The most popular of Singapore’s outlying islands is Sentosa, which has become a major resort and recreation area after its previous life as a military base. Several other islands can be easily reached from the mainland, ranging from tiny specks, like the Sisters’ Islands, to larger ones, like St John’s.
Viewing marine life through the world’s largest aquarium viewing panel at Underwater World.
Alamy
Sentosa was once called Pulau Blakang Mati, which means “island at the back of which lies death” in Malay, because the frequent outbreaks of disease there had claimed the lives of many of its islanders. It was also a refuge for pirates in the 19th century before it was turned into a military fortress by the British – who positioned guns towards the sea, thinking this would best protect their colony of Singapore. But history proved them wrong, and during World War II Singapore succumbed to the Japanese, who came overland through the peninsula of Malaya (now Malaysia).
Siloso Beach.
Vincent Ng/Apa Publications
When the British withdrew their military presence in Singapore in 1968, the government decided to transform the former garrison island of 395 hectares (976 acres) into a leisure resort. But first, a more appealing name had to be found. The name Sentosa (“Isle of Peace and Tranquillity” in Malay) was picked in a naming contest, and, in 1972, Sentosa welcomed its first visitors.
Getting to Sentosa
The island can be reached by cable car or land. The more scenic option is by cable car, shuttling 65 metres (213ft) above the water from stations at The Jewel Box on Mount Faber (for more information, click here) and the HarbourFront Centre to Sentosa. The lofty ride offers a bird’s-eye view of the city and the busiest container port in the world (cable cars run daily 8.45am–10pm: packages, including admission fees and a guided tour of Sentosa, are available).
From HarbourFront Centre, you can take a taxi, bus or walk across the 710-metre (2,329ft) causeway that links Sentosa to Singapore. Most visitors take the train to the HarbourFront MRT station which links to VivoCity. Head up to Lobby L, Level 3 and take the Sentosa Express to Sentosa. This light rail system will transport you to Sentosa in less than five minutes. It runs daily from 7am to midnight.
Once on the island, you can alight at either the Beach, Imbiah or Waterfront stations, then walk or take the shuttle bus or tram services to the various attractions. Visitors can also get to Sentosa on foot via the Sentosa Boardwalk, parallel to Sentosa’s vehicular bridge. This sheltered boardwalk, which starts from VivoCity’s waterfront promenade is lined with lush tropical landscapes and lookout points where people can enjoy the view along the way.
The admission fee to the island varies according to the times and mode of transport. It includes access to all the beaches and unlimited bus rides on Sentosa. If you take a taxi directly to the drop-off point at the Resorts World casino, there is no admission fee. All the major attractions on the island, however, have separate admission charges, which can start adding up. The best deals are package tickets that include transportation and entry to multiple attractions on Sentosa (tel: 1800-736-8672 or visit www.sentosa.com.sg for more information).
Tip
Cycling is a great way to explore Sentosa – hire a bicycle from rental kiosks at the Ferry Terminal or along the beach, pick up a Cycle Track Route Map (available at the kiosks) and just pedal away.
After undergoing a massive redevelopment, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) 1 [map] was launched in 2010. Operated by Genting Singapore, a subsidiary of Malaysia’s Genting Group, RWS is one of Singapore’s two “integrated resorts”, a term coined by the government for these mega complexes housing casinos and various attractions. The other is in Marina Bay (for more information, click here). The vast RWS complex is home to Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park, a casino, several hotels, as well as restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs (including world-famous chef Joel Robuchon).
Universal Studios.
Singapore Tourism Board
Besides Universal Studios, there are other attractions, such as the Marine Life Park, touted as the world’s largest oceanarium. Within the park is the S.E.A Aquarium, which has more than 800 species of marine animals and over 200 sharks as well as the Adventure Cove Waterpark where you can snorkel with 20,000 tropical fish or float down Adventure River, passing through 14 themed zones. Over at the Maritime Experiential Museum, visitors get to experience an interactive voyage along the ancient Maritime Silk Route and the 360-degree multi-sensory Typhoon Theatre. While Marina Bay Sands is targeted at higher-end clientele, RWS is seen as a place for the family with kids in tow. A whole day should be set aside for a visit to Sentosa; in fact, there is probably enough to keep visitors busy for a few days, especially at RWS.
Sentosa Cove and Quayside Isle
The latest island developments to be completed are Sentosa Cove, a posh residential area with multi-million dollar homes, and Quayside Isle, a dining enclave facing the marina filled with bobbing yachts. This stretch is home to top French restaurant Saint Pierre, Sabio by the Sea, and many other cafes and eateries. Well-heeled locals and expats frequent this place on weekends. Right at the end of Quayside Isle is W Singapore, which attracts the trendy set to its host of lively parties and events.
