Sentosa - which means "peace and tranquility". It's a very beautiful Island of Singapore and is full of Attractions and Adventures. It has 2 Five Stars Hotel, Golf Estate, Fort, Resorts and two-kilometer long sheltered beach with lots of nice clubs, pubs, restaurants and longue, which will indeed leave you in SWEET BLISS.
In yesteryear, Sentosa was known as Pulau Blakang Mati. Its a Malay word and which means the "Island (pulau) of Death (mati) from Behind (blakang)". Locals say that in ancient times there used to be murder and piracy in and around that Island that is why it is called as Island of Death from Behind. Some refer to story that Sentosa is the material paradise of warrior spirits buried at Pulau Brani which is a Harbor now. Some say it is because of an outbreak of disease on the island which almost wiped out the settlers on the island. I have also heard from people saying that the reason behind such name was because of the lack of fertile soil on the hills of that Island.
There is an another tragic story too behind this ugly name -- When Japanese invaded Singapore they used brutally kill Chinese men who were suspected, often arbitrarily, of being involved in anti-Japanese activities and throw them into the sea. These dead bodies stuck at Sentosa Island and the Island was surrounded by dead bodies. Sentosa was also a graveyard in the past. It was one of the killing fields for Japanese.
Later, Singapore Tourism Board changed its name to Sentosa. Once upon a time Sentosa stood for "So Expensive and Nothing to See Also."
Sentosa is mainly divided into 6 parts: http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/
2) Beaches - Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach, and Tanjong Beach. It includes Songs of the Seas, Southernmost Point of Continental Asia, Shopping Outlets, Go Green Segway Eco Adventure Ride, Animal and Bird Encounter, The Flying Trapeze, MegaZip Adventure Park, Wavehouse Sentosa, AZZURA Beach Club, Gogreen Cycle & Island Explorer, Sentosa Luge and Skyride
3) Imbiah Lookout - Megazip Adventure Park Extended, Sentosa Cine Blast, Desperados, Sentosa 4D Magix, Sentosa Nature Discovery, Cable Car Ride to Jewel Box (Mt Faber), Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, Tiger Sky Tower, The Merlion, Images of Singapore,
5) Serapong - It includes lavish spas, luxurious resorts and golf course club.
6) Sentosa Cove
Here is the list which you should not miss (A NOT to MISS Attractions)
A) Universal Studio - Try to reach 30 minutes before the gates open. The gates open at 10 AM every day. Book your tickets in advance or online to avoid disappointment. First finish all the rides as later you will find a never ending "Q" and you might have to sweat for 30 mins to 90 minutes. Once you are done with all the rides and shows, take a walk to New York City and other parts of Universal Studio. Don't forget to shake hands with Monster/Dracula and take a Hug from Monsieur. Don Miss - The Revenge of the Mummy Ride, Water World Show, Shrek 4D Adventure Show (Movie), Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure.
Once you are done with everything and ready to say good bye to Universal Studio, while stepping out of the gates Enter into HERSHEY's Chocolate World Outlet (which will be to your left) and visit their counter to take a memorable photo with Hershey's at a very minimal price.
B) Songs of the Sea
C) Luge Ride
D) The Merlion
E) AZZURA Beach Club
Things to Carry:
- Sun Glass and Sun Protection Lotion (if its a sunny day)
- Extra Clothes as you will drench yourself in one of the rides or else carry Raincoat.
- Don't Carry Bigger Stuff like Big Umbrella etc as the lockers are very small. For some rides you are not allowed to carry your stuff so you need to put them in the locker provided at very minimal fees.
- I will suggest you to pack your food for lunch etc from Vivo City or Harbourfront as you will have to wait in the Q or may be you will find it costly. If you don mind waiting and exploring like me then No Worries, you will enjoy that part too.
- Wear light casual and slippers.
- A bucket full of money and a tree full of honey ;-)
