Sentosa Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Sentosa Island
Name transcription(s)
• Chinese	圣淘沙岛
• Pinyin	shèng táo shā
• Malay	Sentosa
• Tamil	செந்தோசா
From top left to right: The Merlion at The Merlion Tower (now closed), Sentosa Express monorail trains, Fort Siloso, cable cars traveling to and from Sentosa, Canopy Flyer ride entrance at Universal Studios Singapore, Siloso Beach, Resorts World Sentosa

Sentosa Island Location in Singapore
Country	Singapore
Area
• Total	4.71 km² (1.82 sq mi)
Population (2017)
• Total	1,690
• Density	358.8/km² (929/sq mi)

Location of Sentosa Island within Singapore

Sentosa Island, also known simply as Sentosa, is a fun island located in the Central Region of Singapore. It's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

This island wasn't always a resort paradise. It used to be a British military base and later a place where prisoners were held during wartime. In 1972, the island got its new name, Sentosa, which means "peace and tranquility" in Malay. The plan was to turn it into a top tourist spot.

Today, Sentosa is a huge resort that welcomes over twenty million visitors every year! It has a long, sheltered beach, historical sites like Fort Siloso, and two golf courses. You can also find many hotels and the famous Resorts World Sentosa. This resort is home to the exciting Universal Studios Singapore theme park and one of Singapore's two casinos.

Exploring Sentosa Island
Images for kids
See also

Exploring Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is packed with exciting things to see and do. Whether you love thrilling rides, relaxing on the beach, or learning about history, there's something for everyone.

Fun Attractions and Theme Parks

Sentosa is famous for its amazing attractions. You can spend a whole day exploring these places.

Universal Studios Singapore: This is a huge theme park with rides and shows based on popular movies and TV shows. You can ride roller coasters, see live performances, and meet your favorite characters.
S.E.A. Aquarium: Dive into the underwater world at one of the largest aquariums in the world. You'll see thousands of marine animals, including sharks, rays, and colorful fish.
Adventure Cove Waterpark: If you love water slides and splashing around, this waterpark is perfect. It has thrilling slides, a lazy river, and even a chance to interact with marine life.
Skyline Luge Sentosa: This is a unique ride where you control a small cart down a track. It's like a mix of a go-kart and a toboggan, and it's super fun!
Mega Adventure Park: For those who love challenges, this park offers zip lines, a high ropes course, and a giant swing. It's a great way to test your courage.

Beaches and Nature

Sentosa has beautiful beaches where you can relax and enjoy the sun.

Siloso Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches, known for its lively atmosphere. You can play volleyball, try water sports, or just chill by the sea.
Palawan Beach: This beach is famous for its suspension bridge that leads to a small island. This island is said to be the southernmost point of continental Asia.
Tanjong Beach: A quieter beach, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. It's a great spot for a calm day out.

History of Sentosa

Sentosa has a rich history that you can explore.

Fort Siloso: This old fort was built by the British to protect Singapore. You can explore its tunnels, see old cannons, and learn about its role in World War II. It's like stepping back in time!
The Merlion: While the large Merlion statue on Sentosa is now closed, it was once a famous landmark. The Merlion is a mythical creature with a lion's head and a fish's body, a symbol of Singapore.

Getting Around Sentosa

It's easy to get around Sentosa Island.

Sentosa Express: This monorail system connects Sentosa to the mainland and takes you to different attractions on the island.
Cable Car: You can also take a cable car for amazing views as you travel to or from Sentosa.
Buses and Trams: There are free buses and trams that help you move between different parts of the island.

Images for kids

Sentosa is marked as “Blacan mati” (left, above Singapura) for "belakang mati" in this 1604 map of Singapura by the Malay-Portuguese cartographer Manuel Godinho de Erédia. The Malay Peninsula (Ujontana) is to the right.
View from Imbiah Lookout to Mainland Singapore
The Tallest Merlion statue on Sentosa which has since been permanently closed
Pulau Belakang Mati map, 1945
Aerial perspective of Sentosa's Bridge
A retired Volvo B7RLE on the Blue Line. Buses currently serve as the main means of getting to and around Sentosa. It is fitted with Twin Vision EDS.
Beach station of Sentosa Express monorail at Sentosa island
Aerial of Sentosa Island Singapore
The tall ship, Royal Albatross
Siloso Beach in Sentosa, with the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa resort overlooking the bay
View on Tanjong Beach
Aerial of Siloso Beach Singapore
Palawan Beach Singapore
Trump and Kim in the summit room during the DPRK–USA Singapore Summit

Sentosa facts for kids

Contents