If you're visiting Singapore – you need to take a day trip to Sentosa Island. This tropical island is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of Downtown Singapore, while getting a taste of adventure, white sand beaches and seeing a completely different side to Singapore. The best thing about Sentosa Island is that it's possible to just do a one day trip to the island and still cram a lot into your visit – which is perfect if, like me, you're visiting on just a short layover before you reach your final destination. 

While I visited Sentosa Island as a solo female traveller – it's also perfect if you're travelling with a partner, friend or if you're travelling with kids! There's so much to do for all ages – from hiking and adventure activities, to rides and rollercoasters, to sunbathing and swimming. Sentosa Island is also a perfect Singapore day out whether you have cash to splash, or you're travelling on a budget. There's lots of great ways to cut costs while still enjoying this tropical paradise just a short journey from Singapore City Centre (15 mins!). 

I've created the perfect 1 day itinerary for visiting Sentosa Island in Singapore – to make the most of your day and cram in as many fun activities as possible. This detailed guide will also share the hidden gem activities on Sentosa Island that you won't want to miss, a cost-breakdown to help you budget for your Sentosa Island trip and recommendations for if you choose to stay longer! Don't forget to check out my other Asia travel guides for planning the rest of your trip!

Planning a trip to Sentosa Island? Here's where you'll find:

  1. Why You Should Plan a Trip to Sentosa Island, Singapore
  2. 6 Ways to Travel to Sentosa Island from Singapore City Centre
  3. How Much Does it Cost to Visit Sentosa Island
  4. 12 Free Things to do on Sentosa Island
  5. The Best Things to do on Sentosa Island, Singapore
  6. 1 Day Itinerary for Sentosa Island, Singapore
  7. Where to Stay on Sentosa Island – Sentosa Hotels

 

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Sentosa Island - tropical paradise just 15 minutes from Singapore

Why You Should Plan a Trip to Sentosa Island, Singapore

Sentosa Island is such a unique destination and I definitely recommend a visit if you fancy a fun-filled escape from the city. This is the tropical island just 15 minutes from the heart of Singapore where you can experience white sand beaches, lush rainforests, award-winning spa retreats, world-famous attractions and theme parks and world-renowned golf courses.

If you're still wonder whether Sentosa Island is worth a visit – let me tell you that after visiting I can see why it is so popular with visitors. There's an attraction for everyone – from the solo travellers (like me!) to the families, to the business travellers. 

If you're looking for authentic Singapore, you will probably want to skip Sentosa Island. This is the destination for fun, thrill-seeking, luxury and seeing another side to Singapore – the city that is living in the future. I spent just a day on the island and it was the perfect visit for me – I don't think you need much longer than that, although if you do choose to stay for two or more days, check out my hotel recommendations at the bottom of this article.

Cable car from Singapore mainland to Sentosa island

6 Ways to Travel to Sentosa Island from Singapore City Centre

If you're travelling to Singapore on a budget – looking at your travel from Singapore City Centre to Sentosa Island is a great way to reduce the costs of a visit. Did you know that Sentosa Island is only 15 minutes from the heart of Singapore? There are lots of ways to travel to the island, including some great active (and cost-effective) options. The key things to know is that entry to Sentosa is FREE, but depending on how you travel to the island, you may face extra costs. Here are the best six options for accessing Sentosa Island:

Cable Car to Sentosa Island

Catching the Cable Car to Sentosa Island is the BEST way to arrive at the island. You're rewarded with panoramic and aerial views across Singapore's city skyline, the harbour, and Sentosa island including Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios. I travelled from Mount Faber to Sentosa Island by cable car and it was spectacular! There are two cable car lines (including the Sentosa Line which is on Sentosa Island and takes you to the viewpoints – recommend getting a pass for both because it makes it so much easier and quicker to navigate the island when you arrive, plus the views!! It costs $35 for the Mount Faber Line + Sentosa Line pass, which is open from 8.45am - 10pm daily.

>> Book your Sentosa Island Cable Car

Take the Sentosa Express

The Sentosa Express is also available from VivoCity shopping mall (Lobby L, Level 3), with trains running from 7am to 12am. Standard costs are $4, with $2 fees available for seniors and concession card holders, travel is free for under 7's.

>> Book your Sentosa Express Train Ticket

Walk the Sentosa Boardwalk

If you fancy a stroll, you can take the Sentosa Boardwalk from the VivoCity mall (Lobby F, Level 1) which you can reach from the Harbourfront MRT. It takes around 15 minutes and there is also access to the monorail if you change your mind mid-walk. It's around 670m long and there are also travelators available. Please note, if you are reading this between 22 May 2025 to 2030 – part of this boardwalk will be closed for RWS's Waterfront Development works and both pedestrians and cyclists will be redirected to Sentosa via a new covered linkway.

Cycle to Sentosa Island

Singapore is an amazing place to cycle with no end of boardwalks and cycle tracks to explore. If you're interested in hiring a bike and cycling to Sentosa Island, you can folow the walking route mentioned above and click to hire a bike in Singapore.

