Some destinations capture your heart and your imagination. They attract visitors in droves because of their beauty, attitude, and atmosphere.  

That is especially true of island destinations, which create a sense of escape, culture, and community.

But which islands are best?  

The readers of Travel Weekly Asia chose the best island destination in Asia, and Sentosa in Singapore stole first place.  

Sentosa is known as the island of endless discovery. Here’s what you need to know about this lesser-known island destination:

Outstanding Natural Beauty  

Sentosa is a breathtakingly beautiful island located off Singapore’s south coast. 

Sentosa Island, Singapore

It’s everything you expect an island paradise to be. Think white sand beaches and palm-fringed shorelines.

But it offers so much more too.  

Sentosa is a fascinating island with a rich natural biodiversity. Coastal forests, rich mangroves, and rocky shorelines all contribute to the beauty of the island, topped with an abundance of flora and fauna.  

This is the side of the island that appeals to nature lovers.  

Pulau Palawan Beach at Sentosa, Singapore

Want to see these incredible natural attractions from a whole new perspective? Try the Skyline Luge Singapore. Take a luge ride through the forest or enjoy incredible views of the South China Sea from the giant swing.  

Tickets start from $12 per person.  

Thrilling Attractions And Theme Parks  

Sentosa is considered Singapore’s paradise for thrill seekers.

From theme parks to water parks and outdoor adventure attractions, the island is designed to appeal to travelers.  

Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park located within Resorts World Sentosa

Universal Studios Singapore is based here and is one of only 5 Universal parks around the world.

This particular site boasts 28 rides, shows, and attractions. It’s smaller than some of its other counterparts, but perfectly formed.  

Tickets cost $61 per person.  

If you prefer water slides to rollercoasters then you can visit the Adventure Cove waterpark. Water slides, tubes, and a wave pool are the focal point here.

And there are over 20,000 fish to swim with and admire.  

Tickets start from SGD32 ($24) per person.  

 The 37-metre-tall Merlion on Sentosa, with Mouth Gallery Viewing Deck on the ninth storey

If that’s not enough underwater exploration for you then visit the S.E.A. Aquarium.  

This is one of the world’s largest aquariums, home to more than 100,000 examples of sea life. It’s a fascinating and educational experience for marine life enthusiasts of all ages. 
  
I’ve always preferred seeing my sea life in the ocean, but this is a unique place where you can get up close and personal with 80 threatened species, so it’s an attraction well worth exploring.

Tickets cost $19 per person.  

Staying On Sentosa 

Singapore is considered one of the safest and easiest countries to explore in Southeast Asia. For this reason, it is exploding in popularity with global tourists.  

Pool at a hotel

Thanks to its abundance of attractions, Sentosa is a popular hotspot for both domestic and international travelers and a great getaway from the busier cities that Singapore is better known for.

As a result, a robust network of luxury resorts and hotels has developed here.  

But luxury doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank, as many of the hotels here, even the most sought-after 5-star hotels, cost less than $200 per night.

That’s why Southeast Asia is so appealing to budget travelers like me!  

The Siloso Beach Resort is a relaxed and secluded 4-star hotel with beautiful pools and a laid-back vibe.

As the name suggests, it’s a short walk from Siloso Beach, making it a great spot for nature lovers. Rooms start from $131 per night.  

Aerial view of Sentosa Island resort with ship on the sea in the Singapore city

For 5-star luxury, try the ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove. Its views of the marina, stunning pools, and in-house spa make it appealing.  

It’s a luxurious retreat with spacious rooms. Its location on the far side of the island means that you can relax and unwind here away from the high-octane activities that the island is better known for.

Room prices start from $144 per night.  

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