Did you know that Sentosa island has deep roots in history that reach back even earlier than modern Singapore? Since before the 19th century, the island has had many different names; Burne Beard Island, Pulau Niry, Nirifa, Pulau Panjang and Pulau Blakang Mati. One of the origin stories behind Pulau Blakang Mati, translated as island behind the dead, referred to the island as the “paradise” of ancient warriors whose bodies were entombed at the adjacent Pulau Brani.
Before becoming the hot tourist destination it is today, Sentosa has witnessed many historic events over the years. Due to its location at the southernmost point of Singapore?s primary territories, it was a strategic location to defend Singapore from sea invasion. In 1948, the Blakang Mati Military Barracks at Artillery Ave (check out the building during your run!) became the home base of the First Singapore Regiment of the Royal Artillery (1SSRA) and in 1967, the island was home to RSN?s 1st Naval Base.
