Unlike Singapore, the island of Sentosa has something for everyone. Beaches for those who want to
enjoy the tropical sun, hotels for those with relaxing in mind and museums for those who want a look back into the past. Everything is within close proximity of each other, and one can travel around on foot or any of the shuttles which travel on predetermined routes. Some of the attractions in Santos are the Butterfly and Insect Kingdom, where there are over 3000 species for rare insects found all over the world, and an outdoor conservatory of more than 1500 butterflies from 50 species.
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The Merlion in the Heart of Sentosa |
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Fort Siloso, which was built to defend Singapore in the past from any attacks from the west. Now converted to an exhibit where there ar e life-sized replicas used to recreate important scenes in the history of Singapore. The Merlion, which is symbolic of Singapore, combining the head of a lion and the body of a fish, representing the fact that Singapore is also known as the Lion City, and Singapore's past of being a fishing village, can be found standing 37 metres high at Merlion Walk. Rather than just looking at it from afar, one can take a lift right to the top where one can have 360° view of Sentosa and Singapore’s southern shores. Other than these, there are a 2 golf courses, a musical fountain with a nightly shows created by lasers which reveal the secrets of Sentosa to the rest of the world, and VolcanoLand, a theme park.
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The Overhead View of the Beach |
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Cable Cars |
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| Despite being rather successful, the management of Sentosa has decided to improve its facilities and attractions, in order to attract even more visitors, thus boosting the tourism economy in Singapore. Some $3 billion will be pumped in to attract visitors for 2012. It’s not just glamour girls and shopping fun. Mr Gurjit Singh, Sentosa Leisure Groups property director said that there would be better and newer experiences for all. Sentosa aims to attract 8 million visitors yearly by 2012. Sentosa will also be divided into zones, north, south and the green spine. The northern zone will have a arrival plaza, food, entertainment, a theme park and an underground car park. |
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A scene at the Palawan Beach |
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| Work is expected to be complete by the middle of 2005. The southern zone will include Palawan and Tanjong Beaches. There will be food and retail outlets and an underground car park. The green spine of the island, with historical buildings and a secondary forest, will be re-adapted for public use. |
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A bridge linking to the Southernmost Point of Asia Continent |
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| Harbour front project is a $2 billion projected which will comprise of offices, accommodation, cruise and ferry terminals. Theme parks, pubs and many other entertainment outlets will also be built. |
Further Plans
Amara Sentosa
This is a 125 room boutique resort that occupies 2.1 ha of land and includes old colonial buildings.
Cost: $60 million
Completion date: 2007 The Knolls
A six star, luxury resort will be built on a 12 ha site. It’s estimated cost is $150 million and it expected to be completed in 2008.
Sentosa Express
It is a light rail system that will link Sentosa to mainland Singapore via the North-East line at Harbour Front MRT Station. It is air-conditioned and will comprise of 3 stations, the northern entertainment belt, the central forested area and the third, Southern Beaches. It will replace the current monorail train.
Cost: $140 Million
Completion Date: 2006
Sentosa Cove
This will be Singapore’s only ocean front residence and it will blend |
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The Monorail Train |
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retail, residential and maritime amenities with a 117 ha cove. When complete it is expected to hose 10 thousand residents. It will also include a marina which is capable of holding 240 yachts and other commercial units.
Cost: $4 billion
Completion: 2008 |
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Sentosa
