If Integrated Resort (IR) is not built on Sentosa, this project will soon become another Super White Elephant.

Also, if they are serious about this project, people mover (LRT) extension or a bridge should be built sonnest as possible.

Singapore's Capri


Soon, Singapore will have it's very own Capri, an idyllic resort off the west coast of Italy. The plan is to transform the Southern Islands into a coastal botanical haven where people can live in harmony with nature and yet have modern conveniences such as fresh water, telecommunications and electricity.

As the Singapore Tourism Board's redevelopment consultant Mr. Bernard Spoerry envisions it, it will be a Capri without cars. To get around the raods planned for the three islands - St. John's, Lazarus and Renget - visitors and residents will probably have to use bicycles or even golf carts to travel around. Furthermore, Capri's low-rise buildings will be mirrored on this development of the Southern Islands where buildings at most would be four-storeys high.

Stressing that 80% of the islands, which now cover 88 ha, will remain untouched, the STB is confident the flora and fauna there will not be destroyed by the traffic. The tourism body has engaged the National Univeristy of Singapore to conduct a study of the island's ecological features and asses the fesibility of creating a haven forendangered species.

Reclamation work will be completed by 2002 and the resort will be ready by 2007, by then which half-a-million people a year are expected to visit the $280-million development compared to the 1,000 that the islands now attract.

In addition, the merging of these islands pave the way for the new generation of waterfront housing in Singapore with more units of housing along the sea than ever.

What's in Store

A luxury, 290-room, five-star hilltop hotel
A three-star, 170-room, beachfront hotel
70 waterfront homes
1,700 units of housing
180 shops
50 restaurants

http://library.thinkquest.org/C006891/capri.html

Is this the 6-star resort that Norman Foster is working on?

No, I guess you're talking about "The Knolls"

The Knolls at Sentosa is a joint venture between the Pontiac Land Group and Thai developer City Realty. Designed by legendary hotelier Robert Burns and award-winning architect Norman Foster, it will be ready in 2007 or 2008

There is another thread on this, I think.

part of the government's fondness for similes - "Asia's London", "Swiss style efficiency", "Central Park like New York".... is based on its nature of "rewriting and ...re-imagining" singapore's destiny as and when it needs to, as theorised in Ban Kah Choon's essay "Narrating Imagination". Singapore's existence is thus eked out more figuratively in the psychological sense than in the physical reality of things.

oh well I never heard of this Capri project but it has potential hopefully, as Singapore is trying to increase hotel supply to cope with increased visitor arrivals. They should strive to offer the full range of accomodation. From budget to 6-star and in different locations.

part of the government's fondness for similes - "Asia's London", "Swiss style efficiency", "Central Park like New York".... is based on its nature of "rewriting and ...re-imagining" singapore's destiny as and when it needs to, as theorised in Ban Kah Choon's essay "Narrating Imagination". Singapore's existence is thus eked out more figuratively in the psychological sense than in the physical reality of things.

Perhaps concrete markers are required to stimulate the imaginations of stodgy Singaporeans.

...THE SOUTHERN ISLANDS...an idyllic rseort, a coastal botanical haven where people can live in harmony with nature, includes water front homes and sea sports facilities.

....the perfect getaway for yuppies, an adventure for families and beach lovers and for those who fear not the TSUNAMIs

Understand that there will be a new hilltop hotel at Lazarus Island, should be safe to stay there. But...... still can be killed if the hotel is hit by landslide.

When time is up, need to go will have to go.

I have a feeling it'll be too exclusive to make any difference in our lives when complete.:)

On the sister's islands? So how wil the main form of commute be? Sailing boats?

With its great focus on Integrated Resorts, Sentosa, and other important things that warrant greater attention, I was wondering what is in store for the Southern Island.

I remembered reading many years ago when the Govt announced its vision to re-develop Southern Islands with Sentosa into world-class destination and for this Southern Islands, it would possibly emulate Venice-style or Suzhou-style with many pedestrian bridge with interesting architecture joining Kusu Island, Sisters' Island, and nearby islands. And people could move around in the golf carter moving from one island to others while river taxi would ferry inhabitants/visitors from Singapore River point to anyone of the islands. But now, with the coming of IR, would the prospect of turning these islands into these once-envisioned development be possible as it would definitely duplicate/rival with IR?

Anyone knows the news about the devt of Southern Islands?

And I remembered seeing one of the posters at URA Gallery that S'pore is thinking of introducing MRT from P. Ubin to P. Tekong which obviously is not feasible as well. But I am curious of what the govt has any plans for P. Tekong or P. Ubin?

:runaway:

So in that case, where is the govt's follow-up plan to redevelop Southern Islands which keep many of us wondering what is the next?

If the plan to bring in Disneyland or even British Cambridge University campus to Johore does really materialise or with the threat of Bangkok's new airport terminal to be completed in 2006 (not sure of the targetted date), would the redevelopment of the Southern Island continue to push Singapore into the new frontier again just like the Singapore's IR has done to push it forward leaps and bounds.

:runaway:

I thought the Sentosa IR would be integrated with Southern Islands?

I remember the Southern Islands being used as a factor when they were expanding on the possibilities

How nice if we can use the Southern Island to reclaim into Merlion shaped lion island, rivalling Dubai's GRANDEUR PLAN to build Traveller Palm shaped islands, and World Map where celebrity can buy his/her favorurite countries.

:runaway:

How nice if we can use the Southern Island to reclaim into Merlion shaped lion island, rivalling Dubai's GRANDEUR PLAN to build Traveller Palm shaped islands, and World Map where celebrity can buy his/her favourite countries.

:runaway:

that's a dream, I supposed? :)

Of course and if we do that, we can attract Noan Arks' ships containing millions of pirates to rob the tourists since Malacca Strait is one of the dangerous place for the ships.

:runaway:
that's a dream, I supposed? :)

lets build the tallest merlion skyscraper on the merlion islands :jk:

How nice if we can use the Southern Island to reclaim into Merlion shaped lion island, rivalling Dubai's GRANDEUR PLAN to build Traveller Palm shaped islands, and World Map where celebrity can buy his/her favorurite countries.

:runaway:

sounds great..but I think Bahrain is already doing that..they are reclaiming a sea-horse shaped island! Besides..we have Sentosa Cove for the moment.

Oh, i did not know about it. but it does not leave a good possibility to reclaim merlion-shaped island since southern islands are clustered here and there and could pose a possible hindrance to the shipping lines...and the water is not really fantastic..it has to be substantial in this sense, whereby, it can have a nice resort or villa with bountiful of water sports and it would be much better if the surrounding area is blessed with natural features like coral gardens, myraids of fishes...something like that....

:runaway:


sounds great..but I think Bahrain is already doing that..they are reclaiming a sea-horse shaped island! Besides..we have Sentosa Cove for the moment.

thats true..I dont think it is worth the expense to reclaim such an island anyway with all the risks....

Not sure why we need to spend 40 mins and travel by ferry to a island that is only 1km away. Why not extend the Cable Car service or Sentosa Express (LRT) to southern islands? Ever suggested to them several times but authority doesn't seem to be interested.

In the calm of Kusu

By Ng Hui Hui
02 October 2005 - The Straits Times


A WALK along the golden beach on Kusu Island does wonders for technician Jimmi Ong.

Gazing at the faraway ships with the sea breeze caressing his hair is a priceless experience, he says.

'The peaceful surroundings recharge me and allow me to reflect on my life without any distractions,' says Mr Ong, 28, who paid $9 for a return ferry ticket from Sentosa to Kusu Island last Wednesday.

Such is the tranquillity of the 8ha island, the size of 13 football fields, before throngs of Buddhist devotees descend on it tomorrow. During the ninth lunar month each year, about 120,000 people will converge on the deserted southern island to pray for health, wealth, prosperity and fertility.

Carting plastic bags of fruit and joss sticks, they stop by the island's Chinese temple, which houses Tua Pek Gong (Merchant God) and Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy), to pray and make donations.

Some also climb the 152 steps of a knoll to reach the Kramat, a Malay shrine to commemorate a pious man named Syed Abdul Rahman, his mother and sister.

The shrine is famous for answering childless couples' prayers for children.

Kusu Island, which is Hokkien for 'Tortoise' Island, owes its name to several myths and legends. The most prevalent one tells of how a tortoise turned into an island to save two shipwrecked sailors. To give thanks, they returned the following year to make offerings.

