Sentosa
| Sentosa | |
|---|---|
| Waters | Singapore Strait |
| Geographical location | 1 ° 14 '51 " N , 103 ° 49' 49" E |
 |
|
| length | 4.7 km |
| width | 2.3 km |
| surface | 5 km² |
Sentosa is a small Singaporean island that can be easily reached from Singapore. Through land reclamation , Sentosa has grown to five square kilometers (as of 2006). The island, which was formerly used as a British military base, is now a recreational area for the people of Singapore with many gardens and numerous amusement options and, above all, a main tourist attraction: In 2005 Sentosa was able to count over 5 million visitors for the first time.
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origin of the name
The island was called "Pulau Belakang Mati" by the Malay inhabitants, which means something like "the island of the dead" or "the island of death". Various theories exist as to the origin of this name: One suggests that murder or piracy led to it in the island's past. A second theory is that a malaria epidemic originated in the late 1840s that wiped out almost the entire population of the island. A third theory relates the name to the island's barren soil.
In 1972 the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board renamed the island Sentosa as part of a competition. The name comes from the Malay language and means something like "rest" or "peace".
history
Before 1945
The island became strategically important in the 19th century as it controlled the entrance to Keppel Harbor . Plans to fortify the island as part of Singapore's defensive measures were drawn up as early as 1827, but only implemented around 1880, when the port's rapid growth led to fears of enemy attack. A total of four forts were built on the island: Fort Siloso , Fort Serapong, Fort Connaught and the Mount Imbiah gun emplacement.
In the 1920s, Japan emerged as the main threat to British interests in the Far East. In 1921 the British Overseas Defense Committee decided to expand Singapore as a naval base due to its strategic location. The main fleet was stationed in Europe and should leave for Singapore in the event of a threat.
The success of this strategy depended on Singapore being able to defend itself until the fleet arrived. Since an attack was expected either from the sea or from Johore , the defense strategy was aligned accordingly. By 1939 a total of 12 artillery positions had been built along the coast. This also included the four forts on Sentosa, which were reinforced accordingly. So Mount Imbiah were and later Fort Connaught with BL 9.2 inch - guns equipped. Fort Serapong and Fort Siloso each received two BL 6 inch Mk VII guns. Contrary to popular belief, 10 of the 12 forts could fire both seaward and landward.
During the Second World War, the island was converted into a fortress by the British. Expecting an attack by the Japanese from sea, additional south-facing guns were placed in Fort Siloso . However, these proved to be useless as the attack by the Japanese came from the north via the Malay Peninsula . However, the guns were used to destroy the company's own oil facilities so as not to let them fall into the hands of the advancing Japanese. After the Allies capitulated in Singapore, the island was used by the Japanese as a prison camp, in which mainly British and Australian soldiers were interned. During the Japanese occupation, there were repeated attacks on the Chinese population: In some cases, individuals were indiscriminately accused of being involved in the anti-Japanese resistance. a. executed on Sentosa Beach.
1945–1972
After the end of World War II, the British Navy was unable to maintain its permanent presence in the region due to cuts in the defense budget. The fleet was therefore concentrated in Singapore to protect the remaining British colonies in the Far East and Australia from there.
In 1947 Sentosa became the base of the First Singapore Regiment of the Royal Artillery (1st SRRA). In addition, recruits were trained on the island for the service of the British Army stationed in Singapore. In 1957 the 1st SRRA was dissolved and the guns in the forts were dismantled. They were replaced by Gurkha infantry units: First the "2 / 7th Duke of Edinburgh's own Gurkha Rifles" and later the "2 / 10th Princess Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood's own Gurkha Rifles". Fort Siloso was converted into a Catholic center and Fort Serapong into a Protestant church. Fort Connaught fell into ruin.
During the Konfrontasi , a conflict between Malaysia and Indonesia in the early 1960s, the 2 / 10th Gurkha Rifles defended the island against saboteurs. After the end of the conflict and the withdrawal of the Gurkhas, the island was handed over by the British to the Singapore Armed Forces of the newly founded state of Singapore in 1967 . The island now became the base of the Singapore Naval Volunteer Force . The School of Maritime Training and a Naval Medical Center were also built.
