Singapore Unveils Free Sentosa Island Tour for Changi Airport Transit Passengers Starting August 2025
SINGAPORE — Beginning in August 2025, transit passengers at Singapore’s award-winning Changi Airport can look forward to an immersive island adventure—completely free of charge. In a strategic collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Changi Airport is launching the Free Singapore Tour: Sentosa Edition, an exciting new initiative designed to transform long layovers into enriching mini getaways.
The 2.5-hour guided tour invites transit travelers with layovers of at least 5.5 hours to explore the wonders of Sentosa Island, Singapore’s premier leisure destination. Known for its stunning beaches, cultural experiences, and world-class attractions, Sentosa is now more accessible than ever for those passing through the Lion City.
This initiative complements existing Free Singapore Tours by adding a vibrant, beach-centric option focused on relaxation, entertainment, and culture—all within a tight transit window. Bookings for the Sentosa Tour can be made online via the Changi Airport website or in person at the Free Singapore Tour booth in Terminal 3.
A Tropical Getaway Within a Transit
The Sentosa Discovery Tour offers a carefully curated itinerary that balances natural beauty with thrilling entertainment and cultural insight. The adventure begins with scenic views of Singapore’s southern coastline, offering visitors their first glimpse of the city-state’s lush island charm.
One of the most visually captivating highlights is Sentosa Sensoryscape, a newly completed 350-meter immersive walkway. This pedestrian promenade links the luxury resorts of Resorts World Sentosa to the beach and features six distinct sensory gardens. Each section delights the senses with a blend of light, sound, fragrance, and tactile experiences—all surrounded by tropical greenery and floral displays designed to immerse visitors in nature’s beauty.
Iconic Attractions and Instagram-Worthy Stops
Next, the tour takes participants to Resorts World Sentosa, home to Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and the newly enhanced Singapore Oceanarium, which is set to reopen with over 100,000 marine animals from 1,000 species across 12 zones. While the tour doesn’t include admission to these attractions, visitors will have the chance to admire the vibrant atmosphere, snap a photo by the iconic Universal Studios spinning globe, and soak in the resort’s dynamic energy.
The final core stop is Siloso Beach, one of Sentosa’s most beloved coastal spots. Known for its lively vibe, this beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and activity. Whether travelers prefer lounging under palm trees or trying beach volleyball, kayaking, or paddleboarding, Siloso Beach brings a burst of tropical fun to a brief stopover in Singapore.
Exclusive Cultural Experience: Peranakan Light Installation
Transit passengers touring Sentosa before the end of August 2025 will enjoy a limited-time bonus attraction: the Peranakan Light Installation. This stunning display blends intricate motifs inspired by Singapore’s Peranakan culture with vivid digital projections. It celebrates the island’s multicultural heritage through a fusion of traditional design and modern visual storytelling—an artistic snapshot of Singapore’s diverse identity.
The Peranakan community, with roots in Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian traditions, has long shaped Singapore’s culinary and architectural landscape. This installation offers a respectful and illuminating glimpse into that legacy, especially appealing for first-time visitors unfamiliar with the country’s unique cultural fabric.
Optional Upgrade: Wings of Time Night Show
For those with evening layovers, an optional upgrade to the Wings of Time night show is available. Held at Sentosa’s Beach Station, this 20-minute outdoor spectacle combines fireworks, laser lights, music, and water effects to narrate a fantastical tale across time and space. This upgrade is not part of the complimentary tour but can be purchased during or after the tour registration.
Booking and Eligibility
Transit passengers from eligible countries can join the tour by registering in advance through the Changi Airport official website or at designated counters. Participants must have a valid layover between flights of at least 5.5 hours and not more than 24 hours, and both arrival and departure flights must be on full-service airlines.
While the Free Sentosa Tour is designed for transit travelers, tourists already in Singapore are encouraged to explore the island independently and experience its many attractions.
Boosting Transit Tourism
This strategic initiative reflects Singapore’s continued push to enhance its status as a global transit hub. Changi Airport handled over 62 million passengers in 2024 and continues to innovate traveler experiences in collaboration with the STB. The Sentosa tour not only addresses the common challenge of long layovers but also boosts tourism footfall to one of Singapore’s flagship destinations.
Keith Tan, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board, noted in a previous statement: “We are always seeking new ways to provide meaningful experiences for our visitors. With this tour, we aim to give transit passengers a taste of Singapore’s charm—and a reason to return for a longer stay.”
Conclusion: A Mini Vacation During Your Layover
Whether you’re a solo adventurer or a family on the move, Singapore’s Free Sentosa Tour turns idle hours into a memorable escape. With its mix of tropical scenery, cultural storytelling, and modern attractions, Sentosa delivers an authentic slice of Singapore—all within 2.5 hours.
For travelers seeking to make the most of their transit time at Changi Airport, this new offering is more than just a quick excursion—it’s an invitation to discover the essence of Singapore in just one layover.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
