As everyone clamours to use up their annual leave, you may be stumped on ways to spend your day off. If you’d like to experience some out-of-Singapore, island getaway vibes without necessarily going on a VTL trip, perhaps a Sentosa outing and staycay are in order.
We’ve come up with four Sentosa itineraries for friends, families, and couples to make the most out of Singapore’s very own slice of paradise. These include activities that are suited to adrenaline junkies seeking major thrills, beach bums who just want to soak up sun rays, and everyone else in between.
To help you cash in on discounts and perks along the way, each itinerary also includes DBS/POSB Card promos for hotels, attractions, and even F&B – so you can truly eat, drink, and be merry while saving money. Keep in mind that each of the hotel recommendations are SRV-eligible, so you can make use of the DBS/POSB SingapoRediscovers promos.
True-blue thrill seekers love an outing with exhilarating activities, but there’s only so many times you can ride the Battlestar Galactica before the adrenaline rush fades. While we wait to experience overseas amusement parks the likes of Tokyo Disneyland and Six Flags, we can find an alternative mode of heart-dropping excitement in Singapore: iFly Singapore.
Experience falling through the air from 12,000 to 3,000 feet
Image credit: @iflysingapore
Flying in one of the biggest wind tunnels in the world designed for leisure purposes, you’re able to experience the thrills and chills of skydiving, without the danger element.
Trained instructors will be present to help guide you along your majestic moments in flight, and you can even bring photos and videos of your adventure home for the memories – or the LOL factor, if you happen to flail around like a wild flying squirrel instead.
With a DBS/POSB Card, you can get 10% off at iFly Singapore from now all the way till 30th June 2022, for a shot at their First Timer Challenge Local Package.
Image credit: Mount Faber Leisure Group
For something that takes you sky-high but in a more relaxing manner, visit the newly opened SkyHelix Sentosa. The open-air ride takes passengers 35M above ground or 79M above sea level, offering panoramic views of Sentosa as well as the Southern Islands.
Image credit: Mount Faber Leisure Group
You’ll get to enjoy the sea breeze and also a variety of stunning landscapes depending on what time of the day you climb aboard – we recommend sunset period or when the night falls, as there’ll be dazzling lights illuminating the attraction then.
Opening to the public on 15th December 2021, rides are priced at $18/adult and $15/child. DBS/POSB Cardmembers are entitled to an exclusive pre-sale promotion from now till 14th December 2021, where you can save $3 off up to six tickets.
Couple Suite with private patio and pool access
Image credit: Amara Hotels
After a day of excitement and taking to the skies, you and your staycay companion will want nothing more than to sink into a comfy 5-star hotel bed. A stone’s throw away from the attractions above is Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, a luxurious beachside gem that oozes atas Bali resort vibes.
Couple Suite outdoor bathtub
Image credit: Amara Hotels
There’s a variety of rooms, studios, suites and villas to choose from, priced $435/night onwards. If you’re feeling particularly baller and have $2,779/night to spare, they even have a standalone mansion fashioned after colonial bungalows.
For something in between, the Couple Suite (from $813/night) is worth the splurge to celebrate special occasions. It boasts a private patio and daybeds, access to the jacuzzi and infinity lap pool, and an outdoor bathtub for relaxing soaks. The icing on the cake: a king-size canopy bed for guaranteed sweet dreams.
With school holidays underway, it’s time you bring the little ones out on a staycay to remember. After all, 2021 has been tough on children as much as grownups, what with the frequently changing restrictions and home-based learning woes.
Image adapted from: @skylinelugesentosa
To make up for lost time when your kid couldn’t even dine in with Mummy and Daddy at the same table, bring them on a parent-and-child ride at Skyline Luge Sentosa. Tickets for one adult and one child start from just $8 for two luge rides, inclusive of trips up to the starting point via the skyline.
Take your pick from four different tracks, with various difficulty levels and features to explore. Some are more chill for cruising, while others have sharp hairpin turns, downward slopes and tunnels for you to zoom through. They even have night rides where the tracks get illuminated by rainbow neon lights, for ultimate Mario Kart: Rainbow Road vibes!
To cool down afterwards and immerse your kids in an activity that’s equal parts fun and educational, swing by the S.E.A. Aquarium within Resorts World Sentosa. Even as adults, it’s hard not to be enchanted by the overhead and floor-to-ceiling tank displays where exotic species of marine life frolic.
Tip: If you happen to be a PAssion POSB Debit Cardmember, you’ll be able to clinch 1-for-1 admission tickets every 10th of the month.
Feeding session at the Discovery Pool
Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa
Besides just sauntering through and taking in the glorious sights, little ones will also be chuffed with the aquarium’s daily shows, feeding sessions and mascot appearances.
