You would be mistaken to assume that a visit to the main island of Singapore would be the whole of your time in Singapore. The Republic of Singapore is made up of sixty-three islands, not fifty-one! Despite their differences in geography, history, and daily life, all of Singapore’s islands are considered part of the country. What this means is that a single visa can grant you entry to 63 distinct countries! We are at a loss to find another way to describe it as an ideal vacation.
In Singapore, these are the top five islands:
1.Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is a popular tourist destination and a former stronghold. This island is currently a tourist hotspot reserved exclusively for those seeking excitement, amusement, and leisure. Here is a veritable treasure trove of things to do!
From January to June, you should go. March through May is when most tourists visit.
Road, cable car, or rail are the ways to go to Sentosa. For the least amount of money, you can take the metro that stops at VivoCity Mall. From VivoCity Mall, a specially built lane leads to Sentosa.
Ways to get there: The fare is SGD 4 for a round trip on the MRT, which grants unlimited rides.
The price for an adult is SGD 29, and for a child, it’s SGD 18.
Highlights: Sentosa Luge, Resort World Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore, Tiger Sky Tower, SEA Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Dolphin Park, Fort Siloso, Butterfly Kingdom, and Carlsberg Tower
Possible lodging choices: A day trip to Sentosa and back by nighttime is possible from the main island. Prices for hotel rooms in Sentosa begin at SGD 250. Homes in resort communities and chateaux are among the most costly possibilities.
Attractions: Singapore’s Sentosa Island offers a fantastic array of activities that will leave you craving more! Your children will have a blast visiting Universal Studios, an attraction in and of itself with seven themed areas. From Jurassic World and ancient Egypt to Madagascar, Transformers, and fairy tales, Universal Studios truly has it all! You can see Indonesia from the Tiger Sky Tower! The aquarium’s one-of-a-kind design will wow you. You can also find beaches to relax on while taking in the ocean view. Even more exciting is the journey to Sentosa by cable car! You might even get your food while you’re in the car if you’re lucky!
2. St. John Island
After undergoing a massive renovation, St. John’s Island—once used as a quarantine facility for serious diseases—is now one of Singapore’s most popular tourist destinations. There is a wide variety of activities, adventure sports, and picturesque beaches on this stunning island that are perfect for families, couples, and lone travelers. Beach bums, you gotta visit this spot!
The monsoon season spans from June to November; therefore, the best time to go is between December and March.
The Singapore Island Cruise offers ferry services that depart from Marina South Pier, so getting there is easy. Both the 10:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. journeys happen during the week. There are four trips per weekend at 9, 11, 1, and 3 p.m.
Hourly rate for adults: SGD 18; for children: SGD 12.
Both ways are included in the price.
Tourist hotspots include Trunk Bay, the Virgin Islands National Park, Honeymoon Beach, Cinnamon Bay, Waterlemon Cay, Hawksnest Beach, the Annaberg Sugar Plantation, Bordeaux Mountain, and the Lind Point Trail.
There are various places to stay, from modest bunk beds to opulent bungalows and chalets. The starting price is SGD 75.
Activities: The island offers a perfect blend of seclusion and excitement. You can go scuba diving or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. See rare corals and other aquatic creatures up close! Motorboating and water skiing are among the other available watersports. The island’s highest point is accessible by foot, so you can also take in the scenery. You can go to a lovely sugar plantation. Another fantastic destination for a day trip is the National Park. In addition to being ideal for sunbathing, the white sand beaches make for great Instagram photos. Those lagoons are very stunning!
3. Kusu Islands
Kusu Island, Singapore, is an ethereal haven of tranquil beauty, named after the Chinese character for tortoise. Not only is this island home to three Malay Kramats and two Chinese temples, but it also boasts a beautiful tale of a tortoise that transformed into an island and saved two sailors from drowning.
The monsoon season spans from June to November; therefore, the best time to go is between December and March.
The Singapore Island Cruise departs daily from Marina South Pier, which is the starting point for the ferry ride. St. John’s Island is the initial stop for the ferries.
Hourly rate for adults: SGD 18; for children: SGD 12.
Both ways are included in the price.
Tourist hotspots include the Da Bo Gong Shrine, the Guan Yin Shrine, the Syed Abdul Rahman Kramats, and the Tortoise Sanctuary, which are the main attractions.
There are two possible places to remain on St. John’s Island: the main island or the smaller islands, as overnight stays are not allowed on the smaller islands.
Attractions: The beaches are perfect for unwinding and taking in the quiet, lilting ocean waves. Two of China’s holiest goddesses, Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) and Da Bo Gong (God of Prosperity), each have their own stunning temples. A 152-step trek awaits you at the three Malay Kramats, but the breathtaking temple is well worth it. In addition to swimming, you can enjoy picnics on the beach.
Hundreds of tortoises call the tortoise sanctuary close to the Kramats home. You can also participate in the ornate prayer rites if you visit the island in the eleventh lunar month of China.
4.Hantu Pulau
Rest assured, this Singaporean island is not haunted! Pulau Hantu Kechil and Pulau Hantu Besar, two smaller islets, vanish during high tide, which is how the name is derived. The white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of Pulau Hantu make it a popular destination for campers and hikers. Here, you can also go on fantastic snorkeling adventures.
The monsoon season spans from June to November; therefore, the best time to go is between December and March.
Pulau Hantu is not accessible via regularly scheduled commercial ferries.
Hourly rate for adults: From the West Coast Ferry Terminal, you can join scuba diving tours or hire a boat for your private use.
continues to be SGD 50 or more for scuba trips and SGD 100 or more for boat charters
Key points of interest: beaches, reefs, and diving spots.
Lodging: One alternative for lodging is to obtain a camping permit and set up camp on the island.
Here, you can enjoy a beautiful island setting while you pitch your tent for the night. Taking a stroll around the island at low tide is a stunning and photogenic experience. Popular activities here include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing.
You may see octopi, seahorses, starfish, crabs, clownfish, and butterflyfish in this area. Additionally, the coral reefs make for a beautiful sight. This island is perfect for families and couples looking for a tranquil getaway.
5.Lazarus Island
Situated adjacent to St. John’s Island, this tiny Singaporean island is a popular tourist destination. This idyllic island is ideal for a romantic getaway because it is less frequented by tourists than other islands. Not only is the beach less crowded, but it is also cleaner. Spending time at Lazarus Island will guarantee that your vacation is uninterrupted.
The monsoon season spans from June to November; therefore, the best time to go is between December and March.
Access: A ferry will bring you to St. John’s Island, and then you can easily stroll across a bridge to reach the island.
Hourly rate for adults: SGD 18; for children: SGD 12.
Both directions to St. John’s Island are included in the price.
Key points of interest: Relaxation on a deserted beach
We suggest setting up camp on the beach here since it is a free place to stay. Accommodations on St. John’s Island are of a high standard.
Attractions: Lazarus Island’s unspoiled beach is the showstopper—the perfect spot for a romantic getaway! Organize a kite-flying gathering by bringing your kite. Use the powdery white sand to construct sandcastles, or just go for a leisurely walk along the shore. Relax in the shade and soak up some rays while you let your worries go away.
