SINGAPORE SPEEDBOAT ADVENTURES
Take A Fast Ride And Cruise Along The Southern Islands Of Singapore aboard the Southern Albatross in 60 minutes. Here are some of the Points of Interest you might see along the way.
Long Ya Men @ Labrador Park
Sentosa Island
Sentosa Cove
CITY SKYLINE
LAZARUS ISLAND​
KUSU ISLAND​
ST JOHN'S ISLAND​
SISTERS' ISLAND
TEKUKOR ISLAND​
Long ya MEN @ LABRADOR PARK
Long Ya Men means Dragon’s tooth gate In Chinese. Some travellers recorded their journeys and the places they visited. Wang Dayuan’s account, He described his travels around the region. Historians agree that Wang was referring to Singapore and its surroundings, including the old Singapore Strait and Blakang Mati. The dragon’s teeth likely refer to Batu Belayar Sail rock in Malay, now replicated at Labrador Park and a promontory near today’s Fort Siloso. These high grounds were removed during the construction of the fort by the British in the 19th century, while Batu Belayar was also demolished by the colonial authorities to aid navigation around Keppel Harbour.
Sentosa’s Transformation:
Sentosa was once a fishing village and British military base, but it transformed into a bustling island resort. Its name means “peace and tranquillity” in Malay, a far cry from its original name, Pulau Blakang Mati, meaning “Island of Death from Behind.”
SENTOSA ISLAND
Fort Siloso
Siloso Point is separated from Labrador Park on mainland Singapore by less than half a kilometre of sea. This proximity has fuelled an urban legend about an undersea tunnel connecting British-constructed forts and artillery batteries at both locations. Despite numerous excavations and restorations, no tunnel has been found and none appear on maps or documents. The names of places and natural features on Blakang Mati reflect the local communities, economic and social history, as well as the island’s flora and fauna. Near where Fort Siloso stands, today was an area known as Sarang Rimau, Tiger’s den in Malay, used by the Orang Laut to reflect their knowledge of the area.
Fort Siloso’s Time Capsule:
Fort Siloso is the only preserved coastal fort in Singapore. Hidden within its tunnels, you can find a time capsule containing artefacts from WWII, which is set to be opened in 2040.
Siloso Beach
Siloso Beach, one of three beaches with swimming lagoons created by Sentosa Development Corporation, SDC during the 1970s and 1980s has a rich history. Its name comes from the Malay word for “rock”, initially a strategic defence point. It was transformed into a vibrant tourist hotspot in the 1970s. Today, Siloso Beach is renowned
for its beach volleyball, water sports and bustling nightlife, where the energy never fades and the parties keep going.
Siloso Beach’s Nightlife:
Known for its lively nightlife, Siloso Beach hosts monthly beach parties and festivals. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to dance the night away under the stars.
Palawan Beach
Palawan Beach, is named after the Malay word “Pahlawan,” meaning warrior or hero. During the colonial period, British soldiers frequented Palawan Beach to protect swimmers from frequent shark and saltwater crocodile sightings. The British erected shark fences known as “swimming pagars” in Malay. Thankfully, these predators are no longer found around Sentosa, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for beachgoers today.
Palawan Pirate Legends:
Palawan Beach is famous not only for its scenic views but also for legends of pirates who once roamed its shores. Today, it’s a family-friendly destination with an iconic suspension bridge.
SENTOSA COVE
In 2003, Sentosa Cove was launched as a 117-hectare gated enclave featuring 2600 homes, including oceanfront villas, mansions and condominiums. Of the 117 hectares, 100 hectares are reclaimed land. The area includes five artificial islands Coral Island, Paradise Island, Treasure Island, Sandy Island and Pearl Island, mostly reserved for bungalows. The residential developments are clustered in the northern and southern precincts. As of June 2015, Sentosa Cove housed over 5000 residents living in 2160 homes, primarily condominiums, terraced houses and bungalows.
Sentosa Cove’s Celebrity Hideout:
Sentosa Cove is not just for the wealthy; it’s rumoured to be a favourite hideout for international celebrities seeking privacy and luxury away from the public eye.
CITY SKYLINE
The dynamic skyline of Singapore Raffles Place. The financial heart of the city boasts sleek skyscrapers that symbolise Singapore’s economic prowess. Just beyond Marina Bay Sands rises majestically with its iconic SkyPark, offering breathtaking views from 57 floors above the ground. Further along, you’ll find Gardens by the Bay. A futuristic park that blends nature and technology. The Supertree’s towering vertical gardens stand as a testament to Singapore’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. This harmonious blend of modern architecture and lush greenery encapsulates the spirit of Singapore, a city where cutting-edge design and nature coexist seamlessly.
