Sentosa in Singapore: an up-to-date 2026 guide and how to get to the island
Sentosa has long ceased to be just a beach near Singapore. The giant Merlion is no longer here, and the old oceanarium has given way to a new complex. Many online guides still lead readers to attractions that no longer exist on the map.
We checked what actually works in 2026: how to get to the island, how much entry costs, and what to see first. Below are current prices, transport to Sentosa, and an honest list of closed attractions.
Ad: this article contains affiliate links, we earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.
How to get to Sentosa
💡 In short:
- The island is served by the Sentosa Express monorail from VivoCity, the cable car from Mount Faber, and the Sentosa Boardwalk pedestrian bridge.
- A monorail ticket is valid all day, so you can get off and back on as many times as you like.
- Walking via Sentosa Boardwalk takes about fifteen minutes.
The island lies right next to the southern shore of Singapore, and there are three ways to get there. The easiest is the Sentosa Express monorail: it starts at VivoCity station and stops at Resorts World, Imbiah, and Beach. The ticket is valid all day, so you can get off and back on as many times as you like.
The Singapore Cable Car runs from Mount Faber via HarbourFront, and a ride costs from S$17 (as of 09/2026, per the Singapore Cable Car page). The view of the harbor and port opens up from above, so the ride itself becomes an attraction. If you want to save money, walk via Sentosa Boardwalk: the route takes about fifteen minutes at a leisurely pace.
© Jpatokal · CC BY-SAPhoto: Jpatokal, CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/), Wikimedia CommonsSentosa Bus services and the same monorail run within the island, so you don't need a car. Transfers from Changi Airport are booked in advance: a taxi takes you with your luggage straight to the hotel, but costs more than public transport.
History and names of the island
The island's former name, Pulau Belakang Mati, translates as "the land behind death." It is tied to grim legends of pirates and epidemics that supposedly wiped out half the local population. The current name, Sentosa, means "peace and tranquility," and under that name the island became the country's main leisure destination.
© Terence Ong at the English Wikipedia . · CC BYPhoto: Terence Ong at the English Wikipedia ., CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5), Wikimedia CommonsSentosa is not a single resort but a scattering of parks, beaches, and attractions across a small area. You can spend just one day here or stretch the trip over a week. But some attractions from old guidebooks are no longer on the map.
What closed and what was built instead
The most famous example is the Merlion. The 37-meter statue with a lion's head and a fish's tail was dismantled in 2019 to make way for a new pedestrian route through the center of the island (per a CNA report). If you were looking for that Merlion, it is no longer on the island.
Instead of the statue, they opened Sentosa Sensoryscape, a walkable park of about 30,000 sq m with lighting and scents (as of 09/2026, official site). The Underwater World oceanarium is also a thing of the past: the modern Singapore Oceanarium now operates in its place. The butterfly park and insect museum on Sentosa no longer welcomes visitors, and the area was given over to Sentosa Nature Discovery.
What to see today
Sentosa is a large amusement park, and you are unlikely to be able to cover it on foot in one day. It is better to pick two or three attractions and move between them at a relaxed pace on the monorail. Below are the main spots that actually operate in 2026.
Singapore Oceanarium
The aquarium was completely rebuilt, and it is now one of the largest oceanariums in Asia. It is home to more than 100,000 marine animals in 22 zones dedicated to different oceans (as of 09/2026, according to the Singapore Oceanarium page). Admission starts from S$43, and children under four enter free (as of 09/2026, Singapore Oceanarium official site). Walking through the main hall with the panoramic "Open Ocean" glass makes you feel like you are on the seabed.
Madame Tussauds Singapore
The wax museum operates at Imbiah Lookout and spans several themed halls (as of 09/2026, official site). Here you can take photos with replicas of world celebrities and ride the "Spirit of Singapore" boat attraction. Book timed-entry tickets in advance: Madame Tussauds tickets on Tiqets help you skip the ticket office line.
© PatTag2659 · CC BY-SAPhoto: PatTag2659, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsSentosa Sensoryscape
Sentosa Sensoryscape park connects the northern and southern parts of the island and works as a walking route. It is quieter here during the day, and in the evening the light installations come on, which you will notice from afar (as of 09/2026, according to the Sentosa Sensoryscape description). The route is easy to walk at a relaxed pace on the way to the beaches.
© chooyutshing · CC BYPhoto: chooyutshing, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/), FlickrTropical gardens and nature
Sentosa Nature Discovery was opened on the site of the old butterfly park: it features forest trails, viewing platforms, and live plants. Along the island's paths you can walk among palms, flower beds, and lawns, while the gardens hold collections of orchids and other ornamental flowers.
These walks are a good way to break up the day once you are tired of the rides. Bring water and take your time: the island is small, but there are plenty of open areas.
Tickets and opening hours
Attraction | Admission | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Singapore Oceanarium | from S$43 (prices on the website) | over 100,000 animals, 22 zones (zones and residents) |
Singapore Cable Car | from S$17 (cable car price list) | Mount Faber, HarbourFront, Sentosa lines |
Sentosa Express | day pass | stops at VivoCity, Resorts World, Imbiah, Beach |
Madame Tussauds | seasonal | wax figures, boat ride (website) |
Opening hours vary by season, so check the official website before you head out (as of 09/2026, sentosa.com.sg).
It is easier to buy park tickets online: oceanarium tickets on Tiqets help you skip the ticket office line.
Tours and tickets in Singapore
Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.
See offers on TiqetsThe widget loads once you give your consent.
Sentosa Island on the map
Zoom in on the map to see the locations of the parks, beaches, and monorail stations. This makes it easier to plan your route for the day and avoid wasting time getting around.
⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter Sentosa?
There is no separate admission ticket for the island; you only pay for transport and for each attraction. The Sentosa Express monorail and the cable car require separate tickets. Prices for the main attractions are listed in the table above. Walking across the bridge costs nothing.
What should I do if I want to see the Merlion?
The large Merlion on Sentosa is gone. Sentosa Sensoryscape was built where the figure stood. The original Merlion statue is on the mainland, in Merlion Park near Marina Bay.
How much time do I need for Sentosa?
The aquarium alone takes about two hours, and the cable car plus a walk through the parks takes another half day. If you are traveling with children, plan a full day and book timed tickets in advance. That way you do not lose time at the entrance ticket office.
How do I get there from Changi Airport?
The simplest route is the MRT train to HarbourFront, then walk along the Sentosa Boardwalk or take the monorail from VivoCity. A taxi from Changi is faster, but noticeably more expensive. If you have a lot of luggage, book a transfer in advance.
What has closed on the island?
The giant Merlion, the Underwater World oceanarium, and the butterfly park with its insect museum. Sentosa Sensoryscape, Singapore Oceanarium, and Sentosa Nature Discovery now operate in their place. You can safely cross some attractions from old guidebooks off your list.
In short: what is worth booking
If you are traveling with kids, take the Singapore Oceanarium: it replaces the old Underwater World and runs all day. If you want a panoramic view, add the cable car. For photos with celebrities, Madame Tussauds is a good fit. One tip for everyone: book timed-entry tickets online, because ticket office lines are long on weekends. Find tours on GetYourGuide.
A small editorial team writing guides for independent travel. We travel ourselves, but we haven’t been everywhere, so we check prices, opening hours and how to get there against official sources.