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Your guide to a long weekend on Singapore’s Sentosa Island

Meredith Bryan
With a slate of new hotels and world-class attractions, Sentosa Island packs in relaxation, luxury, adventure and thrills.

Just 10 minutes by train from the urban heart of Singapore, Sentosa Island feels like a far-flung tropical paradise – with palm-lined beaches, destination theme parks and a vibrant food scene all within easily walkable distance (or jump on the monorail giving rides around the island). A former British military fortress ambitiously reimagined after Singaporean independence in 1965, in recent years, it has become one of Singapore’s must-see destinations. For the most seamless getaway, base yourself at Resorts World Sentosa, a lifestyle resort encompassing many of Sentosa’s most compelling hotels and restaurants, not to mention Universal Studios Singapore and Singapore Oceanarium.

This sample itinerary will excite everyone in your travel crew.

Day 1

Afternoon

The Laurus hotel Grand Luxury Suite
Stay in luxury at The Laurus.

Arrive on Sentosa and check into one of five unique hotels. The most discerning luxury travellers will love The Laurus, a new luxury collection resort in partnership with Marriott International. Here, tropical charm meets classical refinement, where every space tells a story of Singapore’s heritage and modern artistry. You’ll want to check out the on-site dining later in the day. The thoughtful menu emphasises local seafood, sustainably-farmed fish and organic produce from the hotel’s own garden.

At the luxe Equarius Ocean Suites, you’ll be lulled to sleep by reef sharks, rays and 40,000 fish gliding peacefully past your bedroom window, which looks out into the Singapore Oceanarium. All 11 suites also boast a personalised butler service, private balcony and jacuzzi.

Sister property Equarius Hotel is positioned on the edge of a tranquil tropical rainforest with views of the lush greenery beyond, appealing to nature lovers and families. Each room has plenty of space for maximum relaxation, complete with bathtubs and private balconies, plus a resort pool that begs to be swum in.

Equarius Ocean Suites
Have a front row view to marine life at Equarius Ocean Suites.

Newly reimagined and renovated Hotel Ora is a sophisticated property that attracts digital nomads and anyone mixing work and play, with modern design, communal coworking spaces, meeting rooms and a fitness centre.

Meanwhile, the delightfully original Hotel Michael pays homage to its architect – the late American postmodernist Michael Graves, best known for his exuberant, playful geometric shapes, pop colours and brilliantly streamlined household appliances. His only Singapore project features curved architectural forms, custom murals and artworks, and sculptural furniture.

After check-in, head to Adventure Cove WaterPark to ride the Riptide Rocket, South Asia’s first hydro-magnetic water coaster, or get up close and personal with marine life when you snorkel with 20,000 reef fish or wade in among the rays.

Evening

Harry Potter: Visions of Magic
Experiences Harry Potter: Visions of Magic.

Grab a table at Soi Social for inventive cuisine by famed Thai chef and cookbook author Ian Kittichai, before checking out the Asian premiere of Harry Potter: Visions of Magic. This immersive, self-guided multimedia exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the Ministry of Magic, Grimmauld Place, the Chamber of Secrets, and more. Accio magic!

Day 2

Afternoon

Singapore Oceanarium Ocean Wonders zone
Head into Singapore Oceanarium.

From there, it’s off to the newly transformed and renamed Singapore Oceanarium, where 22 immersive, interactive zones – from coastal mangroves to deep seas – promote connection between humans and nature.

The spectacular Open Ocean habitat’s 36-metre-wide viewing panel takes you straight into an underworld of fish, sharks, rays and more. While an Ancient Water zone takes you back to an age of ocean giants with a life-sized animatronic, towering replicas and live habitatsThroughout, immersive programmes and interactive digital experiences bring the wonders of the ocean to life.

Next, stop for a pastry and peruse the shops at WEAVE – a curated collection of Asia-exclusive flagships and first-to-Singapore dining experiences. Savour an afternoon treat with Pierre Hermé’s iconic macarons and bubble tea, or unwind at Din Tai Fung’s first cocktail bar concept in Asia.

