Sentosa is the resort island of Singapore. Visited by 20 million of people every year these days, Sentosa started as a very strategic island as it protected the passage into Keppel Harbour. In fact, during WWII Sentosa island was a British military fortress. Where we have a sheltered beach that hosts huge dance music festivals, the British set up artillery guns. However, all the preparations in Fort Siloso were not enough agains the Japanese, as they eventually invaded and captured Singapore from the north, after having done the same to Malaya (aka Peninsular Malaysia).
25 years later, in 1974, the Singapore Cable Car system was built, linking Sentosa to Mount Faber. A series of attractions were subsequently opened for visitors including Fort Siloso, Surrender Chamber wax museum, Musical Fountain, and the Underwater World. The causeway bridge was opened in 1992 connecting Sentosa to the mainland and in 2011, the Sentosa Boardwalk - that we crossed to get there - was inaugurated. Despite the large resort area, multiple hotels, amusement parks and stores, 70% of the island is still covered by secondary rainforest, the habitat of monitor lizards, monkeys, peacocks, parrots as well as other native fauna and flora. The construction of Resorts World Sentosa has kept environmental impact to a minimum.
Even if you feel "too old" for amusement parks, Sentosa offers a pleasant (free) walk to spend half a day without getting bored.
The boardwalk is nicely decorated and open - but also makes it possible to not walk at all, thanks to the automatic travelator.
Anyone can feel like a kid for one day in Sentosa.
The island is packed with orchid gardens and light decorations, during Christmas time.
They have gotten their own Merlion, much larger than the one at CBD.
Indian families come together.
Strange Gaudi-like fountain in the middle of the park.
Siloso Beach is the highlight waiting for you, after crossing the resort area. Swimming is limited to very specified areas - not sure it is because of security or simply because they like to control things in Singapore - still, it is quite a lovely place to hang out.
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