When LifeStyle visited last Wednesday, a few workers were setting up tents under which 12 souvenir vendors will set up shop during the annual pilgrimage period, which ends on Nov 1.

The island houses a food centre but it was devoid of life except for mynahs. But from tomorrow, six food and four drinks vendors will start operations.

The only inhabitants on the island are Madam Sim Chwee Eng, her son Seet Seng Huat and their Indonesian maid. They man the Chinese temple and live there.

Madam Sim, 76, moved to the island with her late husband when she was 16. His ancestors built the temple 300 years ago. Her smooth complexion radiates a rosy tint and the only telltale signs of her age are the wrinkles around her eyes.

She says the secret to her youthful looks is the pollution-free environment of the island. 'The only beauty product I use is hair dye to hide my greying mane. The rest is all works of nature,' she says in Mandarin.

About 20 visitors drop by the island every week-day, mostly tourists. It is rare to spot Singaporeans although a handful converge there on weekends to fish or picnic.

They are mostly older people, adds Mr Seet. 'There's nothing to do here, so it doesn't attract the younger crowd,' says the 57-year-old father of two young children.

His wife and children live in a five-room flat in Telok Blangah but he prefers to live on the island. He sells prayer paraphernalia such as joss sticks to visitors.

'If you think about it, there's nothing much to do in the city too. I can't shop every day. I'm better off here,' he says.

'City life is very stressful. My Mum and I probably look much younger than our age because we're very happy here.'

The annual Kusu pilgrimage starts tomorrow. Ferry tickets at $6 for children and $10 for adults from Mondays to Saturdays are available at selected NTUC outlets and Clifford Pier. On Sundays and public holidays, they cost $7 and $12 respectively; advance tickets for these days cost $7 and $11.50. For enquiries, call Sentosa on 1800-736-8672.

Penguin Ferry Services is providing the ferry services annually. Been to the island once for fun. :)

Why take 40min? Maybe, ferry speed, choppy sea and Sentosa is in the way? Building a cable car is not justifiable for temporary surge in demand unless a private company propose to do it. ;)

Sentosa Lesiure Group mentioned this at their website:

"Southern Islands: The Southern Islands comprise of Kusu, Lazarus, Seringat, Sisters and St. John's and lie just one kilometre off Sentosa. The Islands encompass 137 hectares of natural flora and fauna. Sentosa oversees the maintenance of these offshore islands south of Singapore. Under the $1-billion redevelopment plans for these Islands residential, resort, and entertainment facilities will emerge. This could include a range of high-end entertainment venues, theatres, exclusive restaurants, health spas, resorts, themed attractions and conference facilities. The islands of Pulau Seringat, Lazarus and St. John's island which were isolated islands in the past are now joined together to form one new “critical mass” island destination with some of the longest and best beaches in Singapore. These developments will complement the attractions and facilities on Sentosa. The Southern Islands are poised to attract international talent and investments and contribute to Singapore's tourism industry and economic growth."

I believe Southern islands have the potential to become next Atlantis City (http://www.atlantis.com/flash.aspx).

Expect to see them launching the vacant sites @ Seringat island after Sentosa Cove sales. Might also see another IR @ Lazarus island in the near future.

Sentosa Lesiure Group mentioned this at their website:

"Southern Islands: The Southern Islands comprise of Kusu, Lazarus, Seringat, Sisters and St. John's and lie just one kilometre off Sentosa. The Islands encompass 137 hectares of natural flora and fauna. Sentosa oversees the maintenance of these offshore islands south of Singapore. Under the $1-billion redevelopment plans for these Islands residential, resort, and entertainment facilities will emerge. This could include a range of high-end entertainment venues, theatres, exclusive restaurants, health spas, resorts, themed attractions and conference facilities. The islands of Pulau Seringat, Lazarus and St. John's island which were isolated islands in the past are now joined together to form one new “critical mass” island destination with some of the longest and best beaches in Singapore. These developments will complement the attractions and facilities on Sentosa. The Southern Islands are poised to attract international talent and investments and contribute to Singapore's tourism industry and economic growth."

I believe Southern islands have the potential to become next Atlantis City (http://www.atlantis.com/flash.aspx).

Expect to see them launching the vacant sites @ Seringat island after Sentosa Cove sales. Might also see another IR @ Lazarus island in the near future.

The ferries embark from Clifford Pier not Sentosa currently. Next year onwards, the journey will be shorten when the pier moves to the new site. ;)

There are plans for southern islands. I remember seeing them before somewhere.

I think there is a lot more potential for tourism and the southern islands, but I dont think we should try to develop all of them at the moment, and now the focus is on Sentosa...

where do you see this info? Kinda sound exciting to have more devt on offshore islands. Currently, these islands are inaccessible and not convenient to go there though there are ferry services provided. What is lacking of the attraction placed there to attract us to go there. Not just go there to relax quietly but of course there must have some basic amentities there to allow us to stay longer..look at the redevt of the siloso beach, and tanjong rhu beach.
:runaway:

The ferries embark from Clifford Pier not Sentosa currently. Next year onwards, the journey will be shorten when the pier moves to the new site. ;)

There are plans for southern islands. I remember seeing them before somewhere.

You meant the Southern Islands Planning Report?

http://www.ura.gov.sg/dgp_reports/sislands/main.html

The report is old though. 1996. Maybe, a new version will be out soon.

Sentosa Lesiure Group mentioned this at their website:

"Southern Islands: The Southern Islands comprise of Kusu, Lazarus, Seringat, Sisters and St. John's and lie just one kilometre off Sentosa. The Islands encompass 137 hectares of natural flora and fauna. Sentosa oversees the maintenance of these offshore islands south of Singapore. Under the $1-billion redevelopment plans for these Islands residential, resort, and entertainment facilities will emerge. This could include a range of high-end entertainment venues, theatres, exclusive restaurants, health spas, resorts, themed attractions and conference facilities. The islands of Pulau Seringat, Lazarus and St. John's island which were isolated islands in the past are now joined together to form one new “critical mass” island destination with some of the longest and best beaches in Singapore. These developments will complement the attractions and facilities on Sentosa. The Southern Islands are poised to attract international talent and investments and contribute to Singapore's tourism industry and economic growth."

I believe Southern islands have the potential to become next Atlantis City (http://www.atlantis.com/flash.aspx).

Expect to see them launching the vacant sites @ Seringat island after Sentosa Cove sales. Might also see another IR @ Lazarus island in the near future.

I think they'll only develop this after the Sentosa IR.......:yes:

I think so too...Sentosa Cove is probably also a test-bed to test the demand for such lifestyle concept.

^Yes......I think this will act as a second engine of growth to Sentosa's tourist numbers.......:yes:

A cool aerial pic showing all the Southern Islands & Sentosa

http://static.flickr.com/38/77913310_42919ab2a5_b.jpg

The pic was posted by Bahraini Spirit

Wow....didn't know Pulau Semankau has almost the same land area(fully reclaimed) as Sentosa

If im not wrong... does Southern islands have some of the clearest waters in Singapore? They should build more beaches, then it'll will attract more tourists and beach goers!! :) :)

yes there are small pockets of water that look clear...quite surprising considering that the islands are not far from the busiest sea-lanes in the world

If im not wrong... does Southern islands have some of the clearest waters in Singapore? They should build more beaches, then it'll will attract more tourists and beach goers!! :) :)
that would destroy the clear waters n clean beaches there!

that would destroy the clear waters n clean beaches there!

Oh... is that true? I mean won't the sand settle? :)

yes there are small pockets of water that look clear...quite surprising considering that the islands are not far from the busiest sea-lanes in the world


Yeah, precisely! Check out the NUS website, they have a web on Marine life in Singapore, plus the standard of water clarity off the shores. Tis pretty cool! :) :cheers:

Any news on the progress of southern island?

Finally, this cluster of unnamed islands is best to be renamed to Harry's island


STB plans to develop Southern Islands into tourist attraction
By Jeana Wong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 28 November 2006 1837 hrs




SINGAPORE: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) plans to develop the six islands off the southern tip of Sentosa into a tourist attraction.

This, as its $12b Sentosa masterplan -- which includes Harbourfront and the Southern Islands -- is expected to be completed ahead of schedule in 2010.

