(Photo: Sentosa)
Raise your hand if you’re over this pandemic and just want to travel
A lot of people are with you, but the reality is, international travel is just not possible at the moment, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. But that doesn’t mean all the fun has to be taken away.
What if you could enjoy sandy beaches, an oceanfront yoga session, an uphill nature hike, or even explore a world-class museum all while social distancing? It’s quite possible, especially when your physical form is wrapped up in a blankie and sitting on your living room couch while your avatar in “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” is taking an exhilarating adventure-packed morning.
A virtual version of Singapore’s family-friendly Sentosa island, conceived by the Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), launched on May 9 and offers players a brand-new virtual experience within the game. Guests can explore the resort island to their heart’s content from the comfort of their own home.
“Animal Crossing: New Horizons” is the current phenomenon that is making waves around the world because of its charming, whimsical world that has been used as an escape for everyone stuck at home.
And while Sentosa island is meant to be a new distraction, the SDC takes it a step further by using this project as a marketing stunt for tourism to innovate and connect with future travelers.
A spokesperson for the SDC said, “We wanted to encourage people to make time for an ‘island getaway’ during these challenging times, as a break is important for one’s mental well-being.”
Everything in the real-life Sentosa island is reflected on the virtual island, from the flower-filled roundabout and boardwalk to restaurants like Mykonos and the alfresco spa at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa’s So spa.
A team of 22 designers took 12 days to replicate the final experience, and it has proved to be a hit. To prevent overcrowding, island visiting hours are limited to three two-hour time slots a day, and each 30-minute session can only be attended by four visitors at a time.
Interested players will need to register and answer a question of the week to be considered for entry. Better hurry if you want to escape to Singapore because the in-game experience ends June 1.
By: Maytinee Kramer
