Sentosa skyline

7 things to do on Sentosa Island

There’s fun on tap on Sentosa, a small but perfectly formed man-made isle off the south coast of Singapore.

In Malay, the word ‘Sentosa’ translates to ‘tranquillity’, and while there are plenty of peaceful pockets to be found on this tropical island, there’s also tons of stuff to see and do. Pure feel-good territory, it’s little wonder the place attracts some 20 million visitors a year.

One thing’s for certain – whether you’re here for action or relaxation, or you’re visiting for a day or a week, you can be sure your time here will be epic. As for how to spend it? Here’s a round-up of some of the highlights...

1. Get to know the island on a guided tour

Image of People, Person, Bus, Vehicle, Boarding,

A driving tour is a great way to discover Sentosa – you’ll be introduced to the island’s best bits from the comfort of an air-conditioned bus, while a knowledgeable guide explains the history of the isle, which was once a British military base. Your guide will also show you the top sights and attractions, talk through interesting local facts and make handy recommendations. Tours last a couple of hours and will help you narrow down what you want to do and when, so it’s a good choice for day one of your visit.

2. Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush at AJ Hackett Sentosa Skypark

Image of Tree, Person,

Here for adventure? The AJ Hackett Sentosa Skypark is the place to get your kicks. With a prime location overlooking Siloso Beach, this much-loved attraction serves up a triple whammy of adrenaline in the form of three heart-pumping activities.

First up is the Giant Swing, which catapults you towards the ocean at dizzying speeds of up to 120 miles-per-hour. You can choose to brave it solo or strap in with a couple of friends or family members for support. Close by, there’s the bungee jump – Singapore’s first – which invites you to dive headfirst off the side of a 50-meter-high tower. Finally, there’s the peaceful Skybridge walkway, which offers stellar views of the island and (thanks to transparent sections of the floor) the dreamy shoreline below.

3. Meet your movie heroes at Universal Studios Singapore

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Amusement Park, Fun, Theme Park, Male, Man,

Part of Sentosa’s sprawling Resort World, Universal Studios Singapore makes for a brilliant day out for families of all ages. You’ll find action-packed rides, laugh-a-minute shows, your favourite characters and themed shops and restaurants, all based on smash-hit Hollywood movies and spread across seven superbly created ‘zones’ – Hollywood, New York, Ancient Egypt, Sci-Fi City, Far Far Away, The Lost World and Madagascar.

There are more than 24 attractions to enjoy here, but standouts include Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon (the world's tallest battling roller coasters), Transformers: The Ride – a futuristic and super-realistic 3D experience, and Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, which whisks you away on a wet and wild journey through the age of the dinosaurs.

4. Encounter creatures of the deep at Marine Life Park

Image of Sliding,

Marine Life Park is where you’ll find two of Sentosa’s most popular attractions – the S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark.

The former is one of the world’s largest aquariums, and home to more than 100,000 underwater creatures across 800 species, in more than 45 aquatic areas.

You’ll come right up close to weird and wonderful sea life, including menacing looking sharks and technicolour fish and coral formations. Our favourite feature of all? The Open Ocean Habitat – a colossal tank that’ll make you feel as if you’re walking right along the seabed.

The Adventure Cove Waterpark, meanwhile, combines water-based thrills with marine life enclosures. Float peacefully down Adventure River, take a sheer drop into darkness on Pipeline Plunge, and snorkel with 20,000 fish at Rainbow Reef. Another big-hitter is Ray Bay, where you can paddle with a friendly family of silky rays.

5. Take time out to unwind

Image of Summer, Palm Tree, Tree, Nature, Outdoors, Tropical, Beach, Coast, Sea, Shoreline, Water,

Time for a little R&R? Sentosa has three man-made beaches to its name, all of which unravel along the west coast and are ideal for lounging.

Siloso Beach is the busiest – a vanilla-shaded powdery swathe in the isle’s north-west. If you tire of sunbathing, there’s an endless list of sports to try here, including kayaking, volleyball and skimboarding, as well as a palm-freckled promenade packed with bars and restaurants.

