Best Singapore islands for quiet retreat or scuba diving

Singapore is made up of 63 islands. Many of these Singapore islands are either used exclusively for military training purposes or for petrochemical industry and other industrial purposes.

Many more are uninhabitable or are continually undergoing land reclamation work. Some of these smaller islands are even being joined together through reclamation work to make into bigger size islands.

Read on to learn about those Singapore islands that are open to public and discover each of their unique beauty and charm :

Best Island Expeditions :

Sentosa
Sentosa is one the few most developed Singapore islands. It is also the city's favourite resort getaway. On this island, there are museums, 3 beaches, fine aquarium plus many attractions enough to do to fill a day and night.
The island has a canopy of secondary rainforest covering 70% of its 1,200 acres and is home to monitor lizards, monkeys, peacocks as well as other native fauna and flora.

Getting there : Take cable car from the Harbourfront Centre (Adult $9.90 one way or $10.90 round way, Child 3-12 $4.50 one way or $5.50 round way)
Or take the MRT to HarbourFront station, head to the bus interchange and hop onto the orange Sentosa bus ($1.00) 

As most of the attractions cost money to get in, it's good to Check out the Sentosa website for ticket packages.

Kusu Island 
Llocated about 5km south of Singapore, this is one of the many Singapore islands that makes quiet beachy escapes with safe swimming. Located on the island are a Malay shrine and a chinese temple with legend woven around them. Check out Kusu's turtle sanctuary as well.
Divers who have had the opportunity to visit Kusu Island’s reefs have commented on its rich marine life and uniqueness. It is also the favourite dive sites of many.

Getting there : Take bus no. 402 from Marina South MRT station to Marina South Pier Ferry Terminal. From there, catch a ferry.

Click here for Ferry Schedule
Camping not allowed at Kusu Island

Ferry charges : Adult SGD 15.00, Child SGD 12.00

St. John's island
A much bigger island compared to Kusu, it's about 1km south from the southern most part of Sentosa, this island offers a great city getaway with lagoons, beaches,
picnic grounds, BBQ pits and camping ground. Holiday bungalows (sleep 10) and dormintory style accommodation (sleep up to 60) are available for rental at low rental rates. For bookings and enquiries, please call the 1800-SENTOSA (736 8672) from 9am - 6.30pm daily.

Getting there : Take bus no. 402 from Marina South MRT station to Marina South Pier Ferry Terminal. From there, catch a ferry.

Click here for ferry schedule

Ferry charges : Adult SGD 15.00, Child SGD 12.00 

Sisters' islands
Probably one of the most untouched and unspoilt Singapore islands.  It is made up of two Singapore islands, the bigger one called 'Pulau Subar Laut' and the smaller 'Pulau Subar Darat'.  There are 4 lagoons to swim in and the beaches are clean and good for swimming and snorkelling. It is also a good dive spot with the nearby coral reefs. However, the currents
here are quite strong and is recommended for experienced divers only.

Getting there : No ferry service to this island. YOu will need to hire a private boat at Marina South Pier.

* BYO food and drink. Permission required for overnight camping, call Sentosa Development Corporation Tel:6270 7888/ 6270 7889

For those who are interested in organised camping trip there, you may contact Singapore Adventurers' Club.

Pulau Hantu (ghost island)
Located about 7km southeast of Sentosa island, the reefs around Pulau Hantu are also probably the most dived site by local recreational divers.
Due to P. Hantu’s accessibility and sheltered reefs, P.Hantu  is used by many dive operators to teach openwater dive courses.It has relatively calm waters on normal days – being surrounded by P. Bukom, P. Busing, P. Ular and a patch reef.

Getting there : Take a boat from West Coast Ferry Terminal (30-40 mins ride), expect to pay about $140 for a two-way trip.
Enquires can be made at the following service operators:
HCA Marine - Tel: 67791655
Cast Launch - Tel : 6774 6448

*BYO food and drink. Overnight camping permission need to be obtained from Sentosa Development Corporation. (see sisters' islands) 

Pulau Ubin
One of the few most visited Singapore islands.

Pulau Ubin is an unkempt expanse of jungle good for trekking, mountain biking and bird watching . Well visited by the locals especially the youth.
This island is abundant in wildlife and its' 'Tanjong Chek Jawa'- a mangrove swamp is rich in marine life. Guided tour to Tg Chek Jawa is available at $60.00 per group. Enquire from the inforamtion kiosk or call hotline 6542 4108.

Getting there : take a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
Charges : $2.00 per person and $2.00 per bicycle
Where to stay in Pulau Ubin?
For those planning to stay overnight at the island, camping sites are available. Call Nation Parks Ubin Hotline for enquiry Tel: 6542 4108
You can also go for a more comfortable stay at the Marina Country Club Ubin Resort where each room is air-conditioned and equipped with water heater, refrigerator and television

There are also a number of restaurants and coffee shops located near the ferry terminal.

Lazarus island
one of the tinest southern Singapore islands. Lazarus island has lush tropical vegetation, golden sand and aquamarine water. Good for swimming and for scuba diving although the currents are quite strong. Recommended only for experienced divers.
Because of it's beautiful environment, this island has been earmarked by the Singapore Tourish Promotion Board to develop it into a tropical beach resort island in the near future.

Getting there : Rent a private bumboat with operator from Marina Bay Pier. Expect to pay from $150 for a two-way trip. Duration of ride is about 30 mins.
Enquires can be made at the following service operators:
HCA Marine - Tel: 67791655
Cast Launch - Tel : 6774 6448

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