On my second day in Singapore, I set off for Sentosa Island—home to Universal Studios Singapore and some of the city’s most iconic beaches: Siloso, Palawan (yes, like our very own!), and Tanjong.

From Bugis Station, I hopped on the East-West (Green) Line to Outram Park, where I transferred to the Northeast (Purple) Line heading to HarbourFront Station. Just outside the station, two massive malls greeted me—HarbourFront Centre and VivoCity. I made my way through VivoCity and walked toward the seaside area, where my Sentosa adventure was about to begin.

VivoCity wasn’t just a mall—it felt like a world of its own, buzzing with eateries, pubs, and food stalls, all lined up with a stunning view of the sea. As I strolled along the seaside promenade alone, a familiar sense of freedom washed over me.

There was something special about standing there, watching the calm waters shimmer under the sun, with Sentosa Island waiting in the distance. It reminded me why I travel solo—to pause, to breathe, and to take in moments like this without rush or reason.

To get to Sentosa, I had a few options: ride the cable car for a scenic aerial view, hop on the monorail (SGD 4 from VivoCity Station to Resorts World Station), or simply walk across via the Sentosa Boardwalk.

I chose the latter. There was something about walking—taking my time, step by step—that felt more meaningful. The boardwalk, lined with plants and open views of the water, felt like a gentle invitation to ease into the island’s energy. No rush, just me, my thoughts, and the road ahead.

It wasn’t the quickest route, but it was definitely the healthiest. After about twenty minutes, I arrived at Sentosa Island—refreshed rather than rushed.

Some people took the shaded walkway, and I get it—it was hot! But to my surprise, the boardwalk wasn’t as exhausting as I expected. In fact, it was pretty amazing. There were food stalls, restaurants, and plenty of greenery along the way—trees, plants, and quiet spots to pause. For a solo traveler like me, it was the perfect slow entrance into a day of adventure.

📸 First Stop: Universal Studios Singapore (USS)—But Only for the Photo!

My first stop was Universal Studios Singapore (USS). Surprisingly, the place was already buzzing with people, even though the park didn’t open until 10 AM. I didn’t book a ticket to go inside; I just wanted that classic tourist photo in front of the globe and to soak up the surrounding vibe. Sometimes, that’s more than enough.

But hey, solo travel is about doing what feels right for you, and this moment? It was more than enough.

🍜 A Taste of Malaysia, in Singapore

Right near the USS entrance, I stumbled upon a hawker center designed like a Malaysian food street. The smells alone were enough to pull me in—rich, savory, and nostalgic. Even without going into the theme park, I was already being taken on a ride—through flavor.

From Brochure to Beach Day

After grabbing my USS photo souvenir, I spotted a brochure that sparked my curiosity about the rest of Sentosa Island. With time (and steps) to spare, I decided to check out what else was nearby. Imbiah Monorail Station was walkable from the USS entrance, so I followed the signs and hopped on board. My next adventure? Beach hopping—Siloso, Palawan (yes, just like our own!), and Tanjong.

🌞 Siloso Vibes: Singapore’s Slice of Summer

Surprisingly, the monorail fare was free if you boarded from any station except VivoCity. I hopped off at the Beach Station and made my way toward Siloso Beach. Instant summer vibes! White sand, towering coconut trees, and loud music blasting from the beachfront—this place was alive. The restaurants were packed, the drinks were flowing, and people in swimwear were either swimming, playing ball games, or lounging under the sun. It was an awesome summer—Singapore style.

🌴 A Moment on the Sand: Siloso and a Slice of Boracay

I sat on the white sand and simply soaked in the beach vibe. It had been a while since I last visited a beach abroad, and for a moment, Siloso reminded me of Boracay—sunny, energetic, and full of life.

I watched a group playing ball games under the sun, while on the other side, a lively beach party was happening—exclusive to a group of Indian nationals, complete with music and cheering. It was a joyful scene, and I was content just being there, quietly observing it all.

Oh! It was amazing! After a while, I got bored of just sitting and people-watching, so I wandered toward the direction of Mega Adventure Park. The area features attractions like the Mega Zip, Mega Climb, Mega Leap, and Mega Bounce—perfect for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies.

Hearing the screams echoing through the trees made me think of my younger self, who would’ve been game for all of that. But now? I’m good just watching from afar. The daredevil days can stay in the past.

