Singapore is synonymous with beachfront resorts, dusk-to-dawn zappy hours at Universal Studios, waterparks, and resorts dripping in luxury — all of which can be accessed at one address, Sentosa Island. Whether you seek first-hand encounters with the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, spas that frame gorgeous views, a tour through Ancient Egypt, or a reading sesh in a private cabana, Sentosa Island delivers. Our team has put together the only Sentosa Island itinerary you’ll need.
Also, explore our guide to six private islands near the Lion City for a tryst with luxury.
What’s the best time to visit Sentosa Island?
In terms of weather, the best time to visit Sentosa Island is from December to March, which has minimal rainfall, making way for hassle-free beachcombing and sightseeing.
However, to avoid crowds, consider the shoulder season, which falls from May to June and August to October. Avoiding public holidays and weekends is also a good practice for crowd-free explorations.
For those wanting to veg out on the beach or enjoy water activities, February to April is the best time, as the weather is dry and balmy!
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Sentosa Island itinerary: Day one
Morning
Kickstart day one in Sentosa with the iconic Universal Studios Singapore, open from 10 am to 7 pm. From interactive shows to adrenaline-pumping rides, expect a dose of thrill at every corner. Indulge yourself at this site:
- Step into the sets of your favourite movies at the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard
- Enjoy the futuristic metropolis of SciFi City, where intergalactic space rides and interactive sessions with the Transformers abound!
- Saunter through the ancient lanes of 1920s Egypt and encounter obelisks, the riddles of the Sphinx and curse-ridden rides.
- Teleport into the fantasy world of magic potions, castles, feline performances, and green ogres at Far Far Away.
- Shop Egyptian-inspired jewellery, accessories, and antiques at Carter’s World, purchase memorabilia from Jurassic Park at The Dino-store, and pocket magical elixir at the Fairy Godmother’s Potion Shop.
There’s no dearth of dining experiences at Universal Studios Singapore, and our recommendations include Goldilocks, Mel’s Drive-In, Pharaoh’s Dessert Oasis, and Loui’s NY Pizza Parlor™.
We suggest grabbing lunch at Universal Studios so you’re well-fed for the adventures awaiting you!
Book your stay at The Barracks Hotel Sentosa via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Barracks Hotel Sentosa via Make My Trip
Afternoon
Next, hit up S.E.A Aquarium (one of the world’s largest), open to visitors from 10 am to 5 pm. Home to over 100,000 marine animals, this aquarium delights with seven depth zones where you can admire chainmail-clad divers feed sharks, get a selfie with Manta Mascots, interact with dolphins, and much more! Don’t forget to pick up souvenirs from the SEAA Treasures and enjoy a hot cuppa joe at Ocean Bites or S.E.A.side Snacks.
Also read | Here’s What You Can Do At Singapore’s Brand New Sentosa Sensoryscape
Evening
Come evening, make room for some ocean breeze, lapping waves, and a cinematic sunset at Siloso Beach. Enjoy your evening stroll, and before you know it, you’ll reach Palawan Beach (the two beaches are just 700 m apart!).
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We highly recommend witnessing the Wings of Time night show at Siloso Beach. This award-winning spectacle features laser displays, fireworks, water effects, and pulsating music, curating an immersive experience that should be on your Sentosa itinerary!
Some of the best restaurants and bars in the area to sip, slurp, and call it a day include:
- Kwee Zeen: A part of the Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, this cosy restaurant is touted for its Pan Asian, Indian, and Western offerings.
- Coastes: This seaside bar and restaurant delights with homemade pasta and innovative cocktails.
- SKIRT: Make sure to sample their Dry-aged Rainbow Trout and wood-fired aubergine.
Book your stay at Oasia Resort Sentosa via Booking.com
Book your stay at Oasia Resort Sentosa via Agoda.com
Sentosa Island itinerary: Day two
Morning
Start day two with Fort Siloso, Singapore’s only well-preserved coastal fort that was part of the country’s defences. It is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm and can even be explored virtually. A repository of WWII memorabilia, the fort houses wax statues of Japanese and British soldiers, tunnels, and military structures. We recommend spending two to three hours exploring this fort, which involves a lot of walking and uphill slopes.
Just 140 metres away lies the Trickeye Museum, a one-of-its treasure trove of optical illusions and interactive exhibits. This museum is open from 10 am to 9 pm, with the last entry at 8 pm.
