GUIDE TO SENTOSA’S HERITAGE TRAIL: HISTORICAL FORTS, BARRACKS AND MEMORIES OF SENTOSA
There are more discoveries waiting to be uncovered on the island!
Who would have thought an ordinary fishing village and a military base could be transformed into one of the world’s leading leisure destinations? As we celebrate Sentosa’s golden jubilee year in 2022, join us on three new thematic trails and learn how the island has grown over the years.
In partnership with the National Heritage Board, Sentosa Heritage Trail unearths the history of the early settlers on the island, comprising a diverse range of groups across different time periods. It doesn’t matter if you’re an active hiker or not, select the route that you like the most and go explore!
Do note that some areas are privately owned and accessible only by guests and customers.
How to get there
Getting to Trail 1’s starting point, Sentosa Boardwalk:
By MRT: Alight at Harbourfront MRT Station and walk towards VivoCity Waterfront Promenade.
Nearest Carpark: VivoCity
Getting to Trail 2 and Trail 3’s starting point, Siloso Point Station:
By Sentosa Express: Alight at Beach Station, transfer to the Sentosa Beach Shuttle and alight at Siloso Point
By Public Bus: Take Bus 123 and alight at Beach Station. Transfer to the Sentosa Beach Shuttle and alight at Siloso Point
By Intra-Island Bus: Take Bus A or C and alight at Siloso Point
Nearest Carpark: Southside, 80 Siloso Road
KAMPUNG AND BARRACKS
FORTS
MEMORIES OF SENTOSA
Want to go exploring the island but are not a big fan of long-distance walks? This route is for you! Although this trail spans over a distance of three kilometres, the route is the only one that includes public transportation rides you can take.
This three kilometres route will bring you to explore some key living spaces of the people of Blakang Mati (former name of Sentosa). Find out more below.
People of The Straits
To begin this route, head over to the Harbourfront end of Sentosa Boardwalk and find the People of the Straits trail marker. The beautiful passage of water you see at this boardwalk doesn’t only connect Sentosa with mainland Singapore, but it has been part of global maritime trade for centuries. There were merchants and sailors from all over the world here!
Settlers of Blakang Mati (former name of Sentosa) were diverse, which included people from the Malay Peninsula, the Indonesia Archipelago, China and India. By the 20th century, most kampong residents lived where Resorts World Sentosa is today.
Former Recreation Ground and Barracks
After relishing the view of the straits, head over to Oasia Resort Sentosa where you can visit a former recreation ground and barracks.
Get here by taking the Sentosa Express from VivoCity and alight at Imbiah Station. Alternatively, you can walk through the boardwalk and take the Sentosa Express from Resorts World Station. Once you have alighted at Imbiah Station, just cross Beach View Road and you’ll reach the resort!
Between 1878 and 1967, Blakang Mati served as a defensive outpost of the British Empire. The island housed military personnel, which included the British, Indian and Australian soldiers, in barracks and quarters. Here, you’ll find a trail marker with more information on how the soldiers lived on the island.
Barracks at Former Parade Ground
Take the stairs to the left of the hotel building and follow the sheltered walkway. You’ll be led to the Barracks Lawn, a former parade ground.
This very same area was used to hold training, parades and military ceremonies. The barracks around the area have been redeveloped into restaurants and hotels, The Barracks Hotel and Mess Hall included!
Look out for remains of boot scrapers used by soldiers in front of the barracks, and learn more about military life through information boards within the Barracks Lawn.
Exit the Barracks Lawn via Gunner Lane and make a right turn at Artillery Avenue. Along this road, you’ll find a building that formerly served as the Royal Engineers’ Yard. Continue walking along Artillery Avenue until you reach the trail marker for the former Officers’ Mess and quarters. It’s now part of the Capella Hotel
You should also take a short break and explore the dining options here at Capella!
Former Military Hospital
The final stop of this trail is the former military hospital, completed in the 1890s for the British Troops. During the Japanese Occupation (1942 - 1945), the hospital was used as barracks by the Japanese troops instead. From the 1970s onward, the building housed many exhibitions and attractions like the Surrender Chambers, the Sentosa Wax Museum and the present day Madame Tussauds Singapore.
To get here, head back to Artillery Avenue from Capella Singapore and take buses A or C. Alight at Imbiah Lookout, walk past the Sentosa Cable Car Station and you’ll reach Madame Tussauds Singapore.
