Singapore’s Sentosa Island: Something for All Ages

It may come as a surprise to know that Singapore has 64 offshore islands, many an easy ferry ride for a day trip, and many with accommodation for longer stays. One such island, only minutes off the southern coast of Singapore and at just 4.71 square kilometers is Sentosa.

Ranked as one of the most popular and certainly the most visited of the islands, it was on Sentosa at the Capella Hotel in 2018, that Donald Trump had his infamous, historic meeting with Kim Jong-un.

Sentosa is widely promoted as a destination for young people and families, but the island also has a lot to offer older travellers.

Pulau Blakang Mati (Island of Death Behind) as Sentosa was once known comes with a dark history. This once quiet fishing village, home to Bugis, Malays and Chinese became a defence post during British Colonial rule.

Sentosa Island via the harbour cable car. Image: © Tristan Tan — *Sentosa Island via the harbour cable car. Image:* © Tristan Tan

After Singapore fell to the Japanese during WWII, some 400 British and Australians were held as prisoners-of-war behind bars on Pulau Blakang Mati. Later, when the Japanese surrendered, the island continued to be used as a military base and eventually in 1967 the Singapore Naval Volunteer Force was stationed on the island.

Throughout this period there was some debate about turning the island into an oil refinery but a discussion with then Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, altered the course of the island to re-establish it for tourism and recreation. In 1970, a government-initiated competition for a new name for the island began and ‘Sentosa’, meaning tranquility in Malay, won the competition.

How to get there

There are plenty of options for arriving on Sentosa as there is no shortage of transport available. Leaving from Mt Faber in Singapore’s Harbourfront, the cable car continues to be a wonderful approach to the island. On this 15-mins ride, as you soar 100 meters above sea level, you will be afforded panoramic, aerial views of the island, the flourishing rainforest, beautiful beaches and the water traffic in busy Singapore harbour.

Once on Sentosa an inter-island cable car, known as the Sentosa Line, continues the journey across the island stopping at key locations where you can disembark and explore the surrounding area. A variety of ticket options are available online.

A view of one of Sentosa’s beaches from a cable car. Image: Annie Spratt — *A view of one of Sentosa’s beaches from a cable car. Image:* Annie Spratt

If flying high is not for you, try the monorail which leaves from the Vivocity Shopping Mall on the Harbourfront. But, if you prefer to walk, from this same destination it’s a 15-mins leisurely stroll with travellators available to cross the popular canopied boardwalk into Sentosa, which is also wheelchair friendly.

This garden-themed boardwalk is set amidst a tropical landscape that includes rock gardens, mangroves, coastal vegetation and rainforests and offers select vantage points to stop and enjoy the spectacular views of busy Singapore harbour. If you are there in the evening, take time to view the magical sunsets across the harbour. The end of the boardwalk will deliver you straight to Universal Studios.

And if you prefer, the ever-reliable Singapore taxi will deliver you to your destination as will a Grab car which has defined pick-up and drop-off points around the island. For transportation on the island, free shuttle buses are available.

Where to stay

Even by Singapore standards, Sentosa Island can be very expensive especially in the exclusive resort hotels. From luxurious premium hotels, to idyllic villas, tropical rainforest hideaways, and tree top lofts perched in the canopy of native trees, there is no shortage of rooms available. However, if you shop around and check accommodation websites you will likely find reasonably priced rooms.

One of the many luxury resorts on Sentosa Island. Image: Simon Sees CC BY 2.0 — *One of the many luxury resorts on Sentosa Island. Image:* Simon Sees CC BY 2.0

Many hotels offer package deals with a range of inclusions and special offers for short staycations or 20 percent reductions for 30-day advance purchase bookings, but as Sentosa is so well connected to Singapore, it may better suit your budget to stay in Singapore and take day trips to Sentosa.

Where to eat

As with accommodation, dining on Sentosa comes with a variety of options. The Sentosa dining guide has an extensive list of restaurants that include fine dining to casual eateries as highlighted in ‘The Eatlist: Pocket-Friendly Bites in Sentosa’ which details a variety of affordable eating places offering many well-known dishes such as Singapore laksa, Indian curries, BBQ chicken with rice, fish ball soup and buttermilk pancakes. In short, there is no need to go hungry on Sentosa!

