Sentosa To Do: A City Guide for Tourists Visiting for the First Time

Sentosa is a resort island in Singapore that has become a popular destination for local and international tourists alike. Located just off the southern coast of Singapore, Sentosa is home to many of the city-state’s most iconic attractions, including Universal Studios Singapore, the S.E.A. Aquarium, and the million-dollar Sentosa Skyline Luge.

Aside from its many attractions, Sentosa is also renowned for its picturesque beaches and its stunning views across the Singapore Strait. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities on the island, from relaxing on the beach to exploring the lush rainforest trails. Sentosa has something for everyone, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most visited places in Singapore.

History of Sentosa

Sentosa was originally known as Pulau Blakang Mati, which means “Island of Death from Behind” in Malay. The island was given its name due to the numerous pirates and attacks that occurred in the area during the 14th century. By the early 19th century, the island had become a fortress and key defense against enemy ships entering Singapore’s harbor.

In 1972, the Singapore government launched a major redevelopment project to transform Sentosa into a tourist destination. The redevelopment included the building of a causeway connecting the island to mainland Singapore, as well as the construction of many attractions such as theme parks and golf courses. Since then, Sentosa has become one of Singapore’s top tourist destinations, attracting more than 20 million visitors each year.

Famous Attractions in Sentosa

Sentosa is home to many of Singapore’s most popular attractions. From thrilling roller coasters to world-class aquariums, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the island. Here are some of the top attractions that you should check out during your visit:

Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park located on Sentosa Island that features 24 movie-themed attractions based on some of Hollywood’s most popular movies and TV shows.

Visitors to the park can enjoy a range of rides and attractions, from thrilling roller coasters such as Battlestar Galactica: HUMAN vs. CYLON™ to interactive shows like Shrek 4-D Adventure. Universal Studios Singapore is also home to several themed restaurants and shopping outlets, making it a great destination for a day out with friends or family.

S.E.A. Aquarium

The S.E.A. Aquarium is a world-class aquarium located on Sentosa Island that is home to more than 100,000 sea creatures from 800 different species. The aquarium features several interactive exhibits such as the Discovery Touch Pool, where visitors can get up close and personal with sea stars, clownfish, and other sea creatures.

The aquarium also features a 4-D cinema, an underwater tunnel, and several shows and interactive activities that give visitors an up-close look at some of the world’s most fascinating aquatic creatures.

Sentosa Skyline Luge

The Sentosa Skyline Luge is an exciting thrill ride located on Sentosa Island that allows visitors to experience a unique point-to-point journey through the jungle on a gravity-powered luge cart. The luge has two tracks – the Dragon Trail which is 1.2 km long and the Jungle Trail which is 800m long – and offers spectacular views of the tropical forests and coastline of Sentosa Island.

The luge is suitable for all ages, so it’s a great activity for families looking for some fun on their visit to Sentosa Island.

Beaches

Sentosa is home to several beautiful beaches with stunning views across the Singapore Strait. Visitors can relax on the soft white sand or take part in some of the beach activities on offer such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and beach volleyball.

The most popular beach on Sentosa Island is Tanjong Beach, which is located near Universal Studios Singapore and features a range of restaurants and bars right on the beachfront. Siloso Beach is another popular beach on the island and is renowned for its lively atmosphere and range of beachfront activities such as beach soccer and beach frisbee.

Tours in Sentosa

Sentosa Island is home to a range of exciting tours that give visitors an up-close look at some of the island’s most iconic attractions. Here are two popular tours on Sentosa Island that you should check out during your visit:

Sentosa Island After Dark Tour

The Sentosa Island After Dark Tour offers visitors a unique experience of the island after dark with a guided tour of some of Sentosa’s most iconic attractions after sunset. The tour starts at 8pm and includes stops at Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A Aquarium, Fort Siloso, and Palawan Beach, with plenty of time for photos and exploration along the way.

Visitors will also get to enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Sentosa’s top restaurants before heading back to their accommodation at 10pm. This tour is perfect for those who want to explore Sentosa after dark and get an up-close look at the island’s attractions under the stars. Book the Sentosa Island After Dark Tour here.

Sentosa Secret Tour

The Sentosa Secret Tour takes visitors on an off-the-beaten-path exploration of some of Sentosa’s hidden gems including secret beaches, hidden trails, and secluded spots within the lush rainforest of the island. The tour starts at 9am and lasts around 3 hours with plenty of stops along the way for photos and exploration.

Visitors will also get to enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Sentosa’s best local restaurants before heading back to their accommodation at 12pm. This tour is perfect for those who want to explore some of Sentosa’s hidden secrets and get an up-close look at some of its most secluded spots. Book the Sentosa Secret Tour here.

Conclusion

Sentosa is one of Singapore’s most popular tourist destinations with something for everyone to enjoy from thrilling theme parks to serene beaches and lush rainforest trails. Whether you’re looking for a day out with friends or family or an off-the-beaten-path exploration of some of Sentosa’s hidden gems, there is something for everyone on this beautiful island. So why not take the opportunity to explore all that Sentosa has to offer and make sure you book one of these two tours to get an up-close look at some of its most fascinating attractions?