Anyone who’s been to Singapore lately knows that the Singaporeans have a way of getting things just right. Whether it’s the super-efficient public transport system, their knack of placing a pool on top of every building from the glorious Marina Bay Sands to their airport roof, or simply their mouth-watering cuisine, you can be sure that whatever experience you’re having will be perfect. But it’s what they’ve done with an island that was once a humble fishing village some 15 minutes from the city centre that must surely be the jewel in their crown.
Singapore Skyline – Sentosa.
Formerly known as ‘Island of Death from Behind’, the island was given a makeover in the 70s, renamed a far more delightful Sentosa (meaning tranquillity), and over the years been transformed into a luxe family wonderland teeming with five-star resorts on water’s edge, world-renowned golf courses and endless amusement parks and attractions – all dotted around the miles of powder white beaches.
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Coastes is the place to be for sunset drinks on Sentosa.
If there’s one complaint to be had, it’s that there aren’t enough hours in the day to get through the lengthy list of activities on offer at Sentosa. We would suggest stays of a week, but if you only have two to three days, we’d recommend big hitters like Resorts World Sentosa, W Hotel Sentosa and Movenpick Heritage Hotel.
But, if you’re looking for something that ticks EVERY box, look no further than Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa, a luxury property featuring over 450 rooms in ten different configurations. Considered one of the world’s leading family properties, it features The Cool Zone – one of Singapore’s largest kids clubs, as well as Mini Toots Club for tots under five. Add to that an outdoor playground, waterslides, free snacks and drinks in the mini bar and a dedicated kid’s section at the buffet (including free baby meals and nappies) and that’s a happy family. Romantics don’t miss out either – they can take advantage of the pools, spa, large array of water sports and nature walks, as well as some deluxe dining options, right by the water.
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Wave House Sentosa.
With options such as Universal Studios, Wave House Sentosa and Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom on offer (as well as, oh, say, another 35 attractions), you will quickly become undone unless you have a plan in place. We recommend kicking off with some gentle pursuits such as visiting the excellent interactive oceanarium Underwater World, where you can engage with sharks and rays, or getting a bird’s eye view of the island and the surrounding South China Sea on the Cable Car.
Once you’re in the zone, pick it up a notch and either give yourself over to the thrill-seeking rides of the aforementioned amusement parks, or go lugging (part toboggan, part go-cart) which takes drivers down a speedy 650-metre-long track and then back up the hill again in a sky lift.
Ocean Gallery.
Those who prefer to be airborne may prefer the breathtaking MegaZip, flying fox that kicks off at 72 metres above sea level deep in the dense rainforest and flies over buzzing Siloso Beach. Don’t worry – while you have your turn, the young and the meek can hang around on the beach or can make a scene on the MegaBounce (a trampoline where the acrobats are secured with elasticised ropes so they can leap to heights of 20 feet safely).
Got young kids? Don’t miss popping in at Port of Lost Wonder, Singapore’s first kid’s club by the beach. Designed in the shape of a pirate ship, there are all the usual water play areas and themed islets for picnics, but what really set this place apart is the myriad of little-people activities such as Pots & Planks, seasonal workshops and foam parties where the challenge lies in not getting involved yourself (sadly, adults are not admitted). Added bonus to Port of Lost Wonder? The on-site cafe serves up a decent coffee and cake.
Dueling Racer.
Eat & Drink
It’s a rare thing to be served a bad meal in Singapore so right away you should know that you’re in some seriously good hands. For a casual family meal in Port Siloso, Tastes of Asia is very popular with the evening crowds who arrive in their masses to watch Wings of Time, a spectacular light show set against the backdrop of the open sea (highly recommended).
Boasting mouth-watering dishes from around the region and some seriously wicked desserts, this is the place to come to for delicious satays and Hainese chicken on the cheap. Fancy a lunchtime setting with a view? Head on over to the delightfully named Spuds & Aprons, a playful eatery located at the top of the hill at Mount Faber. Serving up a multitude of both Eastern and Western dishes, we lost our minds over the fries drowned in four different cheeses.
For sunset drinks with a relaxed vibe, the only place to be is Coastes, a beach-shack on sand where the beautiful and the effortlessly chic can be seen sipping on daiquiris from the comfort of their sun lounges. Got room to eat? Don’t miss their sensational seafood pastas with plenty of spice.
