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📷: Sentosa island (Canva Pro)
🌅#DidYouKnow that Sentosa Island was once known as 'Pulau Blakang Mati,' or “the island behind which lies death”? According to some, Sentosa was infested with pirates in the past, leading to frequent looting and bloodshed, thus lending it its ominous name. In the late 1960s, the island was proposed to be redeveloped for commercial use, and a renaming contest was held in 1972. The name Sentosa – meaning ‘peace and tranquillity’ in Malay – emerged as the overall winner.
During World War II, Sentosa played a significant role as a defence outpost and military base. Today, Fort Siloso is Sentosa’s only remaining coastal fort and the only complete fort in Singapore. One would be able to see an intricate network of tunnels, gun batteries, and bunkers in the fort that saw action during the battle at this military museum which is accessible to the public.
Other former World War II buildings which have been converted for hospitality include Capella Singapore (which hosted the historic 2018 North Korea–United States Singapore Summit) and The Barracks Hotel. #TIL that the building which now hosts Madame Tussauds Singapore was a former hospital for British troops!
Beyond its façade, Sentosa is also home to a rich biodiversity, with approximately 20 hectares of coastal marine habitats and 40 hectares of protected nature areas and more than 24 heritage trees. In fact, one can commonly see peacocks strutting around on Sentosa island, which is believed to have the largest number of peacocks in a single location in Singapore!
From a military base to a 500-hectare island resort with an exciting array of themed attractions, award-winning resort accommodation, lush greenery, golden sandy beaches, world-renowned championship golf courses and deep-water yachting marina and luxury residences, Sentosa’s transformation and continued renewal is something we can all take pride in.
Fun fact: No island admission fees are charged if you enter via the Sentosa Boardwalk! Let us know your favourite memories of Sentosa in the comments below.