📍 Free and Historic: Fort Siloso

I visited a free attraction at Siloso Beach: Fort Siloso, a 19th-century historical landmark in Singapore. Just a short walk from the beach, this site offers a fascinating walkthrough of Singapore’s World War II memorabilia and military history. To get there, I took the Fort Siloso Skywalk, a scenic treetop trail that offered great views along the way.

The staff pointed me toward the base of the Skywalk. She was so helpful, even offering suggestions on how to explore Fort Siloso more efficiently. I followed her advice, walked toward the elevator, and took it up to begin the scenic treetop trail.

From there, I saw breathtaking views of Singapore and Sentosa. Some areas of the sky trail were covered with trees and shrubs, giving it a peaceful, green atmosphere. Along the trail, I passed plenty of information boards that shared the history of Fort Siloso. Even though I’m afraid of heights, I had a great time during this incredible experience. It was truly worthwhile learning about Singapore’s history.

Lost in Transit—but Not in the Moment

There are free buses that run through the Sentosa beaches. Without paying much attention, I mistakenly boarded one near the Siloso Point Bus Stop. I thought Bus A would take me along the beach route, but instead, it brought me back to Imbiah Monorail Station. It was still too early to head to Bugis or visit Merlion Park, so I decided to hop on the monorail again and return to Beach Station.

A Tropical Break at Palawan Beach

Starting at the Beach Monorail Station, I walked to Palawan Beach, which was noticeably less crowded than Siloso. One of its main attractions is the pair of small artificial islets, connected by a hanging bridge. It was a lovely and quiet escape—such a nice spot to just take it all in.

Crossing the hanging bridge to the two artificial islets was a delightful experience! Just a stone’s throw away from Palawan Beach lies Tanjong Beach—a serene retreat that feels worlds apart. Unlike the lively scenes at Siloso and Palawan, Tanjong offers a laid-back atmosphere. Its beachfront restaurants and hotels exude a quiet charm, likely thanks to its location on the island’s more secluded side. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and simply breathe.

Back to the City, Still in Awe

The beaches were within walking distance, but I appreciated the convenience of the free Sentosa Beach Shuttles. After exploring, I took the monorail back to VivoCity Station—at no cost.

The view along the way was, as always, stunning. Singapore never fails to impress me with its cleanliness and order. Even with its towering modern buildings and sleek high-rises, the city blends seamlessly with lush greenery, creating a vibrant urban space that still breathes fresh air.

Meeting the Icon of Singapore

After leaving VivoCity, I boarded the MRT on the HarbourFront Northeast (Purple) Line to Outram Park. From there, I transferred to the East-West (Green) Line and got off at Raffles Place Station. I walked toward the Fullerton Hotel and made my way to Merlion Park. Despite the intense heat, the park was buzzing with visitors snapping photos with the iconic Merlion—one of Singapore’s most recognized landmarks.

From Raffles to Riverside: A Journey to Clarke Quay

My journey began at Raffles Place Station, where I hopped on the North-South (Red) Line heading toward Newton Station. The trip to Clarke Quay took a bit longer than expected. At Newton, I transferred to the NortheastLine, made a quick stop at Little India Station, and then continued onward to Clarke Quay.

The extended travel time paid off with a delightful evening walk through the lively Clarke Quay. The adventure didn’t stop there; I meandered over to Chinatown Station on the Downtown/Blue Line before circling back to the MRT, ending my excursion at Bugis Station.

Winding down my day, I meandered through Arab Street once more—this time on the lookout for budget-friendly keepsakes and a cozy spot for dinner. Known for its vibrant bazaar atmosphere, the street offers a treasure trove of souvenirs that won’t break the bank.

From the aromatic Sifr Aromatics to the exquisite silk fabrics at Mahaco Impex, there’s something for every traveler. And when hunger strikes, the culinary delights of Arab Street beckon. Whether it’s the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine at The Ramen Stall or the traditional Lebanese dishes at Byblos, your taste buds are in for a treat.

I ended my second day in Singapore tired but fulfilled. From skywalk adventures to beach strolls, cityscapes to cultural corners—every step was worth it. Each place had its own rhythm, and I was grateful to have danced along, one footstep at a time.

*** This Singapore blog is a solo travel birthday gift to myself—for all the hard work, the saving, and the courage to go. I finally checked Singapore off my travel bucket list. ***

📅 Travel Dates: March 22 to 25, 2024