This trip to Singapore, we visited Sentosa Island again, basically to see the new addition - Sensoryscape. We were told that the 37m tall Merion statute ceased operation in October 2019 to make way for this new addition. The demolition of the Merlion did spark nostalgia and disappointment among many Singaporeans and tourists. Many questioned the decision to remove such a well-known iconic landmark since its unveiling in 1995 to make way for the Sentosa Sensoryscape. But some argued that change was necessary for progress and modernization.
It was indeed a pleasant experience to walk through such well-planned landscape and man-made forest which is within walking distance from public transport station.
I believe Sensoryscape deserves a second visit - this time after sunset to enjoy the light displays that illuminate the night and augmented with symphony music!
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An after thought after visiting Sensoryscape - Sabah is blessed with incredibly huge expanse of natural resources, vast virgin forests and jungles, unique biodiversity and some of the most stunning landscapes in Southeast Asia, yet it hasn't fully capitalized on this natural wealth compared to an island city state like Singapore. Thousands of tourists flock in to Singapore just to see some of their man-made forests and man-made wide life habitats!
The difference is probably in that Singapore has world-class infrastructure to attract and accommodate large numbers of high-end tourists couple with the easy accessibility to these urban attractions. Another factor is that even with its limited attractions, Singapore is good at branding itself and in global marketing.
Sabah on the other hand can find comfort in that it has what Singapore does not have - true untouched natural beauty. If Sabah can elevate its strategic planning and investment in tourism, it could become another world-class destination without needing artificial attractions! But that may not be in my life time!
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