Imagine standing where, not so long ago, pirate battles might have raged. That’s the intriguing past of Sentosa Installation. Today, we’re not here for tales of bloodshed. We’re here to explore a tranquil island. Sentosa, meaning “peace and tranquility” in Malay, wasn’t always known by that name.
Before 1970, this island was called Pulau Blakang Mati. It translates to “the island behind which lies death”. This name stemmed from piracy and disease outbreaks. But Sentosa’s story is one of transformation.
In the early colonial era, this island hosted small villages. Bugis, Malays, and Chinese people called it home. A British signal station also existed here. However, a malaria epidemic wiped out most of the station’s staff. The village suffered too.
By 1848, only two Bugis households remained. They were all that was left of a population of around 60. Despite this grim history, the island was recognized for its strategic importance.
Defense plans included the island as early as 1827. By the 1880s, three artillery forts stood here. Fort Serapong, Fort Connaught, and Fort Siloso. The Mount Imbiah Battery were constructed on Sentosa Installation.
During World War II, the guns of Blakang Mati defended Singapore. After Singapore fell, Japanese soldiers killed numerous Chinese here. Part of Sentosa became a prisoner-of-war camp. Allied troops were held in the Blakang Mati Artillery Barracks.
After the war, in 1967, Singapore gained jurisdiction over the island. Several ministries wanted to use Sentosa for different purposes. Some envisioned a port and industrial complex. Others wanted a tourist resort with a casino.
Albert Winsemius, an economic advisor, convinced the government to choose tourism. He argued recreation and tourism would be more valuable. Thus, plans shifted. Sentosa Installation would become a resort.
In 1969, plans for a resort were revealed. Chalet-style hotels, floating hotels, and golf courses were planned. Leisure activities like horse-riding and scuba diving were also on the cards. The proposed casino was canceled though.
The Sentosa Development Corporation was established in 1972. It oversaw the island’s development. Alan Choe played a key role in planning Sentosa. The cable car system opened in 1974. It was the world’s first cable car system spanning a harbour.
Other attractions followed. The Sentosa Coralarium, Fort Siloso, and the Musical Fountain were popular. By 1979, Sentosa attracted some 850,000 visitors. Land reclamation projects expanded Sentosa’s land mass. Sarong Island and Pulau Selegu were combined with Sentosa.
In the 1990s, new attractions and resort hotels were added. Sentosa Cove, a residential waterfront project, was planned. In the 2000s, a S$3-billion overhaul improved Sentosa. New attractions and better transport options were introduced.
Today, Sentosa Installation stands as a testament to transformation. From a place of piracy and military installations, it has become a haven for tourists. It’s a place of leisure and recreation. Sentosa continues to evolve. It adapts to changing tastes. It remains a vibrant destination.