Planning your next weekend escape? Singapore has more offshore islands than just Sentosa.
And no, we’re not suggesting a trip to Tekong.
Here’s your guide to Singapore’s accessible offshore islands — the popular ones worth visiting.
Pulau Ubin
Sentosa might be Singapore’s poster child for island getaways, but Pulau Ubin deserves attention too.
The island caters to different crowds. Hikers can explore walking trails. Cyclists can ride through designated paths. Campers can pitch tents overnight.
The trails bring you close to nature. Just watch your snacks — monkeys have sticky fingers.
Several old quarries dot the island. The Chek Jawa Wetlands are another highlight. The quarries offer stunning views and peaceful surroundings.
Adventure seekers can camp at Jelutong, Mamam, or Endut Senin campsites. You’ll need to apply for a permit first.
Prefer taking it easy? The island has restaurants serving homemade Malay dishes and seafood.
Getting there takes a 10-minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. That’s probably faster than your daily commute.
Coney Island
Don’t want a boat ride? One island connects directly to mainland Singapore.
Coney Island — also called Pulau Serangoon — links to Singapore through two bridges at its western and eastern ends. No boats required.
The island offers hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. Five beaches line the coast for those wanting a laid-back day out.
Yes, five beaches. Not one or two.
You can skip the Sentosa crowds entirely.
St John’s Island
History buffs might prefer St John’s Island over the previous two.
Beyond rich biodiversity, history stations along the island trail detail the island’s past uses.
The island has worn many hats throughout Singapore’s history. It housed a British quarantine centre, detention centre for political prisoners, opium treatment centre, and even a holiday resort.
Take a ferry from Marina South Pier to reach the island.
Lazarus Island
Already at St John’s Island? Walk over to Lazarus Island next.
A causeway connects both islands. The walk is short.
This isn’t the Woodlands causeway. This one is far more scenic.
The island features pristine beaches perfect for picnics or Instagram photos with friends.
The views speak for themselves.
Kusu Island
Most islands focus on recreation. Kusu Island draws visitors for spiritual reasons.
Thousands of pilgrims visit annually to pray at the Chinese temple and three Malay keramat on the island.
The Chinese temple honours Tua Pek Kong. Devotees also pray to Guan Yin there.
One keramat is dedicated to Syed Abdul Rahman. The other two reportedly belong to his mother, Nenek Ghalib, and sister, Puteri Fatimah.
Not into spirituality? The island has more to offer. The name itself holds a clue.
Kusu means tortoise or turtle in Hokkien. A tortoise sanctuary sits on the island, housing more tortoises than you’ve likely seen in one place.
Catch a ferry from Marina South Pier to visit.
Sisters’ Islands
No island-hopping list is complete without the Sisters’ Islands. Big Sister’s Island and Small Sister’s Island make up the pair, but only Big Sister’s Island is open to the public.
Small Sister’s Island remains closed for conservation.
Big Sister’s Island offers an island trail hike. A 220-metre floating boardwalk along the trail lets you view corals and marine life up close. Turtles sometimes appear in the waters.
The trail includes a lagoon tidal pool where seagrass, mangroves, and intertidal animals thrive.
The Ocean Network Express Coastal Forest Trail cuts through the island’s coastal forest for those wanting a different route.
Getting there? Ferry from Marina South Pier.
