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Sentosa will make the perfect new home for expats who want and can afford a luxury lifestyle. Sentosa is Singapore’s resort island with housing options available in a 2,600-home development named Sentosa Cove. The island hosts entertainment options and theme parks.
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Are you hoping to find a work-life balance that allows for recreation and relaxation in your own neighborhood? Then you will want to check out the information in this guide about Sentosa!
In this guide, we will discuss tips for living in Sentosa, dining, shopping, and education. We’ll also cover topics like healthcare, the island’s history, transportation, and the pros and cons of living on the resort island.
Introducing Sentosa Singapore To Expats
If you wish to live at a resort, then Sentosa is the expatriate destination for you. Sentosa is a smaller island off the coast of the main island of Singapore. The island is dedicated to tourism but also features a neighborhood of homes popular with expats.
History And Background Of Sentosa
Sentosa became a part of Singapore in the 1960s, and the land eventually became dedicated to tourism. In 2003, Sentosa Cove, a neighborhood of villas, mansions, and condominiums launched. Now expats can live in paradise year-round!
Although the island’s popularity has waxed and waned over the decades, Singapore has renewed efforts to keep Sentosa relevant in today’s modern world. This means that Sentosa is a perfect home for expats who want adventure and relaxation at their doorstep.
Living In Sentosa As An Expat
Living a luxurious life in Sentosa as an expat means paying the luxury price tag. That’s not a problem if you have a career or investment profile that affords you these luxuries. Housing in Sentosa is expensive.
Housing In Sentosa Singapore
Housing in Sentosa is expensive whether you choose to rent or buy. There are mansions, condominiums, bungalows, and villas available on the island of Singapore. Expats who live here are sure to love the gorgeous housing built within the last couple of decades.
Renting a Home in Sentosa
Renting a condo in Sentosa costs about S$3.2 to S$7.8 per square foot per month. That’s USD $2.37 to $5.77 per square foot.
Units come in various sizes, but we will list a couple of unit sizes and their possible rent ranges for reference.
- A 2,820-square-foot unit would be USD $6,683 to $16,271 per month.
- A 4,779-square-foot unit would be USD $11,326 to $27,575 per month.
Buying a Home in Sentosa
Purchasing a home in Sentosa will cost tens of millions of dollars. Last year, oceanfront bungalows sold for S$2,300 to S$2,400 per square foot. Bungalows in less desirable regions sold for S$1,700 to S$1,800 per square foot.
In USD, that means the oceanside homes are selling for about $1,776 per square foot. Since many of the homes are spacious villas and mansions, the total cost is really high. Many of these properties also present investment opportunities.
Visas For Expats To Singapore
To obtain a visa for Singapore to live in Sentosa as an expat, you must meet the criteria for a permanent residence visa.
To qualify, you must be a:
- Spouse of a citizen or a permanent resident of Singapore
- Minor child of citizens or permanent residents of Singapore
- Aged parent of a citizen or permanent resident of Singapore
- Foreign investor in Singapore
- Student studying in Singapore
- Have an employment pass
Remember that male permanent residents will be required to register at 16.5 years old and be scheduled for enlistment at age 18 unless exempt.
Sentosa Tips For Expats
Follow these tips for expats to get the most out of living in Sentosa, Singapore. Make sure that you’re ready to conduct your life’s day-to-day business in another country and currency. Be conscientious and respectful of other cultures.
- To maximize your experience, sign up for a free Islander Membership to earn rewards, access exclusive deals, and gain dedicated parking
- Respect others to make space for the collection of religions, beliefs, and cultures in Singapore
- Even if you are eligible for some health coverage through your employer, obtain supplemental insurance like international health insurance to maximize health coverage abroad
- Many cultures within Singapore value cooperation and humility more than individualism and pride
- American culture and the way of speaking directly may be offensive in some cultures within Singapore. Avoid singling out people and chastising in front of others.
- To be safe, avoid touching jellyfish on the beaches and follow all of the beach safety guidance
Dining And Entertainment In Sentosa
Expats in Sentosa will have plenty of options for dining and entertainment. Resorts World Sentosa manages the island, and Sentosa includes one of the world’s largest oceanariums and a Universal Studios theme park. There are also many upscale eateries to enjoy.
Entertainment In Sentosa
Entertainment on the island of Sentosa includes Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and Dolphin Island. Each attraction is loaded with some of the best fun available worldwide.
- Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore is located in Sentosa. The theme park features six themed zones: New York, Hollywood, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, the Lost World, and the Kingdom of Far Far Away.
