Singapore has laid its claim as one of the top destinations on the tourist map. This article explores some of the offshore islands you can visit straight from Singapore.
About Singapore
Singapore might have a reputation as a playground for the rich, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s all about high-end shopping malls, fancy hotels, and gourmet dining. There’s a lot more to Singapore than meets the eye – the offshore islands, for example.
You’ll find a rich history here, along with diverse ethnic neighbourhoods to explore. Plus, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions and beautiful public spaces that make this slightly futuristic city an exciting place to visit.
One big bonus: Singapore boasts an awesome public transportation system that makes getting around a breeze. Once you get the hang of the metro map, you can easily hop from one part of town to another. And if you head to the pier, there will be plenty of ferries to whisk you away to one of the not-so-distance offshore islands.
As for accommodation, you have plenty of choices. The likes of Pan Pacific Singapore are a popular choice among those seeking a luxury hotel in Singapore, but you have various budget options as well.
Pulau Hantu
Pulau Hantu, composed of two islets called Hantu Besar and Hantu Kecil, boasts an intriguing name. In Malay, ‘Hantu’ translates to ‘ghost,’ and legend has it that the island earned this name due to ancient Malay warriors engaging in deadly duels here – with the belief that their spirits still wander the area.
But Pulau Hantu today is far from eerie. It’s a tranquil paradise, especially adored by divers and nature enthusiasts seeking an intimate encounter with marine life. You’ll discover peaceful swimming lagoons, soft white sands, intertidal pools, thriving mangroves, and vibrant underwater reefs teeming with marine creatures.
St John’s Island
St. John’s Island, a place with a fascinating history, has transformed into an unexpected paradise for cat enthusiasts. These friendly felines seem to be everywhere, from the moment you step off the boat to lounging around the island’s landmarks.
The real highlight is the serene mosque area, where dozens of cats can be spotted, making it a true kitty haven. Beyond cat-watching, St. John’s offers a range of activities, including ocean dips, barbecues in the picnic area, and a visit to the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park Public Gallery.
For those who want to extend their stay, holiday dormitories and a lone bungalow provide the only overnight options, as camping is strictly off the menu.
Kusu Island
If you want to visit Kusu Island, mark your calendar for October. During the ninth lunar month, the Da Bo Gong temple becomes the centre of attention as pilgrims show up to pray and toss coins at the wishing well for some good fortune. You can join in on the coin-tossing action too!
This island has quite the backstory – it’s believed that Tua Pek Kong, the deity, turned a tortoise into the island.
Besides the temple, Kusu Island has a tortoise sanctuary. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can tackle the 152-step climb up the hill smack in the middle of the island. At the top, you’ll discover three Malay keramats. Many people believe that paying your respects here can bring you wealth, health, and fertility.
Semakau
Have you ever wondered where all the waste from the city ends up? Well, the answer might surprise you – it’s Semakau Island. You can tour this landfill without needing to plug your nose. Semakau is unexpectedly peaceful, clean, and brimming with wildlife.
To get to the island, you’ll need a permit, but don’t worry; it’s not too tricky to get one. You can start by booking either the landfill tour or the intertidal walk.
Ubin
Covering a vast 1,020 hectares, Ubin is a haven of lush greenery and abundant wildlife.
Here, you can spot various bird species, meander along nature trails, and tackle a 75-meter ascent up Puaka Hill for panoramic views of the island.
For the main attraction, head over to the southeastern tip of Ubin: Chek Jawa. Take a stroll along the boardwalk and keep an eye out for marine creatures like the biscuit sea star the peacock anemone.
If you’re up for an adrenaline boost during your trip, consider signing up for one of the island’s kayak tours. Paddle through the mangroves and, with a bit of luck, you might find yourself in close proximity to jellyfish, kingfishers, and otters.
Lazarus Island
If you venture away from the bustling East Coast Park and the well-groomed beaches of Sentosa, you’ll stumble upon a hidden gem – Lazarus Island. Unlike the crowds of Boracay, this serene, untouched beach is one of Singapore’s best-kept secrets. To have it almost all to yourself, catch the first ferry at 9 AM on weekends or 10 AM on weekdays.
Most beachgoers only show up around lunchtime. Make sure to pack everything you’ll need because there are no shops on Lazarus.
