The Gen XY Lifestyle
Peranakan Reimagined: How Sentosa’s SG60 Showcase Makes Heritage Pop
From cable cars and kebayas to edible art and immersive gardens, Sentosa’s cultural playground redefines tradition with flair
Sentosa has unveiled a bold tribute to Singapore’s rich Peranakan roots — and it’s far from your grandmother’s porcelain ware.
In celebration of SG60 and the tenth anniversary of the Sentosa Line cable car, Sentosa Development Corporation and Mount Faber Leisure Group have collaborated on Peranakan Reimagined, a multisensory cultural showcase running until 31 August 2025.
It’s a full-blown reinterpretation of Peranakan identity, tailored for today’s curious explorers.
A Garden of Traditions — Reimagined
Sensoryscape, Sentosa’s award-winning multisensory thoroughfare, has morphed into a living gallery of Peranakan creativity. Visitors wander through immersive installations, each engaging sight, sound, touch, and imagination.
Highlights include:
- A seven-point-two-metre Peranakan House at Lookout Loop, adorned with intricate detailing by day, and transformed into a projection-mapped canvas by night
- Tactile Trellis, where 198 panels mimic the beadwork of kasut manek — traditional slippers — and feature light shows after dusk
- Larger-than-life replicas of kamcheng jars, sequinned artworks, and wedding baskets along The Walkway, blending nostalgia with surprise
- Fashion, music, and cuisine zones that showcase traditional garments, musical instruments and contributed recipes
Peranakan Sayang sets the mood with live performances, while Palawan Beach Walk hosts workshops ranging from beaded slipper making to edible craft.
Flying Through Time: Cable Cars with a Cultural Twist
Marking a decade of scenic rides, the Singapore Cable Car’s Sentosa Line now features pastel-hued cabins inspired by the shophouses of Koon Seng Road. Designed with input from Baba Alvin Yapp of The Intan Peranakan Home Museum, each cabin offers a sky-high preview of the island-wide celebration.
Local guests enjoy special one-for-one promotions — from round trips for two at just four dollars to one-day unlimited rides for two at fourteen dollars — with tickets sold at Sensoryscape.
A Fashion Statement with UNESCO Backing
The kebaya, officially listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage register in 2024, receives star treatment at Sensoryscape Cable Car Station. A curated showcase features eight distinctive kebayas by four local designers, including:
- Baba Raymond Wong’s Kebaya Biku, as seen in Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story
- Ratianah Tahir’s fusion of Malay and Peranakan silhouettes
- Kavita Thulasidas’ cross-cultural flair
- Ada Goh’s nature-inspired batik interpretations
Visitors can try on kebayas and browse beaded shoes and themed merchandise at the Sentosa Shop.
Siloso Point: Culture, Craft and Kueh
At Siloso Point Station, giant tiffin carriers and oversized Nyonya kueh sculptures draw the eye — and the appetite. On weekends, guests can join hands-on workshops, from embroidery to clay kueh-making, turning heritage into experience.
SG60 with Heart and History
“As Singapore’s premier leisure destination, we are proud to present Peranakan Reimagined,” said Thien Kwee Eng, Chief Executive Officer of Sentosa Development Corporation. “This colourful showcase elevates every visitor’s experience and celebrates our multicultural identity.”
Mount Faber Leisure Group’s Managing Director, Buhdy Bok, added: “We are honoured to collaborate with The Intan to pay homage to Peranakan heritage in this milestone SG60 year.”
With food, fashion and storytelling woven across the island, Peranakan Reimagined transforms Sentosa into more than a getaway — it becomes a gateway to history, pride and community.
For more information, visit www.sentosa.com.sg/peranakan
Pictures courtesy of Sentosa Development Corporation And Mount Faber Leisure Group
