One of Singapore’s major tourist attractions, Sentosa is both a theme park and a resort. The beaches are man-made and aren’t as good as those in the Philippines, but it’s white sand (probably came from somewhere else too) so it’s good enough.

The best way for first timers to get there is by cable car. You normally pay for a round trip (S$10.90 + S$2 admission) so if you’re coming from Harbour Front make sure to ride the elevator on the left to Mt. Faber so you make the most of what you paid for. The glass cabins are for the more adventurous. They’re more expensive (S$15 + S$2) than the regular ones but you get to see the view below. The cable car ride also includes the return trip.

I think the best time to come here is in the afternoon although it’s more difficult to take pictures at the Dolphin show in the afternoon because of backlight. Start with the Sky Tower. Save the Underwater World for last when the sun has set so there are less people there. (For those not accustomed to the different natural body odors different races can emit, you’d want to go there when it’s not crowded.) Last admission is at 8:30 PM. The Underwater World is nothing compared to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago but then again Chicago is on the other end of the world.

The attractions inside Sentosa have their own admission fees apart from the S$2.00 admission fee to Sentosa itself.

Going back to Harbour Front via cable car during or after sunset offers a different perspective. You get to see the city lights at night.

Sentosa, to me, is not something you’ll keep coming back to but you’d want to try at least once. Again, if you’re converting from Philippine Peso it may be pretty expensive especially if you’re with the whole family. So be prepared.