Dec 09, 2021
Perched just off the southern coast of Singapore, the bustling resort island of Sentosa can be reached in several ways, the most unique being a 1.6-kilometre cable car ride that offers breathtaking views over lush greenery and exotic coastlines. Once you’ve touched down, you’ll find Sentosa really packs a holiday punch within its five square-kilometre radius. Offering everything from animal sanctuaries and forest nature trails, to luxury hotels and golf courses, hip beach clubs, a casino and world-class theme parks – there’s fun to be found for everyone.
HISTORY
Although the word sentosa translates in Malay to “peace and tranquillity”, the island’s history hasn’t always translated in such a beautiful way. Originally known as Pulau Belakang Mati (“Island Behind Death”), Sentosa was thwarted by treacherous tales of piracy and murder, and then by disease in the late 1840s that almost decimated the population of its original settlers. It later became the location of a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp in World War II. Eventually, rising like a phoenix from the ashes of its past, the island made a comeback as a beloved world tourist destination – often exceeding 20 million visitors per year.
FAMILY ADVENTURES
Mostly covered by rainforest that offers shelter to various native flora and fauna, the island is also home to a plethora of attractions and activities to satiate every kind of traveller. Here we take a closer look at all the fun you can have with your family while on this treasure island.
CABLE CAR NETWORK
Kick off your Sentosa experience by taking the family high above the island for incredible views across six stops on the Sky Network. This is an exciting yet easy way for you to explore the island’s many attractions.
MT IMBIAH & IMBIAH LOOKOUT
This area boasts a huge number of Sentosa’s family attractions. Nature lovers should begin at the Sentosa Nature Discovery Gallery, featuring a trail on the forest edge that beautifully displays the island’s varied flora, as well as interactive exhibits, sculptures and a lookout point.
Experience state-of-the-art 4D technology at Sentosa 4D Adventure Land – where 3D film adds physical effects such as rain, wind, fog and vibrations! Or visit the famous Madame Tussauds Singapore, where you can rub shoulders with life-sized sculptures of icons such as Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe and Barack Obama.
Ride Singapore’s highest open-air panoramic ride, the SkyHelix Sentosa, dangling your feet 79 metres above sea level and revelling in the 360-degree views. Or speed down 650 metres of tracks at the Skyline Luge Sentosa in your go-kart/toboggan.
RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA
Everyone in the family will find something to love here. The Adventure Cove Waterpark, for nature lovers and thrill seekers alike, offers South-East Asia’s first hydro-magnetic coaster, high-speed water slides, river rafting and snorkelling with 20,000 fish! Or visit the S.E.A. Aquarium and be greeted by more than 100,000 exotic underwater creatures in 45 different habitats, then head back above water on the luxury Royal Albatross, a stunning 47-metre, four-masted, 22-sail super yacht.
Both parents and children will love Universal Studios Singapore amusement park, with its 28 thrilling rides and seven themed zones. Or visit the Trick Eye Museum Singapore, where the 3D exhibits and an Augmented Reality (AR) awaken all five senses by bringing art installations and paintings to life.
BEACH ADVENTURES
Set your compass towards the coastline’s three beaches, each with its own unique charm.
Sunny Siloso Beach is a haven for the hippest bars and restaurants, shopping and many favourite attractions on the island. Scoot around Siloso on a Gogreen rental bike or Segway, or skimboard, kayak, rollerblade and surf a man-made wave. Be thrilled at an indoor skydive at IFly Singapore, the world’s largest themed wind tunnel! The kids will love Nestopia too – where they can climb and crawl in 17 outdoor play areas designed with challenging obstacle courses. Or take them to Magical Shores, which transforms the beach into an interactive, multi-sensory light and sound spectacle. Wander along the 11-storey high Fort Siloso Skywalk, stretching 181 metres over trees to Fort Siloso, where you will learn the military history of the area and see rare World War II remnants.
Palawan Beach is ideal for families with its playgrounds, parks and lagoons. Cross a rope bridge to the ‘southernmost point of Continental Asia’, then climb the watchtower to wave at passing ships. For some wet ‘n wild times, check out the Hydrodash, where you’ll slide, climb and bounce your way through the obstacles of Singapore’s first floating aqua park.
If you’re ready to take it down a notch after all these exciting physical adventures with the family, enjoy some well-earned chill time at Tanjong Beach, known and loved for its reputation of peaceful tranquillity.
All this and much more awaits on Sentosa …
Covid Safety and Travel Updates
The latest updates, November 21, travellers from Australia can enter through the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) as a short-term visitor. You must apply before departure and meet specific vaccination and PCR or rapid antigen test criteria, currently outlined at:
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/singapore
Due to constant changes in regulations, please consult your Discover Holidays representative for the most recent updates.