Universal Studios
Spend an entire day at Universal Studios Singapore (tel: 6577-8888; www.rwsentosa.com; Mon–Sun 10am–7pm, Sat 10am–8pm; opening hours are subject to change). There are seven zones and 24 themed rides, of which 18 were designed exclusively for Singapore. Highlights include Shrek’s 4D Adventure; Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, a thrilling raft ride; Lights, Camera, Action, simulating a hurricane blowing away New York; the Battlestar Galactica duelling roller-coaster; Transformers The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle and the park’s newest attraction – the world’s first Sesame Street ride (Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase). In the evenings you can come and watch a stunning firework show set to music in the Hollywood zone.
Address: 80 Siloso Road; www.underwaterworld.com.sg
Tel: 6275-0030
Opening Hrs: daily 10am – 7pm
Entrance Fee: charge
Transport: Take the blue line bus service from Beach Station
On the western side of the island is Underwater World 2 [map] , one of Asia’s best aquariums and a must-see while at Sentosa. One of the highlights at this attraction is the transparent 83-metre (272ft) -long acrylic tunnel with a moving walkway that leads under a huge tank containing some 2.8 million litres (615,000 gallons) of water and over 2,500 tropical sea creatures – from bright, luminous reef-dwellers to stingrays and sharks. Nasty stone fish, sea urchins and moray eels lurk behind the rocks and amid colourful corals. At varying times daily, you can watch these denizens of the deep being hand-fed by divers.
Dolphin show at Underwater World.
Singapore Tourism Board
Tip
At Underwater World you can enjoy a pedicure with a difference. Immerse your feet in a warm pool and let Turkish spa fish nibble away on the dead skin of your feet. After a 20-minute session, a masseur will pamper your now smooth-skinned feet with a massage (tel: 6279-09229 to book; daily 10am–7pm).
The more adventurous can opt for a “Dive with the Sharks” and swim amongst these fearsome sea creatures. There are also touch pools, where kids can have close encounters with starfish and baby sharks. Extra charges apply for these special encounters and advance reservations are essential.
Another interesting exhibit is the Living Fossils display at the Changing Exhibit Hall, where visitors learn about the importance of marine conservation. The exhibition highlights living fossils like the mangrove and coastal horseshoe crab, which have managed to survive environmental upheavals. Also worth seeing is the Dugong Cove, where a dugong that was rescued from the seas off Pulau Ubin in 1998 and rehabilitated at Underwater World currently resides. The gentle sea creature, with its curiously shaped body and tail – long thought to have inspired sailors’ tales of the mermaid – is named Gracie.
Note: your ticket to Underwater World includes admission to the Dolphin Lagoon ( for more information, click here).
Address: www.fortsiloso.com
Opening Hrs: daily 10am–6pm
Entrance Fee: charge
Transport: Take the blue line bus from Beach Station
Also located at the western tip of the island and within walking distance of the Underwater World is Fort Siloso 3 [map] , Singapore’s only preserved coastal fort. The fort’s tunnels and numerous guns pointing out to sea were built in the 1880s for the defence of Singapore by the British – albeit facing the wrong direction as the Japanese invaded from the north by land during World War II. This historic landmark, enhanced by lush greenery and landscaping, is another one of Sentosa’s must-see sights.
Singapore’s war history comes alive at Fort Siloso.
Singapore Tourism Board
Used as a prisoner-of-war camp during the Japanese Occupation (1942–5), the fort offers a one-stop overview of World War II history. A tram takes visitors from the foot of the hill through a series of films and exhibits detailing the fort’s history, including its role during the war. Bunkers, tunnels and a six-inch gun that can “load and fire” add a fillip to this real-life vignette of Singapore’s wartime past.
The displays at the adjoining Surrender Chamber take you through the years of World War II. Photographs, films, wartime mementoes and wax figures depict the surrender by the British in 1942, and that by the Japanese in 1945.
Around Imbiah Lookout
Cable-car passengers can alight at Imbiah Lookout, where a number of sights are clustered. First off is the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom 4 [map] – a real treat for nature-lovers (tel: 6275 0013; www.jungle.com.sg; daily 9.30am–7pm; charge). The first has some 1,500 live butterflies from more than 50 species that flit and flutter between lush tropical plants in a large enclosed garden, while the adjacent attraction has more than 3,000 mounted bugs, including some of the world’s largest and rarest creepy-crawlies.
