Sentosa Island to develop two new attractions

The management of Singapore’s Sentosa Island is looking to develop two new attractions, including a new site to be developed into a nature-based adventure attraction.

Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) is calling for proposals to develop a 9,420 metre² forested area, located on a slope connecting Imbiah Lookout to Siloso Beach, into an attraction for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.

The flying trapeze and Trapizza restaurant at Siloso Beach Walk, run by Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa, will make way for a new attraction when its lease ends in the coming months.

A tender for the 2,760 metre² site was called last month for an attraction with ancillary food and beverage and/or retail offerings.

According to tender documents, the proposed attraction should complement Siloso Beach's positioning as a recreational destination, as well as nearby attractions such as the Skyline Luge and the upcoming AJ Hackett Bungy attraction, touted as Singapore's first bungy jump experience.

The tender calls for innovative concepts that are interactive, skill-based in nature and competitively priced, among other things.

Proposals for the attraction at Imbiah Lookout should combine nature and adventure elements by making use of the site's natural gradient and profile, and have a small building footprint with minimal environmental impact.

SDC Divisional Director for Island Investment and Branding Susan Ang explained “as part of our periodic reviews on site use across the island, Imbiah Lookout has been identified as a potential site for further development."

Ang added that potential re-development plans are also being explored at the western end of Siloso Beach, which is now more accessible since the launch of the intra-island cablecar line last year.

There is no timeline yet for development of the two new attractions.

A spokesman for Mega Adventure Park, located at the top of Imbiah Hill, said it does not see competition as a threat and welcomes new attractions to the resort island.

Visitorship to Sentosa increased from 18.6 million for the 2013/14 financial year to 19.4 million the following year.

Dr Michael Chiam, senior tourism lecturer at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, said the new offerings are likely part of an attempt to revitalise its products and stay relevant to younger visitors.

Dr Chiam stated “they prefer experiential types of activities to create unique and memorable experiences.”

After 25 years of operations, Sentosa Island attractions Underwater World Singapore and the Dolphin Lagoon closed at the end of June. 

Images: The flying trapeze at Siloso Beach Walk is set to be replaced (top) and Sentosa Island's cable car (below).

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