Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront

Sentosa is an island just off the southern coast of Singapore. This neighborhood also includes Harbourfront and the Southern Islands.

Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront Halal Travel Guide

Formerly known by the rather unattractive name of Pulau Blakang Mati ("The Island After Death" in Malay) and the centrepiece of Britain's spectacularly unsuccessful "Fortress Singapore" strategy in World War II, Sentosa has been rebranded and remade into one big tourist attraction, popular among Singaporeans as a quick island getaway. The new jewel in the crown is Resorts World Sentosa, an enormous complex comprising of Universal Studios theme park, S.E.A. Aquarium, Singapore's first casino, shopping malls and hotels.

The small southern islets of Kusu Island, St. John's Island and the Sisters Islands, and Pulau Hantu are a little to the southeast of Sentosa. Various plans to develop them have not come to much and they remain off the beaten track, but by no means undiscovered. The first two can be visited by public ferry, and the rest by chartered boat.

Travel to Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront

Merlion_sentosa_island - The Sentosa Merlion of Singapore

Basic admission to the island will set you back at least $5 per person which is included in the transportation fares from the mainland to Sentosa. Hotel guests can get an admission waiver. There is an ever-changing palette of combination tickets that may work out marginally cheaper if you plan to visit multiple attractions. The island is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The best way in is to take the North-East (Purple) Line or Circle (Yellow) Line of the MRT to HarbourFront MRT station and then make your way to Level 3 of Vivocity, where you'll find the Sentosa Express monorail to the island. The train operates every 5-8 minutes from 07:00-23:45 daily, and a flat fare of $7.00 applies (island admission included, EZ-Link accepted).

The cheapest way though, is to walk across the bridge via the Sentosa Boardwalk ($1, EZ-Link accepted, however currently free until end of 2017), and it isn't even much of a walk since there are travellators with plenty of shade. The next cheapest is to take a SMRT bus, RWS 8, from VivoCity/HarbourFront MRT for $2 and there are some shuttle buses from hotels in the Orchard and Marina Bay neighborhoods.

By taxi or private car, you'll need to pay $2 to $7 per vehicle to enter depending on the time of entry, and a $3 taxi surcharge also applies on the way out. Alternatively and the Cable Car between Sentosa, HarbourFront shopping mall and Mt. Faber is a little more scenic and the return ticket costs $26/$15.

Sentosa's ferry terminal has been demolished to make way for the casino, so to visit the Southern Islands you will have to head to downtown Singapore's Singapore/Marina Bay|Marina South Pier for the ferry to Kusu and Street John's Island.

Get Around

All transportation around Sentosa (except taxis) is free.

Three coloured shuttle bus services — Yellow Line, Red Line and Green Line — connect Beach Station to various points on the island. Buses run every 10-35 minutes from 07:00-22:30 every day and till 12 mid-night on Saturdays.

Beach trams, supplemented by minivans, shuttle people along the beaches every 10 minutes. One service connects Beach Station to Siloso Beach, another connects Beach Station to Palawan and Tanjong Beaches.

The Sentosa Express has four different stops (Sentosa, Waterfront, Imbiah and Beach), providing services between Resorts World Sentosa and the Imbiah attractions and the beaches. It starts at VivoCity (Sentosa station) and goes to Sentosa Island. The terminus is Beach Station.

See and do

Long a bit of a joke, Singaporean wags used to quip that "Sentosa" stood for "So Expensive and Nothing to See Actually". Well, it's still expensive, but there are now more than enough attractions to spend a day or two taking it all in, especially in the family-oriented Resorts World Sentosa. In fact the crowd during the weekends and school holidays can be quite daunting, and it's never easy waiting in long sweaty queues under the mid-day sun but Universal Studios Singapore is a standout experience for theme park lovers and for those who haven't been to Orlando. For all attractions below, a "child" is defined as being between three and twelve.

Resorts World Sentosa

Resorts World Sentosa can be visited via the Waterfront station of the monorail or via the dedicated buses RWS8 from Harbourfront and other points in Singapore (see #Get in|Get in). If you plan on visiting more than one park, check out the Multi-Park Passes. The most comprehensive, which includes Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Maritime Experiential Museum and Adventure Cove Waterpark, costs $188/136 for a two day visit and is curiously more expensive than the individual tickets combined, but allows for switching between attractions as you like.

• Universal Studios Singapore - The first Universal Studios theme park in Southeast Asia. It can take a whole day to try out all the rides. There are seven zones: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away and Madagascar. The star of the park is Battlestar Galactica and the world's tallest "dueling" rollercoaster, with two tracks battling it out simultaneously: "Cylon" suspends you in the air, with plenty of loops and inversions, while "Human" is seated and reaches speeds of up to 90 km/h. Inclement weather can put a damper on plans, although some rides do remain open. Buy the tickets from a trusted local travel agent for a discount price.

