Singapore is not just one island, but a main island with over 50 surrounding islets. Some of Singapore's smaller islands offer a quiet respite from the big city with their laid-back ambience, idyllic beaches and inviting waters. [Top]

Sentosa - Singapore's resort island getaway is a must-see for all visitors. Just minutes away from the bustle of the city, this island of tranquillity welcomes you with beautiful sandy beaches, rustic nature trails, Asia's most exciting oceanarium & Dolphin Lagoon, historical sites, museums and great entertainment! [Top]

Pulau Ubin is a window into Singapore 30 years ago - thatched huts, backyard orchards, dirt tracks and interesting wildlife. St. John's Island, a former penal colony which has been transformed into a tranquil resort with abundant watersport activities and holiday bungalows, makes an ideal getaway. [Top]

Kusu or "Turtle" Island is best known for its legend of how a giant turtle turned itself into an island in order to save two shipwrecked sailors, a Malay and a Chinese. Lazarus and Sisters Islands are some of the other easily accessible tropical paradises known for snorkelling and diving. Simply catch a ferry from the Singapore Cruise Centre at the World Trade Centre or hire your own boat from Jardine Steps, Clifford Pier or the Changi Jetty. [Top]

Kusu and St John's Islands
On Kusu Island, there is a Malay shrine and a Chinese temple with an interesting legend woven around them. A giant sea turtle is believed to have saved two shipwrecked sailors - a Malay and a Chinese from drowning. As an act of thanks, the two men built a Chinese temple, Malay shrine and a huge turtle sculpture on the island. Taoists make annual pilgrimages to the Tua Pekong Temple during the ninth lunar month, while Muslims visit Kramat Kusu, a Malay shrine.
Stunning views of the mainland can be seen from Kusu's beaches and its hilltop. The warm waters of the lagoon are ideal for swimming. [Top]

Getting There: Take a ferry from Sentosa Ferry Terminal. Departure times: 10 am and 1.30 pm (Mon to Sat), and at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm (Sun and public holidays). [Top]

Return ticket SGD 9.00 (adults), SGD 6.00 (child 3 to 12 years).
Duration of the boat ride is about 30 mins. For enquiries on ferry service, call the Hotline at 1800-SENTOSA (6736 8672) [Top]

Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin is an island off the northeastern coast of Singapore, shaped like a boomerang and covered by low hills. This offshore island is being developed into a nature park complete with trails, shelters, camping sites, chalets and other basic amenities. [Top]

To enjoy the natural vegetation and the laidback kampong atmosphere, you should try leisure walking or cycling. Bicycles can be rented at the village. The trails have been upgraded to facilitate trekking and basic amenities like toilets and shelters are available for the convenience of visitors. [Top]

Much of its natural environment will be preserved in the development programme and visitors can still experience the rustic village atmosphere encompassing granite quarries, coconut and rubber plantations, mangrove swamps, fish and prawn farms, and traditional fishing "kelongs". [Top]

Located at the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin is a natural beach called Chek Jawa, on which marine life such as the horseshoe crab and sand dollar, a disc-shaped member of the star-fish family, live. It also houses sea-grass meadows that habour carpet and peacock anemones, as well as coral rubble that is home to sponges of various hues. Visits to Chek Jawa are on a first-come-first-served basis and only when there are low tides. To book, call the National Parks Board at Tel: (65) 6542 4108. [Top]

Getting There: Take the MRT to Tanah Merah Station (EW4), then take SBS bus 2 or 29 to Changi Village bus interchange, followed by a 10-minute boat ride from the Changi Point jetty. Cost of the boat ride is SGD 2 and the service operates from 6am to 11pm. [Top]

Lazarus & Sisters Island
These tiny southern islands offer quiet respite from the big city with their laid-back ambience, sandy beaches and inviting waters. Swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving are recommended.
The waters off Lazarus and Sisters Islands are good for scuba diving although the currents are quite strong. They are recommended only for experienced divers. [Top]

Getting There: Water taxis are available for hire at approximately SGD 50 per hour from Clifford Pier and Jardine Steps (World Trade Centre). [Top]