Get an up-close view of the divers hand-feeding fish, sharks and manta rays, and snap selfies with the cuddly Sam the Hammerhead Shark mascot. Make sure to reserve your S.E.A. Aquarium daily show tickets online to ensure a slot for the whole fam.
*Note: Shows, public feeding sessions and character meet-and-greets are currently unavailable. Stay tuned to the RWS link above for latest updates.
Image credit: Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore
Tip: If the kiddos still aren’t plumb tuckered out after these activities, you can help them expend that last bit of energy over at Nestopia. The open-air playground is located at Siloso Beach, so the whole family can get a hefty dose of sunshine and sea breeze while your children conquer 17 different play sections.
These include a high elements rope bridge and giant nests which serve as vantage points for the whole beach landscape, and two exhilarating tube slides that are the longest in all of Sentosa Island.
From now till the end of 2021, DBS/POSB Cardmembers get to score 15% off an hour-long playtime session on weekdays. Simply email nestopia.sen@shangri-la.com to book your date and time slot, and quote the promo code <DBS15>.
Image credit: Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore
After a day of play, it’s time to retire for a luxurious night’s rest at Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore. Not only is it a fancy 5-star hotel for Mum and Dad’s well-deserved EOY break, the resort is also home to facilities and play spaces that the kids will love.
We’re talking an indoor jungle-themed Cool Zone where children can enjoy a slide and ball pit in air-conditioned comfort, as well as a water playground decked out in island decor.
Image credit: Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore
The hotel’s Rasa Family Fun range of rooms and suites start from $435/night, and include daily breakfast and well as dinner for two adults and two children under 12 years old at the in-house eatery – Silver Shell Café.
All family stay packages also offer sea sports activities such as single, double or triple kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and pedal boating – so you can make the most of your seaside staycay.
Image credit: @anishoara.ciochina
EOY period is always a special time for the lovebirds, as festive joy fills the air and you reminisce the year’s worth of memories, looking forward to the new chapter 2022 will bring. While most couples will go on romantic getaways at some point of the year, Covid-19 has rendered us shorebound.
Recreate some of those paradise vacation vibes with a day out at Tanjong Beach Club, a quiet choice as compared to more crowded choices such as Ola Beach Club and the ever-popular Rumours Beach Club.
Image credit: @mh_hus.sg
With a minimum spend on food and drinks from $100, you and bae will be entitled to your choice of lounge, poolside or beachside daybeds. They make for comfy chilling, people-watching, sunbathing and scarfing down the yummy bar bites, mains and desserts. For those not planning to splurge that much on nosh, there are also picnic tables that are free for all.
Tip: If you’re hankering to try more of the food from Tanjong Beach Club but don’t have the stomach space for it in one sitting, you can order later meals via Oddle Eats and have it sent straight to your hotel! There’s also a DBS/POSB Card promo for Oddle Eats from now till 31st January 2022, where you can save $5 off any order that’s $50 and above.
Once you catch that priceless golden hour glow on the beach, grab your lover’s hand and climb aboard the Singapore Cable Car for a twilight ride. You’ve probably been on a cable car ride at some point in your life, most likely with your fam and during the daytime when it’s bright and sunny.
Image credit: Viator
Cable car rides hit different though, and make for the ultimate romantic backdrop where you and your SO can cosy up in the cabin and take in the twinkling sights all throughout Sentosa, Harbourfront and Mount Faber.
Plus, from now till 31st March 2022, you can score 40% off round-trip Cable Car Sky Passes when you pay with a DBS/POSB Card and use the promo code <DBS40>. The discount is valid for up to six tickets per customer, so feel free to spread the love and snag some tickets for your relatives and couple friends too.
Image credit: Marriott
Accommodation wise, W Singapore’s Sentosa Cove Hotel is a choice destination for couples to relax, rejuvenate, and rekindle the spark in their relationship as if it were the honeymoon period again.
The blend of idyllic beachside scenery coupled with colourful neon lights give the place a modern and glitzy atmosphere, like you’re living it up in your own VIP penthouse on a private island. Rooms are priced from $518/night, and you can choose from a variety of views including pool, island, and even the marina of docked yachts.
Image credit: AWAY Spa
Make sure to allocate time for an invigorating couple’s massage at the in-house AWAY Spa. Tailored for different needs depending on what ails you, the massage specialties include deep-tissue to target muscle soreness, detox for tension release, and a warm stone one to enhance circulation and help de-stress.
For a memorable outing that beats the usual cafe and shopping date, bring your sister from another mister on an island adventure complete with a beach villa stay.
Image credit: Visit Singapore
To indulge the inner child within you both, a trip to Adventure Cove Waterpark will do nicely to get the splashes and giggles going. Even better if either of you happen to hold the POSB Everyday Card, as you’d get to enjoy 1-for-1 admission tickets from now till 19th December 2021.
