Best Tourist Places to Visit in Sentosa, Singapore
Sentosa is a popular tourist destination in Singapore known for resorts, beaches, forts, golf courses, Theme Parks, Universal Studios, hotels and Amusement Parks coordinating with 1.24’ degree North Latitude and 103.83’ degree East Longitude.
Sentosa Meaning & History:
Sentosa is derived from Sanskrit word “Santhosa” meaning peace and happiness. Sentosa is known for many forts that were built in the early 18th and 19th century. During the II World War, Sentosa was attacked by Japanese and the island became a part of the British rule. In the early 60’s Sentosa was handed over by the British to Singapore Armed Forces and the islands was officially renamed as Sentosa in the year 1972. Singapore Cable Car was built in the year 1974 and series of visitors attractions came up in Sentosa in the late 70’s and early 80’s which led to heavy inflow of tourists into the region.
Tourist’s attractions in Sentosa:
Sentosa has lots in store for the tourists visiting the place from all parts of the world. Some of the attractions situated in Sentosa are:
Tiger Sky Tower:
This is one of the largest observatory towers in Sentosa situated at a height of 360 feet above sea level from where the tourists can have a bird’s eye view of the city of Sentosa. The observatory tower has an airconditioned cabin fitted with glass windows and can accommodate about 70 visitors.
Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom:
The Park has about 50 species of live butterflies and houses around 3000 species of rare insects from across the world which attracts many tourists all round the year.
Merlion Square:
This is one of the major landmarks in Sentosa which has a statue having face of a lion which is 37 meter tall in height having viewing galleries and souvenir shops.
Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon:
This is one of the major tourist attractions in Sentosa which is an oceanirium cum marine museum which houses about 2500 marine creatures and fishes. The visitors can approach the museum through a glass window tunnel from where they can spot some of the marine creatures like coral reef, sharks, ray fish, sting rays, cattle fish, turtles, jeelyfish and more. The park also has a dolphin lagoon where the visitors can come in direct contact with dolphins.
Songs of the sea:
They are known for musical fountains and stage shows which are displayed through water jets, lasers and projectors and has a seating capacity for 2500 visitors.
Sentosa 4D Magix:
This is South Asia’s largest four dimensional theater equipped with digital Dolby DTS 6.1 surround system that screens many Hollywood and Bollywood movies.
Fort Siloso:
This is one of the ancient forts located in Sentosa built by the British during 18th century. Tourists visiting the fort can view the ammunition bunkers, barracks and tunnels located within the fort premises.
Other attractions in Sentosa are:
- Mega Zip Adventure Park
- Azzura Beach
- Sentosa Sky Ride
- Fantasy Island
- Volcanoland
- Musical Fountain
- Palawan Beach
- Siloso Beach
Sentosa is well known for hosting many international events and sporting activities like Barclays Singapore Open a golf event that take place every year. Sentosa is also famous for organizing Beach parties which is known for music and dancing. Large local and foreign visitors participate in such events that take place every year. Sentosa Flowers is another important event that takes place in Sentosa where different varieties of flowers are exhibited for public display. Besides flower exhibition, it also conducts painting competitions, photography competitions etc. Many other international tournaments like Beach Volleyball, Basketball, Cycling and International Marathon are held in Sentosa every year.
Accessibility to Sentosa in Singapore:
Tourists can access Sentosa via Cable car or a Causeway that starts from Mount Faber to Harbour Front passing through Sentosa. Sentosa can also be reached by Sentosa Express Mono Rail that connects Sentosa with mainland in Singapore. Local mode of transport includes buses and trams within the city limits that ply on regular basis. Chengi International Airport in Singapore is approx 25 kms from Sentosa Islands.
Hotels Bookings in Sentosa:
There are several budget hotels and resorts located in Sentosa catering to the accommodation facilities for the tourists visiting the islands throughout the year. The hotels and resorts not only provide excellent accommodation but also serve exquisite Thai, Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines. List of hotels and resorts located in Sentosa is as follows:
- Capella Singapore
- Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort
- Resorts World Sentosa – Crockfords Tower
- The Sentosa, A Beaufort Hotel
- W Singapore Sentosa Cove
- Moevenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa
- Resorts World Sentosa – Equarius Hotel
- Resorts World Sentosa – Festive Hotel
- Resorts World Sentosa – Hard Rock Hotel Singapore
- Resorts World Sentosa – Hotel Michael
- Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa
- Siloso Beach Resort Sentosa