The tiny nation of Singapore is made up of the main island with 60 over smaller islands. Some of these islands are developed into tourist attractions and resorts, particularly Sentosa Island, dubbed as the playground of Singapore.

The main island of Singapore has a total land area of 682 sq km or 263 sq miles. Although Singapore is not very blessed in natural beauty as compared to other island attractions like Hawaii in the USA, through its clever city and nature planning, a holiday vacation in Singapore is filled with fun, pleasure and pleasant surprises.

Singapore’s strategic location, excellent infrastructure, fascinating cultural contrasts and tourist attractions contribute to its success as a leading destination for travellers on holiday vacations or on business travels.

Sentosa Island is a themed tourist attraction. It is a one-stop tropical island resort, a nature park and a cultural heritage centre. This tropical island in the sun is just minutes away from the city and is accessible by ferry, cable car or by road.

Sentosa Island resort is a 390 hectare or 964-acre recreational jewel dazzles with a smorgasbord of tourist attractions and leisure activities. Sentosa used to be a fishing village turned British military base, and then was transformed into an idyllic island resort in 1972 and today, it is one of the must-visit destinations for any tourist in Singapore.

Once you step on the shores of Sentosa, you can find your own niche interest among the many exciting tourist attractions. Singapore’s rich history and culture come alive vividly, you can find entertainment by day and night, explore the lush green tropical rainforest, picnic on sprawling manicured gardens, be bewildered by dancing fountains and or have a putting game at the two international championship 18-hole golf courses with scintillating views of the sea and hills.

If frolicking on the beach is your cup of tea, then you can play exciting beach games and sea sports along the 3.2-km or 1.5 mile long sandy beaches stretching across Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong. You can also enjoy cycling, canoe or in-line skating, or just simply unwind at the many beach pubs.

In recent years, Sentosa has also gained international fame for holding some of Singapore’s most exciting themed events like the Sentosa Sandsation (an international sand-sculpting event), Black Moon Foam Parties, Zouk Out Dance Festival and Sentosa’s yearly Countdown Parties!

As for nature lovers, keep a lookout for friendly peacocks, monkeys and squirrels or take a nature walk along the Nature Walk/Dragon Trails through the secondary rainforest and stop by the vantage point on the summit of Mount Imbiah for a panoramic view of the surrounding islands.

Then visit The Underwater World (huge marine aquarium) and Dolphin Lagoon to meet the friendly pink dolphins and other exciting marine creatures. You can also admire over 2,500 butterflies from over 50 species and unusual insects like the man-face bugs, stick insects, giant millipedes, scorpions and rhino beetles at the Butterfly Park and the Insect Kingdom.

If you are a history buff, then you must pay a visit to Fort Siloso while in Sentosa. Built-in the 1880s, Fort Siloso served as the last bastion of the British Empire armed forces during the Japanese occupation of Singapore during the Second World War. Explore the other historical enclave on top of Mt Imbiah where the remains of a former British artillery battery lie.

For adrenaline-pumping excitement, take a thrill ride at Cinemania which is an interactive simulation theatre. Prepare to scream your lungs out!

The party at Sentosa comes to life at sunset. Take an evening stroll through the enchanting Fountain Gardens, bathed in fairy lights or go up to the top of The Merlion or Dragon Court to gaze at the glittering skyline.

The Musical Fountain, Dance of Fire and Water Show offers a spectacular light and sound experience after dark. The latest laser technology is combined with motion pictures and 3-D animated images choreographed to a ballet of dancing water fountains, multi-sensory music and lights.

There are various types of hotels and accommodation if you choose to stay overnight at Sentosa Island Resort. Hotel and accommodation options ranging from five-star resort hotels such as The Sentosa Resort & Spa, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort and Sijori Resort to affordable holiday vacation homes like Sentosa Holiday Chalets and NTUC Sentosa Beach Resort and budget campsites. Most of the high-end hotels and resorts have facilities such as resort spas, massages, swimming pools and gyms with personal trainers.

Food is never a concern as there are wide selections of food and beverage restaurants, food courts and fast food outlets. Travelling to Singapore for your holiday vacation? Do not miss spending a day or two at Sentosa Island resort.