I wrote one piece about Open Water. So far all my open water trainings are in Sentosa, must say that this place is a safer location than other Open waters in Singapore. As I continue on my open water journey, I began to discover more about Sentosa and the places where you can swim which is almost unreachable to others by foot.
So the one time to Fort Siloso got me interested to find out more on the natural coastal area. One of the swimmers, Danny, also shared some info about this area which is known as Tanjong Rimau. He shared this Youtube video which showed that this place actually has an abundance of wild life and nature.
There are indeed many interesting features along the coast on the West side of Sentosa. Besides the Bunkers, I discover that there are many other interesting features too.
1.断魂崖 （ Broken Soul Cliff)
The Broken Soul Cliff
Hiking along the Tanjong Rimau( feat Yin Mun and Ange)
A few of the swimmers in the group has actually went there before, but happen so that week, I did not go and wasn’t able to explore this special site. It is actually an eroded cliff side which formed a wall between the cliff and a white rock. On the cliff, there were words written 断魂崖 （ Broken Soul Cliff) with 2 palms imprint on it. I have been searching on the web on materials why there were the words there. But so far nothing eerie or scary about it. Maybe it was some sort of prank by some folks who got bored. On a low tide, you can to swim on the outer shore and walk in to the cliff. This is where more hikers will visit because this area is reachable by foot when it is low tide. But I personally feel it is better to reach there swimming because there are no proper foot path and the corals and marine life might be destroyed by us when we walk on them.
Swam there on a high tide. There was actually a little beach to step on and walk into the cliff side. Its actually quite tranquil to sit there and watch the sea because no one can be there during a high tide. Its also quite scenic to take pictures there. According to some blogs and Youtube videos. The place has many unique marine life. But I was busy looking at the cliff and did not really get to observe the organisms.
You can check out this interesting blog site on the animals and life forms in Tanjong Rimau.
2. The Caves
exploring the shores
Cave behind the beacon of Tanjong Rimau
There are actually many caves around this area, but most can only be visible during a low tide. Of course, many marine life like crabs, shell fishes and small sea slugs resides there. To some it maybe creepy but its actually just nature. If you are swimming there, do keep your fins on or at least some sort of protective gear for the feet because the rocks and corals can be sharp, when you step on them and you might get yourself hurt. The hands if possible some gloves or something, even if when you are walking there.
3. The Bunkers/ Rimau Beacon
Christmas Tree Beacon
Bunkers from Far
Swimming Around
The 3 bunkers ,overlooking the Singapore Straits and the Labrador park, are the first landmark and Davy brought us to. And of course the “Christmas tree” which is actually a beacon with the words Rimau on it. This is actually a Beacon. Probably meaning Harimau, the rimau could mean Tiger in Malay language. This part of the shore is also natural, it is also where the blue buoys end.
The blue buoys actually act as a guide for leisure water sports users of the Sentosa stretch to the freight routes. Swimming pass the blue buoys can be dangerous when ships and boats and moving more frequently along the straits.
I did not try to walk up the bunkers. Not sure if they are reachable. But the base is a good place to rest if you happen to swim there. It will be good to know that Sentosa Development actually provides tours to Tanjong Rimau. You can reserve your slot in the link below.
https://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/things-to-do/events/siloso-headland-intertidal-programme/
4. Jetty Ruins
Jetty Ruins on a low tide
Swimming to the Ruins only once and the second time, I went there through the trail and swam back to Tanjong Beach. The whole route is about 5km swim, it is really quite tiring. Till now my longest distance is 7 km and I still hope to break the 10km one day. Probably I need to plan more for the logistics.
The Jetty Ruins are just a few pillars in the water now. There used to be a Jetty there but after they dismantled it, whatever that was left is now part of a sight for the trail goers and occasional swimmers.