Sentosa
| Sentosa |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Names: | |||
| English: | Sentosa | ||
| Chinese: | 圣淘沙 | ||
| (Pinyin: | shèng táo shā) | ||
| Malay: | Sentosa | ||
| Tamil: | satasa | ||
Sentosa, which means tranquillity in Malay, is a popular island resort in Singapore, visited by some two million people a year. A major tourist attraction, it hosts a sheltered beach of more than two kilometres in length on its southern coast, a musical fountain which uses the interaction of lasers against water particles to create three-dimensional images, and historical fortifications in Fort Siloso, dating from World War II. There are also two golf courses and two 5-star hotels.
History
This island was once a fishing village known as Pulau Blakang Mati, which in Malay means the "Island (pulau) of Death (mati) From Behind (blakang)". During the Second World War, it was a British military fortress containing Fort Siloso.
The British set up defending artillery guns in Fort Siloso which were then pointed to the south, facing the sea in expectation of a seaward Japanese assault. However, the Japanese eventually invaded and captured Singapore from the north, after having done the same to Malaya (now known as West or Peninsular Malaysia).
Following the surrender of the Allied Forces on February 15, 1942, the island became a prisoner of war camp, housing Australian and British prisoners of the Japanese.
In 1967, the British, gave Sentosa to the newly independent government of Singapore. A year later, the government decided to develop the island into a holiday resort for local visitors and tourists. It was renamed “Sentosa”, which means tranquillity in Malay, from a suggestion by the public.
Geography
The island has an area of 5 square kilometres. It lies just half a kilometre (a quarter of a mile) away from the southern coast of the main island of Singapore. It is Singapore’s fourth largest island (excluding the main island). 70 % of the island is covered by secondary rainforest, the habitat of monitor lizards, monkeys, peacocks, parrots as well as other native fauna and flora. The island also has 3.2 kilometre stretch of white sand beach. Significantly large portions of land are currently being added to Sentosa due to land reclamation.
Transport
Sentosa can be reached via a short causeway or cable car, which originates on Mount Faber and passes through HarbourFront, Singapore en route. Now, it is also accessible by a S$140 million Sentosa Express between Sentosa and the main island's train system. The Sentosa Express commenced operations on 15 January 2007. Now, visitors can easily transfer onto the Sentosa Express from VivoCity, which is in turn served by HarbourFront MRT Station on the North East Line. The journey takes four minutes. An uninterrupted chain of public transport will exist between Sentosa and some of the more remote towns in Singapore.
Within Sentosa there are four bus services, identified as Blue, Yellow, and Red lines, and a tram service called the Beach Train. A shuttle bus also connects the mainland and Sentosa from the HarbourFront Bus Interchange to the Visitor Arrival Centre at Beach Station. Tickets for the shuttle are sold at HarbourFront Bus Interchange for S$3 per ticket.
Since 1998, passenger cars have been allowed to enter the island.
Attractions
Sentosa offers a variety of attractions and museums providing different experiences to visitors.
- Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom
Stroll through the lush surrounds of the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom and allow 1,500 live butterflies – from over 50 species – to flutter about you as you enjoy the cool outdoor conservatory. Watch the blossoming of new life at the Live Pupae house or admire up to 3,000 species of the world's most beautiful and rare insects, which includes the largest Dynastes Hercules beetle ever recorded – all 160mm of it!
- Cable Car
S$9.90/ Adult, S$4.50/ Child for a one-way trip from HarbourFront Tower 2 S$10.90 / Adult & S$5.50 / Child for a return trip. (Child 3 - 12 yrs old)
S$15 / Adult & S$8 / Child for Glass cabin return trip. Log on to www.mountfaber.com.sg for more details.
Operating hours: 8.30am - 11pm daily
- Fort Siloso
Singapore's only preserved coastal fort stands as an important window to our colonial past and a poignant reminder of the war years. It has the largest collection of World War II memorabilia with life-sized replicas, interactive exhibits and even authentic aromas are lovingly recreated. Visitors can browse through more than 245 photographs, documents and film clips on display. When 'classes' are over, head out into the sunshine and examine actual 17th century guns and cannons, or explore the old tunnels. And while you're here, be sure to check out two new docudramas about the war years, three new routes and some brand-new exhibits, guaranteed to make history leap out at you.
- The Dolphin Lagoon is home to some Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins where visitors can observe their skills and intelligence in the water.
- Sentosa 4D Magix
For a mind-blowing interactive experience, nothing beats Sentosa 4D Magix! Built at a cost of S$3.5 million, this state-of-the-art theatre offers you a whole new generation of movie magic. Through the synchronisation of a full spectrum of visual effects, surround sound, individually-controlled motion seats and special "live" environmental effects such as water spray, all your senses will be fully engaged like never before! For more information on Sentosa 4D Magix, visit http://www.sentosa4Dmagix.com.sg
- Sentosa Luge & Skyride
Sentosa brings you the first ever luge in Southeast Asia. Part go-cart, part-toboggan, pure excitement – the luge is a fun-filled gravity ride that's safe for all ages. With a unique steering and braking system that allows you to make the ride as leisurely or as exciting as you want. Jump on the Sentosa Luge & Skyride and brace yourself for a brand new island resort adventure!
