The Singapore Islands St.Johns and St. Lazarus are only a few minutes by ferry from the city of Singapore.
They are ideal places to break the monotony of the city, be in nature, and disconnect a bit.
Singapore Islands to Visit: The Tropical St. John and St. Lazarus
The location of the Islands
The islands are located 6.5 km off the southern coast of Singapore. Ferries to the Southern Islands depart from Marina South Pier and take 20 to 30 minutes to reach St. John and Lazarus Islands.
The metro at the Marina South Pier stop (red line North-South Line) leaves you at La Marina to take the Ferry.
How to get to St. John and St. Lazarus?
Ferries depart from the Marina South dock and head directly to St. John Island.
Ferries then run from St. John to Kusu Island before returning to the Marina South pier.
The ferry ride between Marina South Pier and St. John Island takes 20 minutes.
The ride between St. John and Kusu Island is short, about 10 minutes, and the return trip from Kusu Island to Marina South Pier takes 20 minutes.
Where to buy your ferry ticket?
There are two ferry companies, and both are very similar in prices and schedules.
Marina South Ferries and Singapore Island Cruise
Tickets cost SGD 15 for adults, SGD 12 for seniors, and SGD 12 for children under 12. Children 0 to 2 years old enter for free.
They include an island tour from St. John’s and Lazarus, passing through Kusu Island and returning to Singapore Marina South Pier.
The first ferries leave around 8:30 a.m., and the last ferries return around 6 p.m. Book your ticket to ensure you have room on the weekends. You can also buy your ticket right there at the company’s kiosk.
It is advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes before the ferry departs.
Tips for visiting the island
Buy your ferry ticket in advance. Bring food, water, repellent, and sun protection, as there are no restaurants and many mosquitoes.
Watch your belongings; monkeys often steal food from backpacks. The sun can be strong even with shade, so bring a hat, umbrella, or cap for extra protection.
About the Islands
Throughout history, the islands have been used as quarantine centers for various diseases such as cholera, given the large number of immigrants who arrived in Singapore from neighboring countries such as China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Hong Kong (bubonic plague).
Kusu Island was the burial place for immigrants who died during quarantine on St. John and Lazarus Islands. It also served as a detention center during World War I and II.
Gaining land from the sea
In 2000, as part of Singapore’s plan to develop the Southern Islands, a second phase of land reclamation began using sand from Indonesia to connect Seringat, Lazarus, and Sentosa.
Completed in six years, the project extended water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications services from Sentosa to these islands.
The islands nowadays
Now the islands are a popular tourist destination, perfect for families and yacht owners from Sentosa, especially on weekends. Suggestions for developing Lazarus Island include creating a haven for the super-rich or hosting a casino.
Any future development must consider sustainability and rising sea levels, which were overlooked during the 1970s land reclamation.
Start of the itinerary
As soon as we arrived, head to the island of St. Lazarus to enjoy the morning and go to the beach.
After getting off the ferry and crossing the dock, head left along the water toward Lazarus Island.
An elevated walkway in the middle of the water connects the Islands, and the walk takes approximately 20 minutes.
Exploring the Biodiversity of the Island
Now, we head to the beach and pass through a park with majestic trees. The Island is a haven for birdwatchers, home to numerous bird species. It also hosts various reptiles and amphibians, including snakes and the Banded Bullfrog. Sea turtles are seen here, too.
The island boasts Heritage Trees, recognized for their exceptional size and ecological significance, contributing to its rich biodiversity.
St. Lazarus Beach
St. Lazarus Beach has white sand and grass. The water is warm and very calm, as the coasts are protected by large quarry stones.
I recommend walking a little further to be in a quieter place near the stone wave break. Fewer yachts arrive there, and there are fewer people.
I read that you could snorkel, so I brought my mask. However, even though the water was clean and transparent, I was disappointed that there were no fish to see.
Enjoying the Beach
Here you can relax and even have a picnic. There are several leafy trees and also a covered shed with garbage cans.
The only problem is that there are an incredible number of mosquitoes (mosquitoes), so it is better to bring repellent.
Many monkeys are on the islands, but we didn’t see any on the beach. Most of them were concentrated in groups on the pier where the ferry arrived. It is also better to be alert; they come out when you least expect it!
Seringat Island
Seringat Island is connected to St.Lazarus. It is a short walk along the sea until you reach the viewpoint where you can admire Singapore and enjoy the impressive views from this point on the island (the day I went, it was very cloudy, but the views are usually better).
From here, you have the best views of Sentosa Island and the imposing skyscrapers of Singapore.
Back to the dock, passing by the mangroves
If you return the same way you came, you will see a small group of mangroves on St. John Island.
These ecosystems are crucial for coastal protection and supporting diverse wildlife. They provide a habitat for fish, crabs, and birds while their roots stabilize the shoreline and reduce erosion.
Waiting for the Ferry
Finally, you will arrive at the pier to take the ferry to the small island of Kusu or, if you prefer, directly to the city (Marina South Pier).
We wanted to grab a snack while waiting for our ferry, but it was impossible due to the presence of Macaques. They were in large groups searching for food.
Frequent questions
Where are the Southern Islands located?
Sentosa is the best-known of Singapore’s southern islands and is the only one connected by land. Still, there are eight islands in total: St. John, St. Lazarus, Kusu, Sister Islands, Pulau Hantu, Pulau Tekukor, and Pulau Seringat.
You can only reach St. John Island, St.Lazarus, Kusu, and the Sister Islands by ferry (which were closed during my visit).
How to get to The Island of St. John and St. Lazarus?
You must go to the Marina South Pier metro station and take the ferry from there.
There are two companies: Marina South Ferries and Singapore Island Cruise. Both are similar in price and hours. The trip takes approximately 20 minutes.
How much time do you need to visit the islands?
Calculating that you must be at the Marina 30 minutes before, the ferry trip lasts around 40 minutes round trip, the visit to the beach takes at least 2 hours, and exploring the island takes at least 1 hour.
The entire visit lasts 4 to 5 hours, depending on your ferry schedule, without considering the visit to the small island of Kusu, which I have not done yet.
Can you swim at St. Lazarus beach?
The water is clean and warm, the sand is white, and the beach is well maintained. There are even open and covered booths and benches to store your things.
Can you snorkel at St. Lazarus beach?
Although I had read in several places that it was possible, I brought my mask, and the truth is that it was not worth it.
The only fish I saw were tiny silver ones that were perfect to see without equipment.
Can you stay overnight in St. Lazarus?
Yes, when we were heading to the beach, we saw the famous “Tiny Houses.” These little houses can be rented for the night. They have a terrace in front of the beach where you can barbecue. They looked very nice. My only concern would be the number of mosquitoes.
How much does transportation cost?
The metro ticket costs between SGD 1.50 and SGD 2.50 each way. Ferry tickets cost $15 for adults and SGD 12 for seniors and children under 12. Children from 0 to 2 years old enter for free.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are allowed even on the ferry.
Are bicycles allowed?
Yes, you can even take your bike on the ferry at no additional cost. You can also rent bikes on the island for $25.
Are there shops on the islands?
In St. John and St. Lazarus there were no shops, we only saw one that was closed. It is best to bring your food and drinks.
Are there bathrooms on the islands?
Yes, but only in St. John, near the pier.
Are the islands artificial or natural?
The islands are original but were greatly expanded through land reclamation in the 1970s, creating beaches with sand imported from Indonesia.
I hope you enjoyed this excursion and were able to learn more about the islands of Singapore and how to get there.
Singapore Islands to Visit by Ferry Near the City
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