The comment came on the sidelines of an industry conference where STB also revealed that Singapore is set to welcome another record number of visitors this year.

The STB wants to tap on the momentum of the Sentosa integrated resort bid and extend investor interest to the islands nearby.

Exploring the potential of developing land around the Marina Bay and Sentosa areas, the STB concluded that enhancing the lush greenery and natural foliage of the Southern Islands will make them irresistible as a tourist destination.

The Southern Islands include the Sisters' Island, Kusu Island and St John Island.

The agency says the Southern Islands already boast a Chinese temple, natural ecosystems and a resort-like atmosphere.

So it is conceivable to turn some of them into a resort island, a cultural site or an interactive rainforest park.

Designers say there is a trend towards mixing education and entertainment when it comes to creating a tourist destination that leverages on the natural resources of a given place.

They say the Southern Islands have the potential to become such a themed destination.

Citing Hamburg's Regenwald House, Shawn McCoy, Marketing Director of Jack Rouse Associates, said: "There's a great project in Hamburg called the Regenwald House. Basically, it's a rainforest where you walk through and you can interpret some of the flora and fauna that are there. Everything, from audio wands to rain sequence - so it rains on you. It's manufactured, sure it's synthetic but you're actually learning about the natural environment."

STB expects to announce details for the development of the Southern Islands and seek request-for-concepts as early as next March.

Total investment in Sentosa alone reached S$3.1 billion in the fiscal year ending in March.

This is a 68% increase compared to a year ago.

On tourist arrivals, STB says Singapore is expected to receive its 9th million visitor anytime now.

This will set a second consecutive year of record high for tourist numbers.

Singapore welcomed 8.94 million visitors in 2005. - CNA/ir

^ Wow....thats exciting....:D

Nov 29, 2006
Southern Islands may be next big tourist attraction
One plan being considered: Make them a getaway for the rich

By Krist Boo

RIDING on the global interest stirred by its upcoming gaming resorts, Singapore is rolling out its next mega-tourism project - centred on the Southern Islands.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is out to woo investors to develop the cluster of six islands near Sentosa into a hot new destination, perhaps aimed at well-heeled tourists.

The STB is seeking ideas on how exactly to develop the islands, said Mr Kok Ping Soon, its director for sector planning.

It may be difficult to develop the islands as a mass market tourist destination because they lack a land link to the main island. Instead, a plan is being considered to turn them into a getaway for the rich.

The Southern Islands - Kusu, St John's, the Sisters' Islands, Kias, Lazarus and Seringat - draw at least 100,000 visitors a year, and have been said to have the potential to be similar to Italy's Isle of Capri, a marine village, or Dubai's The Palm island, a development for the ultra-wealthy.

Now that reclamation works on the Southern Islands are almost complete, the STB is setting its sights on developing the cluster by 2015, the year it has to hit its target of 17 million annual visitors and $30 billion in tourism receipts.

The STB is also out to stir up investor interest in another mega-project: the development of a new cruise centre at Marina South.

It wants a new centre that is larger than the terminal at HarbourFront, which industry players say is inadequate for Asia's growing appetite for cruising.

Last year, the HarbourFront centre saw 623,740 passengers. This year, the number will likely cross 850,000.

With cruise terminals seldom being lucrative ventures, the Government is sweetening the deal by offering investors the option to build hotels, shops and entertainment draws at the site. A feasibility study on the Marina cruise centre is under way.

Mr Ken Low, STB's assistant chief executive for brand and communications, said the cruise terminal will stimulate the development of Marina South.

The STB said investors may be invited next year to tender for both projects. If so, the process will be similar to the one used to award the two integrated resorts (IR), but perhaps with less intensity.

Mr Kok told reporters the response from potential investors has been encouraging.

'Every one is taking a second look at Singapore. Some of this increased confidence in Singapore as a leisure investment location can be attributed to our decision to proceed with the two integrated resorts,' he said on the sidelines of the Leisure Invest Asia 2006 conference yesterday.

The push to develop another two major tourism projects went down well with one contender for the Sentosa IR resort.

Genting International's chief financial officer Tan Hee Teck said: 'The more things you put into a place, the better it is. People will see it as a more desirable destination.'

Besides the two projects, investment opportunities also abound along the Singapore River, Orchard Road, and the HarbourFront area, said the STB's Mr Low.

And there is no better time to take the plunge, with Singapore at the centre of a tourism boom in Asia, fuelled partly by new budget airlines.

Visitor arrivals here are on track to hit a new record this year. Last month, arrivals reached 857,000, a 15 per cent rise over the same period last year. It was the best showing yet for the month of October.

krist@sph.com.sg

Copyright © 2006 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

Southern Islands could be premium resort: STB

29 Nov 06

Super-exclusive haven for billionaires, location for third casino are some possibilities

(SINGAPORE) The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) could launch a Request for Concepts (RFC) for the Southern Islands as early as the first quarter of 2007 - setting the ball rolling for a resort, or even super-exclusive haven for billionaires.

http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/media/image/launched/2006-11-29/BT_5206069_29_11_2006.jpg

Speaking at LeisureInvest Asia 2000 conference yesterday, STB's assistant chief executive for brand and communications Ken Low said the Southern Islands could be developed into a 'premium' resort and an RFC could be launched in early 2007.

In a statement released later, Mr Low said: 'The Singapore Tourism Board is exploring more opportunities to develop the tourism landscape in Singapore beyond the two integrated resorts. We will reveal more details in the first quarter of next year.'

STB's director of Leisure Planning Kok Ping Soon said the board has been working with other government agencies on how best to use the Southern Islands. Although this is still at the exploratory stage, he said concepts could include eco-tourism or cultural tourism. But he added: 'We do not want to dissipate tourism all over Singapore.'

Although a timeframe for development has not been made public, Mr Kok said plans for the Southern Islands are tied to STB's target to attract 17 million visitors 2015.

The Southern Islands include St John's Island, Kusu Island, Lazarus Island, Sisters' Islands, Renget and Kias. Together they add up to about 140 hectares of land.

This is not the first time development plans have emerged for the islands. In March 2004, then-Minister for Trade and Industry George Yeo said the cluster of islands was being considered as a location for a casino, with a possible bridge linking them to Sentosa.

Although plans for this were sidelined after Marina Bay and Sentosa were confirmed as the casino locations, discussions - under the radar - appear to have continued.

Sources say ideas that have been bandied about include a haven for billionaires. Only 300 housing plots would be sold, with an additional 100-room luxury hotel to serve guests and residents. Access would be private yacht only.

Whether STB would consider offering a third casino licence to any developer of the Southern Islands - after the 10-year moratorium on the first two licences expires - is not known.

Analyst Jonathan Galaviz of Las Vegas tourism and gaming consultancy Globalysis says a casino licence would be welcomed by any investor or developer, although it may not be necessary. According to Mr Galaviz, development on the Southern Islands could feed off the tourism generated by the two upcoming IRs, but the entertainment value of the islands would have to be developed to attract repeat visits.

One possible reason for resuscitating plans for the Southern Islands could be the runaway success of Sentosa Cove, where residential property prices have increased 75 per cent since the first homes were sold there three years ago.

Apparently, nothing stands in the way of developing the Southern Islands, except that parts were made conservation areas under the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Green Plan of 1993.

Reclamation to connect some of the Islands has been completed. It is not known if more reclamation will be required.

The chairman of the Nature Society's marine conservation group Leong Kwok Peng said: 'Where there is reclamation, there is bound to be issues with conservation.'

'Siltation and sedimentation from reclamation' have an adverse effect on coral reefs and marine life, he said.

Reclamation has already claimed 65 per cent of Singapore's coral reefs, according to him. 'Right now we don't have a marine park, and the reason is that the land is too precious.'

The value of the land will be the determining factor, and the director of marketing and business development at Savills Singapore, Ku Swee Yong, sees the Southern Islands as a 'natural progression of Sentosa Cove'.

But Knight Frank director of research and consultancy Nicholas Mak said the Southern Islands are 'not exactly the Maldives', so success is not guaranteed. He also said a resort without a casino might not work, as other attractions might not draw a critical mass.

