Planning a weekend getaway or day trip? Visit forgotten Singapore islands to explore for an exciting time. The gorgeous islands easily reached from Singapore are enjoyed by both locals and visitors who are looking for unique and interesting experiences. So, find out more about Singapore's best island escapes with this awesome list of islands of Singapore if you are planning a getaway from the city.
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Picture credit - http://www.sla.gov.sg
One of the most popular islands near Singapore includes Kusu Island. The word ‘kusu’ means turtle or tortoise in Chinese and the island got its name due to its immediate resemblance to one. According to local legend, a giant tortoise was said to have rescued two men from drowning, and they built the Kusu Temple to show their gratitude.
Activities To Do – Visitors can learn a more about the interesting history of the island by visiting the famous Da Bo Gong temple. There is the also a 152-step walk to the three keramats (Islamic burial grounds of saints) on Kusu Island. Pilgrimages are made to both sites every year. The island is also home to an impressive tortoise sanctuary which is worth a visit. For nature lovers, going on a marine tour to observe the beautiful ocean life must not be missed.
How to get there – Board a ferry from Marina South Pier.
Ferry departure timings – 10 AM – 2 PM on weekdays.
9 AM - 3 PM on weekends.
Ferries depart every two hours.
Picture credit - http://www.islandcruise.com.sg
Sisters’ Island consists of two islands directly opposite to each other complete with gorgeous beaches. According to legend, the islands are said to have emerged after two sisters who had drowned trying to escape from a pirate – there are variations to this legend, of course. Sisters’ Island still is one of the gorgeous islands easily reached from Singapore that you should visit.
Activities To Do – If you enjoy swimming or snorkelling Sisters’ island is the best place for an island escape. Sisters’ Island has also become a marine park island that is an amazing place to observe the interesting marine life that includes beautiful species of corals too. Sisters’ Island is the perfect place to spend the day by having a picnic or camping overnight.
How to get there – Board a ferry from Marina South Pier.
Ferry departure timings – 10 AM – 2 PM on weekdays.
9 AM - 3 PM on weekends.
Ferries depart every two hours.
Picture credit - http://www.thefinder.com.sg
Saint John's Island was originally a quarantine station for the immigrants in the 19th century for sufferers of cholera and leprosy. It was later turned into a drug rehabilitation centre. Despite the island’s history, Saint John's Island has now become a tropical paradise.
Activities to do – Saint John's Island is one of the most beautiful islands you can explore without traveling out of Singapore that has so much to offer visitors. You can enjoy a relaxing swim or go snorkelling and observe the intriguing marine life amongst the corals. For the adventurous ones, going on a trekking route would be a good experience with an amazing view. Ideally, visitors can stay overnight in any of the chalets or bungalows on the island to get away from the busy city.
How to get there – Board a ferry from Marina South Pier.
Ferry departure timings – 10 AM – 2 PM on weekdays.
9 AM - 3 PM on weekends.
Ferries depart every two hours.
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Lazarus Island has one of the most beautiful beaches in Singapore that has remained an untouched paradise. Considered as one of Singapore’s secret beaches, this is the best place for a relaxing beach getaway.
Activities to do – You can enjoy a stroll on the white sands of Pulau Seringat or enjoy swimming in the turquoise waters of the lagoon. Being one of Singapore's best island escapes, the serene setting is ideal to take some unforgettable photos or to have a picnic. If you are planning on celebrating something special, you can even hire out a yacht and take part in water sports as well.
How to get there –There is no direct ferry to Lazarus Island. You will have to take the ferry from Marina South Pier to Saint John's Island and then take a 10-minute walk to Lazarus Island. You can opt for a personal ferry charter as well.
Ferry departure timings - 10 AM and 2 PM on weekdays.
9 AM on weekends.
If adventure and fun are what you are after, Sentosa Island is one the top islands you can explore without traveling out of Singapore. Sentosa was once a simple fishing village that also became a British Military fortress and was even occupied by the Japanese. Sentosa Island is extremely popular among tourists and locals for being the ultimate resort getaway.
Activities to do –Stay at some of the amazing resorts on Sentosa Island and enjoy a wide array of leisure activities – so much fun for a group or family vacation. Some things you cannot miss include the Universal Studios, SEA Aquarium & Adventure Cove Park or Fort Siloso. There is no shortage of things to do at Sentosa Island.
How to get there – You can take the MRT to the HarbourFront Station and then get on the Sentosa Express from Vivocity Mall (ticket booth is located on the third floor).
Picture credit - www.familiesforlife.sg
This island was originally famous for the granite quarries on the island and the name Pulau Ubin itself means “Granite Island” in Malay. Pulau Ubin is said to have the last original kampong villages in Singapore and is free from the industrial and urban development – perfect to get to see a different side of Singapore.
Activities to do – Pulau Ubin is one of the more serene Singapore islands to visit and is ideal for bird-watching or simply relaxing at the beach. This is a wonderful place for nature lovers to observe the island’s natural beauty and the local birds or wildlife in their natural habitats. Drop by Chek Jawa and go on a nature tour to experience the best things about the island. For something more engaging, cycling along the beach or through the jungle path or going on nature hikes are the best things to do.
How to get there – You can get there by bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
Boat departure timings – 5.30 AM to 9 PM daily.
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Also known as Pulau Serangoon, Coney Island is also brimming with flora and fauna that makes this an ideal place to get close to nature. Coney Island was originally owned by the Aw Boon brothers, the owners of Tiger Balm. When the ownership changed, the island underwent a series of developments - but it now stands as a self-sustainable, eco-friendly park.
Activities to do – From nature walks to scuba diving, there is much to do at Coney Island to enjoy the natural paradise, including bird watching as well. This island is perfect for travelers who are looking for rustic Singapore islands to visit – with rich forest and mangrove habitats. You can enjoy the fresh environment by cycling around the island or to Punggol Waterway which is a fine scenic route.
How to get there – You can drive down to Punggol Settlement or take the MRT to Punggol and then take a bus to Punggol Rd End. Follow the signs directing you and walk down the connecting walkway.
Picture credit - www2.tnp.sg
Pulau Semaku is known to contain Singapore’s only landfill site – but don’t let this prevent you from discovering this beautiful island. This is also an ideal spot for nature lovers who are hoping to take a break from city life.
Activities to do – You will need to get a permit from the National Environment Agency (NEA) before you leave for your trip. You can even book nature tour with them if you like. Do drop by the coral nursery to learn some interesting things about corals and the marine life in the area -.or visit the lush mangrove habitats.
How to get there – You can ride on ferries from West Coast Pier, Marina South Pier and Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal.
Ferry Departure Timings – Terminals and timings will vary depending on the selected tour.
The next time you are planning a getaway, you can use this helpful Singapore travel guide to visit islands you can explore without traveling out of Singapore. This is the best way to enjoy beautiful beaches and nature too.