What to see and do

It is hard to believe how much is packed into this small pocket-sized island, so whether it is exploring the beaches, searching for history, walking or riding the scenic trails, hitting the golf course or relaxing at a favourite café, the choice is yours; the beauty of Sentosa is that it caters for everyone. The Island Guide offers informative choices to support senior travellers to enjoy their time on Sentosa.

Fort Siloso

Fort Siloso, also known as The Tiger’s Lair, is testament to Sentosa’s early history. Start with the Fort Siloso Skywalk (a lift is available) that connects Siloso Beach to Fort Siloso. Take time to check out the information boards along the Skywalk that depict the history of the fort.

Siloso is the only remaining fort that brings to life the history of the Battle of Singapore during 1942. See the recollections of the British surrender of Singapore to the Japanese in the Surrender Chamber, explore a replica of a soldier’s home and walk through the memories of the hardship young soldiers faced on a troop ship during their 2 month journey from England to Singapore.

Nearby, Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong’s 230-metre-long mural of the ‘Waves of the Straits’, which depicts three historical eras of the Singapore Straits and Sentosa is a work of art not to be missed.

Walking trails

Starting from the Sentosa Boardwalk, the Nature Heritage Trail winds its way through eight kilometers of an ever-changing landscape that includes heritage trees, heritage buildings such as the former British hospital for the troops (now Madame Tussauds), Mt Imbiah Battery, a defence post in the 1880s, Sentosa Nature Discovery and Fort Siloso.

One of the shady canopy walks on Sentosa Island. Image: © Damian Pankowiec — *One of the shady canopy walks on Sentosa Island. Image:* © Damian Pankowiec

Guided tours, start from SGD26.00, but if you, like me, prefer to follow the trail at your own pace, a detailed brochure with an easy-to-follow map is available and can be downloaded. However, if you prefer not to do such a long walk, smaller detailed sections of the walk are available such as:

The Mount Imbiah Nature Trail, at 1.8 km long, is an uphill, downhill trail, through a lush jungle area with easy walking trails that pass cooling waterfalls and unusual rock creations including a 10m high bird watching tower at the summit for a peek into the surrounding shrubbery at the wildlife. At this point the remains of the abandoned Mt Imbiah battery station which was once part of the coastal defence is visible.

The Coastal Trail, starting near Fort Siloso, is around 2.2 km in length and will take you under an hour depending on your walking speed. Look out for the wildlife as you traverse the trail. You may get to see squirrels, macaques, bats, birds, and watch out for snakes. As you reach the coast, follow the trail along the water’s edge; enjoy the expansive views, the cooling breezes and take time to rest on one of the many seats available to soak up the atmosphere.

Cycling trails

Sentosa has 12 kilometers of cycling trails split into three different mapped sections. If you don’t have a bike, rentals are available and come with cycling maps. Rates are from SGD15.00 for one hour and SGD18.00 for two hours.

Cycling on a traffic-free road near Palawan Beach on Sentosa Island. Image: © David Sing — *Cycling on a traffic-free road near Palawan Beach on Sentosa Island. Image:* © David Sing

The designated cycle track is dotted with maps and signage along the way to prevent you from getting lost. These cycling trails will take you past many of the key locations, and what better way to feel the freedom of exploring this fascinating island than cycling.

Swimming locations

In Singapore’s heat, the beaches on Sentosa are a welcome relief. Three clean, safe swimming beaches include Palawan Beach and Siloso Beach which have daily life guard patrols. Go early in the day as the beaches can get very busy, especially on the weekends. Tanjong Beach is further away and so is quieter during the week and only has life guards on weekend duty.

There are a number of beach clubs including the Tanjong Beach Club, a popular venue where you can hire a day bed for a couple of hours as is Rumours Beach Club, with its three pristine swimming pools. Some of the hotels also accept walk-ins for their pools however, tighter restrictions currently apply to such venues due to Covid-19 and bookings are required to access their facilities.