By ARTHUR SIM

Hmm....this could give developments (who did not get the IRs) another chance.....:D

could be...sounds good for those 'ultra-luxury' offerings....in fact the development costs could be lower than the IR :yes:

could be...sounds good for those 'ultra-luxury' offerings....in fact the development costs could be lower than the IR :yes:

Yeah.....seem like the IR is a good catalyst for other developments......:D

Some smart developer should put up [relatively] affordable holiday homes on the waterfront of Ubin. I can imagine putting up my feet on the balcony of a seaside cottage looking towards Changi Village......

Villas and marine park are possibilities for the Southern Island development, say experts
By May Wong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 November 2006 2005 hrs


Photos 1 of 1





SINGAPORE: Experts suggest villas and marine park as development possibilities for the Southern Islands.

This comes after the Singapore Tourism Board revealed it wants to get ideas on how to develop the six islands. They include the Kusu, St John's and Sisters' Islands.

Islands like Kusu and St John's are currently popular with campers or day-trippers looking to make a short getaway.

The islands, about one hour away from the mainland, ooze rustic charm with minimal facilities. And talks of developing them have generated much excitement.

Lynne Ireland, Vice President of Marketing (Asia Pacific), Small Luxury Hotels of the World, says: "Look for something unique - develop villas. You will have the clientele coming through and honestly with Singapore, that will actually enhance the experience and enhance Singapore as a gateway destination by having these additional escapes without too much commercialisation within the region.

"The thing is to develop them correctly and to develop the right infrastructure and the right properties to make a difference and then really set Singapore on the map."

Assistant Professor Tomoki Fujii, School of Economics and Social Sciences at Singapore Management University, says: "One of the possibilities is to develop a marine park, where divers and snorkellers come and enjoy the pristine marine environment there.

"Another option is to develop a sort of resort for retirees, where people can enjoy semi-pristine environment. Maybe you can build wooden cottages and things like that so you can have quite good natural environment while enjoying the proximity to the city."

Singapore does not have much greenery because buildings are spread across the city.

So experts feel it is best to preserve the natural landscape of the six tropical islands while developing them. That way, the islands will complement the attractions and facilities on the mainland.

Morgan Parker, President of Taubman Asia, says: "I think there's tremendous opportunity to take advantage of the topography, that natural environment that the islands provide. Education is a very important leisure activity in this part of the world. So these islands may present a beautiful canvass for the creation of edu-tainment if you like."

The challenge is to create attractions on the islands while drawing visitors back to the mainland to encourage more spending. - CNA/so

1. If they want a good proposal, a casino to be operated in 2016 (stupid 10 years lock-in period from 2006 -2016) is a must. Otherwise they will probably get irrevalent small investments scatter over the island. Best to have a single developer like Sentosa's IR.

2. Southern Islands should be for all Singaporeans, not as haven for billionaires or a group of rich young punks. Doing this will only marglinalise the middle and lower class and create unhappiness among Singaporeans.

2. Southern Islands should be for all Singaporeans, not as haven for billionaires or a group of rich young punks. Doing this will only marglinalise the middle and lower class and create unhappiness among Singaporeans.

Heard that Indonesian pirates sometimes harrass vessels in that area. Some years ago, Indonesian pirates even landed at the sea sports centre in East Coast. If the Southern Islands are to attract millionaires/billionaires to live there, they better ensure their safety.

2. Southern Islands should be for all Singaporeans, not as haven for billionaires or a group of rich young punks. Doing this will only marglinalise the middle and lower class and create unhappiness among Singaporeans.

Agree with this....I would actually like to see one of the islands developed as more of a 'retirement village'....could have walking paths for outdoor exercise, a high quality medical clinic, other amenities for the older generation....great place to go for a few years of relaxing life away from the city bustle....plus easy for kids and grandkids to visit for weekends...

Oh no!!! There goes the tranquility and wildlife. Hope they will be taken care of. Not to mention the historical buildings on these islands.

Hope they don't colonise Southern Island for foreigners. If not probably have to sing "God save the Queen" again at Southerns Island soon :lol: :lol:

Investors give positive feedback to the Southern Islands' development
By May Wong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 30 November 2006 1721 hrs

SINGAPORE: The committee which oversees the development of the Southern Islands have consulted about 20 foreign and local investors over one year.

These investors, mainly in the resort business, have given mostly positive feedback.

This is revealed after the Singapore Tourism Board announced recently that it wants to develop a cluster of Southern Islands.

The cluster of Southern Islands includes St John's, Kusu and Lazarus. These islands have a combined size of about 140 football fields.

Over the last four years, reclamation took place on the islands, with water pipes and power lines set up.

And the islands' two key assets - space and lush greenery - have caught the investors' eyes.

"Some of them said that they thought these islands were very attractive from their experience because they are right at the door step of Singapore. One can view the beautiful skyline of Shenton Way with all the lights, and at the back - the natural greenery that is unspoilt," said Pamelia Lee, Managing Director of Southern Island Development, Sentosa Leisure Group.

Other plus points include clean air and water, and the islands? relative close proximity to Changi Airport.

After reclamation, Pulau Seringat is now connected to Kias and to the larger Lazaras Island. It is one of the Southern Islands slated for development to attract visitors and investments, and it is only about a 30-minute boat ride from the mainland.

It has not been determined whether the islands would be sold as one single land parcel.

But once a project has been confirmed and announced, it could take just two years to complete it.

Ms Lee understands that the private sector would want a free hand in planning for the development in the islands.

"When we say we don't want it as dense as a downtown Singapore, we want it to be low-rise. We want it to have lots of greenery, space ? that we do know. But whether it's going to be attap roof or coral stone or whatever, we leave to the private sector to give us their input."

Many investors have indicated interest in building up-market and exclusive products on the islands.

But one thing's for sure - Singaporeans would still have access to some parts of the islands even after development.

"Access should be offered to everybody but for different purposes. The beaches and islands are not big enough to take thousands of people and those who take the trouble to come should be given the opportunity to experience the islands, whether in a low-rise resort or in a beautiful nature belt," Ms Lee added.

That way, Singaporeans would still be able to enjoy and study the natural gems on the islands. - CNA/so

But one thing's for sure - Singaporeans would still have access to some parts of the islands even after development.

"Access should be offered to everybody but for different purposes. The beaches and islands are not big enough to take thousands of people and those who take the trouble to come should be given the opportunity to experience the islands, whether in a low-rise resort or in a beautiful nature belt," Ms Lee added.

That way, Singaporeans would still be able to enjoy and study the natural gems on the islands. - CNA/so

Just wondering, how do people get to these islands now? Ferry? Private boats only?

Some pics of the islands to share (taken earlier this year) :)

Nice beach and tropical trees
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/si4.jpg

Lush greenery at St Johns
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/si1.jpg

The trees look mature
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/si9.jpg

Sister's Islands
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/si10.jpg

A possible retreat from the city, while admiring the skyline :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/si2.jpg

Just wondering, how do people get to these islands now? Ferry? Private boats only?

Its open to the public....you can catch the ferry to the islands from the new Marina South Pier...not sure if you can do so from Harbourfront...

a view of Sentosa

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/si7.jpg

Very nice pictures. I see the attraction to stay on the islands now.

I would object such a developement personally. We only have a few rather undeveloped offshore islands.

Why must they be for the rich??

Seems like so many developments like Marina Bay Sands are so focused on the super- wealthy.

Where are locals going to go?

Tourists and foreigners will soon praise a Singapore that most Singaporeans never will visit because it's too expensive.

Very nice pictures. I see the attraction to stay on the islands now.

Thanks :)

I strongly agree that whatever development (most likely will be a low intensive, low rise builtup) occurs there, the natural vegetation should be respected, and public access to the islands should stay open..

These islands have been out of the limelight and I doubt many would have thought of visiting them....until now that media spotlight has been focussed on it...but it is the last cluster of islands not given over to economic use.

At the moment it is really peaceful....you could have the whole Sister's Islands to yourself all day....even Kusu where the temple is, the beach is practically all yours

mangroves

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/si8.jpg

St John & Lazarus islands are quite hilly, and offer nice views from the top.
The Cheng Ho boat is seen here sailing past St John's.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/si6.jpg

Skyline from the sandy reclaimed beaches at the north of Lazarus

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/si3.jpg

All powered up and ready for offers

1 Dec 06

Infrastructure in place, time is right to attract big investors

AFTER nearly $300 million and about 15 years of planning, primping and preening, the Southern Islands are finally ready for suitors.
And there are 20 lined up so far, all global resort developers keen to turn the cluster of seven islands just off Sentosa into Singapore's next big mega tourist project.

