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Published July 17, 2008 on December 23, 2019

Sentosa Resort Island Reinvented

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by Luc Citrinot

The most famous beach resort destination in Singapore is located along Sentosa Island. Famed for its giant Merlion and its theme parks, Sentosa is also home to some of Singapore finest beaches. Although artificially created with sand imported from Indonesia and Malaysia, the 2km-long sheltered beaches offer a place to relax surrounded by resorts such as the Shangri-La or the Siloso Beach Resort.

Other beautiful resort hotels include the Mövenpick Heritage Hotel Singapore, the five-star luxury Capella Singapore located in former British barracks, Resorts World Sentosa, the Hard Rock Hotel, Le Méridien, the W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, some being located on hills surrounded by rainforest and overlooking Singapore Harbor.

However new developments are on the map with an expansion of the resort island and its merging with nearby Brani Island to create a reshaped larger Sentosa. The process is due to stretch over the next 20 to 30 years and will integrate Sentosa and Brani into a larger redevelopment project called the ‘Greater Southern Waterfront’, a mega waterfront along the Singapore southern coast

Both Brani and Sentosa are already linked together by a bridge. Pulau Brani is for now used as a cargo facility with Brani Terminal welcoming every day dozens of cargo ships. However, maritime cargo is due to move to the new Tuas mega port by 2027, leaving spaces for new developments.

Last September, the first key milestone of Sentosa Brani Master Plan has been unveiled. The plan is due to turn Sentosa Island turned into an enhanced leisure and tourism destination, according Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC).

The Sentosa-Brani Master Plan will be rolled out in phases over the next two to three decades. It will see both islands receiving with new world-class attractions as well as fresh night-time attractions. The new spaces will reflect authenticity and sustainability – including rejuvenated beaches and nature trails through five distinct zones – Vibrant Cluster, Island Heart, Waterfront, Ridgeline, and Beachfront.

“The Sentosa-Brani Master Plan is one of our tourism developments to position Singapore as a leading destination for the next few decades. Sentosa Sensoryscape is the first project under this Master Plan. It will complement the expansion of Resorts World Sentosa and subsequent infrastructure enhancements on Sentosa and Brani. Our tourism industry has plenty of scope for further growth and rejuvenation,” said Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Education, Mr Chee Hong Tat.

The new 30,000 sqm Sentosa Sensoryscape will link Resorts World Sentosa in the north to Sentosa’s beaches in the south through a multi-sensory experience. It will be started by the end of 2019 for a completion in 2022.

Sentosa Sensoryscape will feature a series of novel, picture-worthy vessel-like structures, measuring some 25 m wide and 13 m tall. Each of these will be framed by unique architectural features, around human five senses through various elements such as polyphonic water features, mist as well as fragrant flowers and plant species.

Authorities promise that the future construction site will not disturb visitors to Sentosa island numerous attractions including the very popular Universal Studios Park.

However, among the new attractions being created, Sensoryscape will make a first victim among the existing attractions. The giant statue of the Singapore Merlion, which has been greeting visitors for over 25 years, will be demolished to give way to the new infrastructure…

Singapore other beaches

If Sentosa captures travellers’ attention and is a real magnet for visitors, they are alternatives for beach lovers in Singapore. Beyond Palawan, Siloso and Tanjong beaches in Sentosa, beach addicted travellers can enjoy the family-style atmosphere of Changi beach while watching landing aircraft at neighbouring Changi Airport; Pasir Ris Beach is another family-style relaxed beach area, famed for locals looking for a picnic place.

A very popular –and often crowded during week-ends- beach area is the East Coast Park established in the 1970s. Along its 15-km long beaches, sport activities are offered while trails for trekking and bicycles as well as Cable Skiing and skating have been created. They are also many seafood restaurants which are famous among Singaporean foodies.

 

Pulau Ubin, Kusu Island with its turtles sanctuary or Punggol Beach offer a more serene atmosphere, far from the vibe of the metropolis and considered as offbeat destinations. Ideal to escape for a day from bustling shopping malls in town!