City Skyline’s Iconic Views:
Singapore’s skyline is a blend of futuristic architecture and lush greenery. The Marina Bay Sands SkyPark offers breathtaking views, where on a clear day, you might feel like you can see all the way to your next vacation. The Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay and the Art Science Museum add a sci-fi touch, making it look like a scene straight out of a futuristic movie.
LAZARUS ISLAND
Lazarus Island, once known as Pulau Sakijang Pelepah, meaning island of deer and palms in Malay, housed prison confinement sheds in the late 19th century. These were abandoned after a prisoner’s daring escape. Today, the island attracts visitors to its clean, white sandy beach on a c-shaped lagoon known as one of Singapore’s best-kept secrets. Lazarus Island is one of the few spots in the southern islands where private yachts and boats can anchor, allowing visitors to enjoy its pristine beaches and unspoiled beauty.
Lazarus Island’s Secret Beaches:
Lazarus Island is renowned for its hidden, pristine beaches, which are perfect for a secluded picnic or a quiet day of sunbathing, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
KUSU ISLAND
Kusu Island is home to a Chinese temple and three Malay keramat (shrines), attracting thousands of pilgrims annually, especially in the ninth lunar month between September and October. Kusu means “tortoise” or “turtle” in the Hokkien dialect. The island, also known as Pulau Tambakul, Goa Island or Peak Island, was originally 1.2 hectares in 1975. Landfill and Reclamation joined it with another coral outcrop, expanding it to an 8.5-hectare resort during the colonial era, Kusu Island served as a burial site for immigrants who died while in quarantine on St John’s and Lazarus Islands.
Kusu Island’s Healing Waters:
Besides its tortoise sanctuary, Kusu Island is believed to have healing waters. Pilgrims visit during the ninth lunar month, hoping to cure ailments and seek blessings.
ST JOHN'S ISLAND
Saint John’s Island, once a penal settlement, is now a holiday resort with a significant history tied to Singapore, Stamford Raffles anchored off the island on the 28th of January 1819, before heading to mainland Singapore. During the influx of immigrants, the island served as the report boat station for the Marine Department until a cholera epidemic in 1873 caused 448 deaths. Saint John’s Island then hosted a floating police station, a hospital and a quarantine burial ground at Peak Island, handling over 1300 cholera-infected Chinese coolies. After mass immigration ceased, the island housed political detainees and secret society ringleaders. Later, it was converted into a drug rehabilitation centre. And in 1975, it became a popular holiday campsite for schools and students.
St. John’s Island’s Cats:
St. John’s Island is home to a friendly community of stray cats. Visitors often bring treats for these feline residents, making it a charming spot for animal lovers.
SISTERS' ISLAND
Sisters Islands located south of Singapore consist of Pulau Subar Darat (Little Sister’s Island) and Pulau Subar Laut (Big Sister’s Island) covering 1.7 and 3.9 hectares respectively. According to legend, two sisters, Minah and Linah, were so close that they vowed to marry two brothers to always live together. When the news spread, many suitors came, but none were brothers. One day, a pirate chief tried to force Linah into marriage. In their attempt to escape, The sisters drowned in a storm. The islands emerged where they perished and the villagers named them sisters Islands in their memory.
Sisters’ Islands’ Mermaid Tales:
Local folklore tells of mermaids protecting the Sisters’ Islands. Divers and snorkelers often joke about looking for mermaid sightings while exploring the marine park.
TEKUKOR ISLAND
Tekukor Island or Pulau Tekukor Just off Sentosa is rarely visited due to the need for special permission. Recently special authorisation was secured to search for giant clams, allowing a rare trip to the island. Historically, it served as an ammunition dump until the 1980s. The island is expansive with rocky cliffs and a lengthy intertidal zone on one side and reefs encircling its perimeter. “Tekukor” translates to “Turtle Dove” or “Spotted Neck Dove”, Hence Pulau Tekukor means turtle dove Island or island of turtle doves.
Tekukor Island’s Mystery:
Also known as “Pulau Penyabong,” Tekukor Island was a former ammunition dump. Today, it’s an adventurer’s dream, with plans to turn it into an eco-tourism destination filled with wildlife and natural beauty.