Officials were coy about revealing names, but industry sources say players could include Singapore-based groups Banyan Tree and Aman resorts.

Over the years, there have been several suggestions on how to develop the islands, from turning them into a centre for water sports, to developing eco-tourism and promoting fishing. Even a retirement village was mooted. But no plans are concrete.

Now the Singapore Tourism Board reckons the time is ripe to attract big investors to develop the cluster, which lies about a 20-minute ferry ride from the Singapore Cruise Centre and 30 minutes from Marina South Pier.

Reclamation and infrastructure works alone cost $60 million, and were completed in September on the islands of Pulau Seringat, Kias, St John's, Lazarus, Kusu and Sisters' Island.

Most recently - and crucial for private development - all the islands were linked up with gas, water, electricity and telecommunication lines from Sentosa.

This was made possible by a 'submarine services link', Singapore's first comprehensive set of underwater utility lines, which lie 17m underwater on the seabed.

This lifeline snakes 1.2km from Sentosa Cove to Kias, and is protected with up to 50,000 tonnes of rock.

It holds two gas pipelines, two water pipelines, four power cables and four fibre-optic cables for telecommunications - enough to give the islands' community the same facilities as the mainland.

By Serene Goh

Skyline from the sandy reclaimed beaches at the north of Lazarus

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/si3.jpg[/IMG]

Wow....this is so beautiful.....:eek:

Why must they be for the rich??

Seems like so many developments like Marina Bay Sands are so focused on the super- wealthy.

Where are locals going to go?

Tourists and foreigners will soon praise a Singapore that most Singaporeans never will visit because it's too expensive.

Look at a broader perspective.

Also, isn't The Gardens by the Bay for all? The golf course at Marina East is also affordable for most.

A possible retreat from the city, while admiring the skyline :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/si2.jpg

Agree with babystan. pretty pictures!

Thanks stan & hya :cool:

I do have some additional pics that I'll post if I have time...

Lazarus beach makeover wins firm top landscaping award

13 Dec 06

Spartan reclaimed 1km strip on island is given 'natural and wild' look

http://straitstimes.asiaone.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20061212/ST_IMAGES_NDHUILANDSCAPE-ZPRt.jpg

TAKE a bare reclaimed beach, throw in 1,000 swaying coconut trees, clever landscaping work, and nine months later, Lazarus Island has that lush, tropical look.
Once only a rocky, hilly outcrop, reclamation work had resulted in the creation of a beach. The beach's subsequent makeover by local firm Nature Landscapes was so impressive that it won a gold award for excellence this month.

Seven other projects and one nursery also won gold awards from the Landscape Industry Association, which will give out the awards next year.

The concept for Lazarus Island was not just to 'green' its 1km reclaimed beach - the landscaping had to simulate a natural environment.

It had to look 'natural and wild', said Nature Landscapes' senior project manager, Mr Gordon Lam.

So, vast amounts of soil - enough to fill 5,000 lorries and measuring two storeys high when piled up - were brought in by barges.

Nature Landscapes bought an entire coconut plantation in Malaysia and trucked and shipped about 1,000 trees over to the island.

Even then, about 50 of the coconut trees had to be replanted because they were initially too evenly spaced apart. It was a tedious process, requiring about an hour for each tree.

Other hardy trees, shrubs and grass like the pongamia pinnata, lallang, cow grass and carpet grass were added to complete the natural look.

The company then found it needed about 36 cubic metres of water every day to keep the plants growing, but there was no running water on Lazarus. The contractor excavated a 400-sq-m-wide pond to collect rainwater and tapped ground water from a natural well there.

Workers were stationed on the island around the clock because the barges carrying plant material could dock only at high tide.

When the barges came, the workers had only a two- to three-hour window to unload all the material before the tide receded again.

The hard work paid off, and the beach on Lazarus now looks 'natural and wild'.

The crew had other visual feasts too: wildlife like sea eagles, dolphins, monitor lizards and snakes were spotted.

The workers also caught fresh fish like mullet and red snapper for their meals.

Nature Landscapes' award-winning nine-month project is part of $60 million worth of reclamation and infrastructure work on the southern islands of Pulau Seringat, Kias, St John's, Lazarus, Kusu and Sisters' islands.

This is the second year that the Landscape Industry Association is giving out awards.

The other winning projects this year included landscape maintenance work for Water Place Condominium by Island Landscape & Nursery; and maintenance of the Singapore Polytechnic Stadium's soccer pitch by Turf & Irrigation Services.

Mr Lam, who has been a landscaper for three years, said Lazarus Island was his favourite project.

'When it was going to rain, you were surrounded by clouds of black. You felt the power of the universe,' he said.


By Tan Hui Yee

are there any amenities or inhabitants in southern islands now? the great pictures itch me to go. thanks RafflesCity:banana:

are there any amenities or inhabitants in southern islands now? the great pictures itch me to go. thanks RafflesCity:banana:

mmmm mainly small creatures and tortoises on Turtle Island :D

ok I think there are some research facilities on one of the islands, so you couild have some scientists needing to stay there, but other than that, the islands are quite deserted on weekdays. Perfect bliss :cool:

New beaches
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/SIc.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/SIb.jpg

The jetty at St John's
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/SIa.jpg

My favourite though are the Sister Islands. They're smaller than the rest, and feel more isolated and cozy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/SId.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/SIe.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/SIf.jpg

Stunning pictures.....:okay:

Thanks:D

My favourite though are the Sister Islands. They're smaller than the rest, and feel more isolated and cozy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/SId.jpg



oh.. southern islands are managed by sentosa leisure group now? having to leave by 7pm is such a waste, not being able to observe the night scenery of the main island.

^^

yah but based on the article below, you can email or fax them if you'd like to stay longer. I guess they just wanna ensure safety, as there is no food or water on the island or anyone else on the island when it gets dark, and there are no scheduled boats serving it. :)

The beautiful South

17 Dec 06

Looking for an idyllic spot that doesn't require a passport and loads of cash? Singapore's Southern Islands are all that, and more

THEY are just 30 minutes away by boat from Singapore's mainland, but they may as well be a million miles away from the city buzz.
They are Singapore's six sleepy Southern Islands, where you can wander on virtually deserted, picture-postcard beaches, disturbed only by monitor lizards and curious monkeys.

Over the decades, shelters have been set up, land reclaimed and man-made lagoons put in place, but the Southern Islands - Kusu, St John's, Pulau Seringat, Kias, Lazarus and Sisters' Islands - still seem frozen in time.

These sunny, southern isles have been earmarked as a possible development site by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), as part of its overall drive to attract 17 million visitors to the country and $30 billion in tourism receipts by 2015.

STB is seeking ideas on how to develop the islands, according to an earlier report that said investors may be invited next year to tender for the project.

But STB tells LifeStyle that the search for concepts is 'still in a preliminary stage' and that more details will be revealed next year.

LifeStyle went on a lazy seven-hour jaunt when we hired a boat from Marina South pier to the islands last Sunday.

We managed to visit Kusu, St John's, Lazarus and Sisters' Islands, but could admire Kias and Pulau Seringat only from afar as the boatman said there was no place to dock.

The busiest islands were Kusu and St John's, which were accessible by public ferry. Even then, there were no more than 20 or 30 people on each island at one time.

Some were fishing, some were having a picnic in the sun, and others were there to sightsee. But most of them were just busy doing... nothing.

This bit of paradise in Singapore's own backyard has not always been a sleepy backwater, though. Indeed, the Southern Islands are an integral part of the country's history.

Madam Chua Seok Huan can vouch for that. It has been more than 50 years since she set foot on Kusu Island but she remembers it well.

That was when, as a five-year-old, the China native first stepped onto Singapore soil after a week-long ride in a cargo boat from Chao An. Along with the other immigrants on her boat, she had to be quarantined there for two days before being allowed onto the mainland.

More significantly for Madam Chua, now 56 and a mother of three, it was the first time she ate bread. 'We had it for breakfast. I had eaten only rice before this, so I was wondering what it was,' she quips. She hungrily gobbled it up anyway.

She has not returned to Kusu Island since, but she will always remember that slice of bread she had that day.

Nowadays, the islands attract 100,000 visitors a year, mainly pilgrims to the temple on Kusu Island, campers, day-trippers and canoeists.

