Singapore plus Bintan or Sentosa

[Springroller]

Thinking of flying to Singapore in August and spending a few nights there plus maybe 10 days relaxing at a resort. I'm keen to do not much - reading and sunbathing. DH likes to exploring and eating out. Both daughters (15 and 12) are happiest by the pool - not a beach family. I'm keen not to fly anywhere from Singapore but would be happy with a short transfer by road or boat. I'm thinking Sentosa or Bintan but I don't know anything about either of them. Anyone been?

I would say Sentosa is in Singapore. It's on a little island separated from the main city by only about 300m. You can get across to it by monorail, car/taxi or cable car. There are lots of resort style hotels on the island and there is certainly plenty to do but its very expensive and I think I would be fed up of it after about 4 or 5 days unless you are staying in a very nice hotel. I've never been to Bintan.

"I would say Sentosa is in Singapore."

Yep, agreed.. it's more of a theme park-on-sea attached to Singapore rather than a separate holiday centre.

store.sentosa.com.sg/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7tT09e3q5gIVA_hRCh1zyQgPEAAYASAAEgLrN_D_BwE

As above. Sentosa is really part of Singapore city. You can get the bus there.

I've been quite a few times but only really when I wanted a dip in the sea and do a bit of a sunbathing. The other attractions don't interest me but I would think that children would like it. The place can get quite busy and noisy though. An afternoon is enough for me.

We went to Singapore 2 years ago. There is tons to do. We didn't make it to Sentosa (rsn out of time), but it's a really easy place to get to and from. Why don't you get a lovely hotel with pool and you will have best of both worlds . You can then do Sentosa on a day trip. Look at aparthotels they will be cheaper.

Spent a day in Sentosa. Was about twenty minutes on underground from city centre. We went to Universal studios and had a great day

I’ve been to Bintan. It was lovely and so quiet where our beach huts were. About ten people on the whole beach. You step right out your door and on to the beach - not sure if that helps with you being non beach people. I personally love beaches like that where I can be in and out of my room and shower or have a nap when I like. I usually hate beaches as I don’t like having to get organised and walk there with all the stuff I need for the day, I can’t relax in case things are stolen, there’s no respite from the heat etc.
I spent most of my time on Bintan reading and swimming about with my sisters and collecting sand dollars. There was a bit more of a resort a few hundred metres away with more restaurants and swimming pools. You could go over in little golf buggies. There was a gym and beauty treatment place walkable distance too.
I liked being at the quiet bit and having the option to go over to the other bits when we liked. Happy to answer any questions!

Sentosa is fun! There’s a W hotel there, theme parks and lots of bars and restaurants plus it’s only a cab ride from the centre but really feels so different

10 days is a very long time for Singapore. It's a small place and for DCs that age it will get boring. Sentosa as mentioned is in Singapore, it's not a destination per se. If I had that much time I would spend 3-4 days in Singapore and then fly to a resort in Thailand or Malaysia.

I've been to Bintan, it's nice but not amazing, I only did it because we were in Singapore for DH's work and wanted a minibreak that didn't require flying.

I would.love 10 days in Singapore. I only ever get 4 days there. I would just love to explore at leisure.
10 days mixed with Sentosa and a bit of sightseeing for the kids won't be too long especially as you day they like the pool.
I've done pretty much all the main attractions in Singapore during several 3 day visits but seeing and experiencing places isn't just ticking off the attractions. It's wandering down the side streets, walking instead if taking a Grab or the MRT and just seeing what you find.

10 days on Singapore is very much my dream. I adore Singapore though.

Not done Bintan. Is it easy to get to?

Bintan is a ferry trip from Singapore, very easy. But there is passport control into Indonesia.

Thanks. I might look onto thst if I ever get a longer trip to that part of the world.

Thanks for the info. I could do with more opinions on Bintan if possible. Definitely looking forward to a good few days in Singapore although I'm not sure Sentosa is going to tick many boxes. We did Orlando last year so we don't need theme parks really.

I would head to Mersing and then take the ferry to Tioman.

All I really remember about Bintan are the rip tides. Be aware,be VERY aware

We stayed on Sentosa for the week over Easter 2019 and explored both the island - dd adores theme parks so universal was a must for us - and Singapore itself. We used the bus and there is also metro train from Sentosa to the main land. But we mainly used taxis as they were really reasonably priced. Was a great place - we loved Singapore.