Visiting Sentosa in Singapore on 2024 New Years Eve holiday
Sentosa Fast Facts
- Sentosa was once known as Pulau Blakang Mati, which in Malay means the “Island (pulau) of Death (mati) from Behind (blakang)”.
- The island has an area of 5 square kilometers.
- It is visited by about five million people a year.
Out of all the Singapore islands, Sentosa seems to be the most jam packed on New Years Eve 2024. It has attractions ranging from tours to resorts and plazas. You could call it the head island because you have to request permission from Sentosa if you want to camp or stay overnight at Kusu Island, St John’s Island, Sisters’ Islands and Pulau Hantu. The Singapore Land Authority has chosen Sentosa to manage the offshore islands.
What’s the mystery behind Sentosa?
The island is mysterious because it has gone through several name changes. It was called Pulau Panjang (long island) before 1830. But an 1828 sketch of the island reveals that it was also referred to as Po. Panjang. In 1834, Bennet stated that the name Blakang Mati was given to the hill on the island by the Malay villagers.
From stories of murder, piracy, and even warrior spirits, there are plenty of explanations that people give. There must be an exciting reason behind the naming of this island, but there doesn’t seem to be one exact answer. Captain Edward Lake proposed a name change to “Island of St. George” in 1827 but it didn’t happen. Surprisingly enough, the name Sentosa won a 1972 name change competition for the island as it meant “peace” and “tranquility” in Malay.
What can visitors do at Sentosa?
Visitors can check out the Imbiah Lookout, head over to Animal & Bird Encounters or the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom. They can ride over to the Cable Car Arrival Plaza or swim in the Dolphin Lagoon. Visitors can tour Fort Siloso or have some more action-packed fun on the Gogreen Segway® Eco Adventure. They can go see why the Images of Singapore was the winner of the 2005 Themed Entertainment Association Award.
They can have a high-class movie experience at either 4D Magix or CineBlast; both give cinema a new look and make viewers feel that they are living in the movie! Come rain or shine, the “Songs of the Sea” is a spectacular performance that many would not want to miss. Not wanting to spoil the story, you should just rely on the mystery behind its name!
Are there any sports venues?
Visitors might want to first go to the Sentosa Luge & Sky Ride for some excitement or the Sentosa Golf Club for tranquility. The Luge & Sky Ride has a bumper-boat-tobagan mixture that you have to see to believe, while the Sentosa Golf Club boasts two championship 18-hole golf courses! Or if visitors (as young as four) have ever felt awe when watching a flying circus act, they will love trying out The Flying Trapeze!
After some sports actions, visitors can have a gratifying experience by seeing the Merlion or go on the Merlion Walk. Last but not least, the Tiger Sky Tower is Singapore’s tallest observatory! It offers a beautiful panorama of Singapore, Sentosa and the Southern Islands. Seventy-two individuals can fit in its cabin and it is available day and night. It is located next to the Sentosa Cable Car Station.
Relax on the beaches
There are three beautiful beaches for visitors. Palawan Beach has a suspension bridge to the most southern part of Continental Asia. There are a several beach bars on Palawan with full wireless internet access. For kids, Captain Palawan visits on public holidays, Children’s Day and every Saturday and Sunday.
Children can help him find his lost treasures and special birthday celebrations can be reserved. Siloso Beach is the most athletic of the three. Volleyball enthusiasts have made it their home because it has four volleyball courts, and other active people like to visit because of the canoeing, rollerblading, and mountain biking. Tanjong Beach is said to be very peaceful for those who like to layout and read a book.
Dine and shop in comfort
There are plenty of beach bars, restaurant, and cafés & bistros. There is also a Sentosa business dining guide. There are twelve shopping venues and they are as follows:
- Billabong @ Siloso Beach
- Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom Retail/Souvenir Shop
- Cable Car Arrival Plaza Retail & Souvenir Shop
- Chng Kee’s Spice of Life (Images of Singapore)
- Dolphin Lagoon Retail/Souvenir Shop
- Images of Singapore Shop
- Island Life Shop
- Kodak’s Digital Photo Services
- Oscar & Co.
- The Merlion Shop
- The Quarter Master Store
- Underwater World Retail/Souvenir Shop
They are too many to go into detail here, but they definitely are worth going into when visiting Sentosa.
Tips for Travelers
- There are seven high-class hotels: Amara Sanctuary Resort, Capella Singapore, Costa Sands Resort, Rasa Sands Resort, Siloso Beach Resort, Treasure Resort, and the Sentosa Resort & Spa. There are also three spas: Fish Reflexology at Underwater World, the Health Club Spa, and Spa Botanica.
- Stay tuned for information on Resorts World.
- Check out the latest on the Sentosa website.
