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Sentosa, cool? You better believe it. With some of the city’s most sought-after new restaurants such as Braise and Suburbia packing in the crowds alongside perennial favorites like il Lido, and alfresco beach bars like KM8 and Café del Mar still fun under the sun, Sentosa is the latest “in” place to be seen in. Still don’t trust us? Read on as I-S takes you through some of Sentosa’s latest hotspots via precinct (color-coded for easy reference) that you simply must see and be seen in.
SERAPONG
With a golf club, numerous restaurants, and posh hotels like The Sentosa Resort & Spa as well as Amara Sanctuary and the upcoming Capella Singapore (opening sometime this year), Serapong is one hot dining, resort and spa enclave you won’t want to miss.
Dining
35 Artillery
35 Artillery Ave., 6279-1123.
What’s cool: Helmed by Executive Chef Kenny Yeo (from three-Michelin star hotel Le Centenaire in France), this brand-new private dining room can only hold about six to 10 people. If you have moolah to splash, take your pick from three French degustation menus that cost about $140, $180 or $220 per person with a minimum requirement of six diners.
Shutters
Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, 1 Larkhill Rd., 6825-3881.
What’s cool: Encased in a sleek, glass-y interior, this all-day restaurant focuses on modern intercontinental cuisines, with emphasis on contemporary Asian and Western dishes. Be sure to try signature dishes like the angel hair pasta with kuruma prawn and spicy mentaiko sauce, as well as the interesting chempedak crème brulee with berries compote.
Nogawa Sentosa Restaurant
Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis Rd., 6373-7120.
What’s cool: While the name Nogawa has long been established as the undisputed go-to for fine, fine Japanese dining, not too many people are aware of its third outlet, preciously tucked away in a corner at the Sentosa Golf Club. With an emphasis on seasonal catch and greens, almost every dish is a winner. Oh, if you’re an alcoholic with a sweet tooth, don’t leave without trying its lovely homemade umeshu (plum wine).
Thanying Restaurant
Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa,1 Larkhill Rd., 6825-3881.
What’s cool: Helmed by the culinary consultants to the king of Thailand himself, this sleekly decorated second outlet (the first being the well-known Thanying in Amara Hotel) with gorgeous timber awnings serves contemporary Thai food that will have you hooked from the first bite. Come here and try the surefire pleaser, the miang khum—an appetizer of herbs, dried shrimp and tamarind sauce encased in a wrap of fresh betel nut leaf.
Il Lido
Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis Rd., 6866-1977.
What’s cool: il Lido, with its ocean-fronting views, unrivalled ambiance and topnotch service is still hot among the trendy set. It comprises a full-glass interior, a stunning alfresco area and a lounge bar, so pick your agenda—a high-stakes business lunch, a proposal to the love of your life, or simply an evening chill-out with your chi-chi friends.
Suburbia
30 Allanbrooke Rd., 6376-5938.
What’s cool: Named after the old Ficus monorail stop and located just across the famous Ficus tree, this sleek two-story building of glass and wood is the perfect place for a secluded, tranquil date away from the mayhem of the city. Dine downstairs and enjoy the lovely atmosphere and surrounding greenery as you dine on European cuisine accented by top quality wines from South Africa, Chile and other countries.
The Cliff
The Sentosa Resort & Spa, 2 Bukit Manis Rd., 6371-1425.
What’s cool: Flanked by a gorgeous view of the South China Sea, this is one restaurant everyone should go to at least once. The ambiance is simply breathtakingly romantic at night and the view, mesmerizing. Plus, the food here is truly exceptional—with amazingly fresh seafood served with an inspired touch by Chef de Cuisine Shawn Armstrong. Try the tasting of oysters appetizer ($28),roasted “true” cod main ($68) and A Tasting of Phillibon Melon dessert ($16).
The Garden
The Sentosa Resort & Spa, 2 Bukit Manis Rd., 6371-1130.
What’s cool: The latest dining venture for the resort and located right next to Spa Botanica, The Garden serves up a medley of gourmet dishes that all revolve around the concept of “conscious dining,” in which diners are inspired to cultivate awareness about what they are actually eating. Ingredients are specially sourced from organic or bio-dynamic farms whenever possible, and the dishes are all healthy—but tasty. Try the light and delicious chicken noodle soup ($16), and the baked snapper with organic carrot and lemongrass ($36).
Accommodation
Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa
1 Larkhill Rd., 6825-3888.
What’s cool: The unique blend of contemporary and colonial architecture at this pristine, lush resort almost makes you forget you’re in Singapore and not some mystical forest. Check yourself into the highest indulgence offered here—the spacious villas come complete with a private outdoor bath and plunge pool. The cocktails here are fab—try the coffee martini and the cloyingly-named Illusion, asweet, dreamy melon concoction.
