The tallest structure of our nation’s lion-fish hybrid mascot has served us for 24 years at island resort Sentosa, and it’s finally time to put it to rest. While the Sentosa Merlion’s days are numbered, here’s what you can expect for the area.
The soon-to-be Merlion-less land will be undergoing works to prepare for the future Sentosa Sensoryscape—a brand new tourist destination based in Sentosa and Pulau Brani, as part of the country’s tourism development plans.
Spanning across an area about the size of 5.5 football fields upon completion, the Sensoryscape will live up to its name with interactive elements such as a water feature that gives off sounds of cascading water, textures surfaces and plants that respond to touch; and oversized, vibrant-hued flower stalks that will frame the two-tiered thoroughfare that connects Sentosa and Pulau Brani. Up north, the thoroughfare will link to Resorts World Sentosa, while the south-bound guests will be led to the linkage of Sentosa’s beaches.
The redevelopment will call for five new zones— Island Heart, Vibrant Cluster, Waterfront, Beachfront and Ridgeline. In the centre of the development will be Island Heart that features both indoor and outdoor attractions, and even scenic sights of Mount Serapong. Vibrant Cluster is the main hub for attractions and an outdoor performance venue to hold festivals, while Waterfront pays homage to the port heritage by retaining its port architecture while beachfront covers the water activities. Lastly, linking up Mount Faber, Pulau Brani, Mount Serapong and Mount Imbiah to Fort Siloso is Ridgeline, plus some attractions that are based on heritage and nature.
Evidently, not all is melancholic as we countdown the days to the farewell of our beloved 37m-tall friend; the local pride and spirit will live on in the form of an upgraded attraction. Furthermore, to urge Singaporeans to come pay their final respects before operations cease on Oct 20, entrance fees into the Sentosa Merlion will be slashed to half for Singaporean and Permanent Residents.
As a last jubilee to see the Merlion out, activities and programmes will also dot the precinct, including a special edition of the dazzling Sentosa Merlion Magic Lights show, interactive games and photo-op points. Bidding such an iconic landmark may be devastating, but these are some pretty cool perks—we’re just saying.
The Sentosa Sensoryscape will be completed in 2022. Find promotions for the Sentosa Merlion here.
