Boat trips to Singapore's offshore islands
You wont feel crowded on Sisters Islands' beaches
Singapore maybe a famous port-state trading centre, but there are still patches of natural beauty around where visitor can stretch out on the sand without jumping on a plane. There’s no need to bring your passport and sweat nervously as nefarious customs officials examine your undies, as there are plenty of pristine tropical islands just 40 minutes away from the city.
More than 30 island lie off the southern extreme of Singapore of varying shapes and sizes. A few – such as St John's, Seringat and Lazarus – are being developed into tourist resorts or national parks. But many others – such as Sisters' Island and Pulau Hantu – are being left just as they are.
There are direct ferry services to Kusu and St John's, but for truly desert island privacy we recommend you choose Pulau Hantu and Sisters' Island – the latter named after two tragic siblings who drowned at sea in the vicinity. Both are less than an hour away by bumboat and inhabited by no one except a friendly troop of primates.
Jetties and basic amenities – such as toilets, lots of park benches, barbecue pits, dustbins and shelters – have slowly been set up on both to encourage more visitors to drop by. But tourists still have to bring their own food and drinks as there are no restaurants, shops or hotels on either.
The Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) maintains the islands and makes ensures that the natural peace of the area remains unthreatened by the crowds. To get to the islands, visit Singapore’s Clifford Pier and rent a 12-seater bumboat for the day from the old men which hang around the customs checkpoint. Always agree a price beforehand and bargain hard for a decent price – around S$150 is fair.
The tour takes you past Sentosa and the lesser known Pulau Brani, Kusu and St John's islands. On approach both islands – Pulau Subar Laut and smaller Pulau Subar Darat – look remarkably similar, and each has its own jetty. More on day trips.
Follow the signs and remember not to feed the local monkeys; they are mercifully uninterested in humans at the moment but this will surely change if stolen snacks become a regular part of their diet. They currently survive on berries and fruit which grow on the bigger island’s forested areas.
Pulau Jong is popular with scuba divers
These tiny inlets can be walked around in only half-an-hour, and there is paved walkway to make exploring easy. There are also 19 roofed timber huts scattered around the terrain to provide some respite from the scorching equatorial sun. Bringing a picnic is a great idea and the park authorities have handily supplied tables and benches at Pasir Ris and the East Coast beaches.
Apart from the light-brown beaches, there are also four lagoons to swim in and are pleasant places to lounge around which boast surprisingly clear water. There are taps and barbecue pits nearby the lagoons so everything is ready for an enjoyable and hassle-free meal.
Many different species of fish inhabit water in the area, with crab and shrimp often spotted nearby as well. And the feeling of tranquillity is only broken when an oil tanker rumbles past. There are bathrooms on both island – remarkably clean and even equipped with toilet paper! – so visitors do not have to take on the castaway scenario to its extreme. More on attractions.
Pulau Hantu has been decked out in the same manner as Sisters' Island, but boasts a large mangrove swamp instead of forest. Kids will love digging hermit crabs and shrimp out of the sand, and there are always starfish close to the shore. Dolphins have also been spotted frolicking off the coast, while herons and crane regularly feed in the mudflats.
Scuba diving and snorkelling is also possible here, but you will have to bring your own equipment. Nearby Pulau Jong is a popular spot for underwater enthusiasts and hosts a diverse array of marine life and coral species. There is also a decent stretch of sand for those who want nothing more but to laze in the sun.
Camping is allowed on the island with permission from the SDC, but you will probably have to pay twice as much to have a boat make two trips to drop off and pick you up again. The sand may not be the brightest, but for a true taste of natural adventure exploring Singapore’s offshore islands make a brilliant excursion from the city.
blog comments powered by Disqus