Virtual Sentosa

The coronavirus pandemic had put the travel industry out of action. Overnight, Sentosa Island had closed its gates and gone from hosting millions of visitors to zero. Instead of waiting for people to be able to return to the island, we brought the island to the people.

Awards and accolades
Caples Awards 2021 – PR (Gold), Response to Covid (Bronze)
Contagious Magazine – Most Contagious Campaigns of 2020
Creative Circles Awards 2021 – Creative Effectiveness (Gold), Digital Craft (Gold), Best Use of Digital & Mobile Platforms (Gold), Innovation in Media (Gold), Innovation in Direct (Gold), Excellence in Media Insights, Planning and Strategy (Silver), Best Use of Digital-led Brand Experience & Activation (Silver), Innovation in Brand Experience & Activation (Silver), Real-Time Response (Bronze)
One Show 2021 – Innovation in Lockdown (Silver)
Webby Awards 2021 – Tourism & Leisure
Webby People’s Voice 2021 – Tourism & Leisure

  • Sentosa
  • BBH Singapore
  • Creative Technologist
  • 2020

‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ was the game of the coronavirus moment. With the world in the grip of a pandemic, the warm-hug tone of the game had universal appeal.

To bring a holiday to the people without need for visas, restrictions, or quarantine period, Sentosa hijacked Animal Crossing and built Virtual Sentosa, the world's first virtual holiday destination from scratch in just 12 days. It became a digital utopia through which people could escape the confines of their four walls while staying safely at home.
50 million square feet, including 18 brands and island attractions on Sentosa, were replicated pixel by pixel to be as realistic as possible. Not only was it super cute but it was also smart way to introduce our island's attraction to the entire world.

Specially designed branded island outfits were given as bespoke souvenirs to all guests.

Guided walking tours, in-game interactivity and social-media worthy photo spots were also set up.

Virtual Sentosa was also the setting for a “destination” wedding, which hit headlines across the world.