Evening

yakitori at KA-MON
Dine on yakitori at KA-MON.

Enjoy the lively spectacle of Japanese grilling at KA-MON. Watch as your food is prepared over open flames using traditional Irori, Robatayaki and Warayaki techniques. And enjoy dishes boasting bold, smoky flavours and meticulous craftsmanship, from straw-fire grilled seafood to slow-cooked meats over a sunken hearth.

Afterwards, stop for a nightcap at Horatio, a sultry new whisky-focused cocktail parlour specialising in rare spirits and theatrical flourishes.

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Day 3

Morning

Ora Hotel Loma Breakfast Buffet
Sit down to a breakfast buffet.

Start your day with an indulgent hotel breakfast buffet at your hotel.

Afternoon

family at Universal Studios Singapore
Head out to Universal Studios Singapore.

Head out to Universal Studios Singapore for an afternoon of thrilling rides and attractions based on popular movies and shows. Jump aboard adrenaline-pumping rides and sit down to fun interactive shows. Later, walk through convincing replicas of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and the streets of NYC.

Evening

Osia Steak and Seafood Grill
Enjoy a final meal at Osia Steak and Seafood Grill.

Wrap up your getaway at Osia Steak and Seafood Grill, an innovative Australian steakhouse and gastronomic journey combining the finest ingredients from land and sea. Start with the warm flatbread, served with cultured butter and bush tomato. Then move onto the signature Hancock 2GR fullblood Wagyu, known for its marbling. For a taste of home, the 300g rump cap paired with a rich cognac black pepper sauce offers a beautifully balanced finish.

From underwater suites to gastronomic delights to wizarding worlds, Resort World Sentosa casts a spell that lingers reminding you that paradise is always closer than you think. Make the most of your short Singapore getaway and discover everything from world-class attractions to shopping and dining all in one place at rwsentosa.com. Use code RWSIT2025 when booking from 13 Oct – 31 Dec 2025, for a 5 per cent discount – terms and conditions apply.

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This is why cruising is the best way to see Asia

    Dilvin Yasa Dilvin Yasa
    Iconic destinations, unforgettable adventures and thrilling onboard adventures; say hello to your next Asia holiday with Royal Caribbean.

    When you want to explore the gleaming skyscrapers of Shanghai and the bars of Singapore, but also embrace centuries-old traditions in Japan before traipsing through the lush jungles of Malaysia, a conundrum presents itself: how do you do it all seamlessly without the stress of flying (or repacking)? Enter, Royal Caribbean.

    With a brand designed around maximising your holiday time, sip cocktails by the pool or watch Broadway-style performances on board as the ship glides effortlessly from one atmospheric port to the next.

    Now that you have Asia at your fingertips with minimal effort, the big question is: which all-inclusive experience (and itinerary) is best for you?

    Japan

    The itinerary

    Spectras Cabaret royal caribbean
    Prepare for a show, on and off the ship.

    The Land of the Rising Sun has never been hotter, and Royal Caribbean has a vast array of unforgettable Japanese itineraries – these range from eight-night adventures to 14-night holidays circumnavigating the country’s islands.

    The eight-night Best of Japan sailing is memory-making perfection, kicking off in Shanghai (Baoshan) on 24 October 2026. Stop at fascinating ports to soak in the sweeping landscapes and seascapes of Saikaiminato, Kyoto, Niigata and Hakodate while enjoying incredible dining and adventurous activities onboard Spectrum of the Seas®. Complete your journey back in Shanghai, ‘the Paris of the East’.

    Port highlights

    mt fuji in japan
    See iconic vistas of Japan.

    Off the ship, hike the dramatic volcanic peaks of Sakaiminato’s Daisen-Oki National Park, explore the iconic temples of Kyoto, enjoy traditionally brewed sake made in Niigata (the birthplace of many quality sake brands), and taste local flavours at Kanemore Red Brick Warehouse, a premier dining and shopping district in Hakodate.

