Name: Singapore
Rating: 3.2

Lazarus Island, Singapore Overview

One of Singapore's best-kept secrets, the Lazarus Island is nestled south of mainland Singapore. Also known as Pulau Sakijang Pelepah, Lazarus Island is connected to the nearby St Johns Island by a concrete walkway. With its breathtakingly beautiful surroundings, the beach is a perfect sandy affair and an ideal spot to soak in the rays and have a picnic.

The eastern beach of Lazarus Island is not a rocky one and is good for swimming. Cat-lovers rejoice, as the island is home to several stray cats and a famous one-eyed cat nicknamed the pirate cat. Feel free to get some cat food to feed these little ones. Those wanting a retreat from the bustle of the city or a break from their monotonous life would have a great time at the island, exploring and relaxing.

Things to Do at Lazarus Island

Sunbathing: Since Lazarus is an underdeveloped and comparatively less crowded beach, it makes a great site for sunbathing. There is ample space to just roll out the towel on the beach and soak in those rays.

Kite Flying: Because of its isolated location, and ever blowing sea breeze, kite flying can be a wonderful experience.

Picnic: Stock up all picnic essentials as this island is the perfect place to have a great time eating food and sharing stories with your friends and family.

Nature Walk: Lazarus Island has a size of 47 hectares, and that's a lot of space to explore. One might even see the rare trees and shrubs. Do take insect repellants, and boric acid to repel snakes.

Swimming: The eastern side of the island is a flat, safe-for-swimming beach. Go ahead, bring out those floaters and enjoy the water.

Book a private yacht: Make the trip to Lazarus Island even more luxurious by booking a private yacht. Birthdays and pre or post-wedding parties can't get any better than this. The cost varies from SGD 1900 to SGD 3300 for a five-hour yacht booking.

Flora and Fauna

The eastern side of Lazarus Island houses one of Singapore's naturally sandy beaches. It was once thriving with reef growth which could be explored during the low tide. However, over the years, increasing rate of sedimentation and reclamation work on the island has buried the coral reefs.

The southern side of the island has a natural cliff and a rocky shoreline. This side of the island houses rare plants such as the Sea Fig, which is a rare tree with a wide crown, spreading branches and heart-shaped leaves, and Pelir Musang, which is a rare shrub which bears creamish-yellow coloured flowers. Some varieties of the critically endangered tree, Bonduc Nut, are also seen around the island. Other than the number of stray cats, other animals seen here are Gold-ringed cat snake.

Shells at Lazarus Island — Colourful shells at Lazarus Island

Tips

Do not lose track of time. If one misses the last ferry, they will be stranded on the island.
Wear good, comfortable shoes and covered clothing.
Insects abound in the island. Take an insect repellant as well.
Approach cats with caution, and don't make loud noises at them, or chase them.
The nearest toilet is at St John's Island, which is a 20-minute walk away. So, keep it in mind.
There are no food stalls on Lazarus Island. Pack a picnic and carry water bottles.

How To Reach Lazarus Island

The only way to reach Lazarus Island is through St John's Island which has to be reached from the mainland by ferry. Take the MRT to Marina South Pier Station, and take Exit B. Tickets to St. John's Island are available for booking right at the exit. A ferry moves to and fro Marina South Pier and St. John's Island according to the given schedule:

Weekdays: 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM
Sundays and Public Holidays: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM

Price:
Adults: 18 SGD
Children (till the age of 12): 12 SGD
Once at St. John's Island, a small walkway leads to Lazarus Island. The walking time is approximately 10 minutes. If the ferry timings can't be accommodated into your schedule, you can choose to book a private ferry to drop you. It takes around 250 SGD for 5 people. For this, the Singapore Island Cruise can be contacted.

A 20-minute walk across the causeway will take one from the St John's Island to Lazarus Island.