Singapore Islands You Can Explore to Escape from the City

Did you know that Singapore is actually a city of not 1 nor 10, but 64 islands? While not all the islands are open to the public for exploration (think Jurong Island and Pulau Bukom where heavy industries are located at), other islands like Kusu Island and Lazarus Island can provide travellers with a fun day out in an idyllic setting. Here we look at some of the offshore islands worth checking out the next time you feel like taking a ferry out to enjoy the sea breeze.

via GIPHY

1. St John’s Island

Just a 15 minute boat ride from Marina South Pier, you’ll be welcomed by numerous stray cats that call the island home. Approach with caution and avoid making loud noises that might scare them away. Besides these friendly felines, St John’s Island has a long trail of history. It was once a quarantine centre for immigrants who had leprosy, cholera and even was used to house political prisoners and drug rehabilitators.

The island is now one of Singapore’s most important islands for biodiversity research and you can book a guided intertidal walk here.

Book ferry tickets to St. John Island via Klook here.

Price: $15 for Adult and $12 for Children (aged 1 to 12)
How to get there: Marina South Pier

2. Lazarus Island

The C-shaped lagoon at Lazarus Island sees tourists and locals alike flocking over to enjoy a day out in the sun alongside pristine waters and sandy beaches. It is commonly known as one of Singapore’s best-kept secrets, and an ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a quiet time with loved ones. You can access the island from St John’s Island, by taking a leisurely 15 to 20 minute stroll via the bridge.

Price: $15 for Adult and $12 for Children (aged 1 to 12)
How to get there: Marina South Pier

3. Kusu Island

Source: Singapore Island Cruise & Ferry

The island has a popular Chinese temple, Da Bo Gong, which was built in 1923 by a wealthy businessman. On the 9th month of the lunar calendar, thousands of devotees visit the island to pay their respects at the temple. Climb up 152 steps to the top of the hill and you’ll see three keramat (holy shrines for Malay saints) where many pray for good marriage, wealth and health.

Price: $15 for Adult and $12 for Children (aged 1 to 12)
How to get there: Marina South Pier

Get your sportswear from Nike, Adidas, SKECHERS, Poney SG and Puma.

4. Sisters’ Island

Source: NParks

Comprising of two islands, the Big Sister (about 9.6 acres) and Little Sister(about 4.2 acres) are separated by a narrow channel. Legend has it that two sisters, Minah and Linah, drowned while trying to escape from pirates during a storm.

The island is now a Marine Park managed by the National Parks Board of Singapore, home for educational, conservation and research activities. Did you know that Singapore’s waters are home to more than 250 species of hard corals and more than 100 species of reef fish? Have a picnic on the island (be careful of the island monkeys!) or choose to snorkel in the clear waters (remember to bring your own snorkeling equipment).

Price: $15 for Adult and $12 for Children (aged 1 to 12)
How to get there: Marina South Pier

5. Pulau Ubin

Wind back time by taking a trip to one of Singapore’s most famous islands, Pulau Ubin. This 1,020 hectare island is home to the last kampongs in our country and Chek Jawa Wetlands. Explore the island on a rented bicycle or by foot and discover historical sites, flora, fauna and even a rubber plantation. Click here for a full guide to the Pulau Ubin Tree Trail.

Bring along sufficient cash for bicycle rental and food. For an Instagram-worthy shot, head up to Puaka Hill to get a bird’s eye view of the granite quarry with its deep blue waters.

Price: $3 per person for a single trip, an additional $2 if you bring along a bicycle
How to get there: Changi Point Ferry Terminal

Protect yourself with sunscreen from Watsons, LAYCY and StrawberryNet.

6. Chek Jawa Wetlands

Located within Pulau Ubin, Chek Jawa Wetlands is one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems. The area was discovered when it was slated for redevelopment in 2000, but was halted when 100 hectare of wetland teeming with wildlife was unexpectedly discovered. Admire the wetlands from the 1 kilometre boardwalk or climb up the 20 metre tall Jejawi Tower for a clearer view. Click here for guided tours at Chek Jawa.

Price: Same as Pulau Ubin, but with additional cost for private hire of a van
How to get there: 15 minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. To reach Chek Jawa, you can hire a private van, rent a bicycle or for the more adventure-seekers, you can walk 40 minutes.