• S.E.A. Aquarium - The largest oceanarium in the world. Home to majestic manta rays, enormous goliath grouper, Napoleon wrasse, and other gentle giants of the sea. The corridors can get a little cramped, especially when everybody else has the exact same idea to avoid the outside heat.

• Maritime Experiential Museum - See replicas of Asian sailing vessels from the docks at the Historic Ship Harbour, and learn more about Asia’s maritime and cultural legacy through the museum’s education programms.

• Adventure Cove Waterpark - Has Southeast Asia’s first hydro-magnetic coaster and a gigantic wave pool. Grab a tube and journey down Adventure River, passing through 14 themed zones including a tropical jungle garden and a sea creature grotto. Snorkel over a colourful coral reef with 20,000 friendly fish or wade amongst dozens of rays. Lockers cost $10 for small ones and $20 for large ones, so try not to bring too many things. Food is not allowed to be brought into the waterpark, bags will be checked. Dress code applies, check the waterpark's website for details.

• Crane Dance - Show length: 10 min. Multi media show that combines audio, visual, light and water effects, be awed by the pair of large mechanical cranes moving deftly in the midst of water illusion and play of light. Not to be missed.

At the beach

Palawan_Beach_Suspension_Bridge - Palawan Beach, in the background the southernmost point in continental Asia Among Singaporeans, a popular reason to go to Sentosa is to hit the beaches: Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong from west to east respectively. All three are artificial, but does it really matter? Unfortunately the water is rather murky due to the never-ending parade of ships across the Straits. Siloso has a nice beach promenade full of clubs and restaurants, some rather noisy, while Palawan claims to be the southernmost point of continental Asia (if you count the bridge connecting Sentosa, and ignore any competing Malaysian claims, as well as the parts of Sentosa that are further south). Tanjong and the quietest of the three, is the place for beach volleyball.

Songs_of_the_Sea_stage - |The stage for Wings of Time

• Wings of Time - Multimedia extravaganza with live cast, pyrotechnics, water jets and lasers. Popular, so book ahead, especially on weekends.

• Wave House Sentosa - Artificial waves to go along with the artificial beaches and there's the Double Flowrider (easy) and the Flowbarrel (hard). Or just come and watch surfers bust up the waves, with a nearby beach and the occasional party event. Need to register at least 30 minutes before a session.

For some action

Henderson_Waves,_Singapore - Henderson Waves, crossing the Southern Ridges

• iFly Singapore | A giant wind tunnel five storeys high that gives visitors a chance to try out indoor skydiving and is even big enough to accommodate eight-way formation flying.

• MegaZip Adventure Park - Zip wires, aerial obstacle courses, simulated parachute landings and trampolines, all for the adrenaline pump.

• Sentosa Luge & Skyride - Up the hill in a ski lift and down again in a steerable bobsled. Kids safe. Good attraction for younger kids as the incline of the track hinders going very fast. Not very exciting for those over 15. If you are inclined to go, resist temptation to purchase multiple trips until trying it the first time. Luge trail is closed during wet weather.

Elsewhere in Sentosa

• Fort Siloso - Formerly the largest British naval base in Fortress Singapore, its guns staring balefully out towards the sea in preparation for enemy attack. The Japanese rode bikes down the peninsula instead; after your visit here, be sure to visit the Battle Box at Fort Canning Hill to find out what happened next. Now turned into a museum, you can follow a tour through the area (complete with lots of wax figures) to find out what the life of a recruit was like.

• Sentosa Merlion | A stretched-out 37 m version of the statue by the Singapore River, which is lit up at night. Admission enables you to take the elevator up into its mouth and gaze out over the nearby Port of Singapore, as well as experience some seriously cheesy exhibits downstairs.

• Sentosa Golf Club - The only golf club in Singapore open to the public, it features two famously challenging 18-hole courses and hosts the yearly Barclays Singapore Open. However, only one of those courses and the Serapong, is open for a limited number of guests daily.

• Tiger Sky Tower - Asia's tallest observation tower. It takes you up to a height of 131 m above sea level and offers a 360-degree view of Sentosa, Singapore and the Southern islands. On clear days the outlines of Malaysia and Indonesia can be seen.

On the main island

• Labrador Park and Labrador Secret Tunnels - Opened in May 2005 and there are two ways of looking at these two restored British-era bunkers: either they're done a pretty good job of making a tunnel interesting, or even if you dress it up with spot lights and recorded booms, it's still just a bunch of tunnels. There are also some machine gun posts, old artillery guns etc scattered about in Labrador Park, which also has some walking trails and a quiet stretch of seashore opposite Sentosa.

