Visiting Singapore with autistic children? I highly recommend that you take out some time to explore Sentosa Island. Sentosa Island with autistic children is one of our favourite trips we have ever taken. Sentosa Island, located off the southern coast of Singapore, is a popular destination offering a mix of beaches, attractions, and entertainment. For families travelling with autistic children, careful planning can help ensure a pleasant and enjoyable visit. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your trip to Sentosa Island.
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How to get to Sentosa Island
From Singapore Airport
- Taxi: The most convenient option is to take a taxi from Changi Airport directly to Sentosa Island. The journey usually takes around 25 minutes.
- Airport Shuttle: A shuttle service from the airport to major hotels on Sentosa Island is also available, which can be a cost-effective option.
- MRT and Monorail: You can take the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) from the airport to Harbour Front Station, then transfer to the Sentosa Express monorail, which takes you directly onto the island.
- Private vehicle: You can also arrange private transfers in advance, of course. I prefer to use GetYourGuide wherever I go because they are a reliable tour operator with connections almost everywhere.
We took a taxi from Singapore Changi Airport straight over to Sentosa Island because that is where our first stay was in Singapore. It was really late at night and we found the route we took to be so quiet. It was a surprise – that is why I mention it!
Where to stay
When visiting Sentosa Island with autistic children, we stayed in an accommodation complex that I believe is gone now: Costa Sands Resort. It was a budget option on the island and had a Eurocamp vibe. There were BBQ’s anyone could use, lots of outdoor communal areas and a beach. It had a little path that lead down to the beach. It was a lovely place – but also the first time I felt unbearably hot in Asia as we were in bunk-bed cabins and no matter what, they just would not cool down.
Watch our vlog from the accommodation here.
Family-Friendly Activities in Sentosa Island
Universal Studios Singapore
A theme park with various attractions and shows. It offers sensory-friendly experiences with quiet areas and disability services to help manage overstimulation. You can grab your tickets via GetYourGuide here.
S.E.A. Aquarium
One of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring a calming environment with underwater exhibits. The dim lighting and soothing aquatic displays can be very engaging and relaxing for children. We visited the S.E.A Aquarium with our autistic son in 2017 – the little monkey fell asleep within minutes of us going in and slept the entire time in his stroller! David and I had a really lovely time here. You can book tickets for the aquarium here.
I’ve sadly lost all of my travel videos and photos from before 2019 and only have whatever I could grab off our travel Facebook page. I seem to have nothing from the aquarium! Gutted.
Sentosa Beach
Provides open, sensory-friendly spaces where children can play and relax. Palawan Beach is particularly family-friendly with shaded areas and calm waters. Our hotel was really close to the beach, minutes from it, maybe not even a minute! I am not 100% sure that you are allowed to swim on these beaches but we took a quick dip and moved on.
Adventure Cove Waterpark
A water park with various slides and attractions. Quieter zones and areas allow children to enjoy water activities in a more controlled environment.
Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom
Offers a tranquil environment featuring a variety of butterflies and insects. The lush greenery and gentle displays provide a sensory-friendly experience.
Fort Siloso Skywalk
An elevated walkway offering panoramic views of the island and the sea. The open-air environment and scenic views can be both stimulating and calming. I loved this experience. It is totally free and is accessible even with a stroller because there is a left (elevator for the Americans reading)!
There is an area at one side of the bridge where there is a glass panel in the floor that you can look through to the ground far down below.
KidZania Singapore
An interactive city where children can role-play various professions. The structured, engaging environment provides a fun and educational experience.
Sentosa Nature Discovery
A nature-themed attraction offering educational exhibits and interactive displays. It’s an opportunity for children to explore and learn about local wildlife in a quiet, controlled setting.
Palawan Pirate Ship
A water play area designed like a pirate ship, located at Palawan Beach. It includes slides, water cannons, and climbing structures. The playful and water-based environment can be both fun and sensory-friendly for children. This was a real highlight for us on Sentosa Island. The ship is a splash park for kids. It is also completely free to use.
