Heart-shaped Island full of greeneries
It’s Hip to Go Island Hopping in Singapore 🌴
Island hopping isn’t just a travel trend — it’s an experience that lets you discover hidden gems close to home. While many people talk about “café-hopping,” why not switch it up and try island hopping in Singapore instead?
Beyond the mainland, Singapore includes over 60 natural and artificial islands, offering diverse landscapes to explore. No passport is needed — just hop on a short ferry ride for a refreshing change of scenery. Whether you’re planning a fun family outing, a nature escape, or a peaceful beach day, these islands offer a quick getaway without leaving Singapore. Here are six islands that are easy to reach and well worth exploring.
Pulau Ubin – A Step Back in Time
Known as Granite Island, Pulau Ubin draws thousands of visitors each weekend. With its rustic charm, cycling trails, and wild green spaces, it feels like stepping back into old Singapore. Don’t miss the Chek Jawa Wetlands — one of the nation’s richest ecosystems — and climb the 20-metre Jejawi Tower for panoramic views. Abandoned quarries and a restored Edwardian-style cottage turned visitor centre add to the island’s unique character.
🚤 Getting there: Bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal in Changi Village.
Sisters’ Islands – A Marine Wonderland
If you love the ocean, the Sisters’ Islands are a dream. Snorkelers can spot corals, sea horses, clams, and even reef sharks. These islands are also the only place in Singapore where you can see the rare Neptune’s Cup Sponge. Visitors can picnic, barbecue, or camp with a permit. NParks also organizes guided walks that showcase the islands’ biodiversity.
🚤 Getting there: Round-trip ferry from Marina South Pier.
Coney Island – Wilderness at the Edge of the City
Coney Island is a nature lover’s paradise. With mangroves, coastal forests, grasslands, and casuarina woodlands, it supports rich wildlife including birds, butterflies, and even a free-roaming bull. Some plant species here are critically endangered, adding to its ecological value. Beaches do exist, but sandflies can be an issue — so cover up if you plan to explore them.
🚌 Getting there: Take bus 84 from Punggol Bus Interchange, then walk or cycle via the Punggol Promenade.
Lazarus Island – White Sands and Turquoise Waters
St Lazarus Island Beach Singapore
If your perfect day means sand and sea, Lazarus Island is ideal. Tucked between St John’s Island and Kusu Island, it boasts one of Singapore’s most beautiful beaches. With clear turquoise waters and quiet stretches of sand, it’s perfect for swimming, picnicking, or simply relaxing with a book. Morning visits are best for peace and quiet.
🚶 Getting there: No direct ferry. Access via a short bridge from St John’s Island.
St John’s Island – History Meets Tranquility
St John’s Island offers both history and leisure. This was where Sir Stamford Raffles first anchored in 1819, and the island later served as a rehabilitation centre. Today, it’s a lush retreat where you can picnic, swim in lagoons, or enjoy a leisurely walk across the causeway to Lazarus Island. Facilities include toilets, showers, and even holiday bungalows for up to 10 people — ideal for an overnight stay. Cat lovers will also appreciate the island’s many friendly resident cats.
🚤 Getting there: Round-trip ferry from Marina South Pier.
Kusu Island – Legends and Pilgrimages
Just five minutes from St John’s by boat, Kusu Island (meaning Tortoise Island in Mandarin) is steeped in legend. It is said that a giant turtle transformed into the island to save shipwrecked sailors. Visitors can explore a Chinese temple that attracts devotees each October or visit the Malay shrine at the island’s centre. With swimming lagoons, picnic spots, and a tortoise sanctuary, it’s both a cultural and natural gem.
🚤 Getting there: Ferry from Marina South Pier, often combined with St John’s Island trips.
Conclusion – Rediscover Singapore Through Island Hopping
From rustic Pulau Ubin to the serene beaches of Lazarus and the legendary Kusu Island, island hopping in Singapore offers something for everyone. These islands are more than just day-trip destinations — they are windows into Singapore’s nature, history, and culture. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a family on a weekend adventure, or simply someone looking for a peaceful escape, these islands prove you don’t need to travel far for a refreshing getaway. PRIME
