Best Islands Near Singapore: Your Complete Island Hopping Guide

Singapore is a vibrant, tourist-friendly destination, renowned for its futuristic skyscrapers, diverse cultural enclaves, and lush green spaces. The Islands Near Singapore offer breathtaking retreats for travellers longing for peaceful gateways from the bustling metropolis. Whether you are looking for a tranquil beachside retreat or a hidden paradise, Singapore Island Hopping provides an opportunity to recharge yourself in the middle of nature.

• Six accessible islands offer day trips and overnight getaways from Singapore's main island, each with unique attractions and activities.
• Ferry services from Marina South Pier connect you to most southern islands, while northeastern Coney Island is accessible on foot from Punggol.
• Costs range from free access (Coney Island) to approximately S$18 for adult round-trip ferry tickets to southern islands.
• Pack essentials like sunscreen, water and snacks as most islands have limited or no commercial facilities.
• Best activities include beach relaxation, nature walks, camping, snorkelling, and wildlife observation across different islands

Due to its tropical climate, Singapore offers us the ease of access at any time of the year. The best time to visit Singapore is during its dry season, which runs from February to April, as there is less rainfall compared to other months of the year. Due to such pleasant weather conditions, Singapore island hopping is best enjoyed during this season, and one can experience the thrill of outdoor activities.

• High-SPF sunscreen.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 
• Carry comfortable walking shoes.
• Waterproof bag for electronics.
• Swimwear for beach activities.
• Insect repellent for nature walks.

Read More: Singapore Guide

St. John's Island, simply known as St. John's, is a serene escape from Singapore’s urban life that offers its visitors a combination of natural beauty and history. Located about 6.5 kilometres south of the main island of Singapore, the island serves as the primary gateway to Singapore's island network.

• History and Attractions: Once a quarantine centre for infectious diseases and later a drug rehabilitation centre, St. John's Island has transformed itself into a charming Getaway destination since 1975. The colonial-era buildings on the island stand as research facilities that provide a glimpse of Singapore's rich history.
• Getting to St. John's Island: Ferry services operate from Marina South Pier with round-trip tickets costing around Rs. 1,500 for adults and Rs. 1000 for children. The journey takes nearly 30 minutes each way.

The island features several beautiful beaches, picnic spots and walking trails, which contribute to its name on to list of Best Islands In Singapore.

Connected to St. John's Island by a bridge, Lazarus Island is one of the eight islands that make up the archipelago of Southern Islands. Locally known as Pulau Sakijang Pelepah, this uninhabited island features powder white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters that enhance your Singapore island Getaway.

• Getting to Lazarus Island: You can catch a ferry from the Marina South Pier to St.Johns Island. Ferry prices range from Rs. 930 to Rs. 1000 for adults and Rs. 800 to Rs. 930 for children.
• Beach Activities and Natural Beauty: The island's main attraction is its pristine coastline, which is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and beach photography. The absence of commercial development in the area creates an authentic tropical island ambience that is rarely found. 
• Access and Facilities: The most common way to reach Lazarus Island is to take a ferry from Marina South Pier to St John’s Island. From St John’s, one can have a short walk that connects you to Lazarus Island.

Note: The island boasts snorkelling opportunities around its perimeter, but visitors should be careful due to the changing tides and currents. 

Also known as Pulau Serangoon, Coney Island is located on the northeastern coast of Singapore. The island is a perfect getaway for nature lovers, offering a unique blend of parkland and wild coastal habitats featuring diverse flora, fauna, and beaches.

• Wildlife and Nature Activities: Coney Island is a treasure trove of diverse ecosystems. The long-tailed macaques, a variety of bird species and some wild cattle that are descendants of the island's agricultural past can be seen on this island. Bird watching during the migration seasons is usually rewarding, as over 80 species have been recorded on the island. 
• Adventure Activities: The island's waters are famous for jet skiing. The island also offers cycling along the natural canopy, beach camping and nature photography. 
• Accessing Coney Island: It takes just a walk of around 500 meters from Punggol Point Park to Punggol Promenade to reach the island’s entry point. There are ferry fees, which make it pocket-friendly and one of the best Islands to visit in Singapore.

Pulau Ubin is recognised as Singapore's last remaining Kampong village and serves as a living museum of the country's cultural heritage. Unlike the rest of Singapore, which has undergone rapid urban development, Pulau Ubin has been intentionally kept untouched by the fangs of modernism to provide an authentic glimpse into pre-developed Singapore.

• Cultural Heritage and Activities: The island is dotted with traditional wooden houses, rubber plantations and fishing communities. Cycling remains the preferred method for exploring the area, while bike rentals are also available in the area.
• Island Legend and Local Culture: According to local folklore, three animals - Frog, Pig and Elephant, once raced from Singapore to Johor and the Elephant that came last magically transformed into Pulau Ubin. 
• Transportation to Pulau Ubin: Bumboat services operate from Changi Ferry Point, which charges approximately Rs. 260 per person one way. The 10-minute journey treats you with the scenic views of the Johor Strait and the nearby islands.

The Kusu Island, meaning "Tortoise Island" in Chinese, combines spiritual significance with natural beauty. Located 5.6 kilometres south of Singapore, this island attracts both pilgrims and nature lovers.

• Getting to Kusu Island: The only way to reach Kusu Island is by taking a ferry from the Marina South Pier. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. It is highly recommended to book your ferry tickets in advance as the route gets busy during the tourist season.
• Activities in Kusu Island: Visitors can visit the iconic Da Bo Gong temple of the Chinese and offer prayers for good fortune and health. If you want an adventurous thrill, a climb to the Malay Shrines to enjoy the stunning views will make your day.
• Visiting Kusu Island: Kusu Island can be reached by ferry services from Marina South Pier, with tickets ranging from Rs. 1,550 to Rs. 1,000.

Nestled in the heart of Singapore, Sisters' Islands are two connected islands that play a vital role in the conservation of marine biodiversity. Big Sister Island, the Pulau Subar Laut, welcomes visitors, while Small Sister Island, the Pulau Subar Darat, remains restricted for research purposes.

• Marine Conservation and Activities: The islands proudly stand as Singapore's first Marine Park, safeguarding vibrant coral reefs, lush seagrass beds and a variety of tropical fish. Visitors can join guided snorkelling tours that showcase the underwater ecosystem and promote awareness about marine conservation.
• Island Folklore: According to local legend, two sisters tragically drowned while trying to swim to visit their mother and their spirits transformed into these beautiful islands. This enchanting tale adds a layer of cultural depth and richness to the islands' natural beauty and their importance in conservation.
• Getting to Sisters' Islands: To reach Sisters' Islands, one can take a ferry from Marina South Pier, Kusu Island, with prices reflecting the standard rates for southern islands.

Islands near Singapore are easily accessible from the main island and are hidden treasures with a variety of experiences. From the pristine beaches to culturally rich islands, each spot has its charm and activities to offer. To make the most of your island adventures, our advisor team at PickYourTrail will help you plan your Singapore package wisely without breaking the bank.