Catch the Bus to Sentosa Island 

Singapore is easy to navigate by bus, here are the three bus routes to Sentosa Island:

  • Direct Bus to Sentosa Island (Bus 123 from mainland Singapore to Resorts World Sentosa, Village Hotel, Beach Station)
  • Transfer to RWS8 (Buses 10, 30, 57, 61, 65, 80, 93, 97, 100, 123M, 124, 131, 143, 145, 166, 188, 855, 963) to Vivocity, Opposite HarbourFront Int or Before Seah Im Rd
  • Transfer to Bus RWS8 (from Vivocity, Opposite HarbourFront Int or Before Seah Im Rd) to Resorts World Sentosa

Drive or Grab (taxi) to Sentosa Island

You can also drive via the Sentosa Gateway, but there will be additional fees for entry to Sentosa Island – these vary depending on the time of your visit. If you choose to get a Grab (Singapore's taxi service) the price will vary depending on where you travel from. I really recommend downloading Grab before your visit – it's super cheap and helpful for navigating the city.

Singapore Slings at Twelve_ beach club Sentosa island

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Sentosa Island – Price Breakdown

Sentosa Island is an expensive place to visit. There's no denying that costs can mount up quickly – particularly if you're travelling with friends, family or decide to stay over on the island. Don't worry though – there are still lots of ways to ensure that you keep costs low and only spend on the things you really want to. Here's a costs breakdown for a visit to Sentosa Island (Singapore $) and some tips for making your trip cheaper:

Palawan Beach, Sentosa island

12 Free Things to do on Sentosa Island

Don't panic – you don't have to do everything when you visit Sentosa Island and there are some amazing things to do for FREE! Here's my guide to the 12 best free activities for when you visit Sentosa Island:

  1. Check for Sentosa Island FREE entry deals! 
  2. Visit South East Asia's most Southern point of continental Asia (walk the floating bridge!)
  3. Watch the free light show from 7.30pm
  4. Go hiking at Sentosa Nature Discovery (1.8km trek through a rainforest)
  5. Explore the historic Fort Siloso – and the Fort Siloso Skywalk (a treasure trove of WWII memorabilia)
  6. Relax on Palawan Beach
  7. Walk the Sentosa Boardwalk or catch the tram
  8. Enjoy the free scented tours at Scentopia!
  9. Take in the views at Imbiah Lookout
  10. Explore Siloso and Tanjong Beaches
  11. Bring your date to Quayside Isle for sunset
  12. Check for FREE events including live music, outdoor movie nights, pop-up markets, and cultural performances

Palawan Beach, Sentosa island - going swimming

The Best Things to do on Sentosa Island, Singapore

If you're not sure where to start with planning your day trip to Sentosa Island – here are some of my favourite things that I did when visiting the island:

  • Swim at Palawan Beach
  • Ride the jungle luge and take the Skyride (even more magical at night)
  • Watch the free light show from 7.30pm
  • Walk to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia
  • Singapore Slings at Twelve+ Beach Bar
  • Brave the zipline for a thrill!
  • Explore the historic Fort Siloso
  • Go to Universal Studios Singapore
  • Spot monkeys and explore the rainforest
  • Visit the aquarium or Sensoryscape

1 Day Itinerary for Sentosa Island, Singapore

Planning a visit to Sentosa Island? Here's how you can spend a day in Singapore's tropical paradise:

  • Catch the Cable Car to Sentosa Island
  • Ride the jungle luge and take the Skyride
  • Go to Palawan Beach to swim
  • Walk to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia
  • Singapore Slings at Twelve+ Beach Bar
  • Explore the historic Fort Siloso – and the Fort Siloso Skywalk (a treasure trove of WWII memorabilia)
  • Go hiking at Sentosa Nature Discovery (1.8km trek through a rainforest)
  • Take in the views at Imbiah Lookout
  • Watch the free light show from 7.30pm

Skyride on Sentosa Island

Where to Stay on Sentosa Island – Sentosa Hotels

If you have more time and would like to spend a few days exploring Sentosa Island in Singapore – I've picked out some great hotel options to help you plan your stay. There's plenty of fun activities and world class attractions to easily fill a two day visit. Sentosa is a beautiful place to stay in Singapore and would provide a perfect overnight stay while you explore attractions such as Universal Studios and S.E.A. Aquarium. It is also a great way to explore and enjoy the adventure and thrill-seeking activities, but balance them with relaxation. You can also get a Sentosa Fun Pass which gives you access to multiple attractions if you plan to spend a few days there.

Sentosa Island does have some very expensive 5* hotels and it can be a pricy place to visit, but don't panic! I've found the most budget-friendly hotel options for your visit if you would like to stay on the island – don't forget you could also stay on the mainland and catch the MRT to the island each day, or get a cable car pass. Here's three Sentosa Hotels you might want to book a stay at:

  1. Best Hotel for Couples – The Outpost Hotel Sentosa

  2. Best Hotel for Families – Village Hotel Sentosa 

  3. Best Hotel for Luxury on a Budget– The Barracks Hotel Sentosa

If you're travelling on a tight budget or are backpacking Singapore, I recommend only doing a day trip to Sentosa Island and staying in Singapore City Centre to save money. Singapore is a more expensive country to visit and particularly the city, compared to other parts of Asia, but it is so worth a visit. I recommend checking out Singapore hostels as a way to cut costs and save your money for street food!