travel tips: Palawan Beach, Singapore
While you may have heard of a certain famous island in the Philippines, Palawan Beach offers its own unique slice of paradise right here on Singapore's vibrant Sentosa Island. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and family-friendly charm, this is a destination where golden sands meet calm, turquoise waters.
Step across the iconic suspension bridge to reach the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia, or let the kids splash and play at the Palawan Pirate Ship.
Timing your visit
- Weekdays vs. Weekends: The biggest tip is to visit on a weekday if possible. Weekends and public holidays see a significant increase in local and tourist crowds, especially around the main attractions.
- Morning vs. Afternoon: Aim for a morning visit to get the best experience. The weather is cooler, the crowds are thinner, and the sunlight is perfect for photography, especially at the Southernmost Point. If you visit in the afternoon, stay for the sunset, as the west-facing beach offers beautiful views.
- Weather Awareness: Singapore's tropical climate means sudden, heavy rain showers (sometimes with lightning) can occur, especially in the afternoon. Be prepared with a small umbrella or a poncho, and have a plan for taking shelter.
transport on sentosa island
- Sentosa Express Monorail: The most common way. Take the monorail from the VivoCity shopping mall to the Beach Station. The fare is a nominal single charge, and the monorail runs frequently.
- Driving/Taxi: You can drive onto the island, but there are gantry fees. Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off directly.
- Getting Around the Beach Area: Once you're on the island and at Beach Station, you don't need to walk the entire length of the beach.
- Free Beach Tram: This tram runs on a loop connecting Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong beaches. It's an excellent way to save your energy, especially if you want to explore all three beaches in one day. The trams are frequent and clearly marked.
Attractions on/near palawan bEACH
- Southernmost Point of Continental Asia: The wooden suspension bridge leading to the islet is an iconic photo spot. Once you cross it, you'll be on a small, forested island. The two viewing towers offer a fantastic vantage point to see the shipping lanes of the Singapore Strait and the neighbouring beaches.
- Palawan Pirate Ship: Formerly known as Port of Lost Wonder, this is a dedicated, free-to-enter children's playground. It features a large pirate ship with water slides, splash fountains, and water cannons. This is a perfect spot for families with young children, but adult supervision is mandatory.
- Animal & Nature Encounters: Look for the various plaques and informational signs on the beach and in the surrounding forest areas. You might spot some of the local wildlife, including peacocks, monkeys, and various bird species.
food & drink
While the immediate Palawan Beach area offers a handful of options, the wider vicinity of The Palawan @ Sentosa and the adjacent Siloso and Tanjong beaches provides a diverse range of choices, from casual family dining to high-end beach clubs.
On-Site & Casual Bites
The Palawan Food Trucks: This is the most direct and convenient option right on the beach. It offers a variety of quick, casual meals in a laid-back, food-truck park setting. You can expect to find:
- Casual international fare like tacos, burgers, and fish & chips.
- Asian street food, including Korean street snacks and Vietnamese banh mi.
- Snacks and desserts like soft-serve ice cream, slushies, and bubble tea.
- The atmosphere is very relaxed, making it a great spot for a quick and affordable family meal you can enjoy right on the sand.
Family-Friendly & Mid-Range Dining
- Blu Kouzina Sentosa: Located near the beach, this restaurant offers authentic Greek cuisine in a tranquil, seaside atmosphere. It's a great choice if you're looking for a refreshing Mediterranean meal with dishes like pita and spreads, salads, and grilled meats.
- Restaurants on Siloso Beach: Palawan Beach is just a short walk or free tram ride from Siloso Beach, which has more established options.
- Coastes: Known for its relaxed beachside vibe, Coastes offers a selection of brunch, pizzas, burgers, and pastas. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely meal with your feet in the sand.
- Trapizza: This Italian restaurant is a popular family-friendly choice, serving wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and salads with a beachfront view. It also has a kids' play area.
- Good Old Days Food Court: Located at the Beach Station, this is a more budget-friendly option serving local Singaporean dishes in a casual setting.
Beach Clubs & Upscale Dining
- FOC Sentosa: Inspired by Barcelona's beach culture, this Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant and beach club is a trendy option near Palawan Beach. It features a menu by a Michelin-starred chef, offering tapas, paella, and creative cocktails in a stylish setting with a pool and cabanas.
- +Twelve: Located within The Palawan @ Sentosa, this is an adults-oriented beach club for guests 18 and above. It offers a more luxurious experience with a large infinity pool, swim-up bar, and cabanas, all accompanied by crafted cocktails and contemporary summer cuisine. There is typically a minimum spend for seating.
- 1-Altitude Coast: Situated on the rooftop of The Outpost Hotel, this is Sentosa's highest rooftop bar and restaurant. It offers stunning views of Palawan Beach and the sea, with a rooftop infinity pool and a Latin-Mediterranean menu. This is a great choice for a sunset drink or a more elevated dining experience.
summary & tips
- For quick, affordable bites: Head to The Palawan Food Trucks right on the beach.
- For a relaxed, sit-down meal: Blu Kouzina or the restaurants on nearby Siloso Beach like Coastes and Trapizza are great choices.
- For a special occasion or drinks: Consider the more upscale beach clubs and rooftop bars like FOC Sentosa or 1-Altitude Coast.
- Price Range: Expect a wide range of prices. The food trucks and food courts are more budget-friendly, while the beach clubs and hotel restaurants can be quite expensive, with some having a minimum spend.
HELPFUL CONSIDERATIONS
- Sun Protection: Due to Singapore's position near the equator, the sun is very strong. Use a high SPF (30+) waterproof sunscreen and reapply frequently. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential.
- Footwear: Wear flip-flops or sandals for the beach, but bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes if you plan to explore the nature trails or head to other attractions like the Luge and Skyride.
- Hydration: Singapore's humidity is high. Bring a large, reusable water bottle. While you can buy drinks, carrying your own is cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
- Payment: Most places accept credit cards and contactless payments, but having some cash on hand for smaller purchases or local vendors is always a good idea.
Last Updated: 4 August '25