If you thought your trip to Singapore would end with merely a visit to the main island, you thought wrong! Singapore is actually composed of not one, not two, but sixty-three islands! Each island boasts of a unique history, topography and activities, but they are a part of Singapore. This means that you can visit sixty-three different locations with the same visa! If that's not the definition of a perfect holiday, we don't know what is!
Here are the ten best islands in Singapore:
Here are the ten best islands in Singapore:
1. Sentosa Island
A former fortress, Sentosa Island is now a haven for all tourists. This island is now purely for adventure, fun and relaxation, making it a vacationer's paradise. Do not miss this cornucopia of activities!
Best time to visit: January to June. Peak tourist season is from March to May.
How to reach: You can reach Sentosa by road, cable car or rail. The metro station boards at VivoCity mall, and is the cheapest option. You can also walk to Sentosa from VivoCity mall via a specially constructed lane.
Cost to reach: By MRT: SGD 4 (two-way, with unlimited access to the rail)By cable car: Adult: SGD 29, Child: SGD 18
Major attractions: Universal Studios Singapore, Resort World Sentosa, Sentosa Luge, Tiger Sky Tower, SEA Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Dolphin Park, Fort Siloso, Butterfly Kingdom, Carlsberg Tower
Accommodation options: If you're staying on the main island, you can visit Sentosa and return by the evening. Hotels in Sentosa offer rooms starting from SGD 250. More expensive options include chateaus and resort homes.
Things to do: Sentosa Island in Singapore presents a world of opportunities which are sure to keep you wanting more! Universal Studios is an attraction in itself, which has seven different zones you can enjoy in - your kids are sure to love it! From Madagascar, Transformers and fairy tales to ancient Egypt and Jurassic World, Universal Studios has it all! A view from Tiger Sky Tower takes you all the way to Indonesia! The aquarium is sure to boggle your mind with this unique architecture. There are also beaches where you can lounge by the sea. The cable car ride to Sentosa is another adventure! If you're lucky, you may even be served your meal on the ride!
2. St John's Island
Best time to visit: December to March, as monsoon falls between June and November
How to reach: You can avail the ferry services of the Singapore Island Cruise, at Marina South Pier. On weekdays, there are two trips at 10:45 AM and 2:45 PM. On weekends, there are four trips at 9:50 AM, 11:50 AM, 1:50 PM and 3:50 PM.
Cost to reach: Adult: SGD 18Children: SGD 12Prices are for a two-way trip.
Major attractions: Trunk Bay, Virgin Islands National Park, Honeymoon Beach, Cinnamon Bay, Waterlemon Cay, Hawksnest Beach, Annaberg Sugar Plantation, Bordeaux Mountain, Lind Point Trail
Accommodation options: You can stay in luxurious bungalows and chalets overnight, or opt for simple bunks. Prices start from SGD 75.
Things to do: The island is a haven of luxury and adventure. There are options to snorkel and dive in the pristine blue waters. Spot corals and exotic marine life in the waters! You can also engage in watersports like motor boating and water skiing. You can also trek up to the top spot of the island, and enjoy the beautiful view. There is a beautiful sugar plantation you can visit. The National Park also makes for a great day trip. The white sand beaches are Instagram-worthy, and perfect for lounging. The lagoons are breathtaking!
3. Kusu Island
Named after the Chinese word for tortoise, Kusu Island in Singapore is the picture of serene grace. Home to two Chinese temples and three Malay Kramats, this island has charming folklore as well - two sailors saved from drowning by a tortoise, which took the form of an island.
Best time to visit: December to March, as monsoon falls between June and November
How to reach: Ferries depart from Marina South Pier every day, from Singapore Island Cruise. The ferries first stop at St John's Island
Cost to reach: Adult: SGD 18Children: SGD 12Prices are for a two-way trip.
Major attractions: Da Bo Gong shrine, Guan Yin Shrine, Syed Abdul Rahman Kramats, Tortoise Sanctuary
Accommodation options: Overnight stays are not permitted on the island so that you can stay either in the main island of St John's Island.
Things to do: The peaceful, silent and serene beaches are great for relaxing and enjoying the calm, lilting waters of the ocean. The Chinese shrines of Da Bo Gong (God of Prosperity) and Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) are sacred and beautiful. The three Malay Kramats are a 152 step-climb, but the astounding shrine is worth it. You can have picnics in the beach, and swim as well. The tortoise sanctuary near the Kramats host hundreds of tortoises! If you visit the island during the 11th Chinese lunar month, you can be part of the elaborate prayer ceremonies too.
4. Pulau Hantu
Best time to visit: December to March, as monsoon falls between June and NovemberHow to reach: There are no scheduled commercial ferries to Pulau Hantu. You can be a part of scuba dive trips, or charter a boat from the West Coast Ferry Terminal.
on to reach: Scuba trips cost upward of SGD 50 while chartering boats can cost upward of SGD 100
Major attractions: Diving sites, coral reefs
Accommodation options: You can camp on the island, provided you have a camping permit
Things to do: This gorgeous island is perfect for camping overnight. A walk around the island during low tide is breathtaking and selfie-worthy. Scuba-diving, fishing, snorkelling and swimming are also sought-after here. You can spot butterflyfish, clownfish, crabs, starfish, seahorses and even octopi here! The coral reefs are also a pleasant sight. This island is peaceful, calm and quiet - a haven for couples and families alike.
5. Lazarus Island
This small island in Singapore is located right next to St John's Island. This paradise is not as popular as other islands, which makes it perfect for a private holiday. The beach is cleaner and less populated as well. You can be assured that your vacation will be undisturbed if you choose to spend time at Lazarus Island.
