Singapore Unveils $5.3B Greater Sentosa Master Plan

Singapore has revealed an ambitious 20-year blueprint to transform Sentosa Island into a leading tourism hub while integrating the 120-hectare neighboring Brani Island. The Greater Sentosa Master Plan (GSMP) aims to double visitor numbers and enhance the island’s appeal through eco-friendly developments, new attractions, hotels, and improved transportation. The plan was unveiled at the ‘Your Island. Reimagined.’ exhibition at VivoCity on July 3 by Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC).

As reported by Asia Gaming Brief, Thien Kwee Eng, CEO of SDC, emphasized the significance of the project: “The GSMP is the greatest transformation in our history. We will stay true to the soul and identity of this island, while shaping the next generation of world-class experiences.” SDC noted that Sentosa attracted about 16.9 million visitors between April 2024 and March 2025, with international tourists comprising roughly 80 percent. The master plan targets increasing local participation to around 30 percent over time.

RWS Expansion Anchors the Plan

The redevelopment positions Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) at the center of near-term projects. As part of the RWS 2.0 expansion, Genting Singapore is investing approximately SGD 6.8 billion (US$5.28 billion) to enhance its integrated resort. The redevelopment will add two new luxury hotels totaling 700 rooms, the immersive SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Singapore, and the Waterfront Lifestyle Development, scheduled for completion by 2030.

Lee Shi Ruh, RWS CEO, highlighted the benefits for Singapore’s tourism: “The GSMP benefits Singapore as a whole by attracting more visitors and broadening tourism offerings. As Greater Sentosa takes shape, we see opportunities to work more closely with the Singapore Tourism Board and precinct partners to deliver seamless experiences and strengthen Singapore’s position as a leading leisure, lifestyle and tourism destination.”

New Landmarks and Reimagined Beaches

The GSMP will introduce the Imbiah Canopy atop Mount Imbiah, providing attractions, dining, retail, and sheltered event spaces, connected to Siloso Beach by a treetop skywalk. The Imbiah Lookout Walk, a 350-meter elevated canopy walkway, will link Sensoryscape to the lookout, encouraging exploration of the island’s natural and heritage trails. Coastal and beachfront areas, including Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong, will be rejuvenated with lifestyle-focused, day-to-night experiences, beach clubs, and islet-hopping opportunities.

The Sensorium is planned as a central icon for lifestyle and indoor activities, incorporating green spaces to enhance thermal comfort and elevate visitor experiences. SDC indicated that sustainability, climate resilience, and ecological design would underpin long-term development, with early projects expected to begin in the early 2030s.

Improving access to Sentosa and Brani is a core component of the plan. A new Island Heart Transport Hub will act as a primary gateway linking both islands, while the People Mover System will replace the current Sentosa Express, offering increased capacity and smoother transit. Additional waterfront links and water taxi services are under consideration to further integrate the resort with its surroundings.