Continue to the nearby Sentosa 4D Adventureland 5 [map] , billed as the largest four-dimensional theatre in Southeast Asia, and definitely worth experiencing. Enjoy an engaging multi-sensory experience complete with images leaping out at you and precisely timed environmental effects such as water sprays and blowing wind or a journey that brings you plunging down a waterfall (tel: 6274-5355; www.4dadventureland.com.sg; daily half-hourly shows 10am–9pm; charge). To enjoy a panoramic view of Sentosa and its surrounding islands, ascend the disc-shaped Tiger Sky Tower 6 [map] (www.skytower.com.sg; daily 9am–9pm; charge), which slowly spins up a central column to a height of almost 50 storeys or 110 metres (360ft). If you are looking for a little more heart-thumping action, proceed to the Skyline Luge Sentosa 7 [map] (daily 10am–9.30pm; charge). Riders ascend a slope by chairlift and hurtle down in a luge that is part go-kart, part-toboggan, at a speed that suits their fancy.
Riding on the Sentosa Luge.
Getty Images
Songs of the Sea
In the evening, make your way to Beach Station to witness Wings of Time 8 [map] , a night-time multimedia spectacle with a live cast and rousing music (daily, two shows at 7.40pm and 8.40pm; charge). The show is a multi-sensory extravaganza and combines shooting jets of water, bursts of fire, dazzling pyrotechnics and clever computer imaging.
Images of Singapore
South of the Cable Car Plaza is Images of Singapore 9 [map] (daily 9am–7pm; charge). The waxworks museum comprises three experiences – Warehouse of the Four Winds, Singapore Adventure and Singapore Celebrates. The exhibit promises to take visitors through Singapore’s history and give them a sneak preview of the country’s rich cultural diversity through multimedia shows and walk-through settings.
Tip
Adrenalin junkies should head for Megazip Adventure Park on Mount Imbiah (tel: 6884-5602; www.megazip.com.sg), which boasts a dramatic zip wire that takes you from the top of the hill through the jungle canopy down to the beach at speeds of up to 50km/h (30mph). There’s also an aerial rope course, a 16-metre (52ft) -high climbing wall and a free-fall simulator.
Merlion
For an experience in pure kitsch, take the lift up to the top of the gigantic 37-metre (120ft) -high Merlion ) [map] – for views of the harbour and surrounding isles (daily 10am–8pm; charge).
Animal and Bird Encounters
Another attraction that the kids will enjoy is Animal and Bird Encounters ! [map] (daily 2–5.30pm) at the Palawan Amphitheatre on Palawan Beach. The family-friendly animal habitat promises encounters with talking parrots, cheeky primates and even a Burmese rock python, among other creatures (various shows throughout the day; free).
Your ticket to Underwater World includes admission to the Dolphin Lagoon @ [map] , along Palawan Beach (daily 11am–5.45pm), whose stars are the endangered Indo-Pacific humpbacked, or pink dolphins. “Meet the Dolphin” shows take place daily at 11am, 2pm, 4pm and 5.45pm. In addition, up to eight people can sign up to swim with the dolphins (advance booking required; tel: 6786-8672 or 6275-0030; or make a booking online at www.underwaterworld.com.sg; Thur–Tue 9.45am).
Beaches and bars
Sentosa’s other great appeal is recreation, especially watersports and golf. White sands stretch some 3km (2 miles) along the southern shore, interspersed by scenic saltwater lagoons and coconut groves. Each of the three beaches, Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong, has its own character, and they are probably Singapore’s most pleasant stretches of sand – if you disregard the views of scores of container ships in the distance.
Tropical Siloso Beach.
Getty Images
Watersports enthusiasts should head for either Palawan Beach £ [map] or Siloso Beach $ [map] , where windsurfers, canoes and pedal boats can be hired. In addition, at Palawan Beach, you can traverse a suspension bridge to reach the southernmost point of Continental Asia. Beach volleyball has also gained popularity in recent years, attracting a lively crowd to the beaches. Getting from one beach to another is easy: a train plies all three beaches daily 9am–7pm. After the sun goes down, the action on Siloso Beach revs up, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, when a mix of fun-loving locals and expatriates descend on the beach bars. The world’s first largest themed wind tunnel, the iFly Singapore (tel: 6571-0000; www.iflysingapore.com) is an indoor skydiving attraction located on Siloso Beach Walk next to Beach Station. Siloso Beach is also host to ZoukOut, an annual dance fest that draws the best international DJs and thousands of young revellers. Tanjong Beach on the quieter eastern end also draws crowds to its nightspots.
