A Glimpse Of The History Of British Colonial Days And
Sentosa Singapore
Singapore, 30 August 2018 – Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, home to the
old soldier quarters and the last World War II air raid shelters on Sentosa Island,
is introducing the inaugural Amara Heritage Trail around its tastefully restored
colonial-style architecture and grounds, amidst tranquil garden settings and
breath-taking sea views.
The Amara Heritage Trail is a tour to discover the nature, conservation and history
hidden within the resort. The trail explores World War II-related sites and stories,
and provides a glimpse of the lives of British soldiers during the colonial era.
The trail takes 60 minutes to complete on foot. Beginning at the resort’s main lobby,
participants will be taken on a walk around its verdant tropical garden to explore heritage
buildings, and have the opportunity to admire the scenic coastal view of the South China
Sea. Along the way, guests will be asked to spot an artefact – a sole cleaner; relive the
experience of hiding in a World War II air raid shelter; and identify some of the common
herbs and spices used in our local cuisine today, including the one that brought the British
to Southeast Asia in the 1800s. Other highlights include uncovering a Heritage Tree protected
by the Singapore National Parks Board; sharing the story of Mrs. Helen Hall; and learning
the origins of the name “Sentosa” and some of the road names in Amara Sanctuary.
Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa is built on a piece of 10-acre land – where old British
military barracks and air raid shelters stood. These building complexes were constructed
sometime between 1897 and 1905; and upgraded in the 1920s. The resort’s owner, Mr
Albert Teo, worked with Mr Miyake Masaki, a celebrated Japanese architect, to convert
these old buildings into resort suites while preserving as much heritage and nature as possible.
This extensive conservation effort won Amara Sanctuary the Architectural Heritage Awards
given out by Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority in 2007.
“It is an honour and privilege that our resort sits on this piece of valuable land. Not only are
we part of the history, we are happy to be able to share this heritage with our guests. For the
younger generation, they will have an opportunity to learn and appreciate how far Singapore
has come.” Says Ms Dawn Teo, Senior Vice President of Amara Hotels & Resorts.
The Amara Heritage Trail is jointly organised by Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa and the
Singapore Tourism Board.
The trail is offered with guided and self-walking options. The guided Heritage Trail will be
opened to the public from 8th September 2018, every Saturday and Sunday, at 10am. The
one- hour guided tours will be priced at S$18 nett for the public; S$12 nett for in-house guests;
and is complimentary for Amara Sanctuary Suite and Villa guests.
A specially curated colonial set menu, priced at S$38++ for 2 persons, is also created in
conjunction with the launch of Amara Heritage Trail. Guests can have a taste of the common
dishes enjoyed by the British soldiers while Singapore was still a crown colony under the
British administration.