Sentosa's $65.5 Million Modern Trail Turns Walking Into a Multi-Sensory Experience
How do you design a modern walkway that allows people of all ages to conveniently enjoy walking, unwind, and immerse themselves in nature? Singapore shows us how through its latest outdoor attraction—the Sentosa Sensoryscape.
This architectural marvel serves as a pathway connecting Resorts World Sentosa in the north to the beaches of Sentosa in the south. Spanning 30,000 square meters—about the size of 5.5 football fields—it draws inspiration from the natural landscape of Sentosa.
Drone shot of Sentosa Sensoryscape
Behind the US$65.5 million project is the Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), a government agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. SDC oversees the development, management, marketing, and promotion of the island of Sentosa as a resort destination.
In an interview with the media, SDC's Chief Executive Officer, Thien Kwee Eng, explains that the project aimed to accommodate increased visitorship and enhance their experience by upgrading the island's north-south connector.
"The concept focused on harmoniously integrating architecture, nature, and digital technology to provide a unique and multisensory experience," Thien offers.
Towering flower stalks that illuminate the Glow Garden.
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Ridge to Reef
The Sensoryscape walkway is 350 meters long and offers a "ridge-to-reef journey" with a variety of day-to-night experiences. It is designed to engage all six senses: smell, sight, hearing, taste, touch, and imagination.
"We introduce a sixth sense of imagination with digital art and augmented reality (AR), called ImagiNite. ImagiNite, inspired by our island's nature, is featured in the different installations within SensoryScape," says Chiong Gee Khoon, Deputy Director for Planning and Architecture at SDC. ImagiNite is open for guests' enjoyment daily from 7:50 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.
Going from south to north of Sentosa, you'll start your trek at the Glow Garden. Picture towering flower stalks illuminated by color-changing lights—truly a visual feast. This light spectacle is enhanced by soothing, nature-inspired sounds and the coastal breeze of Sentosa.
Symphony Streams during daytime.
The next area, called the Symphony Streams, is a unique structure inspired by basket weaving. It immerses visitors in an underwater-like environment, accompanied by the soothing sounds of water trickling from the fountains. At sunset, the experience transforms with the use of AR. Through the ImagiNite app, you'll be transported into a digital realm with virtual sea creatures swimming around you. This is an interesting sight to behold.
Heading further north, the Scented Sphere features a vessel designed to resemble a forest garden. Its standout feature is the steel strands in its woven structure, which end in a bud-like shape. These strands support plants at their center, allowing the garden to emit natural fragrances that attract birds, bees, and butterflies. With AR, you can immerse yourself in a world of both real and virtual butterflies.
A shot at the Symphony Streams using the ImagiNite app.
On the eastern side is a cozy garden known as the Palate Playground, home to native fruit trees, aromatic herbs, and exotic spices. You can explore the garden and look for culinary inspirations, or simply enjoy a moment of respite on the log seats made from recycled Tembusu trees, from the island. At night, the area showcases interactive nature-inspired digital art.
Positioned further north is another unique diagrid structure called the Tactile Trellis. This one resembles a petal and houses a diverse range of plants with different tactile features. At night, it turns into a cinematic backdrop, sparking the imagination.
The final section of the plaza is known as the Lookout Loop. This central spot offers panoramic views of the surroundings and allows glimpses of the sea to the south. Tall Pink Mempat trees with captivating seasonal blooms create a cool canopy, providing a tranquil refuge for all to enjoy. At night, visitors are greeted by a dazzling display of dancing skybeams, visible from a distance.
Thien highlighted that Sensoryscape is designed to be inclusive, incorporating universal design principles. Although there is a 10-meter elevation difference across Sentosa from north to south, the walkway has been designed with a gentle slope. This design consideration ensures the walkway is accessible and user-friendly, even for people in wheelchairs, and those walking with pets.
Indulge your sense of smell with the fragrant blooms at the Scented Sphere.
Ten years in the making
Thien says that the project, spanning 10 years, required extensive planning, public consultation to address the removal of existing attractions, budget approval, and collaboration with partners for the design of the walkway and attractions. Sensoryscape was constructed on the site previously occupied by the iconic Sentosa Merlion.
Its construction inevitably faced delays due to the pandemic as some parts needed to be fabricated in different parts of the world. Despite these obstacles, the project was successfully completed on budget with a commendable safety record, resulting in the infrastructure visible today, says Thien.
The Lookout Loop offers panoramic views of the surroundings.
Asked whether sustainability was a consideration in the Sensoryscape's design and architecture, Thien affirmed that it certainly was. The use of materials was minimized through the diagrid design, which also lends the space a distinct look. Energy-efficient LED lighting is utilized. And as a "green connector" on the island, the Sensoryscape not only facilitates the movement of people in an eco-friendly manner, it also supports biodiversity by providing safe corridors for wildlife to travel between habitats. "Over 200 species of different plants have been introduced on this entire walkway," says Thien.
Looking forward, Thien envisions Sensoryscape to become an iconic attraction in Sentosa and to play a crucial role in Singapore's post-pandemic recovery, expected to fully materialize by 2025. With further enhancements and a grand launch awaiting later in the year, along with the development of adjacent lifestyle and F&B venues, Sensoryscape is poised to redefine outdoor exploration and relaxation, reaffirming Sentosa's place as a leader in eco-conscious, immersive travel destinations.