• Southern Ridges Walk - On the mainland, it's a 9 kilometers long walk starting from Mt. Faber that passes over treetops and through housing estates. Offers an easy getaway from shopping centres and tourist attractions. The Henderson Waves are the first major stop on the trail.

Southern Islands

• Keramat Kusu - An unusual Muslim shrine (not a mosque) atop a small hill, dedicated to the saint Syed Abdul Rahman and his family, who lived here in the 19th century. The shrine is painted bright yellow and is visited in particular by childless couples.

There are a few sights of minor interest on Kusu Island. The name means "Turtle Island" and there are indeed lots of the reptiles scampering about, but don't expect an unspoiled tropical paradise: the island was thoroughly reworked with land reclamation in 1975 and looks exactly like the rest of Sentosa. Kusu island can be visited by ferry from Marina South Pier.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront

Every corner of Sentosa is inundated with gift shops filled with all the plush Merlion toys you will ever need (and then some).

• VivoCity - This giant complex on the mainland just next to the Sentosa bridge is Singapore's largest shopping mall, featuring anchor tenants like The Gap, two food courts and creative landscaping. There is a huge hypermarket featuring Singapore's largest organic supermarket. The Sentosa Express monorailway station is integrated into the mall - the ticketing station can be found on the 3rd floor beside the retro theme food court, and the Singapore Cruise Centre is connected to VivoCity via a bridge to the HarbourFront Centre, where there are also other shops as well.

Halal Restaurants in Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront

As you might expect from a giant amusement park, food on Sentosa is (by Singaporean standards) rather pricey and mediocre. Things have, however, gotten slightly better in recent years with local chains allowed to open up outlets. Since the opening of the casinos, good (though still pricey) fine dining options are available at Resorts World Sentosa. For cheaper food options, grab a bite at either VivoCity or HarbourFront Centre.

• Seah Im Food Centre | Popular with local residents, has a range of Indian Muslim food stalls and a variety of local cuisine. The building is rather old, but the food is quite good.

• Food Republic VivoCity | Retro themed like a collection of 1960s hawkers, only with air-conditioning (and hygiene). Slightly expensive for a food court, but the selection is good and it's usually packed.

• Malaysian Food Street - Notable for its retro 1970s depiction of Malaysia, with food hawkers selling Penang laksa and KL hokkien mee. Fits in with the theme park facade, but any good foodie would rather head across the causeway for the real thing.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront

Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSingapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Singapore/Sentosa and Harbourfront Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Sentosa is not a particularly convenient base for sightseeing elsewhere in Singapore, and most of the accommodation targets visitors looking for a simple beach holiday. However and the Sentosa Express monorail has improved access to the mainland, so some excellent deals can be found if you check around.

• [https://+Sanctuary+Resort+Sentosa&hotelId=361705&&.Zz59d52caf552244058739efd-206204 Amara Sanctuary - Surrounded by 3.5 hectares of tropical rainforest, this hotel features 120 rooms in a converted British army barracks as well as 10 standalone garden villas. Three pools, in-house spa, easy walk to the beach. Disabled-friendly.

• [https://+Singapore&hotelId=15026&&.Zzfaa2d0474b50423db8100bb-206204 Capella Singapore - Luxury resort designed by Foster+Partners, built around two colonial-era bungalows. Main building and private villas, spa and restaurant.

• [https://+Rasa+Sentosa%2C+Singapore&hotelId=361724&&.Zze02d185a5cc4427aad41c64-206204 Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort - Run by Shangri-La Hotels, with 459 rooms this is by far the largest hotel in Sentosa, offering a rather generic package holiday experience. The main selling point is that this is the only full-fledged beachside resort in Singapore.

• [https://+Beach+Resort+-+Sentosa&hotelId=361807&&.Zz20c94b408c1b4f168ac8c04-206204 Siloso Beach Resort - Opened in 2006, this resort looks like a minimalistic city hotel, all black paint and green glass, accidentally built on a tropical island. Despite the name and the resort is not on the beach, but across the road from it.

There are a number of hotels at the s.ehalal.io//2023-09-08&checkOut=2023-06-09&14085&&Resorts+World+Sentosa+-+Equarius+Hotel&hotelId=133253&&.Zz5921846566ac4367a90eadc-206204 Resorts World Sentosa integrated resort. All share the same reservation number, +65 6577 8899, and can also be booked online at s.ehalal.io//2023-09-08&checkOut=2023-06-09&14085&&Resorts+World+Sentosa+-+Equarius+Hotel&hotelId=133253&&.Zz5921846566ac4367a90eadc-206204 Resorts World Sentosa.

Go next

Singapore/Chinatown|Chinatown and Singapore/Little India|Little India are easy stops on the North-East MRT line. Or check out the other integrated resort at Singapore/Marina Bay|Marina Bay.

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