Further south is Palawan Beach, which is quieter and a hit with families thanks to its long, wide belt of sand. There’s a friendly resident mascot to help entertain little ones, too, known as Captain Palawan.

Lastly, there’s Tanjong Beach, where you’ll find peace and quiet and a cool, boho-style beach club, depending on which end you choose to settle on.

Want to up to ante on the relaxation front? There’s an impressive spa scene on Sentosa Island. The isle’s luxury hotel resorts are decked out with decadent wellness centres, where you can experience sensation showers, cooling plunge pools, and soothing body treatments.

6. Take the kids to Sentosa 4D AdventureLand

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Book, Publication, Boy, Child, Male,

Families give a thumbs-up to Sentosa 4D AdventureLand, an immersive entertainment hub that uses state-of-the-art 4D technology to wow visitors.

There are three attractions to discover here, including the Extreme Log Ride – a high-speed rollercoaster simulator that takes you speeding through the jungle without leaving the theatre – and Desperados, which requires you to saddle up and battle a gang of outlaws in the middle of the Wild West. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, meanwhile, is a 4D show that lines up incredible special effects.

7. Get back to nature in Sentosa’s forests

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Snow, Car, Vehicle, Building,

Take a breather from all the action and head deep into the tropical forests that cloak the isle’s interior and coast. Whether you’re hiking under your own steam, or you’ve opted for a guided tour with a local expert, you’re guaranteed to leave wide-eyed – tropical birds, exotic flowers, lizards, monkeys, and peacocks are just some of the gems you’ll clap eyes on in these parts.

Don’t fancy all the legwork? Get a bird’s-eye look at the rainforest canopy from high up above it instead. Hop on the Sentosa Line – a slick cable car network that runs the length of the island. A round trip takes a little under 15 minutes to complete, and you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the island – and the Singapore mainland – along the way.

Make BIG savings on Sentosa Island attractions

Whether you want to experience as many Sentosa attractions as possible, or you’ve got a few firm favourites in mind to tick off, Go City can help. Our passes could save you up to 55% on top attractions, and everything is given the seal of approval by our travel experts. To find out more about how things work, click here.

Alex Birungi
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Avatar the experience with Go City Singapore Gardens by the Bay
Blog

