Wondering where to go in Singapore? How about St John’s Island or do island hopping in Singapore?
You can do few islands in a day but please plan according to the ferry timetable because they don’t have ferry every hour to these islands. You can include Kusu Island, Sisters’ Island, and St John Island in a day.
How to go there?
A short ferry ride from Marina South Pier. There are two ferry company provide public transportation to these islands: Island Cruise and Marina South Ferries. You can reach the Marina South Pier by taking MRT and if you drive, then you may want to consider parking at the Marina Bay Cruise Center which is about 10 mins walking distance. The parking lots in Marina South Pier Ferry Terminal is very limited but if you are early, you may be able to get one.
The return ticket cost $15 each, ferry stop at St John island first, then go to Kusu island. Some people visit Kusu island first then come to St John island or the other way round. Your ticket includes both destinations.
We didn’t plan properly so we end up in St John islands from 10 am till 2.30pm because we missed out ferry to Kusu island before noon. To make things worse, we didn’t prepare any food as we thought there are vendors in St John’s Island. There are No stores on the islands, not even a vending machine that sells drinks. So please get your takeaway or any snacks from the mainland before your board the ferry. There are a number of stores selling food and snacks at the ferry terminal.
Some background about St John’s Island
St John’s island used to be one of the largest quarantine stations of the British colonial. Immigrants from China who wanted to come into the mainland of Singapore would have to stay in St John’s island for a while in order to make sure they have cleared of plague disease.
Later, this place is converted into a detention center in the fifties and then an opium treatment center, some sort of drug rehabilitation center. Now, these buildings are used for campers and students. However, due to covid situation, these buildings were closed.
The things that you can do on St John’s island:
1. ST John’s Island Beach, picnic, swim, fishing, or sunbathing.
2. NPark Guided Walking tour, do your booking as there are limited numbers.
3. Nature walk to check out heritage trees
4. St John’s Island National marina Laboratory and admission are free.
St John’s Island original called Pulau Sekijang Bendera in Malay, it is located about 6.5km to the south of the main island of Singapore. It is about 40 mins of the ferry ride.
Lazarus Island is connected by the causeway so you can also explore on foot.
Things to note:
1.Catch the earliest ferry at 9 am
2. Prepare snacks and water or lunch box
3. Wear a pair of comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellents.
4. Bring umbrella and poncho in case weather is bad.
5. Bring fishing rod if you want to fish.
6. Bring towels and swim suit if you want to play on the beach.
Refer to the timetable and plan your trip wisely, don’t be like us end up staying in St John’s Island for few hours without food. My recommendation is to do two islands in a day, St John’s Island and Kusu Island. There are plenty of things to look at in Kusu island especially if you like temples and praying.