1 - Sustainable Travel and Leisure Activities
Sustainable Travel and Leisure Activities
With 40 hectares of protected nature areas, more than 20 heritage trees, 474 species of flora and fauna, and a variety of walking and cycling trails on the island, Sentosa is a haven for nature lovers.
To bring guests closer to the island’s hidden gems, a slew of immersive tours were launched over the years, including the Siloso Headland Intertidal Programme and SentoSights - a series of unique guided tours, for guests to gain insights into the importance of sustainability and conservation, as they discover the island’s nature and heritage.
In 2020, Sentosa also launched Singapore’s first carbon neutral beers. The Sentosa Islander Brew is a series of four beers made in collaboration with Brewerkz, a local craft brewery. Each beer is inspired by a unique Sentosa experience – Island Life, Nature Adventure, Heritage Discovery, and Wellness Escape – so guests can #MakeTime for a holiday anywhere.
Heritage Conservation
As custodians of the island, SDC has the responsibility to protect its cultural assets through heritage conservation. These assets also serve to educate both local and overseas guests on the historical significance of Sentosa, including its military past which is still present throughout the island.
SDC’s approach to heritage conservation includes the restoration of old buildings and injection of vibrancy into old building structures. Home to over 24 conserved buildings and Singapore’s only fully restored fort, Sentosa remains an important landmark in Singapore’s history. SDC believes that the history of Sentosa serves as an intangible treasure that SDC has the responsibility to preserve as well as educate both local and overseas guests on.
In partnership with NHB, the Sentosa Heritage Trail was launched in March 2022, comprising three themed routes and supplemented with heritage trail markers to allow guests to explore the island in their own time. The trails uncover the stories and history of the early settlers on the island, shed light on the story of modern Sentosa’s reinvention and trace the transformation of the island from a military complex to a leisure destination.
Recognising that Sentosa’s heritage is only a part of a larger historical narrative, SDC has collaborated with other museums, heritage agencies and relevant stakeholders to host joint-exhibitions and events, as we uncover Singapore’s history together.
Social Inclusivity and Local Communities
Ensuring social and economic sustainability is also key to meeting the needs of the current generation and providing support to the needs of future generations. SDC has developed the Sentosa Cares Framework, with the following objectives:
- To position SDC and Island Partners as choice employers who support inclusive hiring for persons-with-disabilities and low-income families, and build an inclusive and caring organisation culture.
- To enhance Sentosa with inclusive experiences for guests with all abilities to enjoy and discover.
<figcaption>SDC hosted the inaugural Sentosa Cares Week in 2023, and hosted more than 1,000 beneficiaries to enjoy the island’s offerings.</figcaption>
SDC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), and SG Enable, aimed at creating fair employment and social opportunities for persons with disabilities and families with children living in public rental housing units who are being supported under the ComLink initiative (“ComLinkfamilies”).
The three parties will create a destination experience at Sentosa island with inclusive spaces, programmes and services through social innovation. SDC will leverage SG Enable’s programmes to train their employees to build inclusive workplaces, as well as provide mentorship and internship opportunities for persons with disabilities and ComLink families. Every year, SDC and its Island Partners will also come together to provide over 1,000 beneficiaries, including ComLink families, persons with disabilities and their caregivers, with opportunities to enjoy the island’s offerings and attractions.