Book your stay at Equarius Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Equarius Hotel via Agoda.com
Afternoon
Embark on an unforgettable aquatic adventure at Adventure Cove Waterpark and relish high-speed water slides, snorkelling, tubing, and much more! This waterpark remains open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Remember to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a spare pair of clothes for the most hassle-free experience. Once you’re done with a fun-filled dose of sun, surf, and slides, stop for lunch nearby at 1-Altitude Coast (1 km from the waterpark), Trapizza (1.1 km from the waterpark), or Malaysian Food Street (2.2 km away).
Note: The admission pass does not include the Ray Bay experience and cabana rentals.
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Evening
Save your evening for retail therapy at Sentosa’s finest shopping haunts, Quayside Isle at Sentosa Cove and Resorts World Sentosa.
Sentosa Cove is a one-of-its-kind residential and commercial enclave housing over 2,000 oceanfront villas, waterway bungalows, luxury hotels, and Quayside Isle, which offers waterfront dining, luxury retail outlets, and live performances. Explore these outlets:
- Anatta Culinary Academy
- Fiaba Kids
- Hera Beauty Salon
- Jasons Deli
- Kali Majapahit Martial Arts
- Kindness Flower
- Petpawroni
- Quayside Isle Preparatory School
- Simpson Marine
- The Straits Wine Company
- VIVA – Pilates, Wellness, and Beauty
For a luxe retail experience, consider Resorts World Sentosa, which houses stores like Cartier, Bvlgari, Longchamp, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tumi, and Swiss Watch Gallery.
Wind your day with a meal at either of these malls, which boasts a selection of epicurean experiences, such as CHIFA!, Syun, Soi Social, Sugarra, and Ocean Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa, Greenwood Fish Market, SHAAN, SolePomodoro Trattoria Pizzeria, and Miska Café at Quayside Isle.
Shop the best travel experiences here
Alternatively, you can plan a romantic dinner cruise onboard the Royal Albatross.
Where to stay: The most luxurious addresses in Sentosa
For a mélange of uncompromised luxury, plush suites, and delectable gastronomy, consider The Barracks Hotel Sentosa and Oasia Resort Sentosa which made it to the Best Hotels list at the Travel+Leisure Luxury Awards 2023. You can also consider premium properties like the Village Hotel Sentosa, Outpost Hotel Sentosa, and Equarius Hotel for a memorable stay.
Book your stay at Village Hotel Sentosa via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Village Hotel Sentosa via Make My Trip
How to reach?
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Some easy ways to reach Sentosa Island include:
- Take the free shuttle from Changi International Airport to Sentosa Island.
- Hop on the Sentosa Express, a train from VIVO City Shopping Centre to Sentosa Island at SGD 4 (HKD 22) per ticket.
- To travel while soaking up stunning views, opt for the Singapore Cable Car Sky Network, which connects Sentosa Island, Mount Faber, and HarbourFront.
- Take the Sentosa Bus from the Harbour Front terminal at SGD 3 (HKD 17).
- You can also commute via taxi, cab, and car rentals.
Also, explore our comprehensive guide to public transportation in Singapore.
Insider tips for a seamless Sentosa Island itinerary
- Add Tanjong Beach to your Sentosa Island itinerary if you’re looking for a quieter beach with fewer crowds.
- Motorcycles cannot enter Sentosa Island. However, you can drive to the island at a nominal entry fee starting at SGD 2 (HKD 11) for cars and taxis, SGD 10 (HKD 56) for goods and services vehicles, and SGD 20 (HKD 113) for private coaches. The fee may vary based on the time of entry. Explore the complete schedule here.
- 24×7 EV charging stations are available at Beach Station Carpark, Sentosa.
- We recommend making pre-bookings for the waterparks and museums to avoid chaos during the peak season.
- Avoid visiting the island during monsoon, which may hamper your outdoor excursions.
Book your stay at Outpost Hotel Sentosa via Booking.com
Book your stay at Outpost Hotel Sentosa via Agoda.com
(Feature image credit: Uwe Schwarzbach/Flickr)
Related | Our Favourite Beaches In Singapore’s Sentosa Island That Are ‘Shore’ To Delight You!
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelWriter by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has ..Read More