The Sentosa Resort & Spa
2 Bukit Manis Rd., 6275-0331.
What’s cool: With its many water lily ponds and water features located idyllically all over the resort’scompound, there is an inimitable vibe of complete tranquility at the former Beaufort. Take your pickfrom its 174 deluxe rooms, 37 suites or four exclusive two-bedroom villas, and keep an eye out for themany peacocks roaming around outside—cute.
Spas
Spa Botanica
2 Bukit Manis Rd., 6371-1318.
What’s cool: The spa is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities like the region’s first mud pools,float pools and Galaxy steam baths. The labyrinths and landscaped gardens allow peace and privacy, and the rooms cater to both individuals and couples.
BEACHES
Surely one of the biggest reasons for making a trip down to good ol’ Sentosa is the fact that one can enjoy chilling on not just one, but three beaches—Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach and Tanjong Beach. Of course, there’s plenty of cool stuff to do at Beach Station too—the center of activity for the bus services plying the island.
TANJONG BEACH
Laidback and great for those who like to be far from the madding crowd, Tanjong Beach is where you just stretch out and forget about the big bad world. A note to courting couples: It can get pretty romantic here at night.
Bars
KM8
Tanjong Beach, 6274-2288.
What’s cool: Looking like a whitewashed beach house, this beach bar is full of indie cool. Soak up the sun here, or just lounge around on the numerous deck chairs on the beach. Be sure to check out the drink Sarong Fly ($48), a potent mix of Absolut vodka, blue Curacao and lime juice.
SILOSO BEACH
If you play a mean game of beach volleyball, Siloso’s the beach for you. Littered with beach bars, and dining and shopping joints, it is the undisputed turf of all sea and water sports aficionados. Ever-vibrant and happening, Siloso Beach is a fab place to engage in strenuous activities like canoeing, mountain biking or rollerblading.
Bars
Bikini Bar
#01-05, 50 Siloso Beach Walk, 6276-6070.
What’s cool here: What’s hot here is more like it. Run by a whole bevy of bikini-clad hotties, this chic, hang-loose bar inspired by the Bondi beach scene in Sydney is a favorite with those who like some eye candy to go with their beers—and with its happy hour promotion of Paulaner Bräuhaus beer at $15 fortwo every day, all day all night, you won’t be short of either.
Café del Mar
40 Siloso Beach Walk, 6235-1296.
What’s cool: While the heat has fizzled out a bit since its opening, this mega beach bar is still reeling in the tropical merrymakers. Deck out with your best gal pal, better half or toy boy on the sun beds, and soak in the vibe of this pseudo-Ibiza. To get completely sloshed, go for the Afterburner, a killer concoction of something and something else...see, we can’t even remember—it’s that potent.
Cool Deck
5 Siloso Beach Walk, 6279-3273.
What’s cool: For beach-goers who like their beach bars with less sun and more shade, this open island bar is the place to, quite literally, chill out. Plonk yourself onto one of its bouncy, inflated sofa chairs and watch the action on the sand while sipping on one of its best-sellers, the Grolsch beer.
Dining
Sakae Izakaya
#01-03, 50 Siloso Beach Walk, 6276-5516.
What’s cool: Do not be surprised when you do not find any sushi conveyor belts at this slightly more upper-class sister brand of the Sakae Sushi chain. The concept here ups the chic ante with its bar-teppanyaki setup, where the highlight is on its Japanese tapas—snack-sized servings of yummy grilled items.
PALAWAN BEACH
Proudly labeled “Singapore’s happiest family beach,” there’s never a dull moment at the action-packed Palawan Beach. Aside from being filled with truckloads of well, happy kids, the beach boasts restaurants offering a varied mix of cuisine, as well as relaxed beach bars to end your day with.
Bars
Bora Bora Beach Bar
82 Lighthouse Beach Walk, 6279-3267.
What’s cool: Trust us, there’s nothing like a killer daiquiri to water down the temperature on a hot, sunny afternoon at the beach—and at this cheery yellow-and-red beach bar, you’ll find the best concoctions. The French and Latin jazz tunes add to the chill-out, tropical vibe to put you straight into the holiday mood.
Club Islander
80 Lighthouse Beach Walk, 6279-3267.
What’s cool: Singapore’s first beach club has always been a favorite with those who like their parties with lots of funk and jazz beats. It’s also the perfect place to hold a private event—the wooden decks are fitted with retractable canopies right up to the sands, so even if it rains, guests can still dance up a storm.
Dining
Braise
60 Palawan Beach Walk, 6279-1929.
What’s cool: Partly owned by Loh Lik Peng, the man behind boutique hotels New Majestic Hotel and 1929, this modern French restaurant gives classic dishes a lift with interesting ingredients and presentation—try the pressed foie gras with Sauternes and chamomile jelly and vegetables à la Grecque to know what we’re talking about. The ambiance, dripping with romance, is undoubtedly credited to the charm of the old monorail station in which it is housed.
