[3][4][5] In November 2006, the Singapore Tourism Board announced plans to develop the six islands off the southern tip of Sentosa into a tourist attraction.

This, as STB's S$12 billion Sentosa master plan — which includes HarbourFront and the Southern Islands — is expected to be completed ahead of schedule in 2010.

The STB intends to tap on the momentum of the Sentosa Integrated resort bid and extend investor interest to the islands nearby.

The STB reckoned that the time was ripe to attract investors to develop the islands, which lies about a 20-minute ferry ride from the Singapore Cruise Centre and 30 minutes from Marina South Pier.

Exploring the potential of developing land around the Marina Bay and Sentosa areas, the STB has concluded that enhancing the lush greenery and natural foliage of the Southern Islands will make them irresistible as a tourist destination.

It has been said that the potential is similar to Italy's Isle of Capri, a marine village, or Dubai's The Palm islands, a development for the ultra-wealthy.

Instead, a plan is being considered to turn them into a getaway for the well-heeled who can afford the luxury and those who want to explore the rustic surroundings for the islands' flora and fauna, including 300 species of native wildlife.

The STB expects to announce details for the development of the Southern Islands and seek requests for concepts as early as March 2007.