Things to do in Singapore in Summer

Vibrant, energetic, and alive, Singapore beats to an electrifying drum. Famously clean and increasingly green, the dynamic city oozes culture and history and is home to some of the world’s hippest bars, hottest restaurants, and out-of-this-world street food. Summer is Singapore is hot, hot, hot! As a tropical destination, you can expect it to be warm year-round, but in summer, temperatures really ramp up with high levels of humidity. But don’t despair, there are plenty of things to do in Sngapore in summer to keep you entertained. Whether you’re an urban explorer, an adventure seeker, or a food fundi, the Lion City has a wealth of place to visit. Why visit Singapore in the summer? Summer in Singapore runs from June to early September and while it is hot and humid, it’s also slightly drier with less rainfall than the rest of the year. Days are lovely and long with up to 12 hours of sunshine and rainfall is at a minimum. Temperatures range between 26°C and 32°C and humidity levels are high, so cool clothing and plenty of water are the order of the day. The average sea temperature is 29° C, so cooling off with a swim at the beach may not be the best option. Despite the hot weather, summer is a fantastic time to explore the island city-state and you’ll find an array of both indoor and outdoor activities around the city to enjoy.   1. Explore Singapore’s beautiful gardens Fondly known as the ‘City in a Garden,’ Singapore is one of the greenest cities in the world. The city is to some spectacular gardens and green urban spaces that are well worth exploring. Your first stop should be the 82-hectare Singapore Botanic Gardens, a tropical oasis of flourishing themed gardens with over 550 species. Be sure to visit the incredible National Orchid Garden and the excellent botanical art gallery in the Gallop Extension. Next stop is the Gardens by the Bay in Marina Bay. Marvel at whimsical sculptures, gigantic high-tech trees, and misty biodomes in this fantastical world of green. Use your pass for admission to the Cloud Forest, home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and the Flower Dome. Wander through another world beneath thousands of hanging blooms in Floral Fantasy. Don’t miss the evening Garden Rhapsody show where the Supertrees burst into light. Top Tip: Head up to the observatory at the top of the tallest Supertree for some breathtaking panoramic views over Marina Bay.   2. Take a bumboat ride A bumboat? Singaporeans use this odd term for ferries and sailboats that transport both locals and tourists around the bay. The brightly colored boats have eyes and faces painted on them to discern any threats ahead. And what better way to experience Singapore than from the water on a bumboat? Use your pass to hop on a traditional bumboat for a Singapore River Cruise and take in the awe-inspiring city skyline. Keep your camera ready as you pass famous sights like Raffles, the Esplanade, and the Old Parliament House. The cool breezes off the water are heaven on a hot summer’s day. 3. Climb up to the SkyPark Deck If it's unrivaled views you want, head up to the SkyPark Deck on the top of the Marina Bay Sands. Based on the 57th floor, this popular spot offers the most incredible views of the city, Marina Bay, and the busy Singapore Strait. Take a guided tour and learn about Singapore's history and enjoy a dip in the hotel’s famous infinity pool that seemingly floats over the city. Use your pass to enjoy a free drink from the CÉ LA VI SkyBar as you soak up the unbelievable views. 4. Visit the city’s superb museums Singapore is packed with an ever-growing range of cutting-edge museums and cultural institutions. Top of the list is the Asian Civilisations Museum, a captivating journey through Asia’s cross-cultural connections. The National Museum Singapore is another must for learning about Singapore’s rich history. Don’t forget to use your pass when visiting these two museums to gain free access. If you are an art-lover, head to the National Gallery Singapore to admire an incredible collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art. Brave the Changi Museum & Chapel to learn the stories of POWs and held Changi Prison during the Japanese occupation of Singapore.   5. Have some fun at Sentosa Park Slides, rides, beaches, and sea creatures... Sentosa Island has it all! Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Sentosa Island is an all-ages playground with theme parks, beautiful beaches, an aquarium, and a subterranean casino. Hop on the Singapore Sky Cable with your pass for a thrilling ride to Sentosa Island from Mount Faber on the mainland. Take in the amazing views on the way and spend the day enjoying all the attractions on the island. Brave the exhilarating rides at Universal Studios, explore the SEA Aquarium (don’t forget to use your pass), and sip cocktails at one of the swanky beach bars. Enjoy a spectacular multimedia night show at the Mount Faber Cable Car station on your return. 6. Eat, eat, and eat some more From Michelin-star restaurants to some of the best street food on the planet, Singapore is foodie heaven. Even of you aren’t a gourmand, you’ll be amazed at the variety of mouthwatering grub in this Southeast Asian culinary hub. The best place to get a taste of Singapore is on the street at the legendary hawker centers. From eye-wateringly hot Indian curries to melt-in-your-mouth murtabak, the city’s culinary scene has every dish conceivable. Be sure to try delicious local dishes like laksa, a spicy, coconutty noodle soup, and chicken rice with a twist. Top tip: Cash is king on the street, so have cash in small notes when hitting the hawkers.   7. Experience Singapore’s nightlife Singapore comes alive at night with bright lights, buzzing bars, and glitzy nightclubs vying for attention. From sultry secret speakeasies to chic rooftop bars, the city has a myriad of great nightspots to explore. Kick off the evening with a complimentary Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles Long Bar – simply present your pass for your free drink. Head over to Clarke Quay where you’ll find a host of laid-back pubs and taverns, stylish waterside bars, casual and fine dining restaurants, and modern nightclubs. Dance the night away to the latest tunes and watch the sun rise over the water.   8. Escape to Pulau Ubin island Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day and take a trip to the peaceful island of Pulau Ubin. Hop on a bumboat in Changi for a short 15-minute boat ride to the island just off mainland Singapore. Rent a bike to explore the sleepy village and get a glimpse into the kampong (village) life that harkens back to Singapore’s old days. There isn’t much to do here, except enjoy a delicious seafood meal by the sea, kick back and relax, and soak up the tranquility. Why not make the most of your Singapore summer with a Singapore Pass? Visit all the best Singapore attractions without breaking the bank!
Alex Birungi
Singapore Staycation
Blog

