Former Sentosa Icon Transformed into New Nature Arraction

Singapore, 5 August 2009 – Sentosa’s largest cluster of attractions at Imbiah Lookout just got bigger with the launch of the eleventh attraction today, which is aimed at nature lovers, families, students and anyone with a keen sense of curiosity!

The Sentosa Nature Discovery gallery is an information hub for guests of all ages to learn skills to become a “nature detective”. From interesting facts and colourful exhibits spread out in a two-storey indoor information gallery, to the wildlife and habitats thriving in the great outdoors, there are tools all around on Asia’s Favourite Playground to help guests sharpen their instincts and enable them to uncover intriguing surprises that nature has in store.

“Nature and Fun go hand-in-hand at the Sentosa Nature Discovery gallery to create delightful experiences and take learning to a new level”, said Mike Barclay, CEO, Sentosa Leisure Group.

“Located on the fringe of the Imbiah forest, the Sentosa Nature Discovery gallery is our portal to the great outdoors for all generations to discover and enjoy. The forest is full of life and guests will likely uncover something new each time they venture out, so every visit will be different.”

At the Sentosa Nature Discovery gallery, our guests become “nature detectives” by using their senses to observe, classify, compare, and infer from the surroundings. They can learn to identify species of birds and insects through the sounds that the wildlife make, as well as the ‘clues’ they leave behind. Our “nature detectives” can also get acquainted with the various habitats and rocks that are found on Sentosa. Sentosa will be rolling out a series of educational programmes targeted at schools. These programmes incorporate activities to promote skill-based and experiential learning. The hands-on activities are designed to evoke critical and creative thinking amongst students while they have fun.

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Set within a diverse environment, the Sentosa Nature Discovery gallery is literally a ‘living classroom’ for experiential learning. Everything in and around the forest can be used in each educational journey. Even the building that houses the information gallery has a story to tell as it is a former monorail station that has been preserved and transformed into the S$5.5 million dollar nature attraction.

The former monorail system took visitors on a scenic journey over the forest canopy, and it is then ostalgia of this popular ride through the greenery that inspired the design of the Sentosa Nature Discovery gallery. What was once the monorail track now also forms the bridge that links the nature gallery with the Imbiah rainforest.

Over the years, Sentosa has committed to preserving the island’s historical landscape and nature heritage amid many new developments on the island. Many of the older buildings on Sentosa have architectural and historical significance and play an integral role in our history. These historic icons have been thoughtfully conserved, giving them a new lease of life. Some of Sentosa’s conservation partnerships include the Tourism Academy at Sentosa, Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, the Sentosa Resort and Spa, and more recently, Capella Singapore, which comprises two restored 1880s colonial-era buildings.

Sentosa is also committed to keeping the island 60% green by actively preserving and enhancing the island’s natural environment. Sentosa is home to more than 30 heritage trees, Singapore’s largest collection. There are eight different nature reserve habitats, 134 species of birds and dozens more rare species of flora and fauna. Efforts are also underway to enrich the forested areas on Sentosa and restore them to a primary status where increased biodiversity creates a lush environment for wildlife to thrive.

Since November 2007, over 20,000 plants and native species have been planted in aid of this cause. About a dozen schools have sown the seeds for a greener future by actively participating in this tree planting campaign under Sentosa’s “Grow Our Nature Heritage” programme. Through this process, we hope to nurture in the young a sense of ownership and stewardship for the environment.

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About Sentosa Nature Discovery

Housed in a former monorail station within Sentosa's largest cluster of attractions, the Sentosa Nature Discovery gallery is a hands-on journey of discovery, where nature and fun go hand-in-hand.

The exploration takes place indoors and outdoors. A gallery of interactive exhibits will whet appetites for all things nature, before guests go out into the forest via a linked walkway to feed their curiosity about the birds, insects, wildlife and the different habitats and plants that can be found on Sentosa. Guests will pick up nature detective skills which they can use anywhere they go. Sentosa Nature Discovery, a portal to the great outdoors for all generations to discover and enjoy!