Sentosa - Key Tourist Spot in Singapore

Sentosa was once known as Pulau Belakang Mati,replacing the 25 years old Musical Fountain show.
in Malay "Island of Death from Behind". In a 1972It is the world's only permanent show set in the
contest organized by Singapore Tourist Promotionsea. It has a spectacular pyrotechnics displays, a
Board the island was renamed "Sentosa" meaninglive cast and an open air viewing gallery for 2500
in Malay "Peace and tranquility".visitors.
Sentosa has an area of 5 kilometre square and isSituated at the Imbian Lookout Sone, Carlsberg
located 0.5 km from the Southern tip of mainSky Tower is the tallest free-standing observation
island Singapore. 70% of the island is covered bytower in Asia. At 110m above ground, 131 meter
secondary rainforest. Sentosa is a habitat ofabove the sea level, it offers visitors a panoramic
monitor lizard, monkeys, peacocks, parrots andview of Sentosa, Singapore and the Southern
other native flora and fauna. It has a beachislands.
stretching 3.2 km.Merlion is a 37m high structure. It was opened in
Sentosa together with a neighbour island, Pulau1996. It recalled the story of Sang Nila Utama
Brani naturally plays an important role in protectingwho saw a lion in Temasek (sea town -
the Singapore Keppel Harbour which is one of theSingapore' old name). Visitors can take a lift up to
busiest harbours in the world, from monsoon and12th floor to view the city state.
rough sea.Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom is another
Historically, Sentosa is an important military spot.attraction. It has 15,000 butterflies with more than
It was fortified to protect the harbour and coal50 species. The Insect Kingdom houses some
stock. During World War II, Sentosa was used as3,000 species of rare insects from all over the
a British Military Fortress. Following the surrenderworld.
of Allied Forces on 15.2.1942, Sentosa became aCineblast is the only Singapore ride. It was opened
prison of war camp for Australian and Britishin 2007. It is a simulation ride which brings visitors
prisoners of Japan.on an extreme 3D long ride using the latest
In 1970, the Singapore Government decided totechnology. It is equipped with unique sound and
develop Sentosa into a holiday resort for locallight technology that is found in theme parks like
visitors and tourists. Since then, some S$420the Universal Studio in the United States.
million of private capitals and another S$500 millionFort Siloso which is situated at the West of the
of Government funds have been invested toisland was built by the British in 1880 to guard the
develop Sentosa.narrow Western entrance to Keppel Harbour. On
One of the attractions available in Sentosa is thedisplay are ammunition bunkers, barracks, gun
Underwater World & Dolphin Lagoon which isemplacements of the fort and collection of
an oceanarium located on the Western part ofphotographs, documents and film chips.
Sentosa. Opened in 1991, it has more than 250Visitors who like fun may join the new year eve
species from different region of the world. Theparty i.e Silos New Year Eve Splash held annually
oceanarium has 83m long travelator that movesat the Siloso Beach.
along a submerged glass windowed tunnel fromSentosa aims to be one of the world's most
which visitors can look at the marine lives likeluxurious holiday locations. It has the first Asia
sharks, turtles, fishes, coral etc. A Dolphin Lagoon,tourism academy. One of the Integrated Resorts
was included which houses some Indo-Pacific- Resorts World incorporating a casino is situated
humpback dolphins. "Meet Dolphin" sessions areat Sentosa. It costs S$5 billion to build. When it is
held daily.completed in late 2009, Sentosa will be much
Song of the Sea show was started in 2007more competitive in tourism industry in the region.