You’ll never run out of things to do in Sentosa, with new attractions popping up such as the Singapore Oceanarium and events like Waterbomb 2025. Well, another attraction has joined the family with the revamped Sentosa Nature Discovery. Located at Imbiah Lookout, admission is free for all, so all you have to do is bring an open mind and some good walking shoes.
Housed on the site of an old discontinued Sentosa monorail line, the Sentosa Nature Discovery serves as a free learning hub and walking trail to teach visitors all about Sentosa’s rich biodiversity. The place is open daily from 9am-5pm, with the last entry at 4.45pm.
To get there, look for the storefront of Zus Coffee. Right beside it is a walkway with clear signs that directly lead you to the hub. It is one of the coastal and historical trails Sentosa offers.
As part of the launch, Sentosa will also be rolling out a limited-time Nature Discovery Series consisting of free interactive programmes such as:
| Programme | Description | Dates |
| Nature Navigators | Join a guided adventure across Sentosa’s green spaces. | Now till 10th August 2025 |
| Explorer’s Bingo | A fun edutainment-style scavenger hunt that promotes a spirit for the outdoors. | Now till 10th August 2025 |
| Wild Hues | Nature-themed colouring activity for kids to learn more about animals, plants, and habitats. | Now till 10th August 2025 |
| Wild Tales | A kid-friendly storytelling session that gets children intrigued to learn more about Mother Nature. | 9th-10th August 2025 |
You can find out more details and register for these programmes on Sentosa’s website.
The Sentosa Nature Discovery is packed with 5 different learning zones across 2 levels, each with their own unique features.
The Habitats of Sentosa zone looks a lot like if your secondary school geography textbook came to life. With hordes of colourful engaging displays, you won’t get bored learning about the different types of unique biodiversity that each habitat supports.
For example, you’ll find showcases detailing how habitats, such as seagrass meadows and coastal forests contribute to the ecosystem. The nifty thing here is that they not only tell, but also show you how, with drawers and displays that showcase small replicas of the ecosystem.
Ever wondered who keeps Sentosa’s conservation efforts going? Find out at the Nature Cinema, which pays homage to the efforts of their unseen heroes.
Sentosa is home to a variety of rare plants and animals, and you can equip your noggin with fun tidbits about them at the Unique Flora & Fauna of Sentosa. Learn more about the Fruit-piercing Moth, an elusive insect that has only been spotted twice over 200 years, or the Gonodactylellus sentosa, a shrimp named after the place itself.
Perhaps the most interesting zone of all is the Swiftlet Bunker, a replica of the original WWII bunker on Imbiah Hill. The actual bunker is off-limits to the public, though this replica site feels almost identical, so you won’t be missing out.
As you step in, you’ll be greeted by dark alleys and ‘clicking’ sounds that mimic the swiftlet’s environment, since they’re one of few bird species that use echolocation to navigate spaces. You’ll even get to watch a recording of one weaving its own nests with its saliva.
The replica & real nests.
You’re not relegated to seeing the nests from just behind a screen either; you can view both the replicas and real nests on display.
FYI, this is what the swiftlet nests look like in the bunker, which houses the largest colony of the Edible-nest and Black-nest Swiftlets in Singapore, with over 250 nests. No need to feel FOMO, however, as the replica is much more comfortable to explore, as you’ll be able to avoid walking in pitch-dark, ankle-deep dirt corridors with geckos or cockroaches lurking around.
In case you weren’t aware, there are 2 other WW2 sites located in Sentosa – Fort Siloso and Fort Serapong.
Get an up-close look at the many different initiatives and projects that Sentosa has in store to create a more sustainable future at the Sentosa Conservation Efforts. Downstairs, you can commit yourself to the cause by writing down a personal pledge on what you’ll do to build a sustainable Singapore.
Last but not least, the Geology Gallery downstairs is like an interactive history and geography lesson combined, showing how the island of Sentosa was formed over the centuries.
After learning everything there is to know about Sentosa’s nature scene, you can then see everything in a new light by exploring the boardwalk trail. The elevated 1.8km trail leads you through the lush forest and parkland at a steady pace, with plenty of shade from the sun.
More adventurous wanderers can extend their walk further and explore Mount Imbiah Nature Trail. Don’t worry about being lost as there’s a giant map right after the gate that’ll show you all the area’s highlights and what unique wildlife to look out for.
We Singaporeans sure love free things like birthday freebies or free nature experiences like the Sentosa Nature Discovery. Whether you’re keen to learn more about Sentosa beyond the fun attractions, or are just looking for a free date idea, this place has got you covered.
For other things to do in Sentosa, check out:
Photography by Elodra Chong & edited by Cyrus Oh.
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