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Fort Siloso
Fort Siloso is situated less than half a kilometre across the sea from Labrador Park on mainland Singapore. This close proximity has given rise to an urban legend of an undersea tunnel connecting the British-constructed forts and artillery batteries at both locations. Despite numerous excavations and restoration efforts, no tunnel has been discovered, nor does one appear on any maps or documents. The names of places and natural features on Blakang Mati reflect the local communities, economic and social history, as well as the island’s flora and fauna. The area near where Fort Siloso stands today was known as Sarang Rimau, meaning Tiger’s den in Malay, and was used by the Orang Laut to signify their familiarity with the area.
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Siloso Beach
Siloso Beach, one of three beaches featuring swimming lagoons created by the Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) in the 1970s and 1980s, boasts a rich history. Its name originates from the Malay word for 'rock,' initially serving as a strategic defense point. It was transformed into a lively tourist destination in the 1970s. Today, Siloso Beach is celebrated for its beach volleyball, water sports, and vibrant nightlife, where the energy is perpetual and the parties continue.
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Palawan Beach
Palawan Beach derives its name from the Malay word 'Pahlawan,' meaning warrior or hero. During the colonial era, British soldiers frequently visited Palawan Beach to safeguard swimmers from recurring sightings of sharks and saltwater crocodiles. The British installed shark nets, known as 'swimming pagars' in Malay. Fortunately, these predators are no longer present around Sentosa, making it a safe and enjoyable location for beachgoers today.
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Sentosa Island
In 2003, Sentosa Cove was launched as a 117-hectare gated enclave comprising 2,600 residences, including oceanfront villas, mansions, and condominiums. Of the 117 hectares, 100 hectares are reclaimed land. The area encompasses five artificial islands: Coral Island, Paradise Island, Treasure Island, Sandy Island, and Pearl Island, primarily designated for bungalows. The residential developments are concentrated in the northern and southern precincts. As of June 2015, Sentosa Cove was home to over 5,000 residents living in 2,160 homes, predominantly condominiums, terraced houses, and bungalows.
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Lazarus Island
Lazarus Island, formerly known as Pulau Sakijang Pelepah, which translates to 'island of deer and palms' in Malay, housed prison confinement sheds in the late 19th century. These were abandoned following a daring prisoner escape. Today, the island attracts visitors to its clean, white sandy beach within a c-shaped lagoon, recognized as one of Singapore’s best-kept secrets. Lazarus Island is one of the few spots in the southern islands where private yachts and boats can anchor, allowing visitors to enjoy its pristine beaches and unspoiled beauty.
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Kusu Island
Kusu Island is home to a Chinese temple and three Malay keramat (shrines), drawing thousands of pilgrims annually, particularly during the ninth lunar month between September and October. 'Kusu' translates to 'tortoise' or 'turtle' in the Hokkien dialect. The island, also referred to as Pulau Tambakul, Goa Island, or Peak Island, originally spanned 1.2 hectares in 1975. Through landfill and reclamation, it was joined with another coral outcrop, expanding it to 8.5 hectares. During the colonial era, Kusu Island served as a burial site for immigrants who passed away while in quarantine on St John’s and Lazarus Islands.
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St John's Island
Saint John’s Island, once a penal settlement, is now a holiday resort with a significant historical connection to Singapore. Stamford Raffles anchored off the island on January 28, 1819, before proceeding to mainland Singapore. During the period of mass immigration, the island served as the report boat station for the Marine Department until a cholera epidemic in 1873 resulted in 448 deaths. Saint John’s Island subsequently hosted a floating police station, a hospital, and a quarantine burial ground at Peak Island, managing over 1,300 cholera-infected Chinese coolies. After mass immigration ceased, the island housed political detainees and secret society leaders. Later, it was converted into a drug rehabilitation center. In 1975, it became a popular holiday campsite for schools and students.
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