Many take along their own food to make up for the lack of amenities and shops - but that only seems to add to the idyllic appeal.

The islands provide a tranquil break for the likes of civil servant Terence Sim, 33, who travelled there on an $11 ferry ticket last Sunday and told LifeStyle: 'There's no other place in Singapore like this. This is what I mean by getting away.'

By Teo Cheng Wee


How to go island hopping

Getting there
There are scheduled ferry services to Kusu and St John's islands. The ferry departs from Marina South every two hours from 9am to 5pm on Sundays and public holidays. On other days, it departs just twice - at 10am and 1.30pm.

Tickets are $11 for adults and $8 for children aged three to 12. Tickets are sold at the Marina South Pier.

Sisters' Islands are accessible only by private bumboat operators at the pier. Expect to pay $160 for drop-off and pick-up only, or $60 per hour (minimum two hours) if you want to go island-hopping. Each boat takes up to 10 people.

To get to the pier by public transport, take bus 402 outside the Marina Bay MRT station.


Staying there
On St John's Island, overnight stays are allowed only for occupants of the Holiday Bungalow and Holiday Camps.

For camping on Sisters' Islands, e-mail administrator@sentosa.com.sg or send a fax to 6275-0161. A camping permit will be issued. You have to take along your own camping equipment.

Overnight stays are not allowed on Kusu Island.


Tips
The islands have no food and water, so pack plenty of both before you make your way there. Take along sunblock as well.

Thanks alot RafflesCity. though not a cheap ride to Sister's Islands. u mean u paid 160bucks for those 3 pics?

^^

nope....it was a group visit actually paid by organiser...the pics are just the fun parts ;-)

Southern Islands home to third IR?

18 Jan 07

(SINGAPORE) The Southern Islands may play home to Singapore's third integrated resort, but sources say it will be on a smaller and more luxurious scale than either of the two resorts announced last year.

Total gross floor area for all development on the Southern Islands is not expected to exceed 230,000 square metres. This is smaller than the 570,000 sq m Marina Bay Sands and the 343,000 sq m Resorts World at Sentosa.

Most of the development will likely be on 30 ha of reclaimed land at Lazarus, Renget and Kias Islands. The total development site, comprising all seven Southern Islands, adds up to 115.6 ha - almost a quarter the size of Sentosa Island.

The Southern Islands will be a low-rise, low intensity resort with buildings not more than four-storeys high.

A casino component has not been ruled out, but the resort may not have the critical mass to support this. There is also a 10-year moratorium on casino licences following the two awarded for Marina Bay and Sentosa. More likely attractions will be food and beverage, spa, health and beauty facilities.

The resort will be accessed by sea. International arrivals by private yacht will have to be processed through Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ), expected to be at One Degree 15 Marina Club at Sentosa.

Arrivals by helicopter are being considered.

Parts of the islands will remain open and accessible to the public, but the resort will mostly cater to a niche group of high net worth visitors - what the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) calls the 'premium plus customer segment' who seek 'total privacy'.

STB has said that a request for concepts (RFC) for the Southern Islands could be launched as early as Q1 this year, but declined to give an exact date.

Industry watchers are excited by the prospect of new tourism offerings here.

David Ling, managing director of hospitality consultancy HVS International, said there is a market for luxury resorts in Asia. In Singapore, he says, 'the closest we have to one is the Sentosa Resort and Spa'.

Mr Ling says luxury class tourists, mostly from Europe, Japan and Korea, think nothing of splurging between US$400 and US$1,200 a night on a villa in Phuket, Bali or the Maldives.

Resorts of this class, however, have ample natural attractions - and Mr Ling wonders whether the Southern Islands' proximity to international shipping lanes could be an issue.

He also says a luxury class resort must be small, with not more than, '30 to 50 keys'. 'If you have about 300 rooms, it will be more like Rasa Sentosa.'

One of the key outcomes of the RFC will be to ascertain the land premium developers are prepared to pay. Most want to maximise the components of a project that make the numbers work - and this could mean building villas for sale. As such, it is understood that residential developments will be allowed if this is consistent with the islands' luxury positioning.

'In terms of capital values, a residential development will have higher value,' said Jones Lang LaSalle's regional director and head of investments Lui Seng Fatt.

He believes that based on the success of Sentosa Cove, comparable plots of land for villas could be sold for between $7 million and $8 million.

And likening the development to The Palms in Dubai, he does not think limited access will be a problem for these 'super-rich'.

Mr Lui also expects the hotel will be small and exclusive, with no more than 200-250 rooms. It will be a luxury hotel with the cost coming to between $500,000 and $750,000 per room.

'It will be a shame if the Southern Islands are marketed at any level less than Sentosa Cove,' he said.

Savills Singapore director (marketing & business development) Ku Swee Yong expects that the residential component on the Southern Islands could be substantial, with up to 400 condominiums, 300 bungalows with 100 hotel rooms.

Mr Ku expects the overall land premium to be lower than at Sentosa Cove because of the infrastructure work that needs to be done. As such, he sees a price in the region of $600 psf per plot ratio, assuming the plot ratio is about 0.8-0.9.

He believes the assessment of RFC submissions will be difficult because the concepts are likely to be 'varied'.


By ARTHUR SIM

Hope St John Island would be preserved.

Yah St John has a lot of lush natural vegetation, although no significant structures from what I saw....the bulk of any future development would probably take place on the reclaimed beach at Lazarus island I guess.

There's the old quarantine centre, even the old watch towers are still there, pretty much untouched, I didn't have chance to camp there before... :(

Also some old bungalows and kampong-ish structures.

Tourism plans for Southern Islands put on hold

12 Apr 07

FIVE months after announcing with much fanfare that the Southern Islands would be turned into the next big tourist attraction, the plans have been put on hold.
Although the Singapore Tourism Board wouldn't reveal why, industry sources say the Government is considering housing a casino on the six-island cluster.

If this is true, the islands could remain as they are for the next 10 years.

The deals that Las Vegas Sands and Genting International - operators of the Marina Bay and Sentosa integrated resorts (IRs) - have with the Government give them a 10-year head start before a third casino licence is issued.

Since both agreements were signed last year, the earliest possible date for a third casino is 2016.

If the two IRs prove to be successful, the Southern Islands will command a premium, the tourism industry sources said.

The STB would not comment on the speculation, saying only: 'A premium destination, an eco-tourism resort, or an attraction leveraging on the islands' existing cultural elements - all remain possibilities.'

The STB had, in November last year, said it would in the first quarter of this year come up with tender guidelines to transform the island into a tourist attraction, possibly for the well-heeled.

The board did meet potential investors in January to gauge their interest and listen to ideas, but the results apparently were not very encouraging.

In response to queries from The Straits Times, STB's assistant chief executive for leisure, Dr Chan Tat Hong, said: 'No decision has been made yet on a development concept, including whether an RFC (request for concepts) exercise will be launched.'

This is the second time in three years that the authorities are rethinking plans for the six islands - Kusu, St John's, the Sisters' Islands, Kias, Lazarus and Seringat.

With a total land area of 140ha - three times the size of the Sentosa IR site - the islands were in 2004 cited as a possible location for one of the two casino resorts.

But the projects landed at Marina Bay and Sentosa instead.

The shelving of development plans drew praise from Mr Francis Phun, chairman of the Association of Singapore Attractions, which represents 40 attractions in Singapore.

He said that, with the two IRs opening in about two years, and the Singapore Flyer being launched next year, Singapore is already creating a buzz as a tourist destination.

'The Southern Islands are a totally different product. They create another wave of new excitement.'


By Krist Boo

There goes the nature and historical sites there.

Unlikely to be developed soon.

From today's BT
Development on the Southern Islands appears to have been put on the back burner, though. STB had said earlier that a Request for Concepts could take place in the first quarter of this year but Mr Lim said yesterday: 'Until we can settle on a project with a wow factor, we will not go forward. We are in no rush.'

On the possibility of a third casino on the Southern Islands, he said: 'Casinos are not on the horizon for the time being.' Elaborating, he said the government does not 'fly blindly'. 'Internally, we would have settled on 70-80 per cent on the ideas before we go out.'