Best time to visit: December to March, as monsoon falls between June and November
How to reach: You can take a ferry to St John's Island, from where the island is just a walk away, across a bridge.
Cost to reach: Adult: SGD 18Children: SGD 12Prices are for a two-way trip to St John's Island
Major attractions: The comfort of an unfrequented beach
Accommodation options: We recommend that you camp out on the beach here, as it is free. You can find good hotels on St John's Island.
Things to do: The beach is truly the star at Lazarus Island - it is undiscovered, which makes it your private vacation destination! Bring your own kite and host a kite-flying party here. Build sand castles with the white sand, or take a long stroll down the beach. Lounge and tan in the comfort of privacy, as you let all your stress melt away!
6. Sisters' Island
Best time to visit: December to March, as monsoon falls between June and November
How to reach: A ferry from Marina South Pier run by Singapore Island Cruise can take you Sisters' Island
Cost to reach: SGD 18
Major attractions: Sister's Island Nature Park
Accommodation options: You can camp on the island after obtaining approval from Sentosa
Things to do: The Nature Park provides free guided nature walks through the island, which is a great way to explore and learn about flora and fauna of the region. Keep your eyes peeled - you may spot some exotic animals here! There are also options to snorkel and dive here - see if you can find anemones and sponges! The island offers great spots to picnic and host barbeques as well.
7. Coney Island
Best time to visit: December to March, as monsoon falls between June and November
How to reach: You can take Bus 84 to Punggol Point Park and walk across the Punggol Promenade Nature Walk, to reach Coney Island. You can rent a bike to go around the island for SGD 4
Cost to reach: It is merely a 15-minute walk away from the main island and is free. A taxi may cost you SGD 15-50
Major attractions: Coney Island Park, Promenade, Casuarina Exploratory
Accommodation options: You cannot stay overnight on the island because it is underdeveloped and there is minimal electricity
Things to do: The bike trip around the island is not only a great workout but also a better alternative to walking. Take a walk along the Coney Park Promenade to enjoy the gorgeous view. The five beach areas in the island are themed according to vegetation - do you need any other reason to chill out there? You can also go bird-watching, and try to spot endangered birds like the spotted wood-owl, red jungle fowl, grey heron and the rusty-breasted cuckoo. You can play at the Casuarina Exploratory and take some great selfies too. Bonus tip: there is a single Brahman Bull in the island (which covers 45 hectares). If you're lucky, you just may spot it!
8. Chek Jawa
This area is at the east of Pulau Ubin, and is a paradise on its own! In this case, more than six habitats meet and interact, which gives it a unique ecosystem which cannot be replicated. Need we say anything more about the biodiversity here?!
Best time to visit: December to March, as monsoon falls between June and November
How to reach: You can take a van from Ubin Jetty, at Pulau Ubin.
Cost to reach: SGD 2, while carpooling
Major attractions: Chek Jawa Wetlands, House No. 1
Accommodation options: You can stay at Pulau Ubin in hotels or camping sites
Things to do: Take the Chek Jawa Wetlands guided walk, which offers a rich explanation of the region and its ecosystem. This takes you through the seagrass lagoon, mangrove wetlands, rubber plantations and the rocky coast. Check out House No. 1, built in Tudor style, which houses the only fireplace in the island! This quaint reminder of the past now has a visitor centre as well. Make sure to plan your visits keeping the tide in mind - contact local authorities for more information.
9. Pulau Ubin
This island in Singapore played an important part during the World War, and was a granite quarry - the island's name literally translates to 'Granite Island'. Today Pulau Ubin is a major tourist town, but it has not lost its quaint charm at all. While Chek Jawa is on one side, the other side offers great attractions and adventure sports too.
Best time to visit: December to March, as monsoon falls between June and November
How to reach: You can take a ferry or a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
Cost to reach: SGD 3
Major attractions: Jejawi Tower (bird's eye view), Wei Tuo Fa Gong temple
Accommodation options: You can stay at the Celestial Resort, or even camp out on the island. Remember to get a permit from the Pulau Ubin Police Post before doing so.
Things to do: This island offers one of the best camping spots in Singapore, with a silent, breezy locale and the soothing beach. You can rent a bike for less than SGD 4 to bike around the island. You can also visit remnants of the World War, and old quarries to partake in the slice of history that this island offers. Kayaking is also offered to adventurous tourists. Bird-watching, nature treks and long walks by the beach are also on the cards. Explore away!
10. Pulau Satumu
Best time to visit: December to March, as monsoon falls between June and November. You will have to watch out for offers from the MPA, to get permission to visit the island
How to reach: You can reach the island by taking a boat from the Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal, but you need a permit from the MPA (Maritime and Port Authority) to access the island
Cost to reach: Starting from SGD 25
Major attractions: Raffles Lighthouse, coral reefs
Accommodation options: You cannot stay on the island, so your best bet is to stay on the main island or St John's Island
Things to do: Raffles Lighthouse looks beautifully picturesque, and is a historical landmark which should not be missed. The diving and snorkelling locations around the island are exotic, with abundant marine life. Colourful corals and a variety of fish like filefish, anemones, feather stars, clownfish, angelfish and eels are sure to wow you.
Things To Keep In Mind
· Some islands do not have many amenities and facilities, so remember to take all the essentials with you· When you go camping, don't forget to take water, hygiene products and other essentials
· Don't forget insect repellants as the islands are tropical
· Confirm the weather conditions with the locals before venturing out to sea
· Take loads of pictures to remember your adventures!
A vacation is rarely complete without an island getaway. With these ten gorgeous islands in Singapore, you get that experience. Make sure to strike them off your bucket list! Which island are you going to visit next? Which one is your favourite? Did we convince to island-hop in Singapore? Tell us in the comments section!