SINGAPORE — In a bold move to enhance transit experiences and promote its world-renowned attractions, Singapore has launched an all-new Free Singapore Tour: Sentosa Edition beginning August 2025. The initiative, a collaboration between the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Changi Airport Group, aims to transform long layovers into memorable mini-getaways. Travelers with layovers of at least 5.5 hours can now enjoy a complimentary 2.5-hour guided tour of Sentosa Island, one of Singapore’s premier leisure destinations.
This strategic tourism initiative comes as Singapore continues to innovate post-pandemic airport hospitality, further solidifying Changi Airport’s reputation as one of the best transit hubs globally. The Sentosa Edition is the latest addition to Singapore’s popular Free Singapore Tour program, which already includes city tours and heritage explorations.
What to Expect on the Free Sentosa Discovery Tour
The Sentosa Discovery Tour is designed for travelers with limited time who still want a taste of Singapore’s vibrant landscape. The 2.5-hour guided itinerary offers an immersive glimpse into Sentosa Island, which has evolved from a British military outpost into a globally acclaimed entertainment hub and island resort.
The tour begins with scenic views of Singapore’s southern coast, offering travelers a panoramic introduction to the island’s tropical charm. Participants will then venture to the Sentosa Sensoryscape, a stunning 350-meter-long immersive walkway that links the luxury resorts of Resorts World Sentosa with the island’s tranquil beaches.
This lush, multi-sensory garden is the first of its kind in Singapore, featuring six distinct sensory zones. Visitors can stroll through themed gardens filled with interactive soundscapes, floral scents, digital light projections, and tropical greenery. It’s an invigorating, Instagrammable highlight that celebrates Sentosa’s natural and artistic beauty.
A Glimpse of Resorts World Sentosa and Siloso Beach
The journey continues to Resorts World Sentosa, a family-friendly integrated resort that houses top attractions like:
- Universal Studios Singapore
- Adventure Cove Waterpark
- Singapore Oceanarium
While the tour does not include time inside the attractions, participants can enjoy scenic walk-bys, guided storytelling, and photo stops. One highlight is the Universal Studios spinning globe, where travelers can snap a quick souvenir photo to mark their unique Singapore stopover.
Guests will also visit Siloso Beach, a vibrant coastal stretch known for its adventurous vibe. Depending on the time and weather, travelers can enjoy free time on the beach, watch beachgoers engage in volleyball or kayaking, or simply relax under swaying palm trees.
Special August-Only Feature: The Peranakan Light Installation
For those flying through Singapore before August 31, 2025, the tour includes a limited-time stop at the Peranakan Light Installation. Inspired by Singapore’s rich Peranakan heritage—a fusion of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian influences—this digital art experience blends traditional architecture with modern light projections.
Set against a backdrop of vibrant motifs and historical design elements, the installation offers a striking visual homage to Singapore’s multicultural history. It’s one of the key cultural highlights of the tour and underscores Singapore’s commitment to weaving heritage into its tourism programming.
Optional Upgrade: “Wings of Time” Night Spectacle
Passengers with longer layovers who wish to extend their island adventure can opt for an upgrade to the “Wings of Time” night show—a popular open-air performance featuring fireworks, water projections, laser effects, and music set against the South China Sea.
While this show is not part of the free tour, it can be booked separately at discounted rates during the tour registration process. The dramatic narrative and high-energy spectacle provide a stunning conclusion to any visit to Sentosa Island.
How to Join the Tour
Eligible passengers can register for the Free Singapore Tour: Sentosa Edition online via Changi Airport’s official website or at designated counters within the airport’s transit area. Registration requires:
- A minimum layover of 5.5 hours and maximum of 24 hours
- A valid entry visa for Singapore (if applicable)
- Transit at Changi Airport (both flights must be on the same day)
Each tour accommodates a limited number of travelers and is conducted in English, with two to three departures daily depending on demand.
Singapore’s Broader Tourism Goals
According to the Singapore Tourism Board, the new Sentosa transit tour is part of a broader strategy to revive inbound tourism, increase brand engagement among international travelers, and drive traffic to off-city attractions.
“Sentosa represents the best of Singapore’s blend of leisure, nature, and innovation,” said Ms. Tan Yen Nee, Director of Travel and Hospitality at STB. “By giving transit passengers this unique access, we are turning a wait into an experience—and showcasing what makes Singapore so special.”
Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has also supported the initiative as part of its masterplan to attract 39 million annual visits by 2030, with a mix of sustainable tourism, cultural programming, and green transport infrastructure.
Final Thoughts
For travelers passing through Changi Airport, the Free Sentosa Island Tour offers a rare and enriching opportunity to transform an otherwise idle layover into a mini tropical escape. With stunning coastal views, immersive sensory gardens, cultural displays, and the chance to relax on the beach, the Sentosa Discovery Tour is a powerful example of destination marketing done right.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer looking for a new transit experience or a first-time traveler hoping to taste Singapore’s essence, this free, hassle-free tour promises to deliver an unforgettable glimpse of what awaits beyond the airport gates.
Starting August 2025, Singapore invites the world to make every minute count—even in transit.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