They are waiting for an investment with "WOW" factor. Guess they're waiting for "hOOters" investment: -

This one will definitely get a "WOW": :lol: :lol:

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/8405/martinawingsgm1.jpg



等待“令人赞叹”的概念　南部岛屿目前不急于发展


　　贸工部长林勋强指出，新加坡目前不急于发展南部岛屿，政府正在等待一个充满“WOW”元素（即：令人赞叹）的发展概念出现，才会发出发展概念征询书（RFC）。
　　与此同时，他也不认为南部岛屿在现阶段会出现第三家设有赌场的度假胜地，因为金沙和云顶有“一定时间的赌场专营权”。

　　林勋强昨天在出席圣淘沙名胜世界的动土仪式后接受记者访问时说，政府一直都在探讨任何有潜质的南部岛屿发展方案。

　　他说：“这是我们待发展的地段中很重要的一片，我们一直都在寻找好的方案，如果没有找到具有“WOW”元素的发展方案，我们将不会推进南部岛屿的发展项目。”

　　林勋强说，就像在发出两个综合度假胜地的发展概念征询书时一样，政府并不是盲目地去寻找适合发展的概念，而是在内部先有了七八成的把握后才发出。

I think it is wise of them to wait till there is a really compelling proposal out there, before they commit these islands to development.

I would thought building the Disney is a good idea :lol:

I meant Disney will complement the Universal Studio in Sentosa...both are targeted for family oriented tourists anyway..., increase tourists stay..2 day 1 night ! :lol:

they shld invite kerzner again to build atlantis integrated resort
mayb shld name it Atlantis @ Southern Island :lol:
to me they shld revamp part of the area to bcum another asian Hawaii, Bahamas, Ibiza, etc.
together wit sum theme park and lots of chalet and resorts
another holiday getaway for both locals and foreigners
tis will definately will pump up tourism dollar.
whu noes in the future we might shift F1 race frm marina bay to southern island

they shld invite kerzner again to build atlantis integrated resort
mayb shld name it Atlantis @ Southern Island :lol:
to me they shld revamp part of the area to bcum another asian Hawaii, Bahamas, Ibiza, etc.
together wit sum theme park and lots of chalet and resorts
another holiday getaway for both locals and foreigners
tis will definately will pump up tourism dollar.
whu noes in the future we might shift F1 race frm marina bay to southern island


Your idea is cool!

Let's nominate some islands for our 7 Southern Islands to follow:
1. Maui (Hawaii, US),
2. (Atlantis) Paradise Island (Bahamas),
3. O'ahu (Hawaii, US),
4. St. John (US Virgin Islands (US)),
5. Rarotonga (Cook Islands),
6. Bora Bora (French Polynesia),
7. Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands (US))
8. Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain)
9. Bali (Indonesia)
10. Palau

Southern islands at crossroads

13 Aug 08

Fate of eco-paradise in the balance after fervent champion's departure

THE vision of the southern islands as an eco-paradise hangs in the balance with the departure of their champion, Mrs Pamelia Lee.

Sentosa Leisure Group (SLG) announced last week that Mrs Lee would be 'stepping aside' as managing director of the six-island cluster after 17 years on the project.

Her last day was July 31. The group's management has yet to announce a successor, or if there would even be one.

Pundits and eco-enthusiasts have raised concerns about whether the next head will share Mrs Lee's passion for nature conservation.

Last year, The Straits Times reported rumours in the tourism industry of a possible third casino to be housed on the islands - Kusu, St John's, the Sisters Islands, Kias, Lazarus and Seringat - perhaps by 2016.

It was a move Mrs Lee opposed. She felt the unspoilt nature of the islands could be preserved while generating revenue through eco-getaways or boutique residences.

When asked, the 66-year-old tourism veteran shied from hints that a difference of opinion had led to her parting ways with the group.

SLG also declined to comment on this at its low-key farewell for Mrs Lee, and remained tight-lipped about plans for the Southern Islands.

It would only say: 'There is no change to how the development is being handled and we will provide an update at an appropriate time.'

Mrs Lee had led efforts to lay the islands' basic infrastructure for development, including reclamation works, island links as well as the construction of a submarine trench for power cables, all completed in 2006.

She told The Straits Times in an interview yesterday that she had hoped to place the project, finally, in the 'gentle hands' of a developer who would undertake construction that would 'fit, not fight' the green environment there, a counterpoint to Sentosa's playground for the masses.

New inhabitants might be happy to walk, ride bicycles and dwell in houses 'no taller than coconut trees', she said, 'or stop and watch a sunset or a hermit crab running on the sand'.

In December 2006, investors voiced concerns that it would be complicated to maintain the islands' pristine environments while generating maximum yields, Mrs Lee said then.

Then in April last year, the Southern Islands' development was put on ice, with little explanation from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). The temples on Kusu and St John's swimming lagoons and trekking routes were left as existing attractions.

More than a year later, this delay has become the reason for Mrs Lee's departure.

With the islands' infrastructure completed, her work is done. Further developments of the islands can proceed only in tandem with a concrete plan from a developer.

The fate of the Southern Islands lies in the hands of SLG's new CEO Mike Barclay. He takes over on Aug 25.

Mrs Lee, a mother of four, moved to Singapore from Hawaii after marrying Dr Lee Suan Yew.

She joined the then Singapore Tourist Promotion Board in 1978. In the early 1990s, she began studying the feasibility of developing Sentosa and the Southern Islands.

She will continue working on tourism development. As senior consultant to STB, she will oversee the acquisition and use of the 9th-Century Tang Shipwreck Treasure, a project to showcase Singapore's maritime heritage.


By Serene Goh
Straits Times

It's one of our last islands untouched by urbanisation and commercialisation. Seriously it's a really bad idea.

I think it is matter of "when", not "if".

It's like turning the Padang into a huge shopping mall. Or how about Xiao Guilin into a HDB area? Get my view?

Somethings should be preserved for what it is, rather than what it will be. In the future we'll just regret turning our last nature islands into another commercialised tourist attraction. What price is there for commercialisation? The lost of natural sites, our heritage treasures. All for the sake of money?

Anybody for turning East Coast Park into a giant linear shopping mall? No? Why? Because it's a beach park enjoyed by many people. Anybody for turning the southern islands into a casino? Yes? Why?

To enable the project to be commercially vaiable?

After Tuas extension, we should focus on reclaiming as much land as possible by combining the islands.

Land is much more valuable to us than any eco preservation. We can decide what to build on it a decade or two later.


It's like turning the Padang into a huge shopping mall. Or how about Xiao Guilin into a HDB area? Get my view?

Somethings should be preserved for what it is, rather than what it will be. In the future we'll just regret turning our last nature islands into another commercialised tourist attraction. What price is there for commercialisation? The lost of natural sites, our heritage treasures. All for the sake of money?

Anybody for turning East Coast Park into a giant linear shopping mall? No? Why? Because it's a beach park enjoyed by many people. Anybody for turning the southern islands into a casino? Yes? Why?

The government has to decide if nature conservation is worth sacrificing for economic development. The answer is not as simple as it seems.

When Singapore embarked on its mass reclamation in the 60s, I don't seeing any archive on calls for nature conservation. Bear in mind, prior to reclamation, we apparently had a bio-diversity of flora and fauna land and see which, apparently, was second to the Great Barrier Reef in the Asia Pacific region.

At a time where it is OKAY to dump landfill and our wastes around an existing island and call Pulau Semakau an act of nature preservation, I guess it does tell you something about what the official stance is.

SLG is such a hypocrite. Mrs Pamela Lee said she has been a champion of nature for the Southern Islands and what they do to Sentosa itself? Reclaim Singapore's version of The Palms and call it Sentosa Cove, procure sand from Hawaii and dump it all across the southern beaches of Sentosa for entertainment as well as reclaiming breakwaters to prevent the beaches from eroding.

What is the price for commercialization; the lost of natural coastlines, flora and fauna, all for the sake of money? Yeah, enough money for you to build boardwalks at Chek Jawa, our Central Catchments and a brand new nature island at Pulau Semakau for commercialized "nature conservation".

PS: Has anyone been to Tekong's beaches? Tekong has a few unspoilt beaches which even the beaches of Koh Phi Phi can never match. White sand, green and blue clear seas, those that everybody dreams of.

Actually, I read that in the 60s or 70s, there were plans to turn Sentosa into an industrial island serving the burgeoning oil/maritime/pertrochemical industry. Fortunately that didnt happen!

To enable the project to be commercially vaiable?

After Tuas extension, we should focus on reclaiming as much land as possible by combining the islands.

