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Some say, the most Singaporean thing to do is to plan ahead. And plan they did — decades ago, conceptualising and transforming what was once Pulau Belakang Mati (or the ‘island of death from behind’ in Malay, watched over by a British fortress until 1967 when it was returned to the local government), into what is now the resort island of Sentosa.
Translated as peace and tranquillity, the word Sentosa still resonates on the island that bears its name. But holidaymakers who wash up on its shores and find a room in one of its many, sprawling hotels, also look forward to visiting the Universal Studios Theme Park and the spectacular SEA aquarium.
The few days that we spend on Sentosa, however, can hardly be described as tranquil. From roller-coasting through fireballs at Universal in search of The Mummy’s lost book to watching a New York City-styled Hollywood parade and taking a selfie next to the resident Merlion, action follows us around like a fellow traveller. Even lunch is beset with the possibility of adventure — with only a glass barrier between eating and being eaten by manta rays.
Sentosa, while just a hop, skip and jump away from Singapore’s city centre, is almost a different country — a pleasure island immersed in its own world of distractions; one where public transport is free too. You would do well though to bring along a loaded wallet and credit cards, especially if you’re of the ‘family tourist’ mould. Sample this: a day pass for Universal costs S$74 for adults (and S$54 for children between four and 12), for the Water Park it’s S$36 (S$26) and S$38 (S$28) for the SEA aquarium. It’s mostly money well-spent though — unless you have a bad day at the island’s casino, of course.
In the four years since it first opened doors, Resorts World Sentosa has become so popular, that even the locals arrive in droves over the weekend. Our Italian guide Eros Ceino, who has lived in the City State for more than two decades and has seen Singapore and Sentosa evolve in as many years, says, “The pace of life in the city has become faster, people are now looking for places where they can go relax and have a good time. Places like Sentosa and Gardens by the Bay in the city offer just that.”
Led by Ceino, we begin taking in the sights and sounds of this city within a city (a hive of activity that belies its modest girth of five km sq). Sure we experience leisure here, but at what seems like the speed of light. Perils of being a journalist, I guess… Most tourists who come to Sentosa don’t go to such lengths to take it all in at once. They are usually found lazing by the pools of their luxury hotels. Those so inclined, also take a tour of the British Fort Siloso, a strategic site during World War II. Of special interest to the Indian tourists here are the displays of the fort’s history in which Subash Chandra Bose also played a part. Bose visited the city when it was under Japanese occupation in 1942.
Another attraction, especially for Indians living in a landlocked city such as Delhi (like this writer) is the three-km-long beachfront girdling the island. Although on reclaimed land and created using sand from countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, the beach is as good as real. And what better way to mark a tropical holiday than to plunge into a cold blue sea.
Leaving the sun behind on the beach (and the merry employees of an Indian television channel on a ‘bonus tour’ here), we choose an elaborate meal at the Mövenpick Hotel; a delicious parting gift from Sentosa — an island that has clearly defied the circle of life.
TRAVEL LOG
Get There
There are plenty of carriers, from Singapore Airlines to Indigo, which operate flights from major Indian metros (about ₹ 30,000 return). From the airport take a taxi to Sentosa, if you’re tired. Else, take an MRT to the harbour front station (exit B) followed by a cable car ride.
Stay
The Resorts World Sentosa has 15 hotels. Choose one that fits both your budget and style ( >sentosa.com.sg ). We stayed at the Festive Hotel, tailored for families — with loft beds and expandable sofas (about S$300 per night; >rwsentosa.com ).
BL InkTip
If you’re here on a Saturday, visit the Boardwalk Bazaar, a stylised flea market on the waterfront.
(The writer was on an invitation from Singapore Tourism Board.)
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