How Sentosa is reimagining the island escape with floating boardwalks, elevated forest trails

Between packed work calendars, screen-heavy routines and the general hum of city living, more people are actively seeking pockets of calm – somewhere to breathe, unplug and simply be, without having to book a flight to do it.

At the ‘Your Island. Reimagined.’ exhibition, which has been travelling through VivoCity, Our Tampines Hub and Jurong Point since July, visitors were asked what they were most looking forward to as Sentosa embarks on its next chapter. Amidst demand for new attractions, the answers were telling.

“More trees, shady walkways,” said one. “A beach paradise for all Singaporeans,” said another. Others spoke of wanting “more nature, more birds, more beaches,” while some simply wished for “a peaceful and safe place”.

Beneath the wish list for sun, sand and sea was a clear, common thread: People wanted more room to disconnect from the busyness of modern life, and they wanted it close to home.

sentosa beaches — Whether you prefer a game of beach volleyball, a walk by the sea or simply unwinding by the water, Sentosa’s beaches offer space to unwind outdoors.

PHOTO: SENTOSA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The case for slowing down

Wellness experts have long pointed to nature as one of the most accessible, and most overlooked, tools for managing stress in a fast-paced city like Singapore. In fact, spending just 20 minutes connecting with nature can help lower stress hormone levels, noted a 2019 study in Frontiers in Psychology.

Cynthia Wan, a certified forest therapy guide, says: “When you go to a spa, you pay for it. The forest is a free mental health ‘clinic’ and it’s all around us.”

As a forest therapy guide, she facilitates immersive experiences in green spaces including the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Labrador Park and Pulau Ubin, helping people connect more deeply with nature through guided sensory activities.

“Forests are abundant in negative ions, which help us to improve our mood and reduce our stress as well. There’s just a sense of calm when you’re in nature.”

But these restorative experiences are not limited to forests. “We are lucky to have parks and gardens and reservoirs and coastal areas, especially where the beaches are, for people to pause, recharge and reconnect with ourselves,” she says.

sentosa-nature — Walking trails through Sentosa reveal a different side of the island, where nature, history and wildlife come together.

PHOTO: SENTOSA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

An outdoor enthusiast since she was a child, Wan says that time in nature does not need to be reserved for occasional holidays or retreats.

“You just need to find a rustic place and be present in the moment. This could be as simple as noticing the texture of a leaf or sitting quietly by the sound of water,” she adds.

“By watching a leaf fall or listening to the cicada or birds in the background, it allows our prefrontal cortex, which is the part of our brain responsible for overthinking, to rest. It’s like a balm for our brains. That’s all it takes.”

Your island, reimagined

It is this idea that wellness should be woven into your travels, weekends and everyday life that sits at the heart of how Sentosa is planning its future.

Long known as Singapore’s island playground, Sentosa has, in fact, been serving another role for years: an island sanctuary. Sunrise walks along its beaches, quiet hours spent under the canopy of its nature trails and still moments by the sea have always been part of the island’s appeal.

sentosa palawan beach — The island’s coastal spaces give families an easy way to spend time by the sea and enjoy nature close to home.

PHOTO: SENTOSA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Sentosa’s next chapter is designed to strengthen it. The Greater Sentosa Master Plan, unveiled in July, will transform Sentosa and Brani into a more connected destination where nature, leisure, business and lifestyle experiences exist side by side.

Thien Kwee Eng, chief executive officer of Sentosa Development Corporation says: “What we’re doing with the Greater Sentosa Master Plan is growing the island without losing its soul and building on what makes Sentosa special.”

That means expanded green spaces, better-connected trails, reimagined beaches, new nature-based attractions, and development that is designed with people and sustainability at its core.

sentosa nature hikes — Tanjong Rimau’s coastal views and rocky shores reveal Sentosa’s quieter
side where visitors can reconnect with nature.

PHOTO: SENTOSA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

“With more green spaces, nature trails and reimagined beaches, the Greater Sentosa Master Plan creates more spaces where people can simply slow down just minutes away from a global city. Whether that’s a quiet walk along the beach or time spent among nature, we are fulfilling that need for guests to reset and reconnect,” adds Thien.

In the future, it will be even easier for visitors to get closer to nature, whether they have a full day or an hour to spare. The revamped Sentosa will offer a quick escape amid greenery without the need to travel overseas.

For those who have spent years associating Sentosa with rides, resorts and a fun day out, the Greater Sentosa Master Plan offers a fuller picture of an island that can just as easily be a place to slow down, breathe and find respite in your surroundings.

sentosa family — Palawan Beach is one of several spots where visitors can enjoy the sea at a slower pace, whether strolling along the shore or simply taking in the view.

PHOTO: SENTOSA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The Greater Sentosa Master Plan at a glance

The Greater Sentosa Master Plan is a long-term vision for Sentosa and Brani over the next two decades. Developments across Sentosa and Brani are expected to come on board progressively from the early 2030s. Here is a glimpse of what’s to come:

greater sentosa master plan map — ILLUSTRATION: SPH MEDIA

1. A reimagined Mount Imbiah

The new Imbiah Lookout Walk will be a sheltered elevated forest canopy walk connecting Sensoryscape with Imbiah Lookout and surrounding trails. Future phases will expand nature and heritage trails towards the Southern Ridges while strengthening ecological links across Sentosa and Brani.

sentosa imbiah lookout walk gsmp — Artist’s impression of the Imbiah Lookout Walk.

ILLUSTRATION: SENTOSA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

2. A boardwalk for islet-hopping

A new coastal boardwalk will allow visitors to walk between Sentosa’s offshore islets while enjoying uninterrupted sea views. Together with reimagined beaches and new waterfront spaces, the coastline will offer more opportunities to catch the sunrise, pause by the water or simply enjoy a slower pace away from the city.