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5 Beautiful Offshore Island Trips In Singapore – No Passport Required!

Are you reminiscing the days where you could simply book a plane ticket, drop everything and be in another country the next day? That may not be possible for now, but if you’re itching for some respite from the crowded main island, why not consider island trips in Singapore? We have sussed out five nearby islands you can hop over to. Just remember to pack an umbrella, sunblock, mosquito repellant, cash, and sufficient food and drinks.    

 

 

St John’s Island

Boats And Jetty At St John's Island With The Skyline
via Jordan Tan on Shutterstock

A mere 30-minute ferry ride away from mainland Singapore lies St John’s Island, a Southern Island teeming with diverse wildlife. Sunbathe, have a picnic, or swim on the island’s only beach, a short walk from the jetty. The Swimming Lagoon is protected from strong currents by breakwaters, making the area safe for young children and non-swimmers and there is a restroom with shower facilities nearby. During low tide, it becomes an intertidal zone where sea stars, sea cucumbers, and hermit crabs can be easily spotted.

If you’re a nature buff, you can either sign up for a guided trail or follow the DIY trail guides by NParks. These trails are designated for you to identify Heritage trees and the abundant wildlife that include reptiles and amphibians, insects, spiders, and birds.

Bendera Bay, an area previously restricted to the public, will be open via scheduled programmes. Diving, sustainable fishing workshops, and beach cleanups are just a few of the upcoming activities that you will be able to enjoy on the island.

 

 

Lazarus Island

Lazarus Island In Singapore
via Chris Howey on Shutterstock

Lazarus Island boasts a powdery soft white sand beach with turquoise waters. The sand, which was imported from Indonesia, was checked for sandfly eggs for the comfort of visitors. The island is free from vehicular traffic and it is much more peaceful than its bigger cousin, Sentosa.

Connected to St John’s Island via a 1.5km paved walkway, Lazarus Island is unpolluted and pristine, but it is also bereft of amenities and basic facilities such as trash cans and washrooms. Therefore, you’ll need to pack enough food and water and bring all your trash back with you to the main island for proper disposal. 

 

 

Kusu Island

Kusu Island Chinese temple
via Cherry-hai on Shutterstock

Kusu Island is “Tortoise Island” in Chinese. Mythical folklore has it that a magical turtle transformed itself into an island to save two shipwrecked sailors, a Malay and a Chinese. Out of gratitude, villagers built both a Taoist shrine and a Muslim shrine on the island. True to its name, the island is home to a Tortoise Sanctuary.

Upon arrival at the jetty, the large Da Bo Gong Temple can be seen, while the three Muslim shrines require an uphill climb. Worshippers visit the island to pray for their hearts’ desires, and the island bustles with life in the ninth lunar month of each year.

Fishing, picnicking, and kite flying are but some of the activities that you can revel in with friends and family.

Book a comfortable high-speed ferry ride to the Southern Islands with KKday

 

 

Sisters’ Island

Coastline of Sisters' Islands, Singapore
via Jenny Zhang on Shutterstock

Sisters’ Island is a hotspot for marine biodiversity and during low tide, you can observe sea stars, endangered species of seahorses, clams, and other marine creatures. Be sure to wear covered shoes to protect your feet from sharp rocks and spikes.

It is illegal to fish or camp on this island to protect the fragile landscape. However, you can still safely swim or snorkel in the lagoon.

Enjoy island hopping between the Southern Islands with this Open Date Ferry Ticket via KKday!

 

 

Pulau Ubin Island

Pulau Ubin
via sljones on Shutterstock

Arguably the most popular island in this list, Pulau Ubin Island remains the top choice for a day trip in Singapore as it still retains many elements of olden day Singapore and has amenities like eateries, convenience stores, and stores that rent bicycles and equipment for water sports. One of the more interesting activities includes kayaking through the mangroves.

There are various hiking trails in Pulau Ubin. Depending on the trail you follow, you can visit a fruit orchard, visit a preserved Chinese kampong house or cover the six natural ecosystems along Chek Jawa Boardwalk.

Want to stay the night on this rustic island? Campsites at Pulau Ubin have reopened and you can apply for a permit two weeks in advance.

 

 

Which of these islands have you visited? Make sure to visit KKday for your trip essentials!



*Featured image via Jenny Zhang & Cherry-hai on Shutterstock

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