Skyline Luge Sentosa
A fun, gravity-fuelled ride where children and parents can navigate down tracks at their own pace. The activity offers a controlled, engaging experience with the thrill of a luge ride.
Madame Tussauds Singapore
A wax museum with lifelike figures of famous personalities. Interactive exhibits and photo opportunities make it engaging, with manageable sensory input. Book your place in advance with GetYourGuide.
Trick Eye Museum
An interactive museum with 3D art installations. The tactile and visual experiences can be engaging and suitable for children who enjoy creative and sensory activities.
Mega Adventure Park
Featuring zip lines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses. For children who enjoy physical activity, the structured environment can be stimulating and fun. Book your Mega Adventure Park tickets here.
Siloso Point
Includes Fort Siloso, where families can explore historical exhibits in an open, spacious setting. The environment offers both educational and sensory-friendly experiences with plenty of space to move around. This was a really amazing find on Sentosa Island. Siloso Fort is an old British Army fort. It is now an open museum.
Our Favourite Sensory-Friendly Experience in Sentosa Island
Imbiah Lookout
A collection of attractions, including the Sentosa 4D AdventureLand, where children can enjoy sensory-friendly 4D experiences and interactive shows. We went here one evening and there was a neon party happening. There were so many cool lights and glowing things. There was neon glowing paint for everyone free to use. Watch our vlog from Imbriah Point here.
Getting Around Sentosa Island with Autistic Children
We walked everywhere, this is probably some of our biggest days for walking on our entire trip but it is so easy to get around and it is super accessible with strollers. We only used transport to get onto the island and then to leave again with all of our bags.
Is Sentosa Island Autism-Friendly?
Sentosa Island is a relatively autism-friendly destination, with several attractions and services tailored to meet the needs of visitors on the autism spectrum. The island’s focus on hospitality, coupled with growing public awareness and sensitivity, makes it a welcoming place for families. While some areas can be crowded, especially during peak times, careful planning—such as visiting during quieter hours and choosing appropriate accommodations—can help ensure a positive experience. Overall, Sentosa Island is a suitable destination for those looking for an autism-friendly vacation spot.
Things That Make Sentosa Island Stand Out
- Getting to and around Sentosa Island is relatively straightforward. The island is connected to the mainland via monorail, buses, and even a cable car. These transportation options are generally accessible, though they can become crowded during peak times. For a more controlled environment, taxis or private transport options are available.
- Universal Studios Singapore: The park offers an accessibility guide that includes information for visitors with sensory sensitivities. While it can be crowded, staff are generally accommodating, and there are quiet areas available for those who need a break.
- S.E.A. Aquarium: This attraction is known for being relatively quiet and calming, making it a popular choice for visitors with autism. It also offers sensory-friendly options, such as less crowded visiting hours.
- Sentosa Beaches: The island’s beaches, such as Palawan and Tanjong Beach, offer quieter spaces where visitors can relax. Early mornings or weekdays are ideal times to visit to avoid crowds.
- Resorts and Hotels: Many of the island’s resorts and hotels are aware of the needs of families traveling with children on the autism spectrum. They may offer quiet rooms, special accommodations, and even tailored activities to make stays more comfortable. It’s advisable to contact the hotel directly to discuss specific needs before booking.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Plan Ahead: Research each location and contact them to discuss any special accommodations your child might need. If you can plan to arrive after check-in time you should, or try to arrange an early check-in.
- Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
- Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download. Consider using our Singapore PECS to add to your Singapore trip.
- Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.
Our short trip to Sentosa Island with autistic children was filled with intensive exploring. We saw so many of the free exhibits on the island in a really short time, and I don’t think we possibly could have seen anything more. Watch our YouTube videos of our trip to Singapore here. We always find ourselves speaking about Sentosa Island and plan to return during our Asia trip in January 2025.
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