You know the saying: The grass is always greener on the other side. But we’re here to tell you, the grass is actually pretty darn green right here on our little island. Sentosa, Singapore’s idyllic mini island, is known for being a tourist hot spot and ironically, is literally filled with very green grass (and palm trees).
But wait, let’s push those tourists aside for a moment…figuratively speaking. Sentosa is the state of fun for everyone, and if you’ve not taken your cute butt down there to enjoy some of it’s action, adventures and nature trails, we want to highlight some of the awesome must-visit things we all have right on our doorstep.
It’s not all beaches and bikinis – oh no. There is so much more to Sentosa than trying to catch a tan. Sentosa isn’t ‘too expensive’ to step foot on either – there are so many things to do and see that’s entirely free.
For your ease of life, we’ve split our favourites up into four categories: Romantic, Action, Feast and Nature and discovery.
Photo: instagram/sentosa_island
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For that very very special night that you two will never forget, Dining on Cloud 9, will deliver all round. A 90-minute journey in a cable car that delivers a 3-course meal: 1 course per full round of the car. It may sound like a cliche dinner date (yeah, we all grew up with a cable car ride) but this dining experience really is worth the dollar spent.
The food quality itself is absolutely delicious (my hubby and I opted for the steak as a main) and you can enjoy a glass of bubbly upon arrival as well as a glass of wine during your dinner too. With a bluetooth LED speaker that plays music which you can change via your phone if you so desire, the cable car dinner ensures you get quality time just you two, no distractions and some incredible views to look at together too.
Photo: Nicola Watson/Her World
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The island has a huge cycle route that tours the entire area – perfect for a couple’s cycling day together. There are three cycling tracks in total, all interconnected, so pick one or enjoy all of them. There is the flat cycle track along the beach, nature track with hills and bends and then the most challenging – steep slopes and and dedicated on-road bicycle lanes.
You can hire bikes for cheap or bring your own and have an adventure day together whilst taking in the sights and exercising too. It’s a win-win all round.
Photo: 123rf
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Now this is romance through and through – sitting together on a blanket on a white sandy beach with waves lapping by, watching your favourite movie on a big screen under the stars, which is why we love Popcorn Movie Nights. You can bring your own drinks and food (may we recommend a bottle of wine or two) and have your own dinner date picnic whilst your there.
And guess what? It’s all completely free too. The only thing you pay for is whatever you both decide on consuming that night.
Photo: instagram/sentosa_island
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For an experience that you two will remember that doesn’t cost your entire month’s wages, why not step on-board Asia’s only luxury tall ship for cocktails and 3 sunset themed cruises around Singapore’s coast and its Southern Islands. You can enjoy a Sunday roast, British style, on the ship and if you so desired, combine it with a sunset sail trip too.
The Royal Albatross is a unique 47m, 4 masted 22 sail super yacht that encompasses all the tradition and romance of the golden age of sailing with today’s technology. With a cruise for everyone, wine, dine and be entertained under a canopy of sails as the sun goes down and Singapore’s spectacular skyline lights up.
Photo: Instagram/royalalbatross
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Oh how I love the luge. It’s one of those activities that you just go ‘shall we go do the luge?’ as a random last minute idea, and have bundles of fun in the process.
The Skyline Luge is a thrill ride which is safe for all ages – meaning old relative and children alike can jump on board! After a skyride to the top of Imbiah, you then don a delightfully un-sexy crash helmet and climb into one of the luge cars. Then it’s a quick pit-stop check to ensure you know what is ‘go’ and what is ‘stop’ and you’re on your way. There’s a variety of trails to choose from, including the Dragon and Jungle trail.
Specially designed with hairpin corners, long straight and exciting slopes, riders can now look forward to an experience to remember with their family and loved ones as they zoom down the four tracks (2.6 km in all).
Photo: Nicola Watson/Her World
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The IFly is on the more expensive side of activities, but for good reason. Have you ever experienced a skydive before? No? Then we highly recommend giving IFly a go, even if you do it just once. It’s a feeling unlike no other. Upon arrival at the world’s first largest indoor wind tunnel, you get prepped by your instructor, practise the ideal position to be in, then it’s gear on and time to fly!
The wind tunnel simulates falling through the air from 12,000 to 3,000 feet and every rider gets two turns in the wind tunnel. It’s safe for all ages and all levels of experience (I was a complete beginner and never skydived in real life either) and the instructor is with you every step of the way too.
Photo: Nicola Watson/Her World
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Learning to surf doesn’t mean a weekend trip to the beaches of Bali – oh no – you can do it right here in Sentosa. Nothing beats splashing around in cold water when our tropical climate gets to the dizzy heights of summer heat. Wave House on Siloso Beach has two surfing areas for different levels of skill: The Double FlowRider and The FlowBarrel.
What’s more, for those in your group who don’t fancy a surf lesson can enjoy the delicious food and beverages that Wave House offers, along with views of the beach.