Since 1972
In the early 1970s, the Singapore government decided to convert the island into a recreational area. The name was changed to Sentosa. On September 1, 1972, the Sentosa Development Corporation was also founded, which should control and monitor the development of the island in the future. Since then, over S $ 420 million in private capital and an additional S $ 500 million in state capital has been invested in the island.
Further expansion of the island is also planned for the future: The government of Singapore is planning to develop Sentosa into one of the world's most luxurious holiday resorts. To this end, a master plan was drawn up that extends into 2012 and includes investments of S $ 10 billion. The master plan sees u. a. the construction of luxury apartments in Sentosa Cove in the east of the island, a partial renovation of Siloso Beach, the opening of the first tourism academy in Asia and the construction of the "Resort World at Sentosa", a gigantic family and entertainment resort with a conference center, a casino, another eight hectare saltwater aquarium and a Universal Studio Theme Park.
geography
The island has an area of five square kilometers and is half a kilometer south of the main island Pulau Ujong . It is the fourth largest island (excluding the main island) in Singapore. 70% of the area is covered with rainforest, in which u. a. Monkeys, lizards and numerous species of birds such as peacocks and parrots can be found. The island has a 3.2 km long white sandy beach on the south side.
Sentosa is divided into four regions: In the west is the region "Siloso Point", in the middle "Imbiah", in the south "Beach". The largest region, "Serapong", occupies the entire east. Through land reclamation on the east side of the island to be increased considerably currently. There, residential complexes are to be built on the island for the first time in "Sentosa Cove".
Attractions
Sentosa offers a number of interesting attractions such as museums, shows, casinos and nature experiences to both the local population and tourists.
Fort Siloso
Fort Siloso is the only preserved artillery fort on Sentosa. It was built from 1880 together with two other forts (Fort Serapong and Fort Connaught) and the gun emplacement on Mount Imbiah by the English in the west of the island as part of Singapore's defenses. In 1942 the fort was equipped with two 6 inch BL MK VII guns.
The name comes from the Filipino word "Sesloso", which means something like "jealous". Today Fort Siloso is a museum in which, in addition to extensive bunker systems, various historical guns are shown. This includes:
- The 9.2 inch BL gun, one of the heaviest guns England developed for World War I. After the war it was mostly used to defend coastal facilities, including Mount Imbiah on Sentosa.
- A 13 inch mortar
- A 6 inch BL MK VII gun
- A 64 pound RML gun
- A 7 inch RML gun
- A 12 pound rapid-fire anti-aircraft gun
Life under the Japanese occupation is also shown in an extensive exhibition. The surrender chamber shows the surrender of Singapore to the Japanese in 1942 and that of the Japanese to the Allies in 1945.
Tiger Sky Tower
The Tiger Sky Tower opened (as the Carlsberg Sky Tower) on February 7, 2004 and is located in the Imbiah region in central Sentosa. With its height of 110 m above ground and 131 m above sea level, it is the highest free-standing observation tower in Asia and offers visitors a panoramic view of Sentosa, Singapore and the Southern Islands off Singapore. When the sky is clear, the view extends to Malaysia in the north and Indonesia in the south. Around the tower there is a large, air-conditioned cabin equipped with panoramic windows that moves up and down the tower. The cabin has 72 seats and rotates slowly to give all visitors a panoramic view.
Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom
Over 15,000 butterflies of more than 50 species can be admired in the Butterfly Park. The Insect Kingdom is home to around 3,000 species of insects from around the world, including the 160 mm Dynastes Hercules beetle. Almost all specimens are shown as specimens.
Sentosa 4D Magix
This cinema, which was built for S $ 3.5 million, offers a combination of 3D effects, moving seats and additional effects such as fog or drizzle. In addition, actors are integrated into the program. The cinema is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon
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Underwater World is a saltwater aquarium in the western part of Sentosa. Opened in 1991, it shows visitors 250 species of marine animals from around the world, including corals, rays, moray eels, turtles, sharks and a wide variety of fish. The total of 2,500 animals can be observed from an 83 m long, underground tunnel through the Ozeaneum. On December 6, 2006, three more attractions opened in Underwater World:
- A pool in which rays can be touched and fed
- An exhibition of reef animals
- The “Fish Reflexology” spa, in which certain types of fish nibble off the dead skin on the feet of spa guests.
