Singapore has long been a favorite destination among Filipinos when it comes to international travel. Who can blame them? One trip to the Lion City is never enough. 

Even upon arrival, there’s enough to leave visitors awestruck at Changi Airport. As far as the eyes can see, there are multiple stores, paired with world-class resting areas and other Instagram-worthy spots. As much as I would have loved to stay and marvel at the airport for hours on end, however, my destination was pinned for Sentosa Island for a media familiarization trip organized by the Sentosa Development Corporation..

For the uninitiated, Sentosa Island lies just off the southern coast of Singapore. There are many ways to get there but for those looking for a magnificent view, a cable car is the way to go. For many, the island is known for being home to the Universal Studios theme park. It’s a great place to blaze through an entire day enjoying rides, taking pictures with fan-favorite characters, and getting souvenirs. But there are still many attractions on the island worth checking out.

Beach lovers would be happy to know that there are three beaches to enjoy and take a dip or sunbathe on. Namely, Siloso, Tanjong, and Palawan (perhaps inspired by our island, one might think). Aside from the beaches, there are plenty of activities scattered throughout for anyone to enjoy. Take your pick from casual activities like go-karting, mini golf, and nature walks or something extreme like ziplining, an obstacle course, and bungee jumping. As nervewracking as ziplining might sound, the 60 mph speed allows one to feel as free as a soaring eagle. Certainly, the sights as you zip down are a marvel to the spirit. 

Those who prefer a calmer time can enjoy a stroll through the Madame Tussauds wax museum. There you’ll find lifelike sculptures of celebrities, global icons, and an informative walkthrough of Singapore’s rich history. If you happened to miss Taylor Swift’s concert, you can at the very least take a selfie with her wax sculpture.  It wraps up nicely with a 4-D Marvel show that includes fan-favorite characters from the Avengers like Captain Marvel, Ant-Man, Wasp, Black Panther, and more going against Loki. 

With all the fun activities to go through, you’re bound to get hungry. There are plenty of restaurants and convenience stores to choose from. Some even allow Gcash and wireless transactions, making payment methods all the more hassle-free and seamless. Since Singapore is a multi-cultural hub, you’re bound to find cuisines from all over to treat your palate to. One cozy spot is the Ola Beach Club, where you can enjoy a cool piña colada right before taking a dip in the restaurant’s pool. From the dishes being offered, the pork ribs are good enough to chow down right to the bones. 

Finally, after a long day strolling around the island, you’ll find that the best way to wrap it all up just as nightfall starts is to to walk through their latest attraction, the Sentosa Sensoryscape. Over 10 years in the making, Sentosa Sensoryscape is a ridge-to-reef landmark connecting quests from Resorts World Sentosa in the north down to Sentosa’s golden beaches in the south. It spans over 30,000 square meters and makes for an immersive, multi-sensory experience. 

Sensoryscape consists of six sensory gardens: Palate Playground, Tactile Trellis, Scented Sphere, Symphony Streams, Lookout Loop, and Glow Garden. Each spot makes for an Instagram-worthy experience, perfect for photo ops and taking in the sights. What’s even more impressive is the AR technology utilized to enhance the viewing experience. Using an app, you can use your phone’s camera to transform your surroundings into a vibrant, visual playground as sea creatures and butterflies start to appear around you. Just as fun are the digital light displays put up that sometimes react whenever someone passes by. The Imaginight experience begins at 7:30 p.m. daily and makes for a remarkable way to wrap up your day at Sentosa Island. Don’t miss it before you leave!