Sentosa Monorail
| Company type | Public transport system |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Founded | February 23, 1982 |
| Defunct | March 16, 2005 |
| Fate | Replaced by Sentosa Express |
| Headquarters | Sentosa Island , Singapore |
| Products | Monorail transit service |
The Sentosa Monorail served as the main mode of transit on Sentosa Island, Singapore, before being succeeded by the Sentosa Express. Built by the Swiss company Von Roll, recognized for the Singapore Cable Car, the system was developed at a cost of S$14 million and commenced service on 23 February 1982. Initially, it featured five stations arranged in a clockwise circuit. The network later expanded with the addition of the Ferry Terminal Station in 1987 and Underwater World Station in 1991, at which point the route operated in an anti-clockwise direction. The monorail utilized 16-car trains without air conditioning, running on a one-way loop that connected seven stations located on the island’s western side. Ticket prices started at S$3 for adults and S$1.50 for children but were eventually waived, allowing visitors unlimited rides throughout their visit. Notably, four stations employed the Spanish solution, providing separate platforms for boarding and disembarking passengers.
Background
In June 1979, the Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) unveiled plans to introduce a monorail system aimed at replacing double-decker buses on Sentosa Island. The proposed route was designed to serve seven stations adjacent to major attractions including the Sentosa Ferry Terminal, Maritime Museum, Apollo Hotel, Coralarium, swimming lagoon, cable car station, Surrender Chamber, and Fort Siloso. Previous proposals had been abandoned due to excessive costs. At that time, the project was projected to cost SGD 12 million with an estimated construction period of 18 months and an initial fleet of six monorail cars. The SDC chose the monorail over other options such as electric cars and trailer buses, deeming it the most suitable transportation solution for the island. Although some members of the public criticized the plan as a potential "gimmick" that might disturb Sentosa’s peaceful atmosphere, SDC maintained that the system would operate quietly and without pollution.
Construction and opening
In February 1980, Swiss firm Habegger Thun secured the contract to design and install the Sentosa Monorail system, while United Engineers Pte Ltd was appointed as the primary subcontractor responsible for structural and civil engineering works. The initial budget estimate stood at , with construction expected to last 20 months. Site surveys commenced immediately, and piling work was scheduled to begin in mid-March.
By July of that year, construction officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony led by the SDC chairman. Installation of rails and supporting columns started in October, targeting completion by September of the following year. During this phase, plans were revised to increase the number of monorail cars from six to nine. By January 1981, approximately 30% of piling was finished, around of track had been installed, and five stations were confirmed: Maritime Museum, Apollo Hotel, swimming lagoon, cable car station, and Fort Siloso; however, a decision on the Ferry Terminal station location remained pending.
Progress continued steadily through mid-1981; by June, completion was anticipated by December. Three kilometers of track had been laid by July. Nonetheless, by November completion estimates shifted to March 1982 while project costs escalated first to , then further increased to by December.
Ultimately, construction concluded two months ahead of schedule in February 1982 with a total expenditure of S$16 million. The monorail officially commenced operations on 23 February. Four intermediate stations opened later on 1 December 1982, effectively replacing bus services and establishing the monorail as Sentosa’s dominant transportation system. The launch coincided with new attractions debuting on the island and contributed to visitor numbers rising from 567,567 to over one million within a year.
Closure
Operations of the Sentosa Monorail were terminated on 16 March 2005, driven by escalating upkeep expenses, diminishing visitor approval related to ride comfort and velocity, and the swift development of the island. It was succeeded by the modern four-stop Sentosa Express monorail system. The majority of the track infrastructure along with all vehicles were sold for scrap, fetching S$350,000. Subsequent inspections identified that certain butt welds did not comply with British Standards. Segments of the track and a number of stations found new purposes, such as the "Surrender Chamber" at Fort Siloso and a dining establishment at Central Beach. The Gateway station was dismantled immediately after closure, while the Ferry Terminal station was taken down in March 2007 to make way for Resorts World Sentosa.
Stations
The Sentosa Monorail did not feature terminal stations:
- Station 1: Ferry Terminal – Launched 1987; ceased operations 2005; demolished 2007
- Station 2: Underwater World – Introduced 1991; closed 2005; repurposed; demolished alongside Underwater World in 2017
- Station 3: Fort Siloso – Began service 1982; closed 2005; adapted for alternative uses
- Station 4: Cable Car – Opened 1982; ceased operation 2005; reused for other purposes
- Station 5: Central Beach / Palawan Beach – Started operation 1982; shut down 2005; repurposed; demolished in 2022
- Station 6: SDC Office / Ficus – Opened in 1982; closed in 2005; converted for other uses; demolished in 2022
- Station 7: Gateway / Causeway / Visitor Arrival Centre – Operational from 1982 until closure and demolition in 2005