Sentosa’s beaches are back as Tanjong Beach, the last beach to reopen following the June 14 oil spill clean-up, resumed full activities as of September 2. Here’s a few reminders why we love them.
1. Sentosa’s beaches have something for every kind of family
All Sentosa’s beaches are family-friendly, with lots happening on the activities front when you’re done playing in the sand. Chic but relaxed Tanjong beach has family fun days, movie screening nights, and Tanjong Beach Club, where you can hang out on day beds and use the pool – they’re closing for refurbishment this autumn, but promise to be back with brand-new facilities next year.
Then there’s the buzzy vibes down at Palawan Beach, with its rope bridge, watchtower with epic views, and volleyball tournaments. Younger kids love the water park at The Palawan @ Sentosa, another great attraction for families. Then there’s Siloso Beach, which attracts crowds for its great bars and restaurants, watersports, and more bohemian vibes. Pick weekends for peak fun, but weekdays are less busy, with more beach to go around: in other words, there’s no bad time to go.
Find out more about Sentosa attractions
2. Calm waters equals fun family swim time
Sea swimming is exhilarating in a whole different way to hanging out poolside, and it’s great to share a love of the ocean with your kids. Sentosa’s beaches, with their calm and sheltered waters, are perfect for a splash around. You’ll find clearly marked swimming zones, and Beach Patrols keeping an eye out on weekends, as well as a proactive attitude towards water safety (see above). So pack those inflatables if your little dolphins need extra support, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
Find out more about family-friendly beachside Sentosa activities
3. Sustainable Sentosa makes your beach visits better
Certified as Asia’s first sustainable destination in 2023, Sentosa is aligned with the Singapore Green Plan to be carbon neutral by 2030. This means clean beaches, a proactive approach to waste and regeneration, electric powered island transport by way of the cable car, Sentosa Express, and beach shuttles, and a focus on responsible travel behaviour. We all want to enjoy our planet’s beauty spots, so in supporting Sentosa, you’re supporting sustainability. Which also means, that as visitors to the island, you can feel good about your clean, green credentials. What’s beachier than that?
Read more about sustainable Sentosa here
4. Pet-friendly Sentosa beaches get tails wagging
When there’s four-legged friends in your family, you can bet they love to be included when you’re planning a fun downtime outing. Especially when those outings involve a roll around on the sand, helping out with sandcastle duties (which depending on your pet, may include knocking them down again), and enjoying a refreshing dip. Sentosa’s pet-friendly vibe means all their beaches are ready to welcome your pets, as long as you keep them on a leash and under control. It’s also worth noting that you’ll need to arrive by car, rather than by public transport, if you want to bring a furry friend.
Find out about pet-friendly Singapore apartments here
5. A beachy paradise that’s close to the city
No-one wants to endure a long journey to take their family for a day at the beach, especially when it comes to the long ride home. One of Sentosa’s big draws is how easy it is to reach from the mainland for a family day or weekend trip, being just 15 minutes from Singapore’s city centre. There are lots of options for routes to the island – the Sentosa Express from VIVO City shopping center, costing 4 SGD, is a good one. Or hop on the Sentosa Bus from the HarbourFront Terminal (3 SGD).
For the best views, opt for the Teleférico (cable car), although be prepared to pay more for the privilege – it leaves from Tower 2 of the HarbourFront, stopping first at Mount Faber. If you’re arriving by private vehicle, there’s a small toll per person to access the island. Then it’s a taxi or bus ride to the beach of your choice, where you’ll be soaking up those paradise vibes in no time.