    Don’t miss Royal Caribbean’s Amanohashidate Highlights shore excursion in Kyoto, an exhilarating experience that features a cable car ride up to Kasamatsu Park and includes a visit to Nariaiji Temple, a hillside Buddhist site.

    The ship

    Spectrum Of The Seas in Singapore
    Step on board Spectrum of the Seas®.

    Aboard Spectrum of the Seas®, days at sea are just as action-packed as those on land. Here, 17 dining venues, along with eight bars and lounges, take guests on the ultimate global dining tour. Stop into Sichuan Red, designed specially for this ship, where you can savour a rich tapestry of authentic spices and Asian-influenced flavours. Start with the chef-recommended royal sea cucumber, then move on to a hot and savoury bowl of mapo tofu simmered in a traditional spicy sauce, or authentic pickled radish and duck soup.

    Fancy a little post-dinner entertainment? Talk salsa lessons, or book front row seats to Showgirl, a multisensory spectacular that pays homage to the ultimate siren of the stage. You can also take a visual journey into the exotic cultures of the Far East with The Silk Road at Two70®.

    Kids (and kidults), as always, are well-catered for, with aqua park Splashaway Bay℠ and the largest indoor active space at sea, SeaPlex®, which offers everything from laser tag to bumper cars. Those looking to relax can find peace in the adults-only solarium, as well as a wealth of treatments at Vitality℠ Spa.

    Thailand and Malaysia

    The itinerary

    Izumi Teppanyaki on ovation of the seas royal caribbean
    Sit down to hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.

    Royal Caribbean’s Southeast Asia sailings deliver the perfect fusion of culture, cuisine and coastlines, and the four-night Penang & Phuket cruise is proof that short escapes can still feel spectacularly rich.

    Kick off with Royal Caribbean’s iconic Sail Away Party as Ovation of the Seas® departs from Singapore on 27 February 2026. The itinerary then weaves through two of the region’s most mesmerising destinations: Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures in Penang and Thailand’s sun-soaked island of Phuket.

    Each port stop is layered with history, flavour and natural beauty, while each moment spent onboard Ovation of the Seas® is filled with fun and excitement.

    Port highlights

    iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun thailand
    Zoom around the ‘James Bond Island’.

    In Penang’s George Town, a maze of heritage architecture, vibrant murals and street stalls serving sizzling char kway teow and aromatic laksa come together, blending past and present. Visit the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple to soak up its peaceful energy, ride the century-old funicular to the forested summit of Penang Hill for panoramic views, and wander Batu Feringhi Beach, where the Andaman Sea laps gently against golden sand. Jet skis? Why not?

    Then it’s north to Phuket, where both adventure and relaxation beckon. Make the most of the local beach scene at Kata Noi and wander up Monkey Hill for sweeping vistas (and mischievous company). Be sure to book Royal Caribbean’s thrilling shore excursion here – you’ll zip along in a three-engine speedboat to the iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun. After a day of exploration, you’ll have enough time to enjoy a sunset cocktail on the waterfront before returning to your ship for another unforgettable evening.

    The ship

    Ovation of the Seas®, royal caribbean
    Experience thrills aboard Ovation of the Seas®.

    Of course, life on board Ovation of the Seas® is just as exhilarating as your adventures off it. Sit down to 16 flavoursome finds, from Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver® to theatrical hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.

    Build up an appetite with Royal Caribbean’s iconic onboard activities, from the FlowRider® surf simulator to soaring sky-high on RipCord® by iFLY® and zipping around in bumper cars in SeaPlex®. You can really choose your own adventure.

    End the night with Spectra’s Cabaret at Two70®, a fascinating fusion of music, robotics and light that redefines entertainment at sea.

    The result? A holiday brimming with discovery, indulgence and Royal Caribbean’s signature magic: Asia, perfectly packaged.

    Start planning a cruise around Asia that you’ll never forget at royalcaribbean.com.