Once a quarantine base for immigrants and then a penal settlement, St John’s Island now glimmers off the southern coast of Singapore as one of the best day trip options from the Lion City. Away from the city’s hubbub, St John’s Island’s balmy terrain is perfect for picnickers and nature trail seekers — the vibrant marine ecosystem (best discovered on snorkelling tours) is a bonus! In this story, find a handy guide to navigating St John’s Island in the Straits of Singapore.
For a complete experience, club your St John’s Island visit with Singapore’s famed Lazarus Island — just a 15-minute walk away.
Best time to visit St John’s Island
The perfect time to visit St John’s Island for pleasant weather and low rainfall is from December to April. These months are ideal for picnics and enjoying beach activities. Steer clear of the period from May to December when this marine park island receives copious amounts of rainfall, hindering outdoor explorations.
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Things to do on St John’s Island
Trade skyscrapers for sea views by taking a day trip to St John’s Island. Here, in nature’s bosom, veg out at the beach with your book, try your hand at fishing, or explore the island’s varied fauna as you cycle through its quaint lanes. Here’s what should be on your itinerary:
Visit the Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre: Learn about St John’s Island’s unique biodiversity and conservation efforts at this centre. Look out for the public gallery featuring marine mesocosms and aquariums showcasing coral and reef organisms here. (Please note: the outdoor aquarium is currently closed for a system refresh)
Explore the island on a bike: Among the most exciting ways to explore the island is on a bicycle. Rent a bike from Gogreen Southern Island Bicycle Rental — a kiosk on the island — or bring your own on the ferry! As you pedal through the island (yes, you can explore it entirely on two wheels), greet the multifarious cats that await at every other turn!
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Check out the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park: Singapore’s first-ever marine park. This delightful destination has a coral nursery, lagoon tidal pool, turtle hatchery, and forest trails. This marine park also houses the Lion City’s debut ‘floating boardwalk’, which doubles up as a coral habitat and research site. Make sure to embark on the 230-metre forest trail, with the summit at ‘Hilltop View Deck’ — the island’s highest point. Needless to say, the view from here is postcard-perfect!
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Set a picnic: Play beach volleyball, swim along gentle lapping waves, and play board games at the island’s charming beaches. Pack some grub on your way, roll out a mat, and you are promised one of the region’s most peaceful and scenic picnics.
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Go angling: This southern island offers great opportunities to wet a line, particularly at the breakwater (located between the lagoon and the island’s corner). Here, you’re likely to catch fish such as Selar and Kunning.
While several nature trail tracks dot the entire island — which can be self-guided and paced — visitors can also time their visit with St John’s Island’s monthly guided walk. Organised on the first Sunday of every month, this walk spans 1.6 km over 1.5 hours (10 am – 11.30 am). Sign up for the guided walk here.
Want to push the pedal on thrill and camp on the island? It is imperative to apply for a camping permit beforehand and to acquire the relevant permissions.
Typically a day-trip destination, visitors can also opt to stay overnight at the St John’s Island Lodge, with four accommodation variations based on the group size. However, the lodge will be shut in phases from December 2024 to August 2025 for maintenance. The exact dates of closure for the different accommodations include:
- Otter: December 1, 2024 to January 9, 2025
- Turtle: January 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025
- Dolphin: July 1, 2025 to August 31, 2025
How to reach
You can reach St John’s Island via regular ferry rides from Singapore. Originating from the Marina South Pier, the journey takes roughly 30 minutes.
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Insider tips for visiting St John’s Island
- Check the weather forecast before visiting the island to make the most of its charm on pleasant, breezy days without rainfall.
- Wear comfortable and lightweight clothing, and carry a spare outfit if you plan on getting into the water.
- Your St John’s Island packing checklist must include bottles of water, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap/hat, flip-flops, and a trash bag to avoid littering the island.
(Feature image credit: Jnzl’s Photos/Flickr)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes, on the first Sunday of every month, a guided walking tour is conducted at Singapore's St John's Island.
Yes, fishing is permitted at St John's Island.
St John's Island promises fun for the whole family with activities like snorkelling, swimming, and nature trails.
While the island has mobile phone coverage, the network is weak or intermitted at some locations.
Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelWriter by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has ..Read More
