Take a break from the buzz of the crowds on Singapore’s island of fun and escape to nature at the revamped Sentosa Nature Discovery. The updated space has been designed to spotlight Sentosa’s rich biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts.
Just a short distance away from the bustle of Imbiah Lookout, the Sentosa Nature Discovery gallery provides an overview of the flora and fauna on Sentosa and segues into a nature trail where you can experience a different, more tranquil, side of Sentosa.
Sentosa Nature Discovery: From Monorail Station to Gallery
What do you do with an old, disused monorail station (from the time when a monorail ran around Sentosa)? Convert it into a gallery, of course!
The Sentosa Nature Discovery gallery occupies one of the old stations of the previous Sentosa monorail line which was discontinued in March 2005. The old Sentosa Monorail ran in a loop through seven stations from the old Ferry Terminal (now within Resorts World Sentosa), around to Fort Siloso and to the beaches and back to the Ferry Terminal.
Some of the monorail stations have been repurposed. One is now the Surrender Chambers at Fort Siloso, and another is the Sentosa Nature Discovery.
Habitats of Sentosa
The first zone at Sentosa Nature Discovery is Habitats of Sentosa. This introduces the various ecosystems that can be found on the island. There are eight natural habits found on Sentosa and these range from coastal forests to rocky seashores to secondary forests and parklands.
Nature Cinema
Then take a seat at the Nature Cinema and be transported by SENTOSA, a short film that reveals the island’s bold efforts to protect its natural wonders and build a sustainable future. Produced by Earth in Focus, the film offers a compelling look at conservation through the eyes of a native Sentosa islander.
Unique Flora & Fauna of Sentosa
Did you know that Sentosa is home to rare plants and hard-to-spot animals. Learn more about them at the next section of Sentosa Nature Discovery.
For example, one interesting fact is that there is a species of Mantis Shrimp that is named after Sentosa. The Gonodactylellus sentosa is a crustacean that was found on Sentosa and only described in 2016!
Swiftlet Bunker
One of the highlights of Sentosa Nature Discovery is the Swiftlet Bunker.
This is a re-creation of the World War II bunker found on Imbiah Hill.
The actual bunker is home to two species of swiftlets and is off limits to visitors. The underground bunker has become home to the largest known colony of the Edible-nest and Black-nest Swiftlets in Singapore, with more than 250 nests.
Instead, at Sentosa Nature Discovery, you can step into a cool, echo-filled interior modelled after the original World War II bunker.
At this zone, you can discover the two species of swiftlets that made the historical site their home and explore how this former military bunker has evolved into an unexpected sanctuary for wildlife.
Get ready to step into the shoes of a researcher and discover the hidden world of the swiftlet colony at Imbiah Bunker.
Sentosa’s Conversation Efforts
Get a look at the ongoing projects and effort that are being put in place to safeguard Sentosa’s land and sea in this next section.
Geology Gallery
Make your way one floor down from the main gallery and pay a visit to the Geology Gallery where you explore the natural history and formation of Sentosa.
Discovery Room
There is also an indoor, air-conditioned space where school groups, families, and nature lovers can pause to read and reflect.
Walking the Trails around Sentosa Nature Discovery
Once you are done at the Sentosa Nature Discovery, head out to the walking trail to experience what you have just discovered.
Take a stroll along the Imbiah Bridge, a walkway built over a stretch of the old monorail line.
You can also view sections of the original monorail line.
Along the way, there are information panels about the surrounding area.
A short walk away is Mount Imbiah with walking trails that lead through some of Sentosa’s secondary forest and parkland. It provides a quick way to experience a different side to Sentosa.
The Sentosa Nature Discovery is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily with last entry at 4.45 pm. Admission to the gallery is free.
If you are having difficulty finding its entrance, just look for the Zeus Coffee outlet and follow the signs from there.
From the Archives: The Previous Sentosa Nature Discovery
Here is a look at what Sentosa Nature Discovery used to look like before the latest revamp.
There used to be touch-and-feel display where visitors could get hands on wit a variety of rocks and tree barks.
Previously, there was an activity station with birdsong.
There used to be a leaf litter display.
