Island Hopping: 10 Singaporean islands to explore

MF editorial team 23 Apr 2015 updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:08

1/10
Pulau Satumu
Lying 23km away from Singapore, the only visible structure from afar is the Shutter Island-esque, Raffles Lighthouse. It has been in operation since 1855. The island is restricted from the public, but the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has activities during Maritime Week including guided tours.
How to get there: Take a ferry from Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal after you've signed up for a guided tour.
2/10
Lazarus Island
Who needs Saint Tropez or the Maldives when you've got Lazarus Island, a mere ferry ride away? White sandy beaches and clear pristine waters with no oil? Sign us up! Pack up your bikinis, it's time to go swimming.

How to get there: Take a boat from Marina South Pier and disembark at St John's jetty.
3/10
Pulau Ubin
Apart from going on hikes or taking an adventurous bicycle ride through the flora and fauna, the island also houses the slightly creepy German Girl Shrine. Who is she and why is she on Pulau Ubin? Well, just before World War I, a German family was living on the island and when the war broke up, the British troops in colonial Singapore rounded up the Germans and the scared girl ran into the woods. Shortly the villagers found her dead. To honour her memory, a shrine was created. If your taste runs into the macabre, why not visit this shrine while you're in Pulau Ubin?

How to get there: Take a small boat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
4/10
St John’s Island
Once upon a time, this was a quarantine island for cholera patients (geez, our islands all have creepy stories now don't they?), but don't let the history put you off. There are many coral reefs, hiking routes and even picnic areas for those looking to spend some quiet time away from the city. The lagoon on this island is supposedly one of the cleanest in town.

How to get there: Depart from Marina South Pier on a round trip.
5/10
Sisters Islands
Pack up your snorkelling gear and see the corals and marine life like sea houses, octopuses and even catch a glimpse of a reef shark or two. But only do so if you're in a large group or an experienced swimmer as the currents can suddenly pick up. Why is it called Sisters Island, well it's another macabre tale. 2 sisters were forced to marry pirates and while escaping they were swept away by the currents and the islands appeared where they were last seen. Creepy story!
How to get there: Depart from Marina South Pier on a round trip.
Photo: Thaejas
6/10
Pulau Hantu
Don't worry, we're certain there is no hantu (the Malay word for 'ghost') during the day. Finally no scary stories about this island, it is named Pulau Hantu simply because part of the island disappears during the high tide. There are many dive trips being arranged by organisers in Singapore, so if you feel like going into the sea for a dive or snorkel, the waters house wildlife like clownfish and seahorses.
How to get there: There is no public ferry to this island, so you'll need to charter your own ferry from West Coast Pier or tag along with the dive group.
7/10
Sentosa
Despite its current glitzy and Universal Studio lot, Sentosa is an island. Formerly known as Pulau Belakang Mati which means Island of Death from Behind, in Malay (such a great name right? We know. Totally makes us want to visit), there are many legends surrounding this island of death, piracy and infertile soil. The island was renamed Sentosa in 1972, derived from the Sanskrit word Satousha; meaning peace and tranquility. The island also holds many crowded beaches like Tanjong Beach Club, but we recommend the quieter jetties at Quayside Isle instead. Contrary to popular belief the restaurants there are actually mid-range, not astronomical. Why not take a break from crowded Orchard and head to Quayside Isle?

How to get there: Sentosa sky train from Vivocity, cab or cable car
8/10
Kusu Island
The mythical tale of a giant tortoise that saved a Malay and Chinese man during a shipwreck resulted supposedly in the island being called Kusu Island (Tortoise in Hokkien). But in the real world, the name probably came about due to the island's tortoise shape. Due to the legend, a huge temple has been built on the island where Taoists and Muslims go pay their respects. And ask for lottery numbers. Aside from the temple, there is also a lovely beach and a couple of lagoons to take a dip.

How to get there: Depart from Marina South Pier on a round trip.
9/10
Pulau Serangoon
Christened Coney Island some time ago, there were grand plans to turn this into a version of the American one, but it was unsuccessful. But sometime this year, the island will be open to the public as part of the Waterfront Town plans in Punggol. There are plans to develop residential areas on the island as well.
How to get there: Cross the walkway from Punggol Promenade Nature Walk.
Photo: Jianhui67
10/10
Pulau Semakau
Ah our landfill. How beautiful can our rubbish be! We jest. It may be a landfill, but that is only confined to one side of the island. The rest of the island sees large spans of untouched greenery and a flourishing mangrove. There is even a coral nursery on the island for nature research.
How to get there: Book a tour with the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research at NUS and take a ferry from Marina South Pier to access the island.
Photo: User:Sengkang

Explore the many off-shore islands Singapore has to offer this weekend. And you don’t even need your passport.

Craving a vacation to the pristine beaches of Boracay or the rushing waters of Bali? We’ve found a travel cheat to attain our relaxing goals for the weekend without having to even take our passport.

Where are we going, you ask?

Simple. We’re going island hopping. Yes, Singapore has many islands just a stone’s throw away from the mainland with sandy beaches, untouched greenery and sea creatures. From the well known Sentosa to the hidden gem of Lazarus Island, these offshore beaches are quiet as there’s practically no one else around.

One thing we learnt while researching this article is that most of our islands have creepy names and origin stories. But don’t let that deter you, Singapore is much more than just Orchard Road and Clarke Quay.

Now hop on a boat trip and visit these islands around Singapore.

Cheryl Lee

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Island Hopping: 10 Singaporean islands to explore

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