Singapore Staycation - Best Ways to Stay Over

Staycations have become imminently popular in the past decade, with hotels offering up brilliant packages and ensuring you needn't leave at all. Sometimes, all you want to do is just stay in and vegetate. We've all experienced the surprising glee of a friend canceling on them last minute, leaving you free to wallow in your pajamas. Staycations are like that, just with extra steps. So, what about Singapore? What does the city's staycation scene look like? Well, let's take a look. We've trawled the web to find you the best Singapore staycation opportunities. Read on, and check out our recommendations! Including: Raffles Hotel Singapore JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach M Social Singapore Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium Regis Singapore and more! Raffles Hotel Singapore Raffles is one of the most prominent hotels in Singapore. At well over one hundred years old, it's earned its place at the top. And, luckily for you, they also offer a fantastic staycation package. You'll enjoy a luxury tea for two at the Tiffin Room, a Heritage Evening at The Grand Lobby, and even a trishaw ride around the place. And, with Go City, you can enjoy a complimentary drink at The Long Bar. If you've never tried it before, order a Singapore Sling. It's considered the unofficial drink of the city for a reason. And did you know it was created by a bartender who worked at The Long Bar? Of course, you're free to camp out there and enjoy The Long Bar's alfresco stylings. And a few more drinks while you're at it. JW Marriott Hotel Singapore Rejuvenating Spa Staycation Marriott Hotels are some of the best in the business, with myriad locations worldwide, including Singapore. And lucky for you, they offer a fantastic spa staycation to help you feel pampered and proper. You'll get a one-hour massage at the hotel's spa, complimentary buffet breakfast at the Beach Road Kitchen, and access to the rest of the hotel's fantastic facilities, including swimming pools, sky gardens, bars, gyms, and restaurants. And you're only a stone's throw from the city's cultural district, if you want to feel inspired. M Social Singapore If you treat your social media like a publicity stunt, then M Social might be the perfect Singapore staycation for you! One of their packages offers participants the chance to conduct their own photoshoot. Fun! Thanks to an M Social x Dollop Automat team-up, you'll be able to create memories - and posts - to commemorate your staycation thanks to their self-photo studio. Get that photoshoot feel but without the photographer. Or, if you prefer to smell like success, their other package lets you create your very own perfume. Working closely with top dogs from Maison 12G, you'll learn what goes into a fragrance, and how to make the perfect one just for you. Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium Holiday Inn might not have the best rep throughout other parts of the world, but in Singapore, you'll find a four-star hotel with swimming pools, gyms, and a fantastic staycation package! It includes free breakfast, late checkout, and plenty of discounts on the hotel's many amenities, including massive savings on meals at the hotel's restaurants and much more. So you may not want to leave! Regis Singapore Got the kids in tow? Then Regis Marriott Singapore might have the perfect staycation package for the entire family. Featuring a complimentary free breakfast for four, as well as late checkout and $100 of credit to spend on whatever you like at the hotel, it's the perfect place to hunker down, watch some movies, and order room service. Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore Ever stayed at a Thai golf resort? Probably not, right? Well, time to tick this obscure and unlikely thing off of your bucket list with a trip to Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore! Arguably one of the best staycations on this list, you'll be treated like a VIP the moment you walk through the front door. That's because you'll be served a complimentary drink on entry. Cool! But the coolness doesn't stop there. For your stay, you'll have free rein of the resort's many facilities, from the golf course to the fitness center. Want to go swimming? Go right ahead. Need a big breakfast to start the day? Why of course, on the house. Located on the outskirts of the city, Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore makes a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Singaporean life. And if you're looking for a Singapore staycation, this could be the perfect one. InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay Heading back into the city, if you're looking for a little water to accompany your staycation, head riverside and stay at InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay. Your room will have its own fully-kitted-out entertainment system, with a massive TV, tons of channels, streaming apps, and speakers that'll knock your socks off. Pair that with the stunning views of the river, and you've got yourself the perfect room you'll never want to leave. That is, unless you want to make the most of your stay! Your booking also includes breakfast, afternoon tea, bar drinks, and access to the hotel's stunning lounge. Want to explore the surroundings? Get a rental bike, courtesy of the hotel, and get exploring! Duxton Reserve If you're looking for old-timey glamor from your Singapore staycation, then you need to check out Duxton Reserve. Black and gold is the name of the game here, with interiors that fuse the best of East and West design. Oh, and they have a brilliant staycation too. That also helps. You'll have run of the bar, delicious Chinese food on tap courtesy of the Yellow Pot restaurant, and a room fitted to the nines with the best upholstery and entertainment. It's also the perfect place to snap some pics, ensuring your friends, family, and followers become insanely jealous of your stay. And isn't that half the battle? Those were our picks of the very best Singapore staycation venues! Of course, there's more to Singapore than staying in and snuggling up. You'll find a wealth of entertainment opportunities outside the hotel's walls. If you want to do and see all of Singapore's best bits for one low price, check out Go City. Pick from our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass and see what all the fuss is about!
Dom Bewley
Woman in a red hat smiling and pointing towards the distant Singapore Flyer
Blog