Photo: Instagram/sentosa_island
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Whilst the zip wire isn’t the longest activity you can invest in, it’s definitely up there with one of the best thrills. I’m not afraid of heights yet even I started to feel a little anxious when I was strapped into the harness and dangling from the ledge! At 75 metres high, 450 metres long and heart pounding speed of 60kph, the MegaZip has three different lines so you and two buddies or relatives can all go together. It begins up in the high point of the jungle canopy, Imbiah Hill and heads down to land on a mini landing island off the white sands of Siloso Beach.
The view is absolutely breathtaking. You fly over the jungle tree tops, over the beach and have the ocean in front of you for insane panoramic views.
The MegaZip is part of the Mega Adventure – five Mega adrenaline activities. You can buy them all in bundles or selected ones together at discounted prices. Perfect for a team bonding day with work colleagues or even just some family fun.
Photo: Nicola Watson/Her World and Instagram/sentosa_island
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Yes, yes, yes it is a massive tourist attraction if not the main tourist attraction. I personally avoided going for ages, because I felt I would dislike its very ‘tourist’ nature. I couldn’t have been more wrong. After I went once with my friends, I then roped my family into going with me weeks later. It was so much fun for everyone….literally.
Whether you’re into your movies or not, if you’re into rides you have to go to Universal Studios. I highly recommend The Mummy and Transformers – I loved these so much I ran around the park at 5pm going on both of them as much as possible before closing. If you’re not into rides, it’s still a day worth doing. There are countless live shows throughout the seven segments of the park, and plenty of places to eat, drink and shop.
Photo: Nicola Watson/Her World
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Say ‘ola’ to the most delicious Hawaiian food on the island at Ola Beach Club. Inspired by Hawaii in general. Ola Beach Club has recently revamped their food and beverage menu and it’s a cracker of a selection. From spam fries to Seabass and barley risotto to a fresh tuna poke bowl – this really is a great spot to lunch or dinner. All the food is cooked and served fresh, and you can either eat at one of their shaded tables or it gets served direct to your lounger.
What’s more, Ola has its own pool for you to dip into when the sun gets too hot to bear, as well as loungers that do not have a minimum spend charge to use. So you can stroll up, lay out your towel, dig into a poke bowl and dip into the pool = a perfect lazy Sunday in our eyes.
P.S. Try one of their Tiki inspired cocktails. I say no more.
Photo: Nicola Watson/Her World and Ola Beach Club
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Nothing beats our favourite traditional Singapore dishes that remind us of our childhood and family gatherings. That’s why Good Old Days at Siloso Beach is a hotspot for us to go eat. From laksa to beef hor fun to chicken rice, they’ve got you covered.
For the day time there is an a la carte menu and 5pm onwards there is a buffet menu, so your entire family can feast until their hearts and stomachs are content. The prices are not expensive and it’s easy to get to as it is right next to Beach Station.
Photo: instagram/sentosa_island
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If you love your fish and seafood, boy is this the restaurant to go to in Singapore. Located in the harbour (One 15 Marina, Sentosa Cove) the restaurant has the most incredible selection of fish dishes, including special catches of the day. You can enjoy oysters, mussels, sashimi platters, seafood linguine, whole crab, whole lobster, trawler catches and many many more. The fish and crustaceans are cooked to your liking, from battered to steamed to pan-seared to char-grilled, your choices are endless.
We recommend heading here with your partner in crime for dinner, because the harbour front trees are all lit up with lights in the evenings and the boats nestled into the water’s front right by your table give a wonderful ambience.
Please do book in advance as it is constantly busy – a sign of a great restaurant!
Photo: GreenwoodFishMarket
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Insects? Why would I want to go look at insects when I can see them on the ground? It’s a good question but we assure you, The Butterfly and Insect Kingdom will not leave you disappointed. As you enter the outdoor-but-indoor area of the butterflies, you’re immediately enchanted with hundreds of beautiful winged insects flying around your head.
Completely interactive (they can land on you, if you’re lucky) you also get to see their cocoons through various stages of growth. It’s quite something. This is all before you enter into the indoor insect kingdom too, which is filled with wonders to marvel. A delightful day out for the family, particularly young children too.
Photo: Nicola Watson/Her World and Instagram/sentosa_island
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Enjoy a hands-on journey of discovery and sharpen your detective skills with the Sentosa Nature Discovery.
The exploration starts with a fascinating gallery of interactive exhibits at the Gallery to brush up your science process skills. Equipped with these skills, step out into the jungle and explore a wilderness teeming with birds, insects, other wildlife and plants in all manner of different habitats.
Perfect day out when you want to get the family out of the flat but don’t want to spend lots of money to entertain. For the nature discovery, you can download the app which helps you to easily locate the heritage trees, important green spots, heritage buildings and the Imbiah Nature Trail with the handy map, which works offline too. Double handy.
Photo: instagram/sentosa_island
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Built in the late 19th century as an important installation for protecting our coastline, Fort Siloso is now home to a wealth of WWII memorabilia, including the largest collection of coastal guns in Singapore.
Head down to explore the fortified military structures and tunnels with a guide to talk you through, as they journey with you back in time with stories of yesteryears.
Conclude your tour at the newly revamped Surrender Chambers, where you will be guided through six interactive zones, from the Japanese invasion till their eventual surrender at the end of WWII. It’s interesting and fun for your whole family and will help educate the younger generations too.
Photo: Instagram/sentosa_island
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