapore is retold through life-size figures, animatronics and special effects. You also have the option of expanding your visit to Sentosa Island with a trip to the Underwater World oceanarium, where you'll have a clear view of thousands of sea creatures as you walk through the underwater tunnel. You could also visit the Dolphin Lagoon to watch appealing pink dolphins playing and calling. More information & booking »
	Singapore Sentosa Island Afternoon Trip
	6.5 hours. Departs from Singapore	Starting from USD $44.14 per person
	Expand your Singapore experience with an afternoon visit to Sentosa Island, Singapore's relaxing island resort. You'll travel to this island haven by scenic cable car, see pink dolphins at play in the Dolphin Lagoon, visit the Underwater World oceanarium, see the “Images of Singapore” story and after dinner enjoy the multi-sensory sound and light water show “Songs of the Sea”. This action-packed, family-friendly afternoon tour to Sentosa Island is guaranteed to please children and adults alike. Your afternoon Sentosa Island afternoon tour begins with panoramic views from a cable car as your swoop over the water from Mt Faber to the Sentosa island resort. You'll be amazed by the playful antics of the pink dolphins at the Dolphin Lagoon, with their tail-flapping, calling and synchronized tail-walking. Your view of fascinating sea life gets even closer at Sentosa's Underwater World. You’ll be taken on a “voyage to the bottom of the sea” as you walk through a transparent underwater tunnel with close-up views of more than 2,500 sea creatures. At “Images of Singapore” you'll experience the colorful culture and vibrant heritage of Singapore, retold through life-size figures, aipnimatronics and special effects. After dinner, you’ll head for "Songs of the Sea", Singapore's multi-sensory extravaganza. The world-class water show features dramatic effects, water jets, lasers, burst of fire and foot-tapping music in an underwater setting, transporting you to an enchanted world where mystical sea creatures, a dashing young hero, beautiful princess and all things magical come to life. Your return to Singapore is by private air-conditioned coach. More information & booking »

Admission Fees

Admission to the island is just S$2 (1.27 USD) per person. The cable car costs $8.50 (5.40 USD) for adults ($15 / 9.53 USD for the special 'glass-bottomed' cars). Many of the other attractions, including Underwater World, have their own admission fees.

More Information

Visit the Sentosa web site for more information on the island and current admission charges.