5 Days in Singapore

Singapore is packed full of great things to do, from spectacular gardens and high-octane adventures to shopping high-end boutiques and stuffing your face with zingy chili crab in huge open-air hawker centers. No surprise then that, alongside stalwarts of the world stage including Paris, London and New York, it’s one of the most-visited cities on the planet, welcoming just shy of 15 million tourists in 2022. Five days in Singapore is just about enough time to scratch the surface of this magnificent garden city, ticking off its bucket-list attractions and getting a flavor of its hip neighborhoods and world-class foodie culture, a glorious mish-mash of Malay, Indonesian, Indian and Chinese influences. The sheer number of things to see and do around the island can be a little daunting for newbies though, so check out our suggested 5-day Singapore itinerary below for inspiration. And remember: far better to spend time appreciating a little of the city rather than rushing around trying to see everything at once and ultimately experiencing very little. Day 1: Bucket List Adventure Start your 5-Day Singapore itinerary as you mean to go on: by immersing yourself in over 200 years of Singaporean art and culture at the National Gallery. The collection here is huge. So huge in fact that it requires two national monuments to house it, namely the former Supreme Court and City Hall. Step inside these stately buildings to admire pieces that range from 19th-century woodcuts and oil paintings to 21st-century sound and video installations. Feeling suitably cultured, exit the gallery and cross the bridge to where a stroll past the iconic Merlion statue (part mermaid, part lion) and around Marina Bay conjures up some of the city’s finest views of the Central Business District’s soaring skyscrapers and the three towers of the Marina Bay Sands Resort. Head up for a cocktail in its SkyPark, accompanied by 57th-floor views across the city and beyond, or stay on terra firma to experience all the delights of the resort’s cavernous Shoppes mall, an ultra-luxe shoppers’ paradise complete with sampan boat rides along Venetian-style canals. As night falls, get yourself down to the Gardens by the Bay, a vast acreage of parkland that incorporates towering futuristic supertree structures, tranquil gardens and two massive durian-shaped glass hothouses. It’s the Supertree Grove light show you’ve come here for though; a free event that runs twice every evening and sees the trees burst into spectacular life with a dazzling display of light and color accompanied by a rousing symphonic soundtrack. In a word, wow. Day 2: Sentosa Island Located just off the southern tip of Singapore, the island resort of Sentosa is a mini adventure playground that’s chock-full of cool attractions, sandy beaches and high-octane thrill rides for adrenaline junkies. Start your day two adventure with an exhilarating cable car ride across the bay, then take your pick from the myriad entertainments on offer here in this tropical paradise. Families with kids might fancy the epic Universal Studios SIngapore with its white-knuckle rollercoasters and larger than life Sesame Street characters; or perhaps the vast aquarium or waterpark. Bone-white sand, turquoise lagoons and swaying coconut palms await on the resort’s sandy Palawan, Tanjong and Siloso beaches, with a handy free shuttle serving all three. Siloso keeps things exciting with its fearsome Skybridge, which includes opportunities to bungee jump or test your nerve on a giant swing high above the sands. End your day with a sunset ascent on board the SkyHelix Sentosa at Imbaiah Lookout, where a gently rotating gondola takes you 80 meters above sea level for 360-degree views of Singapore’s skyline, the Southern Islands and beyond. Day 3: A Feast for the Senses One of the great things about Singapore is that many of its attractions are open more or less around