Sentosa Island in Singapore has long been a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a mix of natural beauty, entertainment, and attractions. Over the years, Sentosa has undergone significant transformations, and some of its beloved attractions from the past are no longer in existence. Let’s take a nostalgic journey through some of these attractions that once graced Sentosa but are now part of its rich history.
1. Fantasy Island
The Water Park Wonderland
Opening and Popularity: Fantasy Island was a popular water theme park that opened in 1994. It quickly became a favorite spot for families and thrill-seekers, offering a variety of water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
Attractions: The park boasted numerous exciting rides, including the speed slides, twister slides, and the adventurous Black Hole slide. The wave pool and lazy river provided more relaxed entertainment options.
Closure: Despite its popularity, Fantasy Island faced several safety concerns and maintenance issues over the years. It eventually closed in 2002, making way for new developments on Sentosa.
2. Volcanoland
A Journey into the Center of the Earth
Opening: Volcanoland opened in the mid-1990s and offered visitors a unique experience themed around volcanoes and ancient civilizations.
Attractions: The centerpiece was a man-made volcano that “erupted” at regular intervals, providing a thrilling spectacle. Inside, visitors could explore exhibits featuring dinosaur skeletons, ancient artifacts, and learn about volcanic activity.
Closure: Volcanoland was closed in the early 2000s, and the site was redeveloped into other attractions as Sentosa continued to evolve.
3. Sentosa Monorail
The Scenic Ride Around Sentosa
Introduction: The Sentosa Monorail, inaugurated in 1982, provided a scenic and convenient way to travel around the island. It was a single-track system that connected various attractions on Sentosa.
Experience: The monorail offered panoramic views of the island and was a charming, leisurely way for visitors to explore Sentosa’s attractions.
Replacement: In 2005, the monorail was replaced by the Sentosa Express, a modern and efficient light rail system. The Sentosa Express continues to serve visitors, connecting them from the mainland to the island and various stops within Sentosa.
4. Musical Fountain
The Dancing Waters of Sentosa
History: The Musical Fountain was one of Sentosa’s iconic attractions, delighting visitors since the 1980s. It featured a mesmerizing display of water jets, lights, and music, choreographed to create stunning performances.
Shows: The fountain’s shows, including the popular “Magical Sentosa” performance, were a major draw, combining music, laser lights, and water effects to create an enchanting spectacle.
Closure and Replacement: The Musical Fountain was closed in 2007 to make way for the new Songs of the Sea attraction, which continued the tradition of evening shows with a modern twist of pyrotechnics and live performances.
5. Underwater World
The Marine Marvel
Opening: Underwater World opened in 1991 and was Singapore’s first oceanarium. It featured a vast array of marine life, including sharks, rays, and colorful reef fish.
Highlight: The highlight of Underwater World was the 83-meter-long travelator that took visitors through a glass tunnel, providing a 360-degree view of the underwater habitat.
Closure: Despite being a beloved attraction for over two decades, Underwater World closed in 2016. It was replaced by the newer, larger S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa, which offers an even more extensive marine experience.
6. Sentosa Wax Museum
A Journey Through History
Introduction: The Sentosa Wax Museum, also known as the Images of Singapore Museum, was an attraction that provided a historical journey through Singapore’s past, using life-sized wax figures and detailed dioramas.
Exhibits: The museum showcased various aspects of Singapore’s history, culture, and traditions, from early settlement days to modern times. It was an educational and immersive experience for visitors.
Transformation: The museum underwent several transformations over the years. It was eventually replaced by the more interactive and technologically advanced Images of Singapore LIVE, which continues to tell the story of Singapore’s history with live actors and special effects.
Conclusion
Sentosa’s landscape of attractions has continually evolved, reflecting changing times and preferences. While some beloved attractions like Fantasy Island, Volcanoland, the Sentosa Monorail, the Musical Fountain, Underwater World, and the Sentosa Wax Museum are no longer around, they remain cherished memories for those who experienced them. These attractions paved the way for new, exciting developments, ensuring that Sentosa remains a dynamic and captivating destination for visitors from around the world.
