NDR 2026: Sentosa’s west coast to get better access, new Downtown South resort to be built on Brani

SINGAPORE – Access will be improved to a part of Sentosa’s western coastline that is home to rich marine life and unique geology such as distinctive coastal cliffs, while preserving its natural character.

That will help efforts to bring people closer to nature, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his National Day Rally speech on Aug 23.

That is why access to the part of Sentosa’s western coastline, which is not accessible to the public, will be made easier, he added.

“We will improve access, while preserving its natural character. So that more Singaporeans can discover a side of Sentosa they have never seen before.”

Next to Sentosa, on Pulau Brani, a new Downtown South resort will be built after port operations move out, said PM Wong.

“We can create entirely new attractions and experiences in Brani,” he added.

The operations at Brani Terminal, as well as Tanjong Pagar and Keppel terminals, are slated to move to Tuas Port by 2027.

With land reclamation to better link the 120ha Pulau Brani to Sentosa, the two isles will become one integrated destination.

“They will transform our southern waterfront and offer even more for Singaporeans and visitors to see, do and enjoy,” he added.

The resort will fall under the leisure and recreational arm of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).

Sentosa’s last major transformation was more than 15 years ago, when Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios opened, so it is time for Sentosa to undergo another refresh, he said.

For instance, Sentosa’s beaches and waterfront will be enhanced, he added.

PM Wong said that new attractions and experiences can be introduced on Pulau Brani after port operations there are moved.

PHOTO: SENTOSA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

He said that as new attractions are added, Sentosa and Pulau Brani will need more capacity and ways to get around.

To this end, a new people mover system connecting mainland Singapore to the two islands will be built, and a water taxi service is also being explored, PM Wong said.

A water taxi service for the Sentosa area is being explored.

PHOTO: SENTOSA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The refresh is part of the Greater Sentosa Master Plan unveiled in July. The blueprint contains a raft of initiatives to transform Sentosa and Pulau Brani over the next two decades.

Upcoming developments include a sheltered forest canopy walk to the top of Mount Imbiah, as well as a multi-purpose venue called the Sensorium at Siloso Beach.

Plans for the new NTUC resort on Pulau Brani – dubbed Downtown South – were first floated by then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his 2019 National Day Rally speech.

Touching on plans for the Greater Southern Waterfront, he said at the time that Pulau Brani could be redeveloped together with Sentosa, after the container terminal on the island moves out.

In his 2019 Rally speech, Lee said: “We will build new attractions on Brani, just like we have Universal Studios on Sentosa.”

The plans were discussed with the Cabinet and labour chief Ng Chee Meng, who had asked for a Downtown South to be built as part of these plans, akin to Downtown East in Pasir Ris.

Lee, at the time, said: “We will set aside land for the labour movement to build a resort, probably on Pulau Brani. We will make this gesture to thank our workers for all their contributions to the nation. Because Singapore is for all of us.”

Further details, such as the completion date of the Downtown South resort, have yet to be announced.

Watch PM Wong’s National Day Rally speech here: