🇸🇬 Southern Islands of Singapore – A Slow Island Escape Where the City Fades and the Sea Welcomes You
🇸🇬 Southern Islands of Singapore – A Slow Island Escape Where the City Fades and the Sea Welcomes You
1. Overview & Highlights
Just off the southern coast of Singapore lies a world that feels miles away from city life — a world where time slows down, the breeze is salty, and the sea wraps around your every step.
The Southern Islands — St. John’s, Lazarus, and Kusu Island — are quiet, beautiful, and deeply soothing. With no cars, no crowds, and no skyscrapers, this is the slowest corner of Singapore, and perhaps its most magical.
2. Culture & People
These islands aren’t residential, but they carry their own kind of soul. Kusu Island is a spiritual landmark, with shrines and temples visited by Singaporeans during the lunar ninth month.
Meanwhile, St. John’s and Lazarus Islands remain rustic — places where nature speaks louder than anything else. You won’t meet many locals here, but the quietness is a kind of presence in itself.
3. Must-Try Foods
There are no food stalls or cafes on the islands, so it’s best to pack a light picnic. That said, here’s how to eat before or after:
Grab tuna sandwiches and tropical fruits before boarding at Marina South Pier
Chill with iced tea or bubble milk tea from convenience stores near the ferry terminal
End your day with local Hainanese chicken rice at a hawker centre nearby (e.g., Maxwell or Chinatown Complex)
4. Travel Tips
Getting there:
Boats depart from Marina South Pier, with round-trip tickets priced around SGD 15–25. Operators include Singapore Island Cruise, with boats leaving between 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Things to pack:
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a towel, and a hat — the islands are undeveloped and don’t sell supplies.
Be responsible:
Take all trash back with you. These islands are clean, quiet, and should be left that way.
5. Suggested Clothing
Breathable fabrics – cotton, linen, or light sportswear
Swimsuit and a towel if you plan to swim at Lazarus
Sandals or sporty slippers – easy for walking across sand and trails
Sun protection – wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, SPF
6. Best Photo Spots
The connecting boardwalk between St. John’s and Lazarus – dramatic during sunset
The untouched beach at Lazarus Island – calm waves, soft sand
Kusu Island’s vibrant temple – bright against the deep blue sky
Shady trails through the island forest – earthy, quiet, and film-like
6.1. Places to Visit & Experience
St. John’s Island – picnic spots, colonial-style buildings, and a peaceful jetty
Lazarus Island – one of the cleanest and quietest beaches in Singapore
Kusu Island – spiritual sites including a Chinese temple and Malay shrine
The boardwalk between the islands – perfect for strolling and taking photos
Loop walking paths – easy trails for wandering slowly and listening to the waves
7. Suggested Itinerary
Morning
Arrive at Marina South Pier, catch a 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM ferry
Explore St. John’s Island, then walk to Lazarus for beach time
Afternoon
Enjoy a picnic under palm trees
Swim or nap by the shore
Ferry to Kusu Island and visit the temples
Evening
Return to the mainland around 4:00 PM
Have an early dinner at Chinatown Complex Food Centre
8. FAQ & Estimated Costs
Is swimming allowed?
→ Yes. Lazarus Island is popular for quiet, safe swimming
Do I need to book in advance?
→ Not required, but recommended for weekends and public holidays
Estimated costs:
Ferry ticket: SGD 15–25 round trip
Snacks and drinks: SGD 5–10
Total day trip: Around SGD 25–40 per person
There’s something freeing about leaving the city behind — even just for a few hours. On the Southern Islands, you don’t need a plan, a Wi-Fi connection, or a checklist. Just a towel, the sea breeze, and your own quiet thoughts.
This is Singapore at its slowest, softest, and most honest.
Thanks for following along. If you enjoy slow escapes and hidden places, keep exploring with us in the next chapter of the Singapore Travel Guide.