Image adapted from: Resorts World Sentosa
The park has an array of waterslides spanning high speeds and multiple twists and turns, including a hydro-magnetic roller coaster that’ll have you screaming with glee. When you get winded, slow things down with a leisurely cruise down the lazy river.
For the fitspo folks out there, make sure to check out the Splashworks aqua obstacle course where you’ll have to Ninja Warrior your way through tightropes, cargo nets, balance beams and a platform cliff jump – all surrounded by waterworks, of course.
Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa
Bonus: If more underwater fun is what you seek, keep an eye out for the High Tea in the Deep Sea dining special, offered at Resorts World Sentosa’s Ocean Restaurant. Due to overwhelming demand, slots are currently sold out. But you can stay tuned to the Resorts World Sentosa website for news of upcoming launches.
You and your gal pal get to tuck into an assortment of savoury pastries and petite desserts while taking in the sprawling view of the S.E.A. Aquarium’s Open Ocean exhibit, all while sipping on coffee and tea. For those who’d like a bit of tipple, you can also order unlimited beer, champagne, as well as white and red wine.
Back on dry land, head over to Madame Tussauds Singapore where you and your bestie can snap up a storm of selfies and faux fan meet pics with your favourite celebs. Make use of the DBS/POSB Card promo to snag up to 40% off your tix, valid from now all the way to 31st July 2022.
Image credit: Madame Tussauds Singapore
There are always new additions to look forward to, and those riding the Hallyu wave in particular will be tickled pink. Get up-close and personal with like-like figures of K-pop stars and K-drama heartthrobs, including Jackson Wang from GOT7 and Park Hae Jin of My Love From The Star and Doctor Strange fame.
Furthermore, the wax museum regularly rolls out promo events that warrant return trips. These range from the rental of hanboks so you can strike a pose with your K-idols while dressed in their traditional garb, and the opportunity to win autographed merch signed by the very celebs featured in the exhibit.
Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa
To recharge after a day of sun and fun, getting a room at Resorts World Sentosa’s Beach Villas would make for the ultimate #TreatYoSelf experience.
Every bit as luxurious and tranquil as it sounds, this hotel is the epitome of island sanctuaries with standalone villas and glorious pools abound. Prices start from $908/night, so be prepared to dip a little into your savings in exchange for the royal treatment.
There’s an in-room jacuzzi where you can enjoy a soak right in front of the aquarium view
Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa
For a night of underwater slumber that you and your staycay companion can treasure forever, go big or go home with the Ocean Suite. From $1,758/night, it’s a way for the true high-flyers to let loose and soak in an experience that not many can say they’ve shared.
If you’ve got the cash to splash or a special occasion to celebrate, consider spending one night in Singapore’s first and so far only underwater suite.
Most Singaporeans usually think of beach outings or USS when you mention Sentosa, but there’s plenty to do on that little island off our island. And all you have to do is take an MRT down to Harbourfront, no VTL fuss, added documentation and costly procedures to worry about.
Tip: While you’re at Harbourfront, treat yourself and your loved ones to a movie at VivoCity’s Golden Village cinema. DBS/POSB has a range of exclusive Golden Village deals, from snack combos to discounted movie tickets – including the cushy Gold Class experience.
For those who’d prefer to stay right here and celebrate the festive season with loved ones without the memorability factor, take your pick from the Sentosa itineraries curated above.
The best part is, there are deals and discounts aplenty for DBS/POSB Cardmembers to enjoy for various activities and accommodations, so you can afford to splurge a little more on lavish hotels and perhaps some souvenirs to take home.
Speaking of lavish hotels, don’t forget to make use of the DBS/POSB SingapoRediscover deals if you’ve yet to redeem your SRV. With the latest extension, redemptions are good till 31st March 2022, but you’ll have to make your bookings by the end of this year.
Book hotels or attractions via the partnering merchants – namely Changi Recommends, GlobalTix, Klook, Traveloka and Trip.com, and pay with a DBS/POSB Card to enjoy discounts and even perks like free Gojek vouchers.
Last but not least, get rewarded for your spending this festive season – whether it’s on extravagant staycays, wining and dining or even just everyday expenditure – by registering for the DBS Power Up Your Savings campaign. From now till January 2022, Cardmembers will get to earn 8% cashback every month, once they’ve hit their personalised monthly spend goal.
Keep those spending rewards in mind as you raise a glass and toast with your loved ones to bid 2021 adieu, and welcome 2022 with the island getaway you earned and deserve.
This post was brought to you by DBS.
Cover image adapted from (clockwise from left): Mount Faber Leisure Group, Resorts World Sentosa, Resorts World Sentosa
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