To the world and most Singaporeans, our Little Red Dot is known for her lush greenery and clean streets, bustling Orchard Road and ever-vibrant nightlife and skylines. However, many don’t realize once you look past the touristy spots, there’s so much more to Singapore than meets the eye.

If you have a penchant for exploring new ground and want to get away from the skyscrapers just for a day, here’s our guide to island hopping in Singapore!

No plans for this weekend? Check out St John Island, Lazarus Island and Kusu island — it’s the perfect getaway from the hustle of city life.

You’ll want to start your journey at Marina South Pier, accessible via MRT at the end of the North-South Line. You can purchase tickets (S$18) there for a round trip from the pier to St John’s/Lazarus Island, then to Kusu Island and back to Marina South Pier. Remember to check the ferry schedule so you can plan your trip accordingly!

Your first stop, St John’s Island, is about a 15-20 minute ferry ride away, so just sit tight and maybe take a power nap before you disembark!

ST JOHN’S ISLAND

When you arrive at St. John’s Island, you’ll be greeted by a vast expanse of beach-land and shaded pavilions hidden amongst the tall trees. It’s the perfect place to enjoy refreshing waves of the ocean, basking in the warm sun.

As you stroll along the beach, keep an eye out for some trinkets you can bring home – seashells and crab claws. We were lucky enough to find a whole crab shell with its claws still intact!

Other than beaches, surround yourself in the abundance of greenery St John’s Island has to offer. They provide much-needed shade when the sun gets too harsh. It really reminds us that it’s fine to immerse ourselves in nature for a few moments without a care in the world.

LAZARUS ISLAND

To get to Lazarus Island, all you need to do is cross a bridge once you turn left from the Ferry Terminal at St John’s Island! The link-bridge is surrounded by azure waters and plenty of places to snap a nice photo. Since it’s so quiet, the entire road on the link bridge is a picture-perfect scene for you to enjoy as well!

If you fancy a swim and somewhere to lie down and take a nap under the sun, Lazarus Island’s white sandy beaches might be right up your alley. Though the beaches are relatively smaller than those of Sentosa and Bali, the aquamarine-coloured waters are still ever-so enticing.

The sandy beaches are also a popular spot for picnics! Cook up some simple pasta salad, bring a loaf of bread and your preferred toppings, some chips and some drinks and you’re all set for a hearty meal with your friends or family!

For those who love cats and furry creatures, if you’re lucky, you may spot some island cats. They’re super friendly and seem quite used to affection from humans!

KUSU ISLAND

The last stop for the day is Kusu Island. “Kusu” means Turtle or Tortoise in Hokkien, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at the island’s temple. Tortoises are said to live extremely long lives and are extremely important to the island.

Pray at the temple located just behind the Chinese pavilions and bridges. The temple is dedicated to the God of Prosperity and the Goddess of Mercy. It is a serene and picturesque scene that highlights the importance of Chinese culture in today’s modern world that is otherwise much forgotten and overlooked.

You can also make a wish on the wishing tree there! It is believed that tying a yellow cloth around the tree grants wealth, good marriage, health and harmony! If a wish comes true, believers come back and offer thanks, occasionally untying the cloths they have bound around the tree.

While taking the ferry back to the mainland, it’s as if you’re being transported back to reality from a day-long dream you’ve just enjoyed. Let’s be thankful for the presence of such getaway spots in Singapore, reminding us that there’s more to life than just the typical rat-race.

31 Marina Coastal Drive
Singapore 018988
Nearest Station: Marina South Pier

Need a break from the city life in Singapore? We feel you. Living in a fast-paced environment such as Singapore would mean that many of us crave a getaway for a good rest.

Even so, not many of us have the luxury of taking time off for travel as and when we desire due to different commitments.

If you are looking for a fuss-free day trip without the hassle of having to change your currency and bringing your passport, here are 8 Islands You Can Explore Without Travelling Out Of Singapore.

#1 CONEY ISLAND PARK

Pulau Serangoon, or better known as Coney Island Park, is slightly off Punggol and you can get to the West entrance of the island by walking along the Punggol Promenade Nature Walk.

It is currently a favourite spot among cyclists! If this is your first time going to Coney Island Park, do take note that the park closes at 7pm as no lighting is provided in this eco-friendly island.

Photo Credit: Erich Chew

#2 KEPPEL ISLAND

Admire the lineup of super yachts in the day and sip on wine at Privé Cafe by night at Keppel Bay which is located on Keppel Island. The breathtaking view makes it a romantic destination for couples on a date.

Walk across Keppel Bay Bridge, which links Keppel Island to the mainland.

Photo Credit: Breathing Asia, Living Singapore

#3 KUSU ISLAND

The story behind Kusu Island will have you intrigued about the place before you even head there. Devotees of Tua Pek Kong believe that the deity transformed a tortoise into Kusu Island, which translates to “tortoise island”.

Visit the tortoise sanctuary, play beach volleyball on the beach shores or dip into the lagoons of Kusu Island. You can take a ferry from Marina South Pier.

Photo Credit: Desi Expat

#4 LAZARUS ISLAND

Looking for a white sand beach with glistening waters sans the crowd? You will get all that at Lazarus Island! Sounds too good to be true? Visit the island in the morning for a picnic and you can see its beauty for yourself.

By the way, you can walk to Lazarus Island from Saint John’s Island so that’s two islands off your checklist!

Photo Credit: awesomepics.sg

#5 PULAU SEMAKAU

Don’t be taken aback when we tell you that this is a landfill site because that only takes up the eastern side of the island. Recent developments of Pulau Semakau has made it a tourist friendly area for those who love nature.

Look forward to thriving mangrove habitats and a coral population. Those who are interested can even learn more at the coral nursery. Book a tour with NEA beforehand!

#6 PULAU UBIN

One of the most visited offshore islands of Singapore, Pulau Ubin needs no introduction. Rent a bicycle there and challenge the uneven terrains which are a notch higher than what you can find at East Coast Park or Sentosa.

Other leisure activities to do there are kayaking, climbing the 20-metre tall Jejawi Tower and a chalet vacation with your buddies.

You have to take a boat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.

Photo Credit: SG Asia City

#7 SAINT JOHN’S ISLAND

Started off as a rehabilitation centre for opium addicts, today’s St John’s Island is a must-visit for many Singaporeans and even tourists. The island is home to clean lagoons, beaches, routes for trekking and soccer fields.

There are bungalow chalets where you can have a barbeque gathering together for up to 60 people. Hop onto a ferry from Marina South Pier to get there.

Photo Credit: The Straits Times

#8 SISTERS’ ISLANDS

It has been said that two sisters who drowned in the storm were never found but at where they were last seen are two islands which stand till today—no surprises for guessing which islands they are referring to.

That aside, snorkelling enthusiasts have another place to add on to their list. Witness rich diversities of coral reefs, giant clams, sea horses and more! If that’s not your thing, you can opt for a guided tour with NParks instead.

Get onto a ferry from Marina South Pier which will take you to Sisters’ Islands.