Siloso Beach Resort (SBR), a Singaporean-owned eco-resort in the heart of Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island, was a pleasant surprise during our recent visit for the International Media Marketplace (IMM) Singapore. Initially, I expected it to be just another typical Singapore hotel, but it turned out to be one of my most meaningful stays. The experience allowed me to connect with a local entrepreneur and dive deeper into the inspiring story behind Siloso Beach Resort.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
There are no hotel transfers at the airport, but you can take a Grab for S$50 or use public transport for less than S$15 and around an hour. From Changi Airport MRT Station (EWL), take the train to Tanah Merah (EWL) (East-West Line/EWL/Green Line to North-East Line/NEL/Purple Line) Outram MRT Station. Then transfer and take the MRT to HarbourFront MRT Station (NEL). You’ll arrive at the base of VivoCity, where you can go up and take the Sentosa Express to Beach Station. From there, it’s approximately a 10-minute walk or two beach tram stops to the resort.
It’s actually an easy and pleasant walk to Siloso Beach Resort, even with luggage, as you’re surrounded by lush trees that grow throughout the resort.
The resort was built with three guiding principles:
(1) preservation of the natural terrain,
(2) preservation of trees, and
(3) maintaining 70% of the area as uncovered, open space.
The resort is situated along a hillside and within a forested area. You enter through the café on the ground floor and head up to the reception area on the eighth floor. It can be a bit confusing at first, as you need to locate the lobby while managing your luggage.
You’ll quickly notice that many team members here have special needs, yet they perform their roles with dedication. Initially, you may feel frustrated by occasional lapses in attention or communication, but once you realize that the resort actively provides opportunities for individuals with special needs, you begin to appreciate—and feel awe for—their commitment to this noble mission.
“Environmental and sustainability” have often become overused buzzwords, but seeing the resort recognized for its efforts sparks curiosity about what truly sets this eco-resort apart.
I miss my kids because I know they would love the natural water pool with its waterfall and slides. Although Covid protocols require chlorine to clean the water, much of it is filtered or evaporates as the water cascades down. Imagine swimming in a natural spring pool surrounded by trees and nature. There’s also a jacuzzi-like pool heated by the exhaust from the air-conditioning system, ensuring no heat energy is wasted.
The location is fantastic, right at the center of Sentosa’s activities. Just outside is Sentopia, a short walk away is Skyline Luge, and a bit further is iFly Singapore.
Baristart, one of the best Japanese cafés using Hokkaido milk, is conveniently located just across from SBR.
A 7-Eleven is located on the ground level of the property, offering everything you need, along with quick snacks.
Best of all, as a beach lover, you’re right on Siloso Beach with a perfect spot to catch the sunset.
ROOM vs VILLA
The deluxe room is quite comfortable, spacious with large open windows with a view of the rooftop garden, the sea and nature that greets you good morning when you wake up.
The restroom is compact, designed without tiles to allow for easy cleaning by their hospitality team, many of whom have special needs.
I questioned why an eco-resort would still serve water in plastic bottles, and they explained that it’s the most sanitary way to serve water. However, guests can refill their own bottles at a filtered water station, with the spout protected from potential contaminants.
Next time you visit, check out the Roof Garden rooms, where you can sunbathe privately in the rooftop deck’s bathtub. Siloso Beach was once known as a nude beach, which isn’t allowed in Singapore, so they designed these rooftop garden suites on the eighth floor for guests seeking a similar experience.
Explore the private villas at Siloso Beach Resort for a perfect romantic escape.
I love how the villas are built on stilts to avoid digging and disturbing the roots. The design incorporates trees into the rooms, with many growing right through them. This villa even features an open-air bathtub, giving you the experience of bathing in the forest.
ECO TOUR
Take the eco-tour with Karl when you have the chance. He’ll guide you to the rooftop viewpoint and reveal the secrets behind the longest self-sustaining rooftop garden.
Get a chance to explore the garden and see its produce, including their own Carolina Reapers.
Of course, the garden can only supply a portion of the vegetables and herbs needed by the restaurant, but they strive to implement a closed-loop system.
Fruit and vegetable waste from the restaurant is fed to earthworms, which turn it into nutrient-rich castings. These castings are used as fertilizer to grow vegetables and herbs, which supply about 10% of the restaurant’s needs. This process is part of a closed-loop cycle, where waste is reused to contribute to the end product.
Yes, we had the opportunity to visit the wormery, where we saw how the worms decompose fruits and vegetables, turning them into rich fertilizer for the soil. Surprisingly, it doesn’t smell bad at all.
BREAKFAST & FOOD
It was great having breakfast with Mr. Kelvin and Clauds, learning more about the resort’s story. The owner is very friendly, and you can easily say hi and have a chat about the many things he’s passionate about.
The breakfast offers a Singaporean spread with healthy options. I love that they have siomai and siopao available. The selection isn’t huge, but you’ll find fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and eggs to start your day.
For the main dishes, try the Pineapple Fried Rice (S$16.90) with Chicken Satay (S$12.90).
The only downside to this eco-resort is that the food is just okay, with a mix of comfort dishes. They could benefit from adopting slow food principles, which would better align with their eco-resort philosophy.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, thank you to Mr. Kelvin Ng for making us feel at home at this Singaporean eco-resort and for sharing stories about its beginnings, advocacies, and aspirations. I’d love to return with the kids—this is the perfect place to stay in Sentosa, thanks to its prime location and its forest enclave surrounded by trees. The only area for improvement is the food, which could be elevated, but it’s still a good choice if you’re looking for something light, healthy, and local.
I can’t wait to return with the family; this is a wonderful place to teach the next generation about eco-conservation, working alongside people with special needs, and how an eco-resort like this can thrive in Singapore’s man-made jungle.
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: This article was written entirely by 100% human, with my own biases, opinions, and insights. It was then grammar-checked by AI.
P.S. My sister-in-law, Clauds, who is into dragon boat rowing in Singapore, uses SBR as a parking spot for their boats. They start their workouts as early as 5 a.m., using Siloso Beach as their takeoff point.