the clock, making planning your sightseeing itineraries relatively straightforward. The sprawling 200-acre tropical oasis that is Singapore’s urban Botanical Gardens is open from 5AM ‘til midnight almost every day, so you really have no excuse not to pop by. Visit in the morning to maximize your experience. There’s plenty to explore here after all, from tranquil Swan Lake to the aromatic Ginger Garden, iconic bandstand and miles of tree-lined walkways. Don’t miss its undisputed highlight, the National Orchid Garden, with thousands of eye-popping aromatic blooms. Mosey over to the nearby Adam Road hawker center where dozens of bustling street food stalls ply their trade, serving up authentic south Asian cuisine to hungry punters. Try rich, spicy laksa with prawns or gorge on chicken satay skewers drenched in sticky peanut sauce. Then there’s pungent fish head curry and the ubiquitous national dish of sweet-and-savory chili crab – all good enough to make a grown man weep. Your only difficulty will be deciding what to have for lunch. Wash it down with a traditional Singapore Sling at the iconic colonial-style Raffles Hotel back in the Civic District. The classic gin-infused tropical cocktail was actually invented here way back in 1915. Day 4: Back to Nature Singapore is one of the greenest cities on the planet, with an absolute multitude of outdoor activities on offer, from elevated walkways through jungle canopy along the island’s Southern Ridges to kayaking through the mangroves at Pulau Ubin. Pick of the bunch though is Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, a sprawling green space that’s slap-bang in the middle of the island and contains 400 (count ‘em) acres of untamed tropical rainforest. Don your hiking boots and pith helmet (optional) for a day in this absolute treasure trove of biodiversity, where you might be lucky enough to spot critters including reticulated pythons, flying lemurs and crab-eating macaques on a ramble through dense forests of trailing vines and towering trees that teem with colorful birdlife. If you’re feeling game, a hike to the top of the hill (the highest in the country at over 500 feet, fact fans) rewards the intrepid explorer with glorious 360-degree views across Singapore and – on clear days at least – far beyond. Day 5: Souvenir Shopping in Kampong Glam Singapore’s Muslim district is also one of its hippest neighborhoods; an Instagrammer’s dream-come-true crammed with heritage charm, colorful shophouses and super-snappable street art. It also happens to be an ultra-cool shopping hotspot where ultra-hip indie boutiques rub shoulders with ancient antique emporia, textile shops and modern ceramics specialists. A wide selection of cute cafés and some of the best restaurants in town make it a fine destination for a day’s sightseeing, snapping and souvenir-hunting. Impossibly narrow Haji Lane is your destination for chic boutiques hawking the latest batik fashions as well as one-off jewelry pieces handmade by local designers. Meanwhile, the cavernous antique stores on Bussorah and Arab Street are like something from a long bygone era, but there are great treasures waiting to be unearthed here by the keen-eyed browser. Think ornate Turkish lanterns, great ceramic pots, jugs and vases, old paintings and baroque carved wood furniture that could have come straight from a sultan’s palace. If ceramics are your vibe, hit up Supermama’s on Beach Road for something from their stylish Singapore Blue Range. Or pick up a perfume customized to your specifications from one of the multiple atmospheric perfumeries in Kampong Glam, where your intoxicating creations are decanted into fine little decorative bottles, ready for you to take home. Finally, grab a decadent cookie from Guilt or a life-changing almond croissant from Mother Dough to fortify you for the metro ride back to your hotel. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon