Nature in Sentosa
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[edit] Dragon Trail
Complementing the Nature Walk is the Dragon Trail, which adds a touch of legendary mystery to the natural surroundings. You can find recreated remains of the Twin, Rock and Earth Dragons, each adorned with an interesting fable.
[edit] Enchanted Growth of Tembusu
This Enchanted Grove covers two hectares at the southwest corner of the beautiful Fountain Gardens. Its cluster of majestic Tembusu trees and MacArthur palms are perhaps best viewed at night when suffused with the magical glow of the moon and fairy lights.
[edit] Fountain Gardens
Located next to the Ferry Terminal, the Fountain Gardens is so named because of its three special fountains that create water effects of different patterns and heights. When the fountains are illuminated at night, the garden becomes a truly marvellous sight to behold. From the corner pavilions are paths leading up to the highest terrace, which can be turned into an open-air stage or mini amphitheatre. Modelled after Villa Gamberaria – a 17th century Italian garden – the theatre is ideal for small-scale drama, musical performances and pageants.
[edit] Herb & Spice Garden
Sentosa Herb & Spice Garden boasts a collection of more than 250 species of traditional herbs and spices - making it among the most comprehensive in Singapore and the region. Organically grown, these herbs & spices are widely used in cooking, beverages and homeopathic cures. Part of the garden is open to public as a free attraction on the island. For a more in-depth tour of the exclusive section of the garden, you may join the Green Pharmacy & Culinary Herbs Guided Tour.
Tour is available on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays at 2 timings: 10.30am and 3.30pm. Tickets can be purchased at Visitor Arrival Centre, Cable Car Arrival Plaza or the Herb & Spice Garden.
Each tour lasts approximately an hour, and costs only $9 per person. Tours are subjected to weather conditions, and availability of spots.
For a private guided tour through the Sentosa Herb & Spice Garden, contact the Education Officer at: Tel: 1800-SENTOSA (736-8672) or Email : education@sentosa.com.sg or you may contact Martin Cheng at 9678 1869
[edit] Lost Civilisation & Ruined City
Re-live the bygone eras and revel in the mysteries of an ancient culture at the Lost Civilisation. The gateway into the tribal village zone takes the form of stone structures carved with grotesque representations of deities in semi-human form. Linear footpath and cycle tracks provide a modern day linkage into these exotic remnants of the past. At Ruined City, exotic remains testify the existence of a glorious civilisation, thousands of years ago. A hieroglyphics-adorned gate, marks the entrance into the city filled with mythical motif, carved lions and even guillotines!
[edit] Mount Imbiah
A short detour leads to the summit of Mount Imbiah where the remnants of British pre-World War II gun emplacement still stand today. At 60 metres above sea level, this scenic lookout point commands some fabulous sea views of the Western Anchorage. Originally used as an "examination battery" to screen merchant vessels before they enter the Singapore harbour, the battery was abandoned in the 1930s.
[edit] Nature Walk
The 1.5-km Nature Walk starts from the Cable Car Arrival Plaza, and meanders through a secondary rainforest, giving you a closer look at Sentosa's flora and fauna. Look out for interesting vegetation like the insectivorous pitcher plants and Tembusu trees among others. You may also catch sight of long-tailed macaques, squirrels, geckos, and over 20 species of birds.
[edit] Southern Islands
Planning a quiet respite away from the city? Try island-hopping! Head down south to the offshore islands – Kusu Island, St John's Island, Sisters' Islands and Pulau Hantu - for that much deserved break. These islands are perfect spots to do some swimming, sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling and even fishing. While a regular ferry service plies to Kusu & St John's Islands, the other islands are only accessible by hired boats. Pulau Hantu is accessible by hired boats from West Coast Pier.
For overnight stay or camping, please obtain prior approval from Sentosa, which is the agent for managing these offshore islands for the Singapore Land Authority.
[edit] Kusu Island
Kusu Island, which means "Tortoise Island" in Chinese, is also known as Peak Island or Pulau Tembakul in Malay. From 2 tiny outcrops on a reef, the island was enlarged and transformed into an 8.5-hectare island holiday resort.
Legend has it that a magical tortoise turned itself into an island to save 2 shipwrecked sailors - a Malay & a Chinese. Each year during the ninth lunar month (falls around Sep to Nov according to the Lunar Calendar), thousands of devotees flock here for their annual Kusu Pilgrimage to pay homage for good health, peace, happiness, good luck and prosperity.
On the island is the popular Chinese temple - Da Bo Gong (The Merchant God or God of Prosperity). Built in 1923 by a wealthy businessman, the temple houses 2 main deities - the Da Bo Gong and Guan Yin. The former is highly regarded as having the power to confer prosperity, cure diseases, calm the sea and avert danger, while Guan Yin is known as the 'giver of sons'.
Ontop the rugged hillock stand three Kramats (holy shrines of Malay Saints) to commemorate a pious man (Syed Abdul Rahman), his mother (Nenek Ghalib) & sister (Puteri Fatimah) who lived in the 19th century. Many devotees will climb the 152 steps leading to the Kramats to pray for wealth, good marriage, good health and harmony. The shrines are also popular with childless couples who would pray for children.
Located just 5.6km away from Singapore, Kusu Island is also well loved for its blue lagoons, pristine beaches and tranquil settings. Visitors can pay a visit to the wishing well and Tortoise Sanctuary as well.
Overnight stay is not allowed on Kusu Island.
[edit] St John's Island
Situated approx. 6.5km south of Singapore, St John's Island (previously known as Pulau Sekijang Bendara) makes an idyllic getaway to get a glorious tan, a picnic on the sandy beach, explore off-beaten treks around the island or simply laze away by the lagoon.
The 39-hectare island is also a haven for a host of flora and fauna. Tropical Marine Science Institute, Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore's Marine Aquaculture Centre are also located on the island.
Holiday-makers yearning for an island stay can book the Holiday Bungalow, which comes comfortably furnished with a kitchen. It can accommodate up to 10 persons.
Period of Stay Holiday Bungalow (Non-School Holidays Rates)*
Tue - Fri: S$52.50
Fri - Mon: S$105
One week: S$131.25
Period of Stay Holiday Bungalow (School Holidays Rates)*
Tue - Fri: S$105
Fri - Mon: S&210
One week: N/A
For organised groups, stay over in cosy dormitories at the Holiday Camps which can take up to 60 persons. Equipped with basic cooking facilities, you can even do your own cooking or BBQ. Bookings are open to only organised groups.
Period of Stay (Holiday Camp Rates)*
Sun - Thurs: S$63 per day
Fri, Sat & eve of public holiday: S$105 per day
* Prices inclusive of 5% GST
A refundable S$30 deposit is required upon booking. For bookings and enquiries, please call the 1800-SENTOSA (736 8672) from 9am - 6.30pm daily.
Overnight stays are only allowed for occupants at the Holiday Bungalow and Holiday Camps.
[edit] Sisters' Islands & Pulau Hautu
[edit] Sisters' Islands
A long time ago, there lived a pair of sisters, Minah & Lina, who shared a bond so strong that nothing could separate them. But one day, the notorious chief of the Orang Laut met and fell in love with Lina. Despite the sisters' pleas, the chief took her away and forced her into the sampan. Just then, the sky turned dark and a storm broke out. As Minah made a final attempt to save her sister from leaving the jetty, a large wave came and engulfed her. On seeing this, Lina freed herself from her captors and jumped into the sea to join Minah. The storm subsided but nowhere could the sisters be found. Instead, two islands emerged from where they had drowned. Called Subar Laut (3.9 ha) & Subar Darat (1.7ha), the two small islands are now known as Sisters' Islands. It was said that every year on that very day when the sisters turned into islands, there will always be storm and rain.
[edit] Pulau Hantu
There were once two great warriors locked in a fierce battle at sea. Many people died and the blue seas slowly became polluted with human blood, upsetting the Jinns at the bottom of the ocean. In anger, one powerful Jinn created a whirlpool and sucked the 2 warriors into the deep sea to drown them. Not deterred, they continued their battle. Suddenly, the Jinn sprayed water on one of them, and the other warrior seeing his opponent blinded, thrust his sword into his abdomen. At the same time, the wounded warrior forced his sword into the other man. Both collapsed and died.
The gods felt it was wrong for the seas' spirits to interfere in human affairs, thus, the Jinn transformed the two warriors into islets so that their spirits can continue to live on them. As one of the warriors was smaller than the other, his islet was known as "Pulau Hantu Kecil" while the bigger one was called "Pulau Hantu Besar".
For overnight camping on Sisters' Islands and Pulau Hantu, please write to the Executive (Southern Islands Management), Sentosa, at fax:62750161 or email administrator@sentosa.com.sg with details on camping date, choice of island, applicant's name & contact number & number of campers. A camping permit will be issued for checking by the Marine Police. Please bring along your own camping equipment.