Outstanding golf courses

Golfing enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with two stunning first class courses, The Serapong and The New Tanjong. In 2019, the Sentosa Golf Club was voted the world’s best golf course by World Golf Awards due to its “phenomenal courses and breathtaking Singapore skyline”.

The Serapong course has views of Singapore’s busy harbour. Image: © Paul Lakatos — *The Serapong course has views of Singapore’s busy harbour. Image:* © Paul Lakatos

For those who dream of a chance to play on these outstanding courses, an 18-hole game is allotted 4 hours and 30 minutes with a caddy service available. Buggy carts plus the hire of golf clubs and shoes are obtainable. A fixed dress code is required and golf etiquette comes with a list of rules to be followed.

Not surprisingly when it comes to exclusivity, green fees begin at SGD370.00 for weekdays and SGD500.00 for weekend games. But if you are a golfer, this might be your once in a lifetime chance to play on these spectacular courses.

Universal Studios

One of the most popular attractions amongst the younger set is Universal Studios. However, it does claim to cater for all ages, and although you may not see yourself spinning around on one of the 28 rides available, this is still an interesting place for older travellers for whom it might bring back memories if you have been to Hollywood and New York.

Seven themed areas, surrounding a lagoon, bring to life Hollywood with its palm trees and Walk of Fame, New York with replicas of specific landmarks, street facades and neon lights. Ancient Egypt’s ‘Golden Age of Egyptian Exploration in the 1930s’ displays architecture and artifacts discovered during that period. Other areas to explore are the Lost World featuring Jurassic Park and Waterworld, Sci-Fi City, Madagascar and Far, Far Away from the Shrek movie.

The park re-opened on 1 July 2021 after being closed due to Covid-19 but some exhibits are still suspended. Within each of the themed areas there is still plenty to see. Wheelchairs are available for rent and the facility has paramedics and registered nurses on hand at their first aid station. Daily tickets for seniors (60+) who are non-Singapore residents are SGD43.00

Madame Tussauds

Along with many well-known wax figures awaiting a special selfie with you, of particular interest in this museum is the inclusion of Singapore’s cultural history.

The ‘Images of Singapore’ section which displays Singapore’s journey “from a humble fishing village to 21stCentury powerhouse” includes in the ‘History and Leaders’ section of the museum, a figure of their longest serving Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, who played a significant role in the development of Singapore and Sentosa Island.

Madam Tussauds is housed in a Sentosa heritage building. Image: Patrick Cristiano CC BY-SA 4.0 Int. — *Madam Tussauds is housed in a Sentosa heritage building. Image:* Patrick Cristiano CC BY-SA 4.0 Int.

If you appreciate the genius of creative fantasy, the Spirit of Singapore boat ride is a must. It takes you on a journey into another world of tropical fantasy with gardens rich in luminous, vibrant colours including floral aromas and birdsong. As you glide through this colourful waterway you will be shown the world of grand prix cars speeding by in Singapore’s F1, while a roar from overhead reveals a Singapore Airlines A380 heading for Changi International airport. Ticket prices for Madame Tussaud’s begin at SGD18.00.

Ocean Life

S.E.A. Aquarium will take you deep into the world of the ocean where over 100,000 sea creatures from approximately 1,000 species of marine life from the Bay of Bengal, the Straits of Malacca, the Andaman Sea and the Great Lakes of East Africa are able to be viewed up close.

Surrounded by a swirling, moving, water world of different shark species, stingrays, jellyfish, manta rays and assorted fish, the Open Ocean Aquarium resembles an oversized fishbowl allowing an expansive viewing experience into some fascinating marine life from distant oceans. For a more immersive experience, hiring a guide will give you privileged access to what happens behind the scenes of this intriguing world. Senior (60+) tickets are from SGD30.00.

With a tropical climate Singapore’s weather is always warm and there can be daily bursts of heavy rain (which usually clear quickly) so make sure you have an umbrella, protection from the sun and plenty of water to allow you to explore the delights Sentosa has to offer, at your own pace.