The Beautiful Sentosa Island
One island just a quarter of a mile off the coast of mainland Singapore, is the island of Sentosa, apply named as the word means tranquility and peace in the Malay language. This name change was requested by the people of the island in 1972, as the translation for the name previously, was the Island of Death from Behind. Quite easy to understand the locals desire for the name change. An expressway built in 1992 links the island to the mainland and makes travel between the two extremely convenient. More than seventy percent of Sentosa is made up of the secondary rain-forest, and many local Singaporeans travel to the island for the resorts and the beaches, and the, well peace and tranquility. The government and many private corporations have invested millions of dollars in the development of the island over the years, creating what has become a very desirable tourist destination for international travelers. There are many attractions that make this island perfect for family get-aways, as well as miles of white sand beaches and local flora and fauna which make out-door exploring and hiking an experience like no other. The resorts and Singapore luxury hotels are among the most extravagant in the country.
One of the more recent attractions to come to the island is the Universal Studios Theme Park, which offers a look into and tours and rides surrounding, some of the top that Hollywood, California has to offer in the entertainment industry. Families can spend days in this one park experiencing the many sites and exhibits. Another site very popular, a bit less congested, is the Tiger Sky Tower. This incredible lookout was opened in 2004 and provides the opportunity to view the mainland, the entire island of Sentosa, and the many islands surrounding. When the weather is clear it is also possible to see Indonesia as well as Malaysia from this tower over 130 meters over sea level. Over 50 species of butterflies are housed in the Butterfly Park, providing another very peaceful destination. More than fifteen thousand butterflies are on exhibit in an outdoor garden and conservatory. And for those with a little Jacques Cousteau in their soul, there is the Underwater World. The oceanarium opened on the western side of the island in 1991. The park is completely underground, or under water as it is, with a tunnel surrounded by glass windows that stretches over 80 meters. Visitors are also able to submerge themselves waist deep, and swim with the dolphins. Many spectacular opportunities are on this island, and they are all very much alive, with no ‘death coming from behind’.