Early history and background
Sentosa was historically known as Pulau Blakang Mati, a name that likely existed before the 19th century: An island labelled as “blacan mati” features on Manuel Godinho de Erédia’s 1604 map of Singapore (spelt “Singcapura” on the map). Other maps have variously named the island Burne Beard Island, Pulau Niry, Nirifa and Pulau Panjang. A number of these maps show Sentosa and the nearby Pulau Brani as a combined entity.