7 top things to try on Sentosa island

Best known for its cable cars, S.E.A. Aquarium and Universal Studios Singapore, this leisure island at the southern tip of Singapore has plenty to draw the fun-loving crowds. Lately, there’s even more reason to visit. The Palawan @ Sentosa opened last year, introducing a host of family-friendly attractions such as an electric go-kart circuit, an inflatable obstacle course, mini-golf and beach clubs within a massive 1.7ha complex. This past March, the glittering Sensoryscape corridor opened to much fanfare, increasing the connectivity between Sentosa’s north and south through the introduction of lush gardens, picturesque architecture and awe-inspiring light installations. Here’s what not to miss, on your next jaunt to Sentosa:

For an adrenaline-pumping time, head to HyperDrive at The Palawan @ Sentosa for Asia’s first indoor electric go-kart circuit. Put your mettle to the test with its 14 turns across a multi-level track against a backdrop of neon lights. Whether you’re aiming to beat your personal best times or looking to pit your skills against your friends and family, the exhilaration makes it a race to remember.

While this beachside haunt comes with all the usual offerings of a beach club – think pool, swim-up bar and deckchairs galore – +Twelve’s superlative food is its real tour de force. Tuck into mains like the black olive and rosemary-crusted milk-fed lamb cutlets and beer-battered black cod. The crispy camembert fritters are also a hit.

As you graze, gaze into the distance and watch the daredevils slide, dash and leap their way through the Ninja Warrior-like inflatable obstacle course at the nearby HydroDash. If you’re the sort with a penchant for action, perhaps even attempt it yourself; just don’t forget to digest your meal first.

Stroll through the newly unveiled Sensoryscape, a 350m footpath that connects you from Resorts World Sentosa to the island’s southern beaches and its numerous beach clubs. But that’s not all that it does; its six distinct segments are also destinations in their own right, especially at nightfall.

Every dusk at 7.50pm, lilac blossom-shaped lamps light the way at the Glow Garden, and digital floor projections and light shows play out across the Symphony Streams, Palate Playground and Lookout Loop. These fantastical visual spectacles are accompanied by a soundscape, and there’s even an augmented reality app that you can explore to truly immerse yourself in this luminous playground.

Reopened just last year after extensive renovations, SKIRT Restaurant helmed by chef Paul Chong is worth a detour to the island’s eastern tip where W Singapore – Sentosa Cove stands. Cuts like the Omi wagyu are melt-in-your-mouth tender and served with flavourful regional ingredients like yuzu kosho and Kampot pepper. Don’t miss the small plates, especially the wood-fired lobster pumpkin soup and dry aged Hamachi with burnt buttermilk and kohlrabi. The high-ceilings, plush dusky rose seating and champagne-toned fixtures form the perfect backdrop to the kitchen’s culinary excellence.

Watch crowds diminish into pinpricks and the clouds go by at SkyHelix Sentosa. This leisurely ride takes you from ground-level to 35m aboveground in a gentle, spiral motion that gives you a breathtaking 360° view of the island and beyond. Enjoy the briny sea breeze with a drink in hand – tickets include the redemption of a non-alcoholic beverage at the adjoining kiosk.

The SkyHelix is conveniently located near the Skyline Luge Singapore’s starting point, as well as Madame Tussauds Singapore, so you’re spoilt for choice. If you’re checking out the wax figures at the latter, book a ticket that includes entry to the Marvel Universe 4D Cinema. This immersive 8-minute short film is a surprising hidden gem – but saying any more would involve spoilers.

Turn your day trip into a lavish overnighter at The Barracks Hotel Sentosa. This conserved building with its pristine white façade and distinctive balustrades used to be a British artillery outpost back in 1904. Today, its 40 rooms, warm brass tones and dark wood grain uplift the hotel’s old-world charm into a sense of luxe. Leather-accented furnishings and a hand-sculpted marble bathtub complete the look.

For the ultimate pampering, book the Garden Suite: each of these two capacious corner suites comes with your very own private outdoor patio and a semi-private jacuzzi that adjoins the 30m lap pool. But no matter which room you choose, you’ll enjoy sumptuous complimentary food options such as breakfast, all-day refreshments, evening cocktails and canapés in the light-filled living room lobby where live peacocks roam.

Round off your fun-filled island day with a dose of trivia at the The Barracks Hotel Sentosa’s Heritage Tales and Tea Experience, where army veterans Winston Wong and Khor Sing Hong will regale you with their tales of Sentosa’s past over a cuppa. They’ve lived through the island’s transformation from military stronghold to resort destination, and have many personal stories to share about this very compound.

Ask Wong, an avid sketcher, to show you his drawings of the mess hall from back in the day as a young navy officer, or Khor to point out spots in the resort where they once played football during their leisure time. It’ll give you a dramatically different understanding of this elegant property and how far it – and Singapore’s development – has come.

Note that this complimentary experience is exclusively available to guests of The Barracks Hotel Sentosa and subject to availability.

For our full list of things to try and places to see in Singapore, check out our Singapore City Guide.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Singapore, visit the official website.