Once a grim military outpost, this island is now a global playground for millions.

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Known today as a tranquil resort destination, Sentosa was once a foreboding military fortress and a prisoner-of-war camp. Its history is marked by dark legends, colonial defense strategies, and a near-miss with becoming an oil refinery. Today, it stands as a testament to Singapore's rapid transformation into a tourism powerhouse.

Before its rebranding as Sentosa—meaning peace and tranquility—in the 1970s, the island was known as Pulau Blakang Mati, or the Island of Death Behind. This ominous name likely stemmed from its history of piracy, disease outbreaks, or its role as a burial ground for warriors. In the 1840s, a mysterious fever caused by swampy conditions decimated the local Bugis population, later identified as malaria. By the late 19th century, the island became a crucial defensive fortification for Singapore, housing batteries like Fort Siloso and Fort Connaught to protect the harbour.

The island's military significance peaked during the Second World War. Following the British surrender in 1942, the site became a brutal prisoner-of-war camp where hundreds of Chinese men were executed during the Sook Ching operation. After the war, the island transitioned through various military uses, including serving as a base for the Royal Artillery and Gurkha infantry units, before being handed over to the Singapore Armed Forces in 1967. Plans to turn the island into a petrochemical complex were ultimately abandoned in favor of tourism development.

Since the Sentosa Development Corporation was established in 1972, the island has undergone massive investment, including the construction of Resorts World Sentosa and the 2018 summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un. Despite its success, the island's development has faced significant criticism regarding biodiversity loss and ecological impact. Recent events, such as a 2024 oil spill, highlight the ongoing tension between maintaining this high-traffic tourist hub and preserving the island's remaining natural environment.

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