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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.