Families For Life | A Day in Sentosa on a Budget
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Opening Hours:
Various Timings
Sentosa, the State of Fun is one of Asia’s most beautiful beach spots and has many award-winning attractions. Since it is in our backyard, we should take the time to enjoy our own beach. Let us show you how you can head down south and enjoy a day without breaking the bank.
Quick tip: Before you start out, don’t forget to slap on loads of sunblock!
930am: Take a scenic walk down to Sentosa via the Sentosa Boardwalk
Cycle or walk into Sentosa for FREE!
From now until 31 Dec 2018, fret not about the heat or humidity as this 670 meter boardwalk is covered with canopy and installed with travelators making it a comfortable walk. Occasionally, you may find buskers or hawkers along the boardwalk too, setting you in the mood for fun!
Cyclists or those with personal mobility devices (PMDs) can enter the same way for FREE (til 31 Aug 2020) via the cycling route on the Boardwalk.
Quick tip: Once you’re in Sentosa, getting around the island via the Sentosa Express, Sentosa Bus or the Beach Tram is FREE. Just hop on and off as you explore the island.
10am: Beat the heat at the Beach!
After that short cycle or walk, it’s time to dig into a hearty breakfast! Pick a spot close to the beach, roll out your picnic mat whilst soaking up the sun. Families should head down to Palawan Beach. Don’t forget to pack a beach ball, bucket or shovel and start creating your own sand-sational castle!
Children aged 3-10 years old will want to play at the Palawan Pirate Ship, a water play area with slides and water spouts. It’s FREE for all to play and will easily keep kids occupied for a few hours! There are sheltered spots if you prefer to picnic on a grassy patch instead and changing rooms nearby.
Need ideas on packing your picnic basket? Read back our past article on Easy to Prepare Picnic Food.
While you’re at the beach, walk along the beach and look out for the suspension bridge to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia. Climb to the top of the viewing tower and soak in an endless view of the South China Sea – a picture perfect moment!
2pm: Watch Lory Feeding at the Bird Aviary
Get up close and personal with the many animals at Sentosa’s Bird and Animals Encounter! Snap a selfie with snakes or interact with the many parrots of the island!
Located at the Palawan Amphitheatre, meet the mischievous macaques and majestic birds of prey at various timings. This is just a short walk from the Pirate Ship, or take the beach tram and alight at Animal & Bird Encounters. Daily shows are FREE with seats on a first-come-first-serve basis.
2.30pm: Take a step back in time at Fort Siloso
If you are an avid fan of history, exploring Fort Siloso is a must! It’s home to Singapore’s largest collection of World War II relics and the only restored coastal port in Singapore. You can either explore on your own or take a FREE guided tour that is available on Friday, weekends and Public Holidays.
Or choose to walk amongst the trees at Fort Siloso Skywalk and capture insta-worthy selfies with your family along this 11–storey high Skywalk trail, a 181 meters long walk. Look hard and see if you can catch a glimpse of Mount Faber and Keppel Harbour in the distance!
Take the beach tram and alight at Siloso Point (5 stops away).
Note: these 2 attractions are closed for maintenance and reopens 26 October 2018.
5pm to 6.00pm: Hike and discover the natural beauty of Sentosa
Escape from the crowds and journey deeper into the island at Sentosa Nature Discovery. Hike your way through the coastal rainforest and if you’re lucky, you might spot the endangered Magpie Robin!
Located at the Imbiah Station. Take the Sentosa Express (alight at Imbiah Station) or board Sentosa Bus A (alight at Imbiah Lookout).
6.00pm to 7.00pm: Indulge in authentic Malaysian Hawker Fare
While there are loads to eat in Sentosa, dining in Sentosa does not have to be expensive. We suggest heading over to Malaysian Food Street located at the Waterfront with your family and feast on the most delectable hawker fare such as authentic Malacca Chicken Rice Balls, Kuala Lumpur Jalan Alor Hokkien Mee, and the Kuala Lumpur Claypot Chicken rice, perfect for sharing with the family.
Take the Sentosa Express and alight at the Waterfront Station.
7pm to 8.45pm : First Beachfront Outdoor Movie Screening
If the kids are still awake, head back to Palawan Green, the open grass area near the Palawan Pirate Ship for regular movie screening at Singapore's First Beachfront Outdoor cinema. FREE for all, you’ll just need to figure out the best seats in the house and check out the movie screening schedule.
After that whole day of walking about, we’re pretty sure even the most hyper kids will be snoozing by the evening and not fuss about bedtime!