Planning your next getaway already? Why not visit one of Singapore’s many offshore islands?
And don’t worry, we don’t mean visiting Tekong.
Here’s the ultimate guide to the offshore islands in Singapore which you can visit — or at least, the more popular ones.
Pulau Ubin
We all know that Sentosa is the “favourite child” of the islands in Singapore, so let’s not talk about that. Instead, let’s talk about the other islands that you can visit in Singapore — starting with Pulau Ubin.
At Pulau Ubin, there’s something for everyone. You can hike, you can cycle, and you can even camp.
Hiking and cycling on the designated walking or cycling trails on Pulau Ubin gives you the chance to get up close and personal with nature. Just don’t get so close that a monkey ends up stealing your food.
The many quarries on the island, as well as the Chek Jawa Wetlands, are not to be missed. Just look at how serene this quarry is:
Those up for an adventure can also set up tent at one of Pulau Ubin’s many campsites, including Jelutong, Mamam and Endut Senin Campsites. Just make sure that you apply for a permit before your camping trip.
If you want to zuo bo, you can also just chill at one of the restaurants on the island. Food offerings at the restaurants include homemade malay dishes and seafood dishes.
Simply take a bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to get to Pulau Ubin. It’s just a 10-minute boat ride — probably shorter than the time you take to get to work.
Coney Island
If you don’t feel like taking a boat ride, fret not — there’s also an island you can reach without having to step on a boat.
That island is none other than Coney Island, otherwise known as Pulau Serangoon. Coney Island is connected to mainland Singapore via two bridges on the island’s western and eastern ends — that’s why there’s no need for you to take a boat to the island.
At Coney Island, you get to hike, cycle, and birdwatch. But if what you’re looking for is a more relaxing day out, you can hang out at one of the five beaches on Coney Island too.
Yes, you read that right. There are not one, not two, but five beaches on Coney Island.
Say goodbye to squeezing with the crowds at the Sentosa beaches.
St John’s Island
If the activities at Pulau Ubin and Coney Island aren’t your cup of tea, don’t give up just yet — with so many islands in Singapore, there’s bound to be something for you.
If you’re a history enthusiast, St John’s Island might be the island for you.
Aside from the rich biodiversity you’ll catch at St John’s Island, there are also history stations along the island trail that take you through the rich history of the island.
Throughout Singapore’s history, St John’s Island has served all sorts of purposes. The island’s CV is probably much more stacked than yours.
Specifically, the island was previously home to a British quarantine centre, a detention centre for political prisoners, an opium treatment centre, and even a holiday resort.
To get to the island, you can take a ferry from Marina South Pier.
Lazarus Island
Already at St John’s Island? Then you must head to Lazarus Island as well.
Lazarus Island is only a short walk away from St John’s Island, as the two islands are connected via a causeway.
And no, when we say causeway, we’re not talking about the causeway at Woodlands. The causeway connecting St John’s Island to Lazarus Island is much more picturesque.
On the island, you can enjoy a lovely picnic on the pristine beaches, or just walk around taking Instagram photos with your friends.
It’s hard to say no to such a view.
Kusu Island
Unlike other islands which have recreation as their main draw, Kusu Island’s main appeal is its spirituality.
Thousands of pilgrims head to Kusu Island annually to visit the Chinese temple and the three Malay keramat on the island.
The Chinese temple on the island was built in honour of Tua Pek Kong, and Guan Yin is also prayed to at the temple.
As for the three keramat, one is dedicated to Syed Abdul Rahman, while the other two are believed to belong to his mother, Nenek Ghalib, and his sister, Puteri Fatimah.
If spirituality isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry — there’s more for you to explore at Kusu Island. The clue is in the island’s name itself.
Kusu in Hokkien means tortoise, or turtle. And true to its name, you’ll find a tortoise sanctuary on Kusu Island, where you’ll see the most number of tortoises you’ve ever seen in your life.
Intrigued? Just take a ferry from Marina South Pier to get to Kusu Island.
Sisters’ Islands
No island hopping list would be complete with the Sisters’ Islands. While the Sisters’ Islands consists of the Big Sister’s Island and Small Sister’s Island, only the Big Sister’s Island is open to the public.
This is because Small Sister’s Island is closed off to the public for conservation purposes.
So, what can you do at Big Sister’s Island? For one, you could go on a hike along the island trail.
Along the island trail, you can head onto the 220m floating boardwalk to view corals and marine biodiversity up close. If you’re lucky, you might even spot turtles in the waters.
But that’s not all that the trail offers. There is also a lagoon tidal pool where you can spot seagrass, mangroves, and other intertidal animals.
Feel free to also head onto the island’s Ocean Network Express Coastal Forest Trail, where you can hike through the island’s coastal forest.
And yes, you guessed it — your day out at Big Sister’s Island starts with a ferry ride from Marina South Pier too.
To find out more about the islands, watch this video here:
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