The Ozeaneum also has a dolphin lagoon on Palawan Beach, where humpback dolphins can be seen. Several times a day, a limited number of visitors can step into the waist-deep lagoon and swim with the dolphins.
Songs of the Sea
This show opened on March 26, 2007 and replaced the 25 year old Musical Fountain Show. A pile village was built directly in the sea as a backdrop. The show is performed by professional actors and includes a. spectacular fireworks. A total of 2,500 spectators can enjoy the spectacle in the tribune.
Cineblast
This 3D motion cinema was opened in June 2007 and offers visitors the latest simulation technology. Are shown u. a. Driving through tunnels or falling from a great height.
Merlion and Merlion Walk
The combination of mermaid (mermaid) and lion (lion) to the merlion is the official tourist symbol of Singapore. It is reminiscent of the 13th century legend of Prince Sang Nila Utama , who met a lion in Singapore, then known as Temasek. This then led to the name Singapore (City of the Lion).
A number of Merlion statues are scattered across Singapore. The statue in Sentosa, erected in 1996, is the largest with a height of 37 m. In the entrance area, a film show u. a. tells the story of Prince Sang Nila Utama. An elevator then takes visitors to an observation deck on top of the statue.
Behind the Merlion is the Merlion Walk, a 120 m long path to Siloso Beach, on which colorful sea animals are depicted.
Sentosa Luge and Chairlift
This 650 m long summer toboggan run ends at Siloso Beach. A chair lift takes you back to the starting point.
The Flying Trapeze
This attraction offers those interested the opportunity to try their hand at trapeze artists.
Nature Walk-Dragon Trail
This 1.5 km long nature trail leads over Mount Imbiah and gives the visitor a glimpse into the flora and fauna of the rainforest. In addition to various species of birds, monkeys and carnivorous plants can be observed.
Sijori Wondergolf
Sijori Wondergolf is a miniature golf course. A total of 54 lanes can be played in three different 18-lane courses, two of which correspond to international standards.
Images of Singapore
In this exhibition, excerpts from the history and life of Singapore are shown in four sections (Four Winds of Singapore, Singapore adventure, Singapore celebrates, Celebration City).
beaches
Sentosa's beaches are located on its south side and are divided into three sections: Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach and Tanjong Beach. All beaches are artificial, the sand was obtained from Indonesia and Malaysia and filled up. Numerous restaurants and bars on all three beaches provide guests with food and drinks.
Palawan Beach
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Palawan Beach is the middle of Sentosa's three beaches. A suspension bridge leads to a small offshore island on which the southernmost point of continental Asia is located. An observation tower on the island offers a good overview of the beach.
Siloso Beach
Siloso Beach is the western beach. It is known for beach volleyball and other sports activities such as canoeing, mountain biking and rollerblading. The Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort is located on the western edge of the beach.
Tanjong Beach
Tanjong Beach in the east is comparatively quiet. The crescent-shaped beach is partly used for special events or beach parties.
Hotels
Among others, there are the following hotels and resorts on Sentosa:
- Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa is a 5-star hotel. It's right on the west end of Siloso Beach and has 459 rooms.
- The Sentosa Resort & Spa in the eastern part of the island is another 5-star hotel with 214 rooms.
- Costa Sands Resort consists of a number of chalets and 15 cabins. The resort is located on a hill overlooking Siloso Beach.
- The Treasure Resort was formerly called Sijori Resort and is a 64 room hotel. It is next to the Merlion and the Sijori WonderGolf.
- The Siloso Beach Resort was opened in 2006 and offers 182 rooms. It is located on the eastern edge of Siloso Beach.
- Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa is another 5-star hotel in the center of the island with 121 rooms.
- The Capella Singapore, a 5-star resort with 170 rooms. This resort consists of two restored bungalows, which were built as casinos for British officers in the 1880s, when Singapore was the British Crown Colony, and extensions designed by the architectural firm Foster + Partners . On June 12, 2018, the summit meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un took place on the subject of the end of the North Korean nuclear weapons program .
