Accidental Travel Discovery and How I Got Here – The Southernmost Point of Continental Asia

 

(Photos and blog by Jay De Jesus, a community manager of an embassy in Singapore. He is an online expert or a “social media DJ” as he calls himself, Google Local Guides contributor, and blogger. Follow him on Twitter @jaydj and his blog sites jaydj.net and aidemlaicos.net)

Accidentally added and ticked this off my “Travel Bucket List.”  

Sentosa is one of the most visited places in Singapore. 

Known as an entertainment destination with the likes of Universal Studios, Resorts World, Sea Aquarium, and Madame Tussauds Museum, this island located in the southern part of Singapore, is also a good destination for nature lovers. 

There’s a coastline you could check out from Siloso beach to Palawan beach and all the way to Tanjong beach, each with their own features. I took the Sentosa express, the tram that takes you from the main island to Sentosa Island. I got off Beach station, the last station. I leisurely walked towards the left not really knowing what to expect other than the beaches.  

Palawan beach was the first stop. It’s not entirely all beaches as some of the areas are rocky and elevated. Moving along, you’ll eventually get to the beachfront suitable for swimming. 

Aside from the usual beachfront restaurants, there was a water playground for children. From a distance, you’ll also notice that there’s a narrow suspension bridge connecting the beach to a small island. Intrigued by where it goes and what’s on the other side, I made my way to the bridge entrance. It’s a narrow bridge so people crossing from both ends will have to give way when walking towards each other. So you may have to wait for your turn.

The bridge is pretty stable but as you start traversing the hanging bridge, you’ll feel it wobbling a bit and it gets amplified by the weight of additional people also walking on the bridge. It does have an Indiana Jones feel but is completely safe.

 So here I am, at the lowest tip of Continental Asia.

When you get to the other side, you’ll be greeted by this sign saying that this is the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia and a rock with a map of where you are.

The map shows I am near the equator.

I did not expect this. First of all, I didn’t know that I was near the equator, and more so, I didn’t know that this was the closest point to the equator.

On this islet are two viewing towers equally alike. Each level of this four-story tower has a viewing deck. The view towards the ocean is breathtaking and you can see several boats and ships pass by.

 From the top floor, you can also see the stretch of the islet and the rest of the beach if you look parallel to the ocean. 

I think this is a hidden gem. It’s something you could boast to your friends, it has a breathtaking view, and best of all, it’s free. Also if you’re a Pokemon Go player, there’s a double treat for you there.

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