St John’s Island

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The largest of the Southern Islands in Singapore. An island getaway from the city accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from Marina South Pier!

Chapters

At-A-Glance

Main Highlights

  • St. John’s Island Beach – a safe lagoon protected by sea barrier rocks. There is a toilet nearby with basic shower facilities.
  • Intertidal walk during low tide
  • Picnic. There are many sheltered benches and open-air picnic tables with benches. No shops on the islands. Bring your own food and water!
  • Visit the Public Gallery at the Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre, which showcases marine biodiversity and conservation in Singapore’s waters. Free but pre-booking required via NParks website:
    https://www.nparks.gov.sg/…/sisters…/public-gallery
  • Explore & go on DIY trail/ Free 90min NParks guided tour on the first Sunday of every month (Registration on a first come, first served basis, need to act fast!).
  • 𝘋𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘋𝘐𝘠 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦/𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳:
    https://www.nparks.gov.sg/…/siste…/st-johns-island-trail
  • Hike to Lazarus Island and Seringat Island (10min & 20min walk from St. John’s pier, respectively). St. John’s is connected to Lazarus via a causeway, and Lazarus is connected to Seringat island via reclaimed land!
  • Lazarus Island Beach (Nicer, quieter & more exclusive). However, no toilet on Lazarus Island. Nearest one is at Seringat island’s pier ~ 5-10mins walk away, no shower facilities)
  • Bring along your bikes/scooters etc to explore the islands on wheels
  • Bring along your fishing equipment. A popular spot for fishing enthusiasts!
  • Stay overnight at St. John’s Island Lodge. See pictures and book on SLA’s website:
    https://www.sla.gov.sg/…/visiting-the…/st-johns-island
  • Camping. You’ll need to register for a Temporary Occupation License via SLA website to pitch a tent overnight at designated camping sites located on the west side of the island:
    https://app1.sla.gov.sg/TOL/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2ftol%2f
  • You may also choose to take ferry to Kusu Island from St. John’s Island (included in your ferry ticket) but we suggest you take your time to explore St. John’s, Lazarus & Seringat Islands if you’re a first-timer.
  • All in all, nothing fanciful to do on these islands. Just chill, enjoy the serenity and connect with nature.
  • Do note last ferry timing and cater enough time to make your way back to the St John’s Island pier unless you’re keen on spending the night on the islands!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿?

  • NO Stores Or Water Dispensers On The Islands. You Will Need To Bring Your Own Food & Water To Last The Entire Trip! There Are Convenience Stores Located At Marina South Pier Ferry Terminal For Your Last Minute Purchases, Including Hot Food.​
  • Own Entertainment – Beach Toys, Snorkels, Fishing Equipment, Bicycles/Scooters/Blades, Music Player Etc.
  • Hardly Any Shade. Can Get Scorching Hot! Bring Sunblock, Cap/Hat & Umbrella.
  • Insect Repellent A Must!
  • Activity-Appropriate Attire/Footwear Such As Beachwear+Flip-Flops, Hiking Attire+Walking Shoes, Covered Shoes+Spare Footwear For Intertidal Walk Etc.
  • Spare Change Of Clothes & Towels
  • First Aid Kit
  • Bring Along Trashbags. Very Few Trashbins Around:)

Photo Reel

Day trip to the Southern Islands

To get to St. John’s island, you can take a public ferry from Marina South Pier. Ferries are operated by two providers, Island Cruise and Marina South Ferries. You may purchase round-trip tickets directly from the counters.

There are NO stores or water dispensers on the islands. You will need to bring your own food & water to last the entire trip! There are convenience stores located at Marina South Pier ferry terminal for your last minute purchases.

There are food stalls selling hot food as well.

The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes.

View of Singapore's beautiful skyline from our ferry

Did you know? Long long ago, St John’s Island used to be the quarantine island for infectious disease and drug rehabilitation center!

Today, it is a respite for Singapore residents who need a quick day trip to escape the city life!

Greeted by coconut trees

You can swim, sunbathe or just relax on the St. John's Island Beach. It is a safe lagoon protected with sea barrier rocks. There is a toilet nearby with basic shower facilities.

The lagoon at the beach is also the intertidal zone. Go on an intertidal walk during low tide to spot sea animals and plants. Do wear covered shoes to protect your feet.

There are clear signages to help you navigate around

You can learn more about the trees and other wildlife on the island through free 90-minute guided tours conducted on the first Sunday of every month by NParks volunteers. Otherwise, you could DIY your own nature adventure with the St John’s Island Trail guide.

Grab a copy of the DIY trail guide at the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park Public Gallery or download the DIY trail e-guide: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/-/media/nparks-real-content/gardens-parks-and-nature/diy-walk/diy-walk-pdf-files/st-johns-island-trail.ashx?la=en&hash=AEC594B7F4154B8AF3F5DFA79ACA8CE028DE1F20&fbclid=IwAR1VsJdLTzwJ6gbvO0lS0B5pIGiCK9c1apeeawO3VvsACS-l5dO1YcUyimA

Look out for coastal mangroves near the jetty

There are many roaming monkeys near the picnic area. They may get aggressive and attempt to rob your food. Keep your food well when you spot them!

