Your island-hopping adventure begins at St John’s Island. Nature and history buffs will fall in love with this laid-back island in Singapore’s Southern waters, with a past as colourful as its coral reefs. 

St. John’s once served as a quarantine centre for diseases, a detention centre for political prisoners, and a rehabilitation site for opium addicts. 

Today, the only things to get addicted to are the island’s beautiful shallow lagoons, clear beaches, and marvellous array of marine fauna and flora; they include fiddler crabs, sea grasses, sea anemones, and hermit crabs. You can also try to catch a glimpse of the coral reefs growing along the sea-wall. (Do remember to put on footwear for safety when you’re exploring the lagoon at low tide.)

If you’re lucky, you may even spot an Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin frolicking in the waters beyond. These cetaceans are regular visitors to the waters around Singapore’s Southern Islands.

A free 90-minute guided tour of the island is held on the first Sunday of every month. Slots are quite difficult to secure, as they are snapped up within the first minute of their release! But fret not, there is still a DIY trail guide which you can download.

Getting there: Hop onto a ferry from Marina South Pier. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. 

Tips: 

- Bring your own water and food as there are no amenities on the island.

- Check the ferry schedule before you make your trip. And remember to get back to the terminal in time for the last ferry back!

- Avoid visiting during the Kusu Island pilgrimage period during the ninth lunar month (around the October-November period).

Get directions to Marina South Pier

Jewish author Etty Hillesum once wrote, "Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths."

There will be many deep breaths taken once you’re lazing on the white sandy beaches of Lazarus Island. In this part of the eight islands that make up Singapore’s Southern islands, a beach romp here can be done in peace and tranquility. Once here, you’ll feel like you’ve been magically transported to a private beach with turquoise lagoon waters placed there just for you -- perfect for your seaside Singapore photos.

Wish to add a touch of luxe to your secret island rendezvous? Splash out by renting a yacht and organising a private beach party right at the sunkissed shores of Lazarus Island.

Getting there: Take a ferry ride from Marina South Pier and turn left at the jetty to get to Lazarus Island. The walk will take about 15 minutes.

Tips:
- As there are no toilets on Lazarus Island, be sure to use those on St John’s Island before walking to Lazarus Island.
- There are no rubbish bins, so be eco-conscious and pack your own rubbish when you leave.

Kusu Island,  derived from the Hokkien word for tortoise, "kusu", is so named because it once resembled one before land reclamation transformed its shape.

But there's more to this island than just its name. Legend has it that a giant tortoise saved two shipwrecked men, one Chinese and one Malay. In gratitude, they built a temple and shrine on the island. Today, Kusu Island is a peaceful sanctuary for Muslim and Taoist worshippers who come to pay their respects.

When you visit, explore the Da Bo Gong Temple, known for its unique charm and famous among childless devotees seeking blessings for future parenthood. You can also visit the vibrant yellow Muslim shrine, where you can write your wishes on the shrine's walls for a little extra luck. It's a fascinating place with a rich history and beautiful traditions waiting to be discovered.

Getting there: Take a ferry from Marina South Pier. Be sure to check ferry timings as there is no camping allowed on the island, so you will need to catch the last ferry back to the mainland. 

If you wish to experience what Singapore was like in the 1960s, head to Pulau Ubin. With gravel roads, curling forest walks, and abundant wildlife, Pulau Ubin is one of two surviving kampongs (Malay for village) in Singapore, the other being Kampong Buangkok in Yio Chu Kang.

One of the most visited islands of Singapore, Pulau Ubin is best explored by bicycle or on foot. From the jetty, you can hire a van or rent a bicycle to get to Chek Jawa wetlands, widely considered as a national wetland treasure and one of the most interesting places to explore in Singapore. The intertidal flats at Chek Jawa Wetlands are brimming with marine life, including knobbly sea stars and carpet anemones that stand out at low tide, “like colourful candy.” 

The best time to visit happens when the tide is low (0.5 metres and below).  You can also book a guided tour of the Chek Jawa wetlands. A group booking of a maximum of 15 people costs only S$60. Click here to learn how you can book a group tour.

You can also climb the 20-metre tall Jejawi Tower to take in the panoramic views of the island’s lush forest canopy. It’s the sweet spot for some bird-watching, and you just might chance upon the Oriental pied-hornbill or the Red Junglefowl. 

Getting there: Take a 10-minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. There are no scheduled timings as the bumboat sets off whenever 12 passengers are ready.

Get directions to Changi Point Ferry Terminal

Craving for more sights to see in Singapore? Check out our Destination Insights for inspiration, or contact the team at PARKROYAL on Beach Road for more information.