Ultimate 6 Hours Guide to Southern Islands Singapore

Missing the sun, sand & sea but unable to travel out of Singapore? Although Singapore is known as the sunny island, but you may still think the country lack of crystal clear sea water? Feels that Singapore is boring and nothing much to explore? Think again, welcome to Southern Islands, Singapore.

The Southern Islands consists of  8 numerous small islands such as Tekukor island, Sentosa, Sister’s island. The island hopping adventure allows one to explore Kusu island, St John island, Lazarus Island, Sister’s island, Seringat island.  In this post, we will be covering the main island hopping that is open up to the public: St John Island. Do note that St John island is connected to Lazarus & Seringat island by causeway bridge.

Here is a quick guide on touring the Southern Islands off the city state main land within 6 hours. Stop lazing at home and get on an island-hopping adventure, with exploration to the Southern Islands seems to be the perfect activity to embark on!

Getting to Southern Islands

There are ferries that ply the route between mainland Singapore and the Southern Islands. These operators mainly depart from Marina South Pier (Singapore Island Cruise and Ferry Services) and Harbourfront (Sindo Ferry).

The boat journey takes approximately 30 minutes from Marina South Pier to St John Island. Do note weekend and weekday ferry schedule are different. Below are the ferry timings. It is best to arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Ferry do not leave on the dot, it may leave as early as 9.40am for a ferry that state actual departure timing at 10am. So long the ferry is filled up to its maximum capacity, it will depart.

Ways to purchase ferry tickets 

Option 1: Get it over the counter on the day of departure at the ferry terminal. As you know, with the current hype of visitors trying to get their feet on the Southern Islands, expect long queue during the time of purchasing. Factor in more time if you are planning to get the tickets using this method. The good thing is you do not need to commit a fix time, so long the weather is good (sunny), you can just pack your day bag and head to the island paradise.

Fare: SGD$15.00*

Option 2: Purchase it simply over on Klook! Klook mobile application is user friendly and one may tie up with credit cards, allowing one to enjoy rebates, cashbacks when you purchase over a certain amount. Select the date you want to make the trip and head to the 2nd level at the Marina South Pier, where one can find a makeshift table. Show the staff your email from Klook or your Klook mobile application stating the voucher purchased. This will be in exchange for the ferry tickets.  When you purchase your ferry tickets on Klook, it comes with a Free Gong Cha bubble tea voucher worth SGD$3.00, that you can use it to claim over any of this bubble tea chain outlets after the trip. Vouchers are valid for 1 year from the date of travel. Certainly not a bad deal!

Fare: SGD$14.00*

*Do note that all ferry tickets prices include 2 way transfers & ferry services between the different Southern Islands (St John to Kusu Island , St John to Sister Islands which operates only on weekend)

Tips on exploring the islands 

#1: Expect crowd

Many people are now heading to these islands for the much needed getaway from city life. Even when I was there on a Friday, ferries are full to the brim and long queues on the island main ferry point. With that, if you want to shoot the island with the less crowd in your photos, head to the “popular” spot like the white sandy beach when you first arrive on the island.  This mean when you first step onto St John island, as people are excitedly snapping photos, you will first head to Lazarus island and locate that sandy beach.

#2: Toilets are limited

In fact, there are 3 officially designated public toilets on St John, Lazarus and Seringat Island. Each time I wanted to locate a toilet, the signage seems to point towards the washroom at 800 meters away. Do take note of the limited washrooms available and if you cannot hold on anymore, go for the unofficially 4th toilet on the island, what I term as the “Horse Toilet” due to its relatively elevated urinals and the openness concept.

#3: Respect animals on the island

Remember to bring along mosquito spray or either that, wear a long track pants to avoid mosquito love bites. The island is home to rare and endangered species previously unknown to many Singaporeans such as wood owl and the great-billed heron. Smooth-eyed ghost crab and vulnerable textile cone snail, which is highly venomous has been sighted on the island. As I was admiring the peace and serenity of the remote part of Seringat island, I chanced upon monitor lizard sunbathing.  Monkeys are a common sight, usually found near the bridge that connects St John to Lazarus islands.

#4: Bring enough food & water

Truth to be told, there is not any vending machine or outlets selling food unlike if you are on Pulau Ubin (another offshore island located on the Eastern end of Singapore).  Under these extreme hot conditions, you would not want to feel dehydrated. Recommend to bring at least 2 water bottles to last for the trip. Remember to also packet your own food like sandwich or even a whole packet of noodles to have it as your lunch at the many pavilions found all across the island.

#5: Visit Marine Research & Conversation Gallery

Do you know Singapore waters are home to more than 250 coral species? Learn more about the biodiversity and marine animals founds in Singapore waters. This is certainly a good place pick up more marine knowledge! Do note that as there is a limited number of participants for each tour. Suggest to arrive around 20 minutes before the commence of the tours if you are heading there during weekend. The center has fix tour timings and only allow visitors during the stated tour timing.  Entry into gallery:  Every hour between 10am- 3pm.  Each slot is limited to 30 minutes of visitation per session.

#6: Enjoy the sea & forest walk!

Walk further away from the sandy beaches if you wish to avoid the crowd. Perhaps, the island has many hidden spots that makes it a perfect for one to escape the hustle & bustle of city lifestyle and engage in your “Me Time”. Explore the forest and hear the crickets that seems to be welcoming you to their habitat.

Itinerary Planning: 

Categories: Asia Region