Sentosa Island, Singapore - Something for Everyone

By Lydia C. Lee

We only had two days on Sentosa, so there was a lot we didn’t get to do – ideally, three days would have been better. Our top 5 activities to do on Sentosa, vary depending on which family member you ask. The list below is formed by majority rules, so with that:
1. Everyone’s favourite (except the 3 year old, who only got to watch us) is iFly. I can not put into words how much fun you’ll have. Technically it’s indoor skydiving in a giant wind tunnel, but the feeling, as you float above the instructor is akin to flying – and exhilarating! You need to allow about 2 – 3 hours, for the the training, check-in procedures and experience. Lace up shoes also required though you can rent them. Book online in advance and pre-book your photos and dvd at a discount – get the dvd! You will change your mind once you’ve done it, like we did.

                                                                Photo courtesy of iFly. Linking with #RubyTuesdayToo

2. Universal Studios. It is exactly as you would expect, for anyone who has been to Universal Studios anywhere. The rides cover all ages, so there was plenty for the 3, 8 and 11 year old, as well as the adults. Great atmosphere and streetscapes. The must do, however, is the Transformers Ride. I don’t like Transformers, only seen one of the films – and hated it, but I LOVED this ride. It’s amazing – at one point I ducked to get away from an arm that was “reaching for me”. I have to warn you, it has ruined every film I’ve seen in 3D at the cinema since. Even if you aren’t a fan, go on it. Nothing compares, and I’ve done the theme park rounds! Worth admission just to go on this ride. Seriously!

3. Port of Lost Wonder. This is what the three year old tells everyone about Singapore. She is still asking to go back, five months later. We spent three hours there, while the 11 year old and his dad segway’d and luged. It is a water play park, but so much more. It has an educational slant with storytime, learning garden, animal talks and other activities. The child can earn Curios (silver coins) and trade them for gifts from the gift shop. My kids were interested in getting up close to the beautiful red parrot that visited for the animal show but the rest of the time they played on the slides and the water courses. The supervising adult can watch from the picnic tables or coffee shop – though you do need to stand within arms reach of the little ones. The last entry is 4.30 and the park closes at 6.30. Don’t turn up after 4.30 as you won’t be let in and there will be tears. We learnt the hard way. Also have an exit strategy. Getting the kids to leave was also extremely difficult. I’m not joking. Really, I'm not!

4. Burning sunsets and great food. Best food on the island that we ate was at Tanjong Beach Club. You do need to book. It’s the sort of place that if you didn’t have the kids with you, you could lounge around for the afternoon with a few cocktails, take a dip if it gets too hot. It was one of the best meals we had in Singapore, sensational menu and making your selection is the only difficulty.

5. Dali & Dumplings at Din Tai Fung, Resort World Sentosa. Just outside Universal Studios is a Din Tai Fung and it opens early so you can leave the park, grab and early dinner then head back to the hotel and put tired, cranky children to sleep. We ordered an amazing array of dishes, each one better than the last. Even the fussy eaters in our group loved the dumplings – though the staff did seem curious at the number of steamer baskets they were bringing to our table. So if you are a person that hates theme parks, remember that your trade off is art and best dumplings in the world. The Dali statute is just in the foyer on the way to the theme park. The oddly placed statue seems in keeping with Dali’s ideas, and I’m sure he would have approved.

That’s what family holidays are about – something for everyone. Sentosa offers that in abundance, and we barely touched the surface. Like the great city of Singapore, it is a destination that really needs more time.

Practicalities:
iFly www.iflysingapore.com and www.facebook.com/iFlyS
Universal Studios http://www.rwsentosa.com/Attractions/UniversalStudiosSingapore
Port of Lost Wonder http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/attractions/beaches/port-of-lost-wonder/
Tanjong Beach Club http://www.tanjongbeachclub.com/index.php/main
Din Tai Fung http://www.rwsentosa.com/language/en-US/ShoppingDining/Dining/DiningBaits
Segway Sentosa http://www.segway-sentosa.com/
Skyline Luge Sentosa http://www.skylineluge.com/luge-singapore/skyline-luge-sentosa/

Linking with #SharonsSouvenirs 

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