Silk Road of the Sea
Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa,1 Larkhill Rd., 6377-4248.
What’s cool: Apparently Marco Polo was not only an explorer—he was a foodie as well. This seafood restaurant traces his culinary footsteps from the South China Sea to the Mediterranean, and the result is an array of dishes that you rarely get around town. Its impossibly thick and flavorful bouillabaisse is a dream, while the Sri Lankan crab done Sichuan style beats your generic chili crab hands down.
IMBIAH
This is just one jam-packed area of the island. With a plethora of attractions, F&B outlets and accommodation, this is the area to hit when you want to get up close and personal with the Merlion or engage in a whole bunch of cool activities.
Dining
The Arches Restaurant
The Arches @ Imbiah Lookout, 6270-7517.
What’s cool: With a cool, relaxing colonial vibe, The Arches offers fusion food—that of Asian and European cuisine. There are local delights to savor, but while you’re there, you should tuck into the Western set lunch menus, daily international buffet dinner or the Asian a la carte dishes.
Treasure Bistro
Treasure Resort Sentosa, 23 Beach View, 6496-0662.
What’s cool: Built on the spot of an army barracks from the 1940’s, and serving a wide range of international cuisine (including an American and Continental breakfast) and a la carte dishes, this small bistro provides the best of both worlds. Dine on the balcony in full view of the Merlion and waterfall, or tuck into your chow on the other side of the restaurant and be greeted with a lovely view of the sea.
Bars
SKYBAR
What’s cool: Located on a 40-meter hillrock close to the Tiger Sky Tower, the SKYBAR is a fantastic place for some respite from the heat. Loads of drinks are served here by the very friendly bartenders—slosh down Tiger beer by the mug ($8), or by the jug ($28). Of course, there are premium spirits, house pours, wines, champagnes and cocktails ($10-15) too. Be sure to try the non-alcoholic signature drink—the Sky Cooler ($7), an enticing, electric blue concoction of 7-Up, blue Curacao and lime cordial.
Attraction
Tiger Sky Tower
What’s cool: This 110-meter tall sky tower is Asia’s tallest free-standing observation tower which offers a panoramic view at 131 meters above sea level (the equivalent of 50 storeys)—where Sentosa, Singapore and the Southern Islands are clearly visible. About 72 visitors can fit into an air-conditioned, glass-windowed, disc-shaped cabin that takes you up to the top, revolving to give you a 360-degree, bird’s eye view of Sentosa.
Price: $12 (adult), $8 (child).
Accommodation
Treasure Resort Sentosa
23 Beach View, 6271-2002.
What’s cool: This relatively new five-star resort has a choice location—being near the iconic Merlion and in the heart of all the action happening at the area known as Imbiah Lookout. Formerly known as Sijori Resort, this resort has a stylish and intimate vibe with only 64 rooms—which is why it brands itself as a “boutique deluxe resort.” Choose from Deluxe, Premium, Junior or Executive rooms, which arefitted with spacious bathrooms and cool 32-inch plasma TVs.
SILOSO POINT
Never mind nearby attractions like Underwater World and Fort Siloso, but check out these two establishments instead.
Dining
Barnacles Restaurant & Bar
101 Siloso Rd., Rasa Sentosa Resort, 6371-2930.
What’s cool: This Mediterranean restaurant is another establishment that takes full advantage of the scenic ocean view, with lovely alfresco seats overlooking a patch of greenery before extending off into the sparkling sea. The surrounding white picket fence gives it a quaint English touch, and the food does notdisappoint either.
Accommodation
Rasa Sentosa Resort by Shangri-La
101 Siloso Rd., 6275-0100.
What’s cool: Literally translated into “Taste of Sentosa”, Singapore’s only beachfronting hotel has it all, whether you are on a luxurious honeymoon, a big, kid-toting family vacation or just a quickie weekend escapade. Laze around in the pool (the nation’s largest free form pool, by the way) or indulge in friendly sports activities like table tennis and volleyball, arranged by the recreational team. You don’t have to wait till the next ZoukOut to check in here.
If you need a good rubdown, treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage at Rasa Spa, the hotel’s spa centre. What’s different here from all the city spas is the fact that it’s done in a lovely outdoor pavilion overlooking a pond with water features, while the therapist herself, Jessie, will make you creak in places you never even knew existed.
Siloso Beach Resort
51 Imbiah Walk, 6722-3333.
What’s cool: Built into the lush, leafy hillside, the gorgeous two-year-old Siloso Beach Resort has the look and feel of a fancy tree-top habitat, where everything is elevated and connected by timber-decked pathways. The idea here is environmental consciousness and conservation of nature with a stylish spin—one private villa even has a tree shooting up and out of the master bedroom itself. We like. ■
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