Sentosa Island is one of the most famed places to visit in Singapore and millions of tourists from across the world visit this grand island resort each year. The island stretches for about five kilometers with over three kilometers of white sandy beaches. It is the fourth largest island in Singapore and is located a quarter mile off the southern coast of the mainland. The Singapore mainland is connected to the Sentosa Island via a causeway while one can even take the cable car from Mount Faber. The Sentosa Express started in January 2007 also takes you to and fro the mainland.
Sentosa, which in Malay means ‘peace and tranquility’, is believed to be known as the ‘Island of Death’ a translation of its former name, Pulau Blakang Mati. Although it is not quite surely known whether it is Sentosa that was known by this name or whether it was the neighboring island. Also there are several interpretations as to why the island was once known as the Island of Death. We shall however concentrate on the brighter and entertaining aspects of the Sentosa Island, which forms a definite inclusion in a tourist’s sight seeing itinerary when in Singapore.
Some of the interesting sites at Sentosa Island include the Fort Siloso, which protected the western borders of Singapore from foreign attacks. The Underwater World and Dolphin Park started in 1991 is home to over 2,000 marine creatures from around the world. The Dolphin Park features humpback dolphins and the visitors are allowed to see the dolphins at close quarters. The Butterfly Park comprises of more than 15,000 live butterflies housed in a natural garden. Also one can visit the Insect Kingdom that displays over 3,000 species of insects from across the globe.
The Megazip Adventure Park atop Imbiah Hill, Sentosa Luge and Skyride, Gogreen Segway Eco Adventure, Wave House Sentosa and the Azzura Beach Club are some fun places to visit. At 110 meters the Tiger Sky Tower gives an excellent view not only of the island, but also of neighboring Indonesia and Malaysia. The interesting beaches include the Siloso Beach and the Palawan Beach both of which comprise of bars and eating places for visitors coming to these fantastic beaches. The third, the Tanjong Beach is a secluded beach and sometimes used by people to host private parties.
Resorts World Sentosa, which is a family resort with its Universal Studios Singapore theme park and a casino, opened its doors to the public only recently in February 2010. The resort has been designed as a great entertainment area for families as a whole. The famous Merlion statue is also an important landmark of the Sentosa Island, like it is in Singapore. Sentosa also offers two huge golf courses and plays host to the Barclays Singapore Open. There is a lot for everyone to do at Sentosa Island while it is a fabulous holiday destination for families.
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Photo by transcend provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
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