- S.E.A. Aquarium
You won’t want to miss the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa. It’s one of the world’s largest aquariums. There are many programs and experiences available through the S.E.A. Aquarium.
- Adventure Cove Waterpark
Another exciting entertainment option in Sentosa includes the Adventure Cove Waterpark. The park features mellow activities like Adventure River and adrenaline-inducing experiences like the Riptide Rocket.
- Dolphin Island
Dolphin Island is the chance of a lifetime to interact with bottlenose dolphins! The opportunity includes education about the Indo-Pacific dolphins and a variety of programs.
Dining In Sentosa
Many restaurants are available at the resort, and a wide array of cuisines are available. You can find options from Japan, the West, and Asia. You can also find Halal options, quick bites, and bars. There are also several signature restaurants featured at the resort.
Here are the Signature Restaurants:
- CHIFA! Celebrates Chinese-Peruvian cuisine
- Feng Shui Inn features authentic Cantonese dishes
- OCEAN RESTAURANT offers modern European fare and a breath-taking view of manta rays while dining
- Soi Social presents Thai cuisine and Happy Hour in a new and exciting way
- Syun is the perfect place for expats to experience Japanese cuisine
- table65 is an award-winning eatery with modern European options
Shopping And Markets In Sentosa
Shopping in Sentosa is limited, but there is a supermarket and a couple of malls. For a wider variety of options, expats living in Sentosa must travel to the main island of Singapore. There is an abundance of tourist-themed shops in Sentosa.
The most recommended supermarket in Sentosa is Cold Storage Sentosa Cove. This is where most of the residents and visitors get their groceries.
Malls on the island include The Forum and Sentosa Cove Village. Both malls are well-liked by reviewers in general on Google Maps.
Cultural And Recreational Activities In Sentosa
Sentosa offers easy access to Singapore and its rich variety of cultural events and recreational activities. On the island itself, residents can enjoy the many beaches and ocean views abundantly available on the resort island.
There are abundant festivals, events, and locations throughout Singapore to explore the many ethnicities within Singapore’s population. Many people come from China, India, Malaysia, and other parts of Asia and the world.
Recreational Activities On Sentosa
Beaches in Sentosa are gorgeous places to walk, explore, or build sandcastles. In addition to the natural beauty and everyday recreation, there are many other recreational opportunities. We’ll list some of the most popular.
- Sentosa Golf Club
- Palawan Beach for swimming and the famous rope bridge
- Siloso Beach hosts live music, kayaking, and beach sports like soccer
Education And Healthcare In Sentosa
Education and Healthcare options within Sentosa are limited due to the tourist-focused nature of the community. Expats living in Sentosa may choose to travel to the main island of Singapore for healthcare and education needs.
There is an international school in Sentosa called EtonHouse International School. The school serves children in Preschool through Primary School. Older children will need to attend a school in another area of Singapore.
On the island of Sentosa, Parkway Shenton Medical Clinic is available. For major concerns or care, expats must travel to one of Singapore’s medical centers or hospitals in the city. Make sure that you have international health insurance to cover medical expenses while living abroad.
Transportation For Sentosa
Relying on public transportation is your best option for traveling in Singapore. Traffic is congested, many roads have tolls, and parking a car is expensive. You can reach the island of Sentosa by catching a bus to the island.
Another option is to use Singapore’s Cable Car to get to and from the main island of Singapore to Sentosa. Walking and cycling are other ways to explore the island without missing any of the exquisite views.
If you do want to have your own car, make sure you have parking available where you are staying.
Pros And Cons Of Living In Sentosa
The biggest downside to living in Sentosa is the cost of living. However, expats that can afford Sentosa are sure to love the island paradise and its many opportunities to both relax and find an adventure.
Pros of Sentosa Living
- Oceanside living
- Scenic views
- Vacation-style living
- Modern amenities
- Ample entertainment and dining options
- Investment opportunities
Cons of Sentosa Living
- The exorbitant cost of living
- Busy tourist destination
- People are constantly coming and going
Conclusion
Sentosa is the oasis we all dream of living within! Expats who call this resort island home are sure to enjoy the restaurants and theme parks available and the unbeatable ocean and beach views.
If you’re in love with Sentosa but not sure you can afford it or are ready to deal with the tourists, check out some of the other places for expats in Singapore.
If you are looking for another option on the coast, read our guide for East Coast Singapore. If you want to be closer to the Central Business District, check out the guide for Serangoon, Singapore.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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