Six years after the Greater Sentosa Master Plan (GSMP) was first unveiled, Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has revealed its clearest picture yet of how Singapore's resort island will evolve over the next decade and beyond.

Rolling out in phases through the 2040s as part of Singapore's wider Greater Southern Waterfront vision, the transformation will introduce new attractions, hotels, lifestyle precincts and nature experiences designed to encourage visitors to stay longer and return more often.

SDC said the strategy supports Singapore's Tourism 2040 ambitions while positioning Sentosa to capture growing visitor demand as Changi Airport Terminal 5 expands the country's aviation capacity in the mid-2030s.

Greater Sentosa’s planned key anchor areas. Photo Credit: SDC (Artist’s impression)

Speaking at a media briefing on 1 July, SDC notes future developments will be guided by the belief that "energy and restoration are not opposites", with new attractions, public spaces and green infrastructure designed to balance excitement with relaxation.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, Sentosa welcomed 16.9 million visitors. Under the GSMP, the long-term ambition is to double that number.

"We want to grow the island thoughtfully," SDC officials said, "protecting Sentosa's soul while making it easier to explore, access and enjoy."

The first wave of new developments is expected to begin opening from the early 2030s. As the attractions launch, SDC added that travel advisors would continue to be a key island partner, having continued access to sell cross-attraction passes, packages, alongside collaborations with airlines, cruise lines and hotels.

Related: From ship to shore: Disney Adventure takes over Sentosa

Brani: A bigger playground

The 120-hectare Brani will become the region's next-generation playground, with land set aside for future themed attractions.

Resorts World Sentosa will also expand its offerings with the Waterfront Lifestyle Development, scheduled to open in 2030, alongside the arrival of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Singapore.

Together, these developments will allow the existing 500-hectare Sentosa island to strengthen its positioning as an island sanctuary centred on wellness, nature and outdoor experiences.

Greener pathways

Coming off the success of 2024’s Sensoryscape, the GSMP will introduce more iconic landmarks, focused on balancing walkability, climate resilience and biodiversity.

Imbiah Lookout Walk, a sheltered elevated forest canopy walk linking Sensoryscape to Imbiah Lookout. Photo Credit: SDC (Artist’s impression)

Among the first projects rolled out in 2030 will be the sheltered treetop Imbiah Lookout Walk, linking Sensoryscape to Imbiah Lookout and connecting with a broader network of walking trails across the island.

Nearby, the new Imbiah Canopy will become a landmark attraction featuring dining, retail, attractions and sheltered event spaces overlooking the island.

Longer term, SDC plans to link the forests of Brani, Serapong and Imbiah into one continuous green network, eventually connecting to Singapore's Southern Ridges on the mainland.

Along the southern coast, the planned Sensorium will anchor a new beachfront lifestyle precinct, combining indoor attractions, green public spaces and a flexible venue for festivals and events.

Additional hotels with higher greenery integration are also planned to support future visitor growth.

Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches are also slated for rejuvenation, to open from the 2030s. Visitors can expect new day-to-night experiences ranging from sunrise and sunset social clubs to treetop dining and adaptable event spaces.

Further offshore, Sentosa's six existing islets will eventually be linked by floating boardwalks, creating an island-hopping trail so visitors may move between the beaches and surrounding waters.

New ways to get around

Major changes are also coming to how visitors arrive and move around Greater Sentosa.

Elevated pedestrian connections across the Island Heart, serving as a main transport hub. Photo Credit: SDC (Artist’s impression)

Connecting Sentosa and Brani will be the new Island Heart, also serving as the main arrival gateway from mainland Singapore. It will feature a solar-powered canopy, alongside waterfront dining options and hotels.

The longstanding 2.1km Sentosa Express monorail will eventually be replaced by a new People Mover System. While a tender was called in November 2025, no opening timeline was announced at the briefing.

The Singapore Cable Car and island trams will continue operating, while SDC is also exploring additional transport options, including water taxis.

A roving exhibition showcasing the GSMP went live from 3-5 July at VivoCity – the nearest mall to Sentosa. It will move next to Our Tampines Hub (22–27 July), Jurong Point (19–23 August) and Waterway Point in Punggol (23–27 September), before returning to Sentosa in October.

As SDC puts it, Sentosa may not have the mountains, rivers or vast natural assets of some destinations. Instead, the island is doubling down on what it can offer: greater variety, richer details and more thoughtfully connected experiences that promise visitors to discover something new with every visit.