9 Best Things to Do in Sentosa Island

This massive complex of themed rides, live shows, and Hollywood movie-sets pulls in millions every year and is part of the enormous US$4.5 billion Resorts World Sentosa development. Though of course appealing more to the kids, the sheer size and variety of the park mean that there is something here for everybody.

Multiple sections including Hollywood, New York, Ancient Egypt and Madagascar takes you through both a cinematic and geographical journey. If white-knuckle rides, huge roller coasters and live movie scenes are your thing, there really is no better place in Singapore than Universal Studios Singapore.

Singapore is famous for its staggering manmade developments that have quickly turned what was just a small jungle island into a sprawling metropolis in just a matter of decades. Its beaches are no exception; the pristine white sands you see today on Sentosa’s coast are all the result of human intervention. Though technically manmade, there is nothing fake about the soft sand, which is actually imported in from nearby Malaysia.

Sentosa island boasts 3.2km of the white stuff, and visitors can find plenty to do, such as lounging at one of the various beach bars, splashing around in the shallow warm sea or just finding a quiet spot underneath a palm tree with a good book for the afternoon. For the best spots, head to Tanjong, Palawan, or Siloso Beach.

Adventure Cove Waterpark Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa has enough fun rides and slides to satisfy the thrill seekers, and also has a range of other water-based activities for those not so fond of hurtling down huge tunnels or spirally around giant funnels in rubber rings.

While this waterpark offers seven different adrenalin-filled water rides, it’s their more unique attractions like Ray Bay and Rainbow Reef (that allow you to get up close and personal with over 20,000 fish), which really sets Adventure Cove Waterpark apart from the rest of Sentosa’s never-ending list of attractions.

Part attraction and part method of transportation, Sentosa Skyline Luge & Skyride is a perfect way of getting from A to B all while getting some great views across Singapore, as well as adrenaline fix too! The Sentosa Skyride is an open-air cable-driven chairlift which stretches from mainland Singapore all the way to Sentosa island.

Within the same complex, visitors can also try their driving skills at the luge - a non-motorized, three-wheel carrier that goes down a steep hill from near the Imbiah Lookout and ends at the Siloso Beach. Both activities offer tree-top views of the nearby beaches as well as the Singapore skyline.

Sentosa Golf Club boasts not one, but 2 18-hole golf courses, drawing in everybody from amateur golfers to the professionals. Though Singapore has numerous golf clubs dotted around the island, few rivals the one found at Sentosa, both in terms of the quality of the course and its prestigious status.

Those visiting Singapore without all the essential gear shouldn’t worry – Sentosa Golf Club provides all the facilities and equipment you would ever need, including buggy cars, caddies, and clubs for rental. On-site, there are also locker rooms, a driving range, shops, several bars and restaurants and meeting spaces. Everything you need all conveniently in one club.

Located at Imbiah Lookout on Sentosa Island, Images of Singapore is a must-visit historical museum featuring audio-visual presentations showing Singaporean history and culture, focusing on its people and their lives.

In an old-style warehouse format, exhibits include the period when the Malaysians rule, the arrival of the British and the post-colonialist period under Singapore's first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and more.

One of the most prominent beaches in Singapore, Palawan Beach is well-known for its Pirates of the Caribbean-style suspension bridge linking to a small island which you can walk or even swim across to.

Located in the center of the southern tip of Sentosa, Palawan Beach has fine white sand, palm trees and a few lively beach bars to keep you refreshed from mid-morning to late evening. Once on Sentosa, you can choose to walk or take the shuttle bus around the island to the beach.

Siloso Beach can be found on the south-western coast of Sentosa and is well-known for being a popular picnic spot for families at the weekend, as well as hosting a range of beach sports such as volleyball, beach soccer and canoeing.

This is probably the best-catered-for beach in Singapore, with a range of bars, restaurants, shops and hotels near the beachfront, which underwent an S$3.3 million makeover at the end of 2012.

Tanjong Beach is arguably Singapore’s best spot for relaxing in the daytime, thanks to its slightly more secluded position on the south coast of Sentosa. This crescent-shaped hideout has shallow warm waters, fine white sand and tropical palm trees – all the essential ingredients to make for a perfect beach and help you forget it’s not actually natural.

It's also well-known for its parties, thrown at the popular Tanjong Beach Club, which generally happens about twice a month at night. However, this bar usually provides more relaxed vibes in the day time, with its swimming pool, sun-loungers and an extensive menu of drinks.