You may also visit the Public Gallery at the Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre, which features the rich marine biodiversity in Singapore's waters and provides an overview of the Sisters' Islands Marine Park.

The walk from the jetty to the gallery takes about 15 to 20 mins. The path is uphill with little shade. Bring sunblock, cap/hat and umbrella!

Admission to the Public Gallery is free but visitors must pre-book their entry in advance via the National Parks website!
https://www.nparks.gov.sg/.../sisters.../public-gallery

Ticket required for all visitors, including children and infants.

There are six sessions per day: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Booking slots for the following month will be opened on the 15th of the month.

Here, visitors can explore a mangrove mesocosm, a viewing pool, aquariums and other displays.

Visitors can stay in the Public Gallery for a maximum of 30 minutes.

Viewing pool

Aquariums. Nothing spectacular about the gallery. Can skip unless you are here for the Aircon and the best toilets on the island:)

A popular spot for fishing enthusiasts! On the causeway to Lazarus Island, you’ll see many anglers camping out with their rods in hand, waiting for a catch. Bring your own makeshift shelter (no shade here), sunscreen, hat and fishing gear!

The Lazarus Beach is about 15-min walk from St John's Island pier. It is a quieter and more exclusive spot.

However, there is no toilet on Lazarus island. If you need to go to the toilet, the nearest one is at Seringat island’s pier, which is about 5-10 mins walk away.

There’s limited shelter on the islands. Do bring ponchos or umbrellas in case of inclement weather.

Walking the sea barrier rocks was one of the highlights for the kids! An Instagram-worthy spot!

The relatively flat terrain of St John’s and Lazarus Island make them well-suited for a leisurely cycling trip for all ages. Bring along your bikes/scooters/blades etc to explore the islands on wheels!

Plenty of space for the children to run free and have fun!

There are no fancy things to do on the islands. Just chill, enjoy the serenity and connect with nature.

Do note the last ferry timing and cater enough time to make your way back to the St John's Island pier unless you’re keen on spending the night on the islands!

Do reach the pier early as ferries can leave up to 15 minutes before their scheduled departure!

Catch the beautiful sunset on the last ferry back to Marina South Pier!

St. John & Lazarus Islands - Bean there, done that!:)

Day trip to the Southern Islands

To get to St. John’s island, you can take a public ferry from Marina South Pier. Ferries are operated by...

There are NO stores or water dispensers on the islands. You will need to bring your own food & water...

There are food stalls selling hot food as well.

The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes.

View of Singapore's beautiful skyline from our ferry

Did you know? Long long ago, St John’s Island used to be the quarantine island for infectious disease and drug...

Today, it is a respite for Singapore residents who need a quick day trip to escape the city life!

Greeted by coconut trees

You can swim, sunbathe or just relax on the St. John's Island Beach. It is a safe lagoon protected with...

The lagoon at the beach is also the intertidal zone. Go on an intertidal walk during low tide to spot...

There are clear signages to help you navigate around

You can learn more about the trees and other wildlife on the island through free 90-minute guided tours conducted on...

Grab a copy of the DIY trail guide at the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park Public Gallery or download the DIY...

Look out for coastal mangroves near the jetty

There are many roaming monkeys near the picnic area. They may get aggressive and attempt to rob your food. Keep...

You may also visit the Public Gallery at the Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre, which features the rich marine...

The walk from the jetty to the gallery takes about 15 to 20 mins. The path is uphill with little...

Admission to the Public Gallery is free but visitors must pre-book their entry in advance via the National Parks website!...

Here, visitors can explore a mangrove mesocosm, a viewing pool, aquariums and other displays. Visitors can stay in the Public...

Viewing pool

Aquariums. Nothing spectacular about the gallery. Can skip unless you are here for the Aircon and the best toilets on...

A popular spot for fishing enthusiasts! On the causeway to Lazarus Island, you’ll see many anglers camping out with their...

The Lazarus Beach is about 15-min walk from St John's Island pier. It is a quieter and more exclusive spot....

There’s limited shelter on the islands. Do bring ponchos or umbrellas in case of inclement weather.

Walking the sea barrier rocks was one of the highlights for the kids! An Instagram-worthy spot!

The relatively flat terrain of St John’s and Lazarus Island make them well-suited for a leisurely cycling trip for all...

Plenty of space for the children to run free and have fun!

There are no fancy things to do on the islands. Just chill, enjoy the serenity and connect with nature.

Do note the last ferry timing and cater enough time to make your way back to the St John's Island...

Do reach the pier early as ferries can leave up to 15 minutes before their scheduled departure!

Catch the beautiful sunset on the last ferry back to Marina South Pier!

St. John & Lazarus Islands - Bean there, done that!:)

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