Sentosa is a popular resort island off the southern coast of Singapore. Featuring attractions such as museums, amusement parks, beaches, and historic sites, Sentosa is the ideal tourist destination with something to appeal to everyone. If you don’t already live in Singapore, you’ll need to plan ahead and get your travel documents in order. Once you’re in Singapore, there are a variety of fun ways to reach the island, including cable cars and scenic boardwalk. Then you’ll be ready to enjoy all the exciting attractions Sentosa has to offer!
StepsPart 1Part 1 of 3:Travelling to Singapore
1Make sure your passport is up-to-date. Before you travel to Singapore, you’ll need to gather all the required materials for entry into the country. The most important document you will need is a valid passport that is good for at least 6 months beyond the period of your visit.XIf you don’t already have a valid passport, apply for one at least 6 to 8 weeks before you plan to travel (or longer, depending on your country’s standard processing time). You may be able to get expedited service for an additional fee.
2Apply for a visa, if applicable. In addition to a passport, you will also need a visa if you are traveling from one of the Assessment Level I or II regions listed here: https://www.ica.gov.sg/enteranddeparting/before/entryvisa. Apply for your visa at least 30 days before you plan to arrive in Singapore to allow for ample processing time.XVisitors from countries that do not require visas can generally stay in Singapore for up to 30 days. You may need to apply for a visa if you wish to extend your stay beyond 30 days.XIf you come from a Level I or Level II region, the length of time on your visa may vary depending on your country of origin or other factors. Check with your local Singapore embassy or consulate to find out how long you can stay.In order to apply for a visa, you will need to fill out a Form 14A, available here: https://www.ica.gov.sg/cms/files/Form14A.pdf. You will also need a passport-sized color photo of yourself taken in the last 3 months and a photocopy of your current passport’s biodata page.XDepending on your country of origin or your individual circumstances, you may also need to present a Form V39A (Visa Application Letter of Introduction), available here: https://www.ica.gov.sg/cms/files/FormV39A.pdf.
3Get a yellow fever vaccine if necessary. If you live in or have recently visited a high-risk area for yellow fever, you will need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. If you don’t already have a certificate, visit your doctor for a vaccine and ask them for an International Certificate of Vaccination.XYou will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you have been in any of the countries listed here within 6 days before arriving in Singapore: https://www.ica.gov.sg/enteranddeparting/before/yellow.
4Gather any other necessary documents. In addition to your passport, visa (if applicable) and any required vaccination certificates, you will also need a few other items in order to enter Singapore. Check with your local Singapore embassy or consulate to be sure you have all the necessary documents. Typically, you will need:XEnough money to last you for the length of your intended stayA completed Disembarkation/Embarkation Card (which you will receive and fill out on the plane)Proof that you will be returning to your point of origin or traveling on to another destinationValid entry documents (such as a visa) for your next destination if applicable
5Purchase a plane ticket. Once you have an idea of when you would like to go to Sentosa, book a flight into Singapore Changi Airport. You will need to buy a round trip ticket or be able to present a ticket to your next destination in order to be allowed into the country.XYou can also reach Singapore by cruise ship or overland. If you are entering Singapore by land, you’ll need to come in via one of the 2 international checkpoints at Tuas (in the west) or Woodlands (in the north).X
6Book a hotel in Singapore. Singapore has a variety of luxury hotels as well as less expensive options, like hostels. Take a look at your budget and decide how much you can afford to spend on lodgings during your trip. You can use services like Expedia or Hotels.com to help you find an option that fits your needs. Enter information such as your preferred location, price range, and type of room.Some airline booking sites allow you to book a hotel room at the same time that you get your airline tickets, usually at a discounted price.While there are hotels in Sentosa, you can find more budget-friendly options on Singapore’s mainland. Most hotel booking websites will allow you to specify that you want to stay on Sentosa itself if that is your preference.A couple of nearby, low-cost options include the Harbour Ville Hotel and the Fragrance Hotel in Bukit Merah. You can find even cheaper hostels and capsule hotels if you’re willing to make a somewhat longer commute between Sentosa and the Downtown Core.Part 2Part 2 of 3:Getting to Sentosa
1Catch a cable car if you want a spectacular view. You can reach Sentosa by cable car between 8:45 AM and 9:30 PM every day. The cable cars leave from the HarbourFront Station in Maritime Square, the Sentosa Station at Imbiah Lookout, and the Mount Faber Station at Faber Peak.XThe cost of cable car tickets depends on which station you use, but the maximum prices are S$35 for adults and S$25 for children over 3 years old. Children under 3 ride for free.
