With Singapore being a tropical island paradise, one would imagine beaches are aplenty. However, as the country is also home to a population of five million and counting, land is scarce and usually put aside for more ‘practical’ uses.
However, sun-seekers need not be dismayed when in Singapore. There are still a number of beaches where you can lay on the sand and soak in the rays, and three of them are located in the southernmost region of Singapore – Sentosa.
A resort island of sorts, this is also where you’ll find many attractions, including the only Universal Studios theme park in Southeast Asia, Madame Tussauds Singapore and a 4D Adventureland. Of course all these attractions have entrance fees, but fret not – there are plenty of ways to enjoy this Singapore hot spot without having to spend a fortune.
So, what are you waiting for? Book a flight and head to Sentosa. Here are four ways to save when you get there.
Enter the island for free
There are several ways to get into Sentosa, and a fair number of them are not cheap. If you drive, admission per car can cost up to S$7 and parking is $5 for four hours. The same goes for taxis – entry can be as high as $6 per taxi.
Other methods include the Sentosa Express, a train that serves Sentosa exclusively and costs $4 per admission.
But there is a slightly cheaper entry method – $2 will bring you to the Resort World Sentosa entrance via bus. From Resorts World Sentosa, you can board the Sentosa Express to get to other parts of Sentosa – the stations listings lets you know which attractions are closest to each of the three stations within the island.
But you can also get into Sentosa for free if you are willing to leg it. From the nearest train station, Harbourfront, you can walk along the Sentosa Boardwalk and enter the island without paying a single cent from now until 31 December due to a special discount. Normal entry is $1 if you enter through the boardwalk entrance.
And here’s the best part – you need not walk when you leave, even if you entered on foot. Leaving Sentosa is free when you use the Sentosa Express or take the bus out, so you don’t need to sweat it out when leaving the island, unless you wish to get some more exercise in.
Be an islander
Though walking is a free option, it may not be convenient if you have young children or are bringing many things for your outing to Sentosa. Here’s a solution to saving some cash: get a Sentosa Islander membership.
For just $25, you can enjoy unlimited free entry into the island for a year via the Sentosa Express (train), taxi or in a registered car. Families can share the membership for just $50
The membership also allows you to enjoy discounts at various attractions and dining establishments around the island. So you’ll be saving on more than just the entrance fees – food here tends to be more expensive than on the main Singapore island.
The free stuff
Given that it is a tourist spot, it may be hard to believe, but Sentosa does have some free activities and places you can visit without spending a lot. Here’s the list:
Hit the beach
There are three beaches on the island for you to choose from, each with a personality of its own: family-friendly Palawan, tranquil Tanjong and hip, happening Siloso. Once you pick the one that best suits your needs, laze on the sand, play a game of beach volleyball or frolic in the sea.
Blast to the past
Soak in some of Singapore’s history at the Fort Siloso, Singapore’s only preserved coastal fort. On display too are guns and military structures from the past.
Go south
Singapore’s southernmost point is located within Sentosa. All you need to do is cross the suspension bridge at Palawan beach. It’s also a great place to look out into the South China Sea – just head up to the viewing towers on the island.
Animal attraction
Catch monkeys, reptiles and colourful parrots display a myriad of delightful tricks at the Animal & Bird Encounters at the Palawan Amphitheatre. There are various shows throughout the day, with the grand finale, the multi-animal encounter, “On the Wild Side”, held every day at 5 p.m.
A walk through nature
Observe monkeys, reptiles and colourful parrots at the Animal & Bird Encounters at the Palawan Amphitheatre. There are various shows throughout the day, with the grand finale, the multi-animal encounter, “On the Wild Side”, held every day at 5 p.m.
Pass the Attractions
If you go to Sentosa knowing there are a number of attractions you would like to visit, you should buy the Sentosa FUN Pass. The pass comes in three versions: Day FUN Pass Play 3, Day FUN Pass Play 5 and Day FUN Pass Play MAX. They allow you to access three, five and all the attractions at a discounts of up to 50 per cent.
You can also purchase a two-day option that allows you to use the pass over two consecutive days. The pass also gives you exclusive discounts on the island. Passes can be bought at various ticketing counters in Sentosa and must be utilised within 14 days.
What’s your favourite thing to do in Sentosa? Let us know in the comments.
Main image: istockphoto.com/Nikada