What's more! - Experience the Night Sentosa Luge & Skyride! If you love the day luge, you will find irresistible with the night ones! Sentosa Luge & Skyride now operates from 10am in the morning all the way till late at night. Come on, discover this new experience now!
- Sky Tower
Singapore's tallest observatory tower offers panoramic views at 131 metres above sea level across Singapore, Sentosa, Southern Islands, right up to neighboring Malaysia and the Indonesian islands. The Sky Tower has a capacity of 72 in its enclosed, air-conditioned cabin. Day or night, views from the tower promise to be both scenic and breathtaking. Located adjacent to the Sentosa cable car station, the Sky Tower is a key point of interest and forms a distinctive landmark as it soars above the surrounding natural greenery. Tower height: 110m View height: 131m from sea level Tower column diameter: 2.5m Foundation diameter: 15m Cabin capacity: 72 persons
Operating hours/Ticket Sales: 9am - 9.30pm (last ride 9.45pm)
For more information on Sky Tower, visit http://www.skytower.com.sg
- Songs of the Sea
Get ready to fall under the spell of a new nightly extravaganza set in the sea. Songs of the Sea brings you a mesmerizing show with a live cast and dramatic effects pyrotechnics, water jets, brilliant lasers, special computer imaging, bursts of fire, captivating music and stunning flame bursts.
Come on, be the first to experience the splendour of Songs of the Sea today! It's a one-of-a-kind entertainment that's not to be missed.
The Story Li, a young man gifted with a charming voice, is singing by the sea with his friends when he is stunned by the sudden vision of a beautiful sleeping girl, Princess Ami. Guided by a group of mischievous Sea Creatures, Li learns that she’s under the spell of an enchanted village...
What happens next? Come find out for yourself!
Songs of the Sea is a rain or shine event.
» Quick Facts to Songs of the Sea
- The Flying Trapeze
The first of its kind in Singapore, The Flying Trapeze aims to set the scene for more excitement and fun for the guests and visitors to Sentosa. This magnificent activity will provide for both audience participation and fantastic entertainment. It is an excellent form of sport and recreation and it helps develop one's mind, body and coordination. But most importantly, it also helps conquer one's fear of height. Pregnant ladies and individuals with medical conditions are discouraged from flying. Minimum age: 4 years Minimum number required to fly on trapeze: 3
- The Merlion & Merlion Walk
Get ready for a fascinating encounter with the biggest replica of Singapore's most enduring symbol - The Merlion. Standing at 37 metres high, this half-lion, half-fish creature brings you to the depth of the sea as you walk side-by-side with legendary sea dragons and mythical mermaids. Relive the origins of the Merlion in an enchanting animation feature and discover what fortune lies in store for you at the mouth of the Mercubs. Get a glimpse of the Merlion view where you will be rewarded with a 360° view of Sentosa and Singapore's southern shores. From the Mouth Gallery Viewing Deck on level 9, you can even spot Singapore's impressive skyline.
When you're done gazing at the splendid views, head out the back and stroll down the Merlion Walk, a 120-metre-long Gaudi-inspired mosaic walkway.
- Underwater World
The Underwater World oceanarium on Sentosa is home to more than 2,500 fishes from 250 different species. Start your tour with the Touch Pool for some 'hands on' experience with starfish, stingrays and if you dare, baby sharks. Then venture into the ocean depths via a moving travellator that ferries you through an 83-metre-long acrylic tunnel. All around you, sharks, stingrays, eels and schools of fish glide past – engrossed in their own world. For those who don't mind getting wet, interactive programmes such as 'Dive with the Sharks' or 'Dive with the Dugong' are available upon advance booking. "Dive with the Sharks" Package Come nose to nose with our ever-vigilant sharks and colourful marine life on a fun-filled discovery into the underwater world!
Admission: S$95/person (inclusive of admission to Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon) Advance booking is required. For more information or booking, please call (65)6275 0030. Subject to availability of dates and timing.
For more information on Underwater World, visit http://www.underwaterworld.com.sg.
Future development
Future plans for Sentosa aim to establish it as one of the world's most luxurious holiday locations, with a SGD$10 billion masterplan for the future involving the construction of private housing, the aforementioned partial redevelopment of Siloso Beach, and Asia's first tourism academy. This large scale island redevelopment projects are expected to complete in 2012.
The largest impact is expected to be from a family-oriented Integrated Resort, with a casino at its core. This world-class Integrated Resort is expected to be completed in 2009. A resort operator/developer will be chosen by the end of 2005. Development of the resort will be financed privately and will not receive any government subsidies.
External links
- Sentosa official website
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