Golf
The Sentosa Golf Club % [map] near Tanjong Beach, one of Singapore’s most challenging greens, sees avid golfers playing on its two 18-hole par-72 championship courses – Serapong and Tanjong. Serapong is the venue for the national golf tournament, the Barclays Singapore Open. Non-members who wish to play can fill in an application form and pay at the reception area. The sea and sunset views here are stunning and can be enjoyed at Il Lido Italian restaurant.
Getting to the islands
Ferries to Kusu Island and St John’s Island leave daily from the Marina South Pier in the Marina Bay area (Mon–Fri 10am and 2pm, Sat 9am, noon and 3pm, Sun and public holidays 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm; tel: 6534-9339; www.islandcruise.com.sg).
Lazarus, Sisters’ and Hantu islands are not served by regular ferries, so you have to hire water taxis at Marina South Pier if you want to visit. An alternative way to see the harbour and islands is on the Cheng Ho, a replica Chinese junk which cruises the southern islands with a half-hour stopover at Kusu (tel: 6533-9811; daily 10.30am and 3pm; cruises last two and a half hours).
Southern Islands
Beyond Sentosa is an archipelago of tiny islands that lie within Singapore’s territorial waters, ranging from uninhabited coral outcrops to popular weekend retreats like Kusu and St John’s islands. Because thousands of ships ply the Straits of Melaka and Singapore harbour each year, the government has been especially vigilant in preventing water pollution and protecting the natural beauty of these islands.
Many islands are still enveloped in coral reefs, and Singapore’s Nature Society has successfully completed a coral conservation project to transplant reefs that are threatened by land reclamation and industry. Two entire reefs have been moved thus far from the endangered waters around Pulau Ayer Chawan and Buran Darat to new homes off the south coast of Sentosa.
There is also an ongoing “reef ball” project by the Singapore Environmental Council and the Sentosa authorities in charge of developing the islands, which deploys reef balls that enable corals to anchor and grow. Meanwhile, the government is also drawing up plans to establish marine conservation areas to protect the reefs near Sudong, Hantu, Semakau and St John’s Island.
The Cheng Ho junk takes you to Kusu Island.
Vincent Ng/Apa Publications
Tip
Camping is allowed on Sisters’ and Hantu islands, but a permit from Sentosa is required. Bungalows on St John’s Island can be booked with Sentosa as well. Overnight stays are not permitted on Kusu Island.
Two of the offshore islands can be reached by regular ferry service from mainland Singapore; to reach the others, join a tour or hire a boat from Marina South Pier (see box).
Kusu Island
Kusu Island ^ [map] , also called Turtle Island, is a place of both rest and worship. Legend has it that two shipwrecked sailors – one Chinese, one Malay – were saved from certain death when a giant turtle magically transformed itself into an island. Each man gave thanks according to his own belief, and so today the Taoist temple of Tua Pek Kong with its turtle pool and the Muslim keramat (shrine) on the hill are popular places of pilgrimage.
In the ninth month of the lunar calendar, usually straddling October and November, Taoists and Buddhists as well as Malays from Singapore flock to the island in droves. The Chinese arrive at the temple with offerings and pray for prosperity, good luck and fertility. The Malay pilgrims, on the other hand, climb the 152 steps to their shrine to offer their prayers to Allah.
A quintessential tropical beach scene at St John Island.
Shutterstock
Other islands
Conservationists in Singapore are overjoyed that the government has repeatedly shelved plans to develop the Southern Islands, although there is talk that Singapore’s third casino resort could very well be established on Lazarus Island.
St John’s Island & [map] was where Raffles anchored before meeting the Temenggong, or Malay chief, on the Singapore River in 1819. The island served as a quarantine centre for immigrants until the 1950s, when it was used as a holding centre for political detainees. In 1975, St John’s was turned into a holiday haven, with lagoons, shady paths and picnic spots making it a popular weekend venue.
The two Sisters’ Islands * [map] , made up of Pulau Subar Darat and Pulau Subar Laut, are also favourite spots for relaxation and diving, although the waters can sometimes be murky. Likewise, Pulau Hantu, or Ghost Island, to the northwest of Sentosa – said to be haunted by a Malay warrior – attracts mainly divers and fishermen to its waters.
If you’re visiting the islands, be sure to bring your own picnic, as the islands do not offer food, drinks or facilities of any sort.