Southern Islands, Singapore: How to Go & What to Do
Did you know that Singapore consists of 64 islands? This makes it one of the most unique cities in the world. These islands are a great getaway for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. A short ferry ride away from the main city, the Southern Islands of Singapore are a treasure trove of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational activities.
In this handy guide, we will provide you with a complete overview of three popular islands:
St. John's Island
Lazarus Island
Kusu Island
An Introduction to the Southern Islands, Singapore
Seven islands constitute the Southern Islands of Singapore: Sentosa, St. John's Island, Lazarus Island, Kusu Island, Sisters’ Islands, Pulau Hantu, Pulau Tekukor and Pulau Seringat. While Sentosa is the biggest and more famous, St. John's Island, Lazarus Island and Kusu Island offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery, making them perfect for island hopping.
St. John’s Island
St. John’s Island is a hidden gem with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush greenery. It is a perfect spot for those seeking tranquillity. The island also boasts of rich biodiversity, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts.
Things to do at St. John’s Island
St. John's Island in Singapore is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. You can spend your day enjoying the beautiful beaches, swimming in clear waters, snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs, and kayaking to the nearby Lazarus Island.
If you love nature, take a leisurely stroll through lush forests and encounter fascinating wildlife, especially peacocks. Don't miss the Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre to learn about marine conservation efforts.
Lazarus Island
Lazarus Island is one of the most popular Southern islands of Singapore. With its virgin white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, this secluded island provides a perfect escape for those looking to unwind amidst nature.
Lazarus Island is also known as Pulau Sakijang Bendera, which translates to the "Island of the Banded Langur." It is home to several species of wildlife, including the rare banded langurs that can be spotted swinging from tree to tree.
Things to Do At Lazarus Island
Lazarus Island offers something for everybody. If you are a water person, go snorkelling and explore vibrant marine life. Adventure seekers can try kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. You can also plan to stay overnight at Lazarus Island's eco-friendly "tiny houses" and enjoy the island life peacefully, which is probably the closest thing to a bona fide Lazarus Island Hotel
Kusu Island
Kusu Island has a stunning beach with clear turquoise waters, perfect for relaxation and swimming. It is also called Tortoise Island in Chinese and is believed to be a magical place for tortoises. The island is renowned for its tortoise sanctuary, where you can observe and feed the fascinating and cute creatures.
Things to do in Kusu Island
You can simply relax on sandy beaches and take in stunning views of clear waters. If you like to explore the cultural side, do visit the Chinese temples on the hilly terrain. You can also explore three Malay shrines and discover their intriguing history. If you go during the ninth lunar month, you can witness the famous Kusu Pilgrimage, where devotees gather at the Da Bo Gong Temple for blessings.
Getting There
All the Southern Islands are only a 30-minute ferry ride from the Marina South Pier in Mainland Singapore. The affordable ferry prices and frequent ferries make visiting the Southern Islands a cakewalk. You can easily hop from one island to another and visit all of them in a single day.
Lazarus Island and St. John's Island are connected through a walkway. You can simply stroll over from one island to another.
Explore the Southern Islands in a chartered yacht
Want to have a memorable island hopping experience? Chuck the public ferry and charter a yacht instead. Get a guided memorable experience onboard a fully loaded luxury yacht. A variety of options are available for different budgets.
Here's a complete snapshot of yacht hiring options for exploring the Southern Islands:
Yacht Charter Option | What's Included? | Price of the package |
|---|---|---|
This 5-hour private yacht charter includes a captain and a crew, water sports equipment, a fridge, a microwave, a Bluetooth sound system and more. Other services are available upon payment of extra charges. | ||
You can hire the yacht for 4 hours. The booking includes a captain and one crew member, a fridge, microwave, KTV system, water sports equipment and more. Other services are available upon payment of extra charges. | ||
This 4-hour charter includes a captain and crew, water sports equipment and more. Other services are available upon payment of extra charges. | ||
This 4-hour charter features a city skyline cruise, snorkelling, fishing materials and more. Other services are available upon payment of extra charges. | ||
This package includes fishing, snorkelling and kayaking equipment. There's a special offer for Pelago clients too! Other services are available upon payment of extra charges. | ||
This is a short charter including water sports equipment and refreshments. Other services are available upon payment of extra charges. | ||
This charter lets you enjoy the sunset along with complimentary soft drinks. Other services are available upon payment of extra charges. |
More activity ideas for your Southern Islands trip:
Let us give you some more ideas to explore the Southern Islands, Singapore:
Island hopping with Singapore Island Cruise
Don't want to use the public ferry and find yachts too expensive? Don't worry, this option is meant just for you.
Enjoy a unique island hopping experience with the Singapore Island Cruise and get prices starting from SGD 14. The cruise first takes you to St. John's Island and then to Kusu Island. You can simply walk over to Lazarus Island from St. John's Island through the link bridge.
Once you arrive, enjoy the islands in your own way. Swim, explore or just relax - you are the king of your own time.
A speedboat tour to the Southern Islands
Want to be a sea explorer? This one's for you!
Explore the Southern Islands on a speedboat accompanied by live commentary on board. Travel the old seafarers' routes and check out the "Silk Road of the Sea" amidst the Straits of Singapore.
There's more! Learn about the voyages of Sir Stamford Raffles' and the Chinese explorer, Wang Dayua. You will also get to visit Sentosa, Dragon's Teeth Gate as well as the remnants of British forts.
Ideal plan for an adventurer
Love adventure? You can't miss this one!
Enjoy a full day of adrenaline with this survivor-style island escapade around St John's Island. Find your way through the island while solving mysteries with interesting clues.
Note: Dress comfortably as you will have to go through uneven terrains and the island is mostly outdoors.
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the things you need to carry while visiting the islands?
Carry food, water, sunscreen, mosquito spray (for precaution) and any essential item that you need as you won’t get anything on the islands.
What is the best day to visit the Southern Islands of Singapore?
Sunday is the best day to visit the islands due to the ferry timings.
What are the ways to island hop in Singapore?
You can either do this using a public ferry or book a private tour for yourself.
What island is closest to Singapore?
Sentosa Island, St. John’s Island, Lazarus Island and Pulau Ubin are closest to Mainland Singapore.
What time should you reach to board the ferry?
Ferry boarding starts 20 minutes before the departure time so plan your trip accordingly.