🇸🇬 Sentosa Island Travel Guide – A Slow Journey by the Sea with Places to Relax and Remember

Kim Ngan
Jun 03, 2025By Kim Ngan

🇸🇬 Sentosa Island Travel Guide – A Slow Journey by the Sea with Places to Relax and Remember
1. Overview & Highlights
Just a short ride from Singapore’s busy city center, Sentosa Island offers something surprisingly rare: a space where you can slow down, breathe in the sea air, and truly relax. While known for its world-class attractions and luxury resorts, there’s more to Sentosa than meets the eye.

Beyond Universal Studios and beachfront clubs lies another side of the island — quiet beaches, shaded boardwalks, and cafés where time feels like it stretches just a little longer. If you're looking for a pause, not a rush, this is where it begins.

2. Culture & Local Vibes
Once a military fortress under the name Pulau Blakang Mati, Sentosa has been transformed since the 1970s into Singapore’s premier resort island. Yet, it hasn’t forgotten its past — you’ll still find echoes of colonial history at Fort Siloso, lush tropical trails, and preserved coastal paths that speak more of stillness than spectacle.

The people who work on Sentosa, from resort staff to local guides, bring warmth and calm. On quiet mornings, you’ll see elderly couples walking along the boardwalk, families picnicking under palm trees, and travelers just watching waves lap the shore — no rush, no crowds, just presence.

3. Must-Try Foods
At Coastes (Siloso Beach)
Fish & Chips – 22 SGD
Seafood Stew – 38 SGD
Angus Beef Burger – 22–26 SGD
Pizza Margherita – 22 SGD
Waffle with Syrup – 10 SGD
At Tanjong Beach Club
Tanjong Burger – 30 SGD
Lobster Roll – 39 SGD
Steak Frites – 44 SGD
Buttermilk Chicken Burger – 28 SGD
Note: Prices do not include taxes and service charges.

 
4. Travel Tips
Getting to Sentosa:

- Walk via Sentosa Boardwalk – Free
- Take the Sentosa Express – 4 SGD
- Ride the Singapore Cable Car – 24–35 SGD (round-trip)
- Getting around the island:

- Free internal shuttle buses available
- You can also rent bikes or e-scooters
Best time to visit:

Early mornings or late afternoons to avoid heat and crowds
What to bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water, and a light cover-up or scarf
 
5. Recommended Clothing
- Light and breathable outfits in beach tones (white, beige, blue)
- Comfortable sandals or walking shoes
- Swimwear and a casual change of clothes
- A sun hat or light shawl for extra protection and style
 
6. Best Photo Spots
Sentosa Boardwalk – golden hour lighting and sea views
The former Merlion area at Imbiah Lookout – for nostalgic shots
Tanjong Beach in the morning – peaceful, soft light
Singapore Cable Car – panoramic views of the entire island
 
6.1. Must-Visit Places & Experiences
Siloso Beach – energetic yet still has quiet corners
Tanjong Beach – calm, spacious, and ideal for sunbathing or reading
Fort Siloso – historical and free to explore
Sentosa Nature Discovery – a walking trail into local flora and fauna
S.E.A. Aquarium – home to thousands of marine species in a serene setting
 
7. Suggested Itinerary
Morning

Stroll across Sentosa Boardwalk, take in the sea breeze
Light breakfast at Coastes or Tanjong Beach Club
Midday

Visit Fort Siloso and explore the history of the island
Lunch by the beach and a quiet rest under the palms at Tanjong Beach
Afternoon

Relax at S.E.A. Aquarium or go for a nature walk at Sentosa Nature Discovery
Watch the sunset from Siloso Beach or on a cable car ride back to the city
 
8. FAQ & Reference Costs
Is Sentosa free to enter?
→ Yes, if walking or taking internal shuttle buses. Sentosa Express: 4 SGD. Cable car: 24–35 SGD.
How much does food cost?
→ Mid-range meals: 22–44 SGD per main dish at beach restaurants.
Are attractions expensive?
→ Fort Siloso and nature trails are free. S.E.A. Aquarium: 41 SGD (adult ticket).
 
Sentosa doesn’t just entertain — it invites. To slow down. To lie in the sun without looking at your watch. To let waves speak louder than your to-do list.

If you're searching for rest within reach of the city, let Sentosa be your gentle pause. Because sometimes, the most beautiful thing you can do on a trip… is nothing at all.

Thanks for reading.
If you’re drawn to slow journeys and soulful places, explore more calm corners of Singapore on the blog — there’s always a soft escape waiting.