23/07/2020
6 islands off the Singapore shore you can spend a day at – without a passport!
1. Lazarus Island
Getting There: Take a round-trip ferry ride from Marina South Pier ($15) , and turn left upon disembarkation at St. John’s jetty.
2. Pulau Satumu
The Story: The only towering feature that is visible from a distance is the Raffles Lighthouse in shining white. The Lighthouse has been operational since 1855 to warn incoming ships at night when they are reaching the shore or shallow waters.
Getting There: Depart on a ferry from Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal when you sign up for a guided tour held annually organised by MPA. Check their full calendar of events*.
3. Pulau Hantu
Pulau Hantu is made up of two smaller islets – Pulau Hantu Besar (Big Ghost Island) and the Pulau Hantu Kechil (Little Ghost Island). The name came about because the mid part of the island “disappears” during high tide.
Getting There: There are no scheduled ferries to Pulau Hantu. But you can get there by joining one of the weekend dive trips or by charter boats at the West Coast Ferry Terminal.
4. Kusu Island
Known for its religious Chinese temple and Malay shrines, Kusu Island is packed with people during the ninth lunar month. During this period, Chinese devotees will flock to the island to visit the isolated Chinese temple where Da Bo Gong (God of Prosperity) and Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) reside.
Others make the laborious climb up to the top of the hill to pray at the shrines of three Malay saints. If you’re looking for a quiet refuge, visit the island when it’s not pack during the pilgrimage period.
Getting There: Ferries depart from Marina South Pier daily. Visit their website for the schedule. Ferry will head to St John’s island first before going to Kusu Island. The ride takes about an hour.
Pulau Ubin
5. St John’s Island
You would never believe this beautiful island was formerly a quarantine station for cholera, beri-beri, and leprosy cases in the late 19th century.
Spot dolphins by the water, trek up hills or play a game of soccer in the fields. If you’re tired after a long day under the sun, there are several bungalow chalets and bunks in this island that can accommodate up to 60 people.
How to Get There: Ferries depart from Marina South Pier daily. Visit their website for the schedule.
6. Sisters’ Island Marine Park
Home to Singapore’s marine biodiversity, the Sisters’ Island is a dedicated site for marine conservation and research. Visitors to the island will be able to observe marine life such as such as sea fans, sponges and sea anemones.
How to Get There: Charter your own boat from West Coast Pier or Marina South Pier. Boats will be chartered for participants of NParks’ guided walks.