Events
Barclays Singapore Open
This golf tournament is held annually on the golf course of the Sontosa Golf Club in the east of the island. With prize money of US $ 5 million in 2009, it is one of the most highly endowed tournaments in Asia.
Sentosa Balloon Hats Festival
At this festival, which was held for the first time in 2004, school bands march from Tanjong Beach to Palawan Beach along the stand. A big concert will take place there. The participants wear self-made balloon hats, each school being represented by its own design. At the end of the event, the participants pop the balloons. At the same time, a large number of balloons are released.
The event grew out of an attempt to set a world record in the largest gathering of balloon hats. Today the festival is a major event with events, performances and promotions across Singapore held before the actual march in Sentosa.
Beach parties
The “ZoukOut” stand party of the Zouk Club takes place every year on Siloso Beach, where around 20,000 partygoers from all over the world celebrate the night away.
The “Siloso NYE Splash” New Year's Eve party also takes place on Siloso Beach every year, attracting around 15,000 guests.
Sentosa Flowers
Since February 2005, this exhibition of flowers and herbs has been held in the Fountain Gardens during the Chinese New Year. The exhibition is accompanied by numerous other activities such as photo competitions or a market for hobby gardeners.
Transport links
Cable car
To develop tourism in Singapore, it was decided in 1968 to build a cable car connection from Mount Faber to Sentosa via the HarbourFront intermediate station. Construction of the S $ 5.8 million system began in 1972 and was completed with the inauguration on February 15, 1974 by Deputy Prime Minister Goh Keng Swee .
The system consists of a suspension rope and a pull rope, which are held or guided between the stations by a support tower. The spans are 300 m between Mount Faber and the first support tower, from there 400 m to the HarbourFront station, a further 500 m to the second support tower and 450 m to the Sentosa station. The passage height for shipping is 61 m. The doors of the originally 43 cabins had to be opened and closed manually by employees of the operator. In 1976 the number of cabins was increased to 51. In the same year, the cable car was seen in the US television series Hawaii Five-O . At the end of the 1970s, it also became the scene of the world's first mass marriage in a cable car.
On January 29, 1983, there was an accident when a Panamanian oil platform hit the suspension cable and cabins crashed. A total of seven people were killed.
In 1988 the ten millionth passenger was registered. In 1994, the old cabins were replaced by 80 new ones within 25 days, which doubled the transport capacity to 1,400 passengers per direction and hour. Just one year later (1995) the number of people transported was 20 million, after two more years (1997) it was 25 million. In the same year the stations on Mount Faber and Sentosa were also overhauled.
In 1999, cabins with glass floors were introduced worldwide for the first time. Today the system consists of a total of 81 cabins, each of which can transport a maximum of six passengers at the same time. The travel speed of 4 m per second results in a travel time of 4 minutes for the Mount Faber-HarborFront route and 5.5 minutes for the HarbourFront-Sentosa section. With the short stop at HarbourFront, the total trip takes 12 minutes.
The cable car was modernized until the second quarter of 2010. Meanwhile, a shuttle service was set up between the 3 stations. Each cabin can now accommodate 8 people. In addition, the cabins are now barrier-free , which makes it easier for wheelchair users to get on. Furthermore, there is now the possibility of booking a so-called VIP cabin (4 people) for an extra charge.
Road connection
In 1992 a bridge was opened between the main island of Singapore and Sentosa, but it was closed to private cars because the island was to be kept "car-free". In 1998 this strategy was changed and the bridge was opened to general traffic. In addition, a number of parking lots and multi-storey car parks were built.
In addition, three bus lines (blue line, yellow line, red line) and a "Beach Train" operate on the island.
Sentosa Express
The Sentosa Express is a monorail that connects Sentosa with the main island of Singapore.
Web links
- Official website of Sentosa , English, Chinese
- Website about Fort Siloso , English
Individual evidence
- ↑ Singapore Cable Car Ride. Mount Faber Leisure Group, accessed August 31, 2012 .