Sentosa to develop two new attractions

One is nature-based, while the other will be on an 'interactive and skill-based' concept

Visitors to Sentosa have two new attractions to look forward to, including a new site to be developed into a nature-based adventure attraction. PHOTO: ELMICH

Visitors to Sentosa have two new attractions to look forward to, including a new site to be developed into a nature-based adventure attraction.

Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) is calling for proposals to develop a 9,420 sq m forested area, located on a slope connecting Imbiah Lookout to Siloso Beach, into an attraction for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.

The flying trapeze and Trapizza restaurant at Siloso Beach Walk, run by Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa, will make way for a new attraction when its lease ends in the coming months.

A tender for the 2,760 sq m site was called last month for an attraction with ancillary food and beverage and/or retail offerings.

According to tender documents, the proposed attraction should complement Siloso Beach's positioning as a destination for the hip, cool and young, as well as nearby attractions such as the Skyline Luge and the upcoming AJ Hackett Bungy attraction, touted as Singapore's first bungy jump experience.

The tender calls for innovative concepts that are interactive, skill-based in nature and competitively priced, among other things.

Proposals for the attraction at Imbiah Lookout should combine nature and adventure elements by making use of the site's natural gradient and profile, and have a small building footprint with minimal environmental impact.

In response to queries, SDC's divisional director for island investment and branding Susan Ang said: "As part of our periodic reviews on site use across the island, Imbiah Lookout has been identified as a potential site for further development."

Potential re-development plans have also kicked off at the western end of Siloso Beach, which is now more accessible since the launch of the intra-island cablecar line last year, she said.

There is no timeline yet for development of the two new attractions.

A spokesman for Mega Adventure Park, located at the top of Imbiah Hill, said it does not see competition as a threat and welcomes new attractions to the resort island.

Visitorship to Sentosa increased from 18.6 million for the 2013- 2014 financial year to 19.4 million the following year.

Dr Michael Chiam, senior tourism lecturer at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, said the new offerings are likely part of an attempt to revitalise its products and stay relevant to younger visitors.

"They prefer experiential types of activities to create unique and memorable experiences," he said.

Marketing assistant Tina Chia, who lives in Queensway and often visits the beaches on Sentosa, is looking forward to the new attractions.

"A lot of the activities in Sentosa are pricey, though," said the 26-year-old.

"Unless the new attractions are cheaper, I will probably try them only once or twice."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 19, 2016, with the headline Sentosa to develop two new attractions. Subscribe