Land is much more valuable to us than any eco preservation. We can decide what to build on it a decade or two later.

Everything here is so commercialised at the expense of our heritage.

Yes, we have shortage of land, but doesn't mean we have to intrude into the last enclaves of nature. I would rather have a resort than another golf course. Since we have lack of land, stop letting land out to build golf courses.

Golf courses are not necessarily entrenched. The former site of the Warren Golf Course is now being redeveloped for educational needs.

Golf driving ranges like the Superbowl Golf & Country Club at Marina South were given a relatively short lease when the land was just reclaimed at Marina South. Given that its lease was not extended is a signal that as and when other needs prevail they have to go. The new NTUC Golf Course at Marina East can also be seen as an interim measure, given the lack of any plans yet over there. In any case, both of those sit on reclaimed land and do provide much needed urban space for recreation in a dense city, together with the Superbowl, KTV and steamboat outlets.

PS: Has anyone been to Tekong's beaches? Tekong has a few unspoilt beaches which even the beaches of Koh Phi Phi can never match. White sand, green and blue clear seas, those that everybody dreams of.

Tekong's beaches are really like Koh Phi Phi beaches? Any pictures to show? During my NS training, I have only seen its coastlines covered with lots of sand from the land reclamation works.

There are very few photos of Tekong's landscape and historical buildings because of military access restrictions. I wonder when I would ever step on Tekong soil again.

Aerial snapshots of Tekong are still quite possible as many of the Changi flightpaths go past Tekong. Looks like a resort island from up there. If I'm not wrong there is a massive amount of reclamation going on at the southeast of the island.

I thought there was reclamation but it seems to have somewhat stopped or slowed down, maybe due to Indonesian embargo on sand exports to Singapore.

The reclaimed parts are along the future borders of the enlarged islands. But the result are artificial lagunas which sometimes are in pristine condition, on a clear summer day, you get resort-like conditions.

The natural clear blue green water with sands are on the northern parts of the island. And for obvious reasons, there is no pictures and for a long time, pictures will be impossible to come by. So you've just got to believe it when I say Tekong has pockets of perfect beaches.

I thought there was reclamation but it seems to have somewhat stopped or slowed down, maybe due to Indonesian embargo on sand exports to Singapore.

The reclaimed parts are along the future borders of the enlarged islands. But the result are artificial lagunas which sometimes are in pristine condition, on a clear summer day, you get resort-like conditions.

The natural clear blue green water with sands are on the northern parts of the island. And for obvious reasons, there is no pictures and for a long time, pictures will be impossible to come by. So you've just got to believe it when I say Tekong has pockets of perfect beaches.

I believe you. I have seen Tekong from Google Earth and it does looks resort-like. The northern parts look particularly charming and peaceful.

I am not sure if land reclamation has stopped or slowed but I would think so given the higher price of sand because of the Malaysian and Indonesian sand sale ban. However, I heard the Malaysians have renewed sand sales to Singapore quietly ....

I was doing some school project on Pulau Ubin where I got to know there is this "silent" conflict between the various govt authorities on developing this island. Guess Southern Islands are behind Pulau Ubin in terms of planning. Heard from the NParks guys that NParks, while wanting to maintain the nature at Chek Jawa etc., STB wants to develop Ubin into another tourist attraction like Sentosa with dense urbanisation but MINDEF wants to combine Ubin and Tekong into one big island for military usage.

No more new resorts.... no more military areas.... please.... :(

I don't think MINDEF wants to turn Tekong and Ubin into a super-island. What I have heard is that MINDEF wants to de-militarize the island, moving the camps further inland while residential and commercial developments along the coast and a vehicular bridge linking the mainland.

The main objective is to get rid of the sea transport from the mainland to Tekong, which they see as potentially 'hazardous'.

Enough of these conserving the forest etc etc thing, just build those buildings/resort/hotels etc..

It'll be a nightmare to have a 100% urbanised country, like say a la Monaco.

Something which is lost is very hard to gain back. 10, 20 years down the road we'll regret that all of our islands are all being either commercialised, industrialised or militarised.

That's what happened in the 1970s..

Anyway, the sand ban indirectly protects our natural islands, at least, for the next 10 years...

Enough of these conserving the forest etc etc thing, just build those buildings/resort/hotels etc..

I would really have to disagree with that. Why destroy what little green we have left? If you don't care about going green, and carbon-offsetting or whatever new environmental craze is going on, then at you can at least look into the money that goes into eco-tourism. It's not much, but at least it shows off to the world what little green Singapore has left and shows that we aren't just setting the bulldozer to the trees as we like.

The Southern Ridges (or whatever name they're giving it nowadays), Chek Jawa and Lim Chu Kang/Sungei Buloh are excellent examples of this. Sure it may not exactly be significant, but at least it saves Singapore from being a completely sterile urbanised environment.

I think Singapore SHOULD try to conserve whatever natural habitat we have left and leave them alone, and not necessarily make them into attractions.

If they want to take advantage of eco-tourism, then engage in it. Have tours which makes people see these places in the way they should be seen; the most natural way possible.

If you want to call it a reserve, leave it alone as much as possible. If you want to experience the natural habitats, prepare to be dirty, sweaty. In no way should there be boardwalks, air-conditioned rooms for you to "experience" nature. These are nothing but a farce.

Read on the papers that both Sungei Buloh and Chek Jawa are on the verge of erosion (both by natural and man-made causes, mostly natural causes).

Plans for eco-park on Semakau landfill

10 Sep 08

It may be a test bed for energy studies and a place for 'green' recreation

FROM the ashes of Semakau landfill, a new eco-park will rise.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) is seeking ideas for its brainwave to turn Singapore's first offshore landfill into a test bed for renewable energy technologies and a place for 'green' recreational and educational activities.

Eventually, Pulau Semakau will be self-sustaining, meeting all its own water and energy needs, according to a document posted on the Government Electronic Business website.

An NEA spokesman said it was 'premature' to reveal further information as the agency is still evaluating tenders for consultancy services to the concept plan.

The area proposed for development would be about 90ha of the 350ha Pulau Semakau.

Created by connecting two small islands, Pulau Semakau started operating as a landfill in 1999 and contains ash transported there from Singapore's incineration plants. It is clean and scenic, and has been open to the public for recreational activities since 2005.

Energy researchers welcome its use as a test platform not always possible - especially for the private sector - on limited and expensive land in Singapore.

Being near the sea, one possible use would be the creation of biofuels by cultivating marine algae as seed stock, suggested Mr David Liang, vice-president of technology and commercialisation at the Institute of Environmental Science and Engineering.

Another renewable energy source which could be researched and developed on the island is solar energy, said Dr Jiang Fan, manager of the Technology Centre for Clean Energy at Singapore Polytechnic.

Building and testing systems for solar energy can take up a chunk of space.

For example, a new 46.8 kilowatt- peak solar photovoltaic system that the polytechnic is planning to install will consist of 12 different types of photovoltaic modules and will take up 480 sq m.

Zero-emission vehicles, like electrical cars and fuel-cell cars, could also be tested in the eco-park where charging stations based on renewable energy sources can be set up at lower cost.

Singapore Environment Council executive director Howard Shaw welcomed the idea of turning a landfill into a productive showcase for the environment.

Mr Shaw said: 'I think it will be a gem for Singapore to show not just its commitment to being clean and green but also to provide education facilities for new generations.'

But he added that monitoring and adequate measures would need to be continued to minimise risk of leakages from the landfill site.

Dr Ho Hua Chew, who chairs the Nature Society of Singapore's conservation committee, also noted that the plan 'must include ways and means to protect or enhance the habitat of the natural biodiversity'.

Pulau Semakau is home to rare tape seagrass, which grows along its shores, and replanted mangroves. It is also a favoured spot for birdwatching. The proposal states that care should be taken to minimise impact on the existing eco-system.

Based on the schedule in the document, the final masterplan for the development is likely to be rolled out by the end of next year.


By Ang Yiying
Straits Times

Those are good news. A country like Singapore which has no natural resourses should always maintain their position and create new opportunites. That is why I am proud to be a Singaporean. Wind energy may be a bad option here as we lack of wind in Singapore. Although I am not sure on or in the sea around us but solar is certainly the way. A green reserach building should be built in Semakau so that another pillar of investments would follows through making semakau a reserach area for green technologies.