Mastering Sentosa 2026: Minion Land & Resident Perks

At a Glance

• New Opening: 'Minion Land' officially opened at Universal Studios Singapore on February 14, 2025.
• Free Attraction: Entry is free for 'Sentosa Sensoryscape,' a 30,000㎡ multi-sensory walkway.
• Resident Perks: Use the Islander Membership for free island admission and 4 hours of free parking.

Living in Singapore, the weekly struggle of deciding where to take the kids is all too real. You might think you've seen everything Sentosa has to offer, but the island has completely transformed for 2025 and 2026. I recently checked out the latest updates myself, and there are so many perks and important changes that you might miss if you don't plan ahead.

In particular, the newly opened Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore (USS) is so well-designed that it captivates adults just as much as kids. From the best resident-only benefits to tips on avoiding the parking nightmare, here is a detailed 2026 guide for your next family day out.

New Attractions and Changes for 2025-2026

The biggest news is undoubtedly Minion Land. Having officially opened on February 14, 2025, it took over the former Madagascar zone and is packed with excitement. You definitely shouldn't miss the 'Despicable Me Minion Mayhem' 4D simulator and the world’s first 'Buggie Boogie' carousel.

• Minion Land: A new zone within USS featuring various attractions and Minion-themed treats.
• Sentosa Sensoryscape: A massive 30,000㎡ walkway connecting Resorts World Sentosa to the beach—and entry is free! Between 7:50 PM and 9:40 PM, you can enjoy the 'ImagiNite' light show, which is even better when experienced through their AR app.
• Singapore Oceanarium: The former S.E.A. Aquarium has been expanded and rebranded as the Singapore Oceanarium, with a stronger focus on marine conservation and interactive zones.
• The Palawan @ Sentosa: A lifestyle destination at Palawan Beach featuring 'HyperDrive' (indoor electric go-karts) and 'UltraGolf' (an 18-hole mini-golf course).

Transport and Island Admission Comparison

While there are many ways to enter Sentosa, the best method in 2026 is to leverage resident benefits. However, it’s helpful to know the standard pricing to plan your trip effectively. Here is a quick comparison:

Notably, the Pokémon-themed Cable Cars are running from November 22, 2025, to April 30, 2026. During the day, you can ride in adorable Pokémon cabins, and at night, you can join the 'Night Adventure' to find hidden Pokémon using UV torches—a huge hit with the kids!

Essential for Residents: The Islander Membership

If you live in Singapore, the Islander Membership is a must-have. It’s free to join, and the rewards get significantly better as you earn points. For those driving to Sentosa on weekends, this is a lifesaver.

• Explorer Tier (Free Sign-up): The basic level where you start earning 1 point for every SGD 1 spent.
• Insider Tier (400 Points): Once you hit this level, you get unlimited free island admission and 4 hours of free parking at selected car parks (excluding RWS).
• Priority Tier (5,000 Points): Includes a free one-night staycation voucher and priority access to various events.

You can easily track and earn points via the 'MySentosa' app when dining or visiting attractions. Reaching the Insider tier is easier than it sounds—a couple of family meals are usually enough to hit 400 points.

Practical Tips Before You Visit

Finally, here are some practical tips I’ve picked up through experience. Managing parking and the weather is key to a successful Sentosa trip.

• Parking Alert: The Beach Station car park is undergoing renovation from October 2025 to January 2026. Parking spaces will be severely limited, so save yourself the headache and park at VivoCity, then take the monorail in.
• Use the App: Download the 'MySentosa' app beforehand. It’s essential for managing your membership, checking real-time shuttle bus wait times, and using the AR features at Sensoryscape.
• Booking Strategy: USS Minion Land and the Oceanarium fill up quickly during school holidays (March, June, September, and December). I recommend booking at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance.
• Beat the Heat: Sentosa often feels much hotter than the mainland. While the lower deck of Sensoryscape has ceiling fans, the upper deck is exposed to direct sunlight. Umbrellas and portable fans are absolute essentials.

References

• Sentosa Development Corporation
• Resorts World Sentosa Official Updates
• Mount Faber Leisure Group - Cable Car Info
• The Smart Local - Sentosa Guide 2026

Exchange rate: 1 SGD ≈ 1,152 KRW (As of Feb 7, 2026)