2Choose the Sentosa Boardwalk for a scenic stroll. You can access the boardwalk from the VivoCity shopping mall in Bukit Merah, close to the HarbourFront cable car station. The boardwalk features lush tropical gardens and offers beautiful views over the bay.XWhile the Sentosa Boardwalk is currently free to take, a low admission charge of S$1 will go into effect after December 31st, 2018.Depending on how quickly you walk, you can cross the boardwalk in approximately 5 to 15 minutes.
3Take public transit for low-cost access. If you don’t feel like walking or shelling out money for the cable cars, there are several inexpensive public transit options for getting into Sentosa. You can get to Sentosa via MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) train, public bus, or shuttle bus.XIf you go by MRT, you can then hop on a Sentosa Express train at the VivoCity shopping mall.To check public transit fares and get detailed information about getting around, visit Singapore’s transit website here: https://www.mytransport.sg/content/mytransport/home/commuting.html.
4Travel by car for a more private experience. Whether you’re renting a vehicle or just want the convenience of catching a taxi, you can drive right into Sentosa via the island’s Sentosa Gateway. The cost of admission by vehicle varies between S$2 and S$6 depending on the day and time.XMotorcycles are not allowed on the island, but you can enter Sentosa on a bicycle.If drive yourself, you will need to park in one of Sentosa’s paid lots. These cost S$1.20 per hour during the day, with a flat fee of S$2.40 between the hours of 5:00 PM and 7:00 AM.While driving on the island, take care to observe the speed limit of 40 kilometres (25 mi)/hr.Part 3Part 3 of 3:Finding Things to Do in Sentosa
1Research some of Sentosa’s attractions ahead of time. Take some time to explore Sentosa’s official website, check out a guidebook, or visit travel websites like Trip Advisor or Viator. There’s so much to do in Sentosa that you may feel overwhelmed, so look over your options and make a list of a few of your must-see destinations before you go. A few of Sentosa’s major attractions include:Universal Studios SingaporeFort Siloso and the Fort Siloso SkywalkMega Adventure Park, which features South East Asia’s steepest zipwireAdventure Cove WaterparkThe S. E. A. Aquarium
2Purchase a bundled pass to get a better value on major attractions. You can purchase tickets to individual attractions online or on-site if you wish. However, the Singapore government’s Sentosa Development Corporation also offers convenient and economical package deals. Explore their official website at Store.sentosa.com.sg to find tickets and package deals on major attractions and events.XA few of the basic Sentosa FunPass package options allow you to pick and choose bundles of 6, 8, or 12 attractions. Lower-end FunPass packages start at S$43.30, while more expensive options run from S$170 and up.These packages come with a set number of “tokens” that are redeemable at any participating attraction of your choice, so you can choose attractions that fit your needs (e.g., family friendly, athletic, or low-key and easily accessible). Simply present your Fun Pass at each attraction’s ticketing counter to redeem your tokens.You can also buy smaller bundles that include an attraction and a meal.
3Use the MySentosa mobile app to help you get around. The Sentosa Development Corporation offers a free app called MySentosa that includes a GPS map, an itinerary planner, information about many of the island’s attractions, and easy options for buying tickets and making reservations. You can use this app to help you plan ahead or to guide you through a more spontaneous visit.The MySentosa app is free to download and use. You can create an account for a more personalized experience or explore the app’s features without logging in.
