[UPDATED 27 Jan 2021]
Your beach vacation plans might be cancelled this year but what if we told you that you can still get the same experience in Singapore? ? Beach lovers, there's a spot that you need to add to your list - the Southern Islands Singapore! Comprising of St John's/Lazarus Island and Kusu Island, the islands are perfect to escape the bustling city life. You can also find pristine beaches with gorgeous blue seas ? If you're planning a trip to the Southern Islands and wondering how to get there via ferry, we've got you covered with this guide ?
How to get to St John's/Lazarus Island and Kusu Island:
To get to the Southern Islands, hop aboard the Singapore Island Cruise & Ferry Services. It's the first and original company that started the island-hopping service since 2007 from Marina South Pier! They also have the largest fleet of ferries based at the pier.
- Get your tickets online at www.islandcruise.com.sg.
- Each ticket is priced at a discounted rate of $15 (Adult) and $12 (Child, aged 1-12). It includes a two-way trip to the islands.
- The ferry goes in a loop from Marina South Pier to St John’s Island then to Kusu before returning to Singapore. Direct ferry from St John’s back to Marina South Pier is available on weekdays. Check out their ferry schedule here.
- Lazarus Island is connected to St John’s via a causeway so you can walk over.
- We strongly recommend that you buy your ferry tickets in advance online as boarding of ferries are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Things to do at the Southern Islands
St John's Island
Formerly a quarantine area for various diseases and a penal settlement, St John's Island now has a rustic vibe which is a world away from mainland Singapore. Here, you can go for a swim at its beaches or have a picnic with your loved ones - just make use of one of the picnic tables on the island or lay down your mat ?
For those of you who are into fishing, you'd be pleased to know that St John's Island is also a great spot for that! Nature lovers, you can go on the St John's Island nature trail and check out the diverse biodiversity of the island. There are even holiday bungalows and chalets which you can rent, complete with a kitchen!
Lazarus Island
From St John's Island, you can walk to Lazarus Island via a short causeway (about a 15-min walk). Here's where you can spend a peaceful and relaxing time with your loved ones.
P.S. Looking for more interesting places in SG? Here are 14 hidden gems that look like they are overseas!
Enjoy Lazarus Island's clean, white and sandy beach at the iconic C-shaped lagoon. It's one of Singapore's best-kept secrets, as it's usually emptier than St John's Island and has lesser amenities.
#HHWT Tip: Do note that there are no toilets at Lazarus Island. You'd have to visit the toilet at St. John's Island just before you cross the causeway to Lazarus Island.
P.S. Looking for more outdoor activities in Singapore? Check out these 8 outdoor activities that you can do with your family!
Kusu Island
At Kusu Island, get a slice of history at the 3 keramats (Muslim shrine) and a Chinese temple. You can also witness devotees visiting the shrine and temple to pray. There's also a Tortoise Sanctuary which houses hundreds of tortoises! Fun fact: Kusu actually means "tortoise" or "turtle" in Chinese.
Once you're done visiting the shrines and Tortoise Sanctuary, there are plenty of green spaces where you can have a picnic or swim at Kusu Island's lagoons and pristine beaches too! You can never have too much of the beach, can you??
P.S. If you're spending a day out to hike, check out these 18 nature and walking trails in Singapore near halal food!
Useful tips:
- Bring your own food, drinks and insect repellent as there are no shops or restaurants on the island. If you're planning to have a meal near Marina South Pier after your visit, check out our Marina Bay halal food guide!
- During this COVID-19 period, masks will still have to be worn on ferries and even on the islands when you are not swimming, eating or drinking.
So, if you've been itching for a beach getaway, why not have it right here in Singapore by heading to the Southern Islands? SHARE this with your loved ones and let them know how much you need a break!
Book your tickets to the Southern Islands here!
Price: $15 (Adult), $12 (Child, aged 1-12)
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This article is brought to you by Singapore Island Cruise & Ferry Services.