Sentosa Island, our favourite Island Playground, is doing more than offering fun in the sun—it’s setting a benchmark for sustainable tourism in Asia.
Sentosa Island, our favourite Island Playground, is doing more than offering fun in the sun—it’s setting a benchmark for sustainable tourism in Asia.
The Sentosa Carbon Neutral Network (SCNN), an alliance of businesses, including hotels, attractions and F&B providers, have united to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
Sentosa’s initiatives are part of its commitment to the Singapore Green Plan 2030. By aligning with this national agenda, Sentosa hopes to inspire visitors to embrace eco-friendly behaviours during their travels.
Whether visiting solar-powered attractions, eco-friendly dining, or marine conservation programs, Sentosa is demonstrating how collective efforts can significantly impact the environment.
As Ms. Thien Kwee Eng, CEO of Sentosa Development Corporation, explains:
“Sustainability is a collective journey. By engaging visitors, businesses, and conservation groups, we aim to inspire everyone to eat, play, and travel with a lighter footprint.”
Here’s a closer look at the key sustainability initiatives shaping Sentosa into an eco-friendly haven.
Pioneering Green Practices Across the Island
The SCNN is tackling multiple aspects of sustainability to make Sentosa a leader in green tourism, including:
- Solar Energy Adoption
Sentosa’s businesses are increasingly integrating solar panels to harness renewable energy, reducing their reliance on non-renewable sources. - Electric Vehicles (EVs)
The island is progressively switching to electric transport options, lowering carbon emissions and ensuring a cleaner travel experience for visitors. - Farm-to-Table Practices
Hotels and restaurants on the island are sourcing produce from local hydroponic farms and urban growers, reducing food miles while supporting sustainable agriculture. - Marine Conservation
Sentosa businesses are actively engaged in protecting marine ecosystems. Initiatives include habitat restoration and turtle spotting programs to raise awareness of marine biodiversity.
Sentosa Hotels Turn Waste into Art
One of our favourite sustainability efforts is the creative repurposing of waste materials into functional and artistic installations.
- Plastic Bottle Transformations: Over 1,300 plastic bottles phased out by W Singapore – Sentosa Cove have been repurposed into stunning exhibition backdrops.
- Upcycled Hotel Amenities: Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa turned 338 discarded amenity bottles into an art display.
- Breathing New Life into Textiles: Resorts World Sentosa contributed 48 king-sized bedsheets, while Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa provided 18 used juice bottles to create an intricate marine-themed installation celebrating local seagrass and marine life.
A Green Getaway to the Southern Islands
Just a 15-minute boat ride from Sentosa Cove, the Southern Islands offer a rustic escape that prioritises sustainability. Attractions include
- Sol by BDC
A convenience store housed in repurposed shipping containers, offering ready-to-eat meals, barbecue kits, and locally sourced produce. - Lazarus Sea Sports Centre
Try non-motorized water activities like stand-up paddling, kayaking, and Singapore’s first floating yoga boards—all designed with minimal environmental impact. - Into the Woods Glamping
Nine beachfront glamping units provide a slow-living glamping experience, complete with plantable stationery and watercolour kits for mindful relaxation.
Guidelines for eco-friendly exploration are available online, ensuring your visit leaves only footprints.
Butterfly Bliss at Imbiah Terrace
Nature enthusiasts will love the newly planted butterfly corridor at Imbiah Terrace.
Featuring over 3,000 butterfly-attracting plants, this green sanctuary aims to boost native butterfly populations, including species like the Lime Butterfly and the Tailed Jay.
Visitors can:
- Explore lush greenery connecting the Imbiah Nature Area and Sensoryscape.
- Spot butterflies in their natural habitat.
- Join future educational tours to learn about Sentosa’s biodiversity conservation efforts.