Singapore’s popular tourist destination, neighbouring Sentosa Island, is just one of the great Asian locations where you can enjoy an optional return stopover following the unforgettable holidays to Australia and New Zealand offered by Distant Journeys. With numerous activities, restaurants, and places to go, Sentosa Island has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to stretch your legs after a long-haul flight or extend your holiday into a tropical retreat, this island provides the perfect balance of entertainment and natural beauty.
To help you get to know this holiday paradise a little better before your arrival, we have gathered a few fascinating facts about the destination.
The Dual History of the Isle of Tranquillity
Sentosa Island was only given its name in 1972, when Singapore’s government decided to develop the island into a top tourist destination and holiday resort for both locals and international tourists. The name ‘Sentosa’ translates from Malay to mean ‘isle of tranquillity’, perfectly reflecting the peaceful paradise and relaxing escape that visitors experience today.
However, the destination holds a much more mysterious past. Before it was known as Sentosa Island, the island was known as Pulau Belakang Mati, which translates from Malay as ‘island of the dead’. There are many theories about the origin of this name, with the title having been attributed to the island’s previous history of piracy and outbreaks of disease. Another compelling theory points to the local geography, attributing the name to the fact that the island is surrounded by ‘dead’ water with no wind, which historically left sailing vessels stranded.
Geography and Accessibility of Singapore's Fourth Largest Island
In terms of physical scale, Sentosa Island is just five square kilometres in size, although it’s still the fourth largest island in the country of Singapore. Its strategic location makes it incredibly accessible for stopover travellers. Situated just 500 metres from the southern shore of Singapore’s main island, visitors can even walk to the island from the main island via the dedicated Sentosa Walkway, taking in the panoramic waterfront views along the way.
Where Natural Rainforest Meets Pristine White Sands
While the island has a wealth of tourist attractions, it remains deeply connected to its wild origins. In fact, almost 70% of the island is still natural rainforest. This lush ecosystem is home to a host of flora and fauna as well as diverse wildlife, including wild parrots, lizards, and monkeys, coexisting alongside the modern resort hubs.
Flanking this emerald canopy is a stunning coastline. Sentosa Island is also home to over three kilometres of beaches extending around the coast of the island, all of which are covered with beautiful white sand. It’s an ideal setting for guests staying at the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa, where beachfront relaxation is right on your doorstep.
Navigating the Island Infrastructure
Getting to and around the island is entirely seamless for international arrivals. There are plenty of ways to travel around Sentosa Island and between Sentosa Island and the main island of Singapore. The highly efficient transit network includes the Sentosa Express monorail, local bus services, and the pedestrianised Sentosa Walkway.
Book Your Singapore Stopover with Distant Journeys
Ready to transform your long-haul journey home into an extended tropical getaway? Whether you wish to unwind on the pristine sands of the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa or explore the island's vibrant rainforests and world-class attractions, we can take care of every detail. Speak to our travel experts today to add a tailored Sentosa stopover package to your award-winning Australia or New Zealand holiday.
First published 25/06/2026
