Today we went to Sentosa Island. Last time we were there was in 1973, just after the cable car from Mt Faber was opened. I was terrified then, as the cable car was very high. Walter's comment of 'at least we will all go together if the cable breaks' only made me more anxious. The island had only just been handed over to the Singapore Government and our tour around the island consisted of listening to future plans and looking at derelic army buildings. Well, today we saw how those plans in place and were very impressed. We travelled over by bus on a road and came back via a sky train. The cable car is still there but did not attempt that one again. The island has a casino, a theme park and the most beautiful beach resorts.
We did go and have a look at Fort Siloso which is where the British army tried to protect Singapore against the Japanese but unfortunately the guns were pointing the wrong way - out to sea. The Japanese attacked Singapore from Malaya.
The island used to be called Palau Blakang Matu (Island of those who die behind). There was a small settlement there but due to disease people left and settled in Singapore. Those that were left died. During the 1880's the island was set up as a military post (Port Siloso) to guard Keppel Harbour and the coal stocks on the island. During the second World War it was used by the Japanese to house prisoners of war. In 1972 it was named Sentosa Island.
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