Fancy travelling out of mainland Singapore but your passport is expired and you’re too lazy to get it renewed? Or perhaps, you still feel cautious about traveling with news of emerging COVID-19 sub variants?
Fret not! There are still many ways to go “over-seas” within Singapore to escape the busyness of the city life.
Let’s go!
1. Sentosa
Let’s start off with Sentosa, the most touristy and popular of them all. The largest island off Singapore’s southern coast is probably best known today for the popular Universal Studios Singapore, where you can go on thrilling roller coaster rides, take photos with movie characters, and dance along to Sesame Street performances.
But there’s more to the island of Sentosa. You can visit iFly Singapore to get a breath-taking skydiving experience and explore Adventure Cove Waterpark for all the slides and splashes. For those who want to get up-close to marine animals, be sure to check out Dolphin Island and the S.E.A. Aquarium.
For the complete experience, why not book a staycation on Sentosa island to make you feel like you’re truly on a vacation? Sentosa has 17 hotels for you to choose from.
How to get to Sentosa:
- Sentosa Express: from VivoCity Level 3; free admission till 30 Sep 2022.
- Cable Car: from Singapore Cable Car station at HarbourFront Tower II; up to $35 per adult.
- Bus: from bus stop number 14141 or 14121, take bus number RWS8; $1 per trip.
- Walk: via Sentosa Boardwalk; free admission.
- Drive: via Sentosa Gateway; free admission at Sentosa Gantry.
2. Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin, found off the northeast coast of Singapore, transports you back in time to the kampung days of old. You can see wooden village huts from the 1960s, where people used to make a living from traditional farming and fishing on a Kampong Tour.
One of the more popular things to do is also to rent a bicycle at the rental shops and cycle through the winding forest trails, such as the Pulau Ubin Tree Trail. If you have more time to spare you can also take a one-hour walk through the Sensory Trail Garden to get a feel of the island’s rustic and natural character. The Chek Jawa Wetlands Tour is also great for looking at marine life during low tides.
How to get to Pulau Ubin:
- Bumboat ride from Changi Ferry Terminal; $4 per person for a one-way trip.
3. Saint John’s Island
St. John’s Island was used in the past as a quarantine centre for infectious diseases, as well as housing a drug rehabilitation centre. But today it’s no longer such a scary place. You can explore the island and even see the many cats that live on it!
Peek at the flora and fauna of St. John’s Island via the guided walking tour, and for those who’d like to find out more about Singapore’s marine life and water conservation, you can visit the National Marine Laboratory’s Public Gallery. If you fancy staying overnight on the island on an actual bed, you can also book a bungalow at St. John’s Island Lodge.
How to get there:
- Ferry ride from Marina South Pier; $15 per adult for a round trip.
4. Lazarus Island
You don’t need to go as far to Maldives for white sandy beaches and clear blue water. Lazarus Islands, which is largely undeveloped, is a great place to enjoy some me-time connecting with nature as you laze on the calming, idyllic white sand. The island does become more crowded during public holidays, as private yachts and boats bring people to the beach.
Tip: Pack all you need — your food, extra clothes and sunscreen – because be prepared, this peaceful beach haven does not include convenience stores.
How to get there:
- Ferry ride from Marina South Pier; $15 per adult for a round trip. After you alight, find the link bridge from St. John’s jetty. Take a 20-minute walk on this bridge and you’re there!
5. Kusu Island
Kusu Island was once said to be a giant tortoise. According to legend, the tortoise turned itself into an island in order to save a Malay and a Chinese sailor. Sailors showed their gratitude by returning to the island to give thanks.
Kusu Island is considered spiritually significant for many Taoists and Muslims. You can toss coins at the bells around the wishing well at the Taoist Da Bo Gong Temple and even take the 152-step climb to the top of Kusu Island, where 3 Muslim kramats (shrines of Muslim saints) sit.
Lastly, don’t forget to check out the Tortoise Sanctuary, housing hundreds of tortoises.
How to get to Kusu Island:
- Ferry ride from Marina South Pier; $15 per adult for a round trip.
6. Pulau Hantu
Pulau Hantu (literally “Ghost Island”) got its name from history as this was where ancient Malay warriors would duel to the death. Apparently, their ghosts would still wander the island.
Despite this eerie past, today Pulau Hantu is a great destination for divers and marine lovers! It is made up of 2 islets, Hantu Besar and Hantu Kecil and during low tides, you can actually wade across the shallow lagoon across the two islets. Diving enthusiasts are drawn to the sheltered beaches, swimming lagoons and coral reefs; while those who want to observe marine life up-close can explore the mangroves and intertidal pools.
How to get to Pulau Hantu:
- Charter a boat from West Coast Pier; rates are negotiable with the operator.
- Alternatively, contact Hantu Bloggers if you wish to travel with them together for a diving experience.
7. Coney Island
Coney Island boasts a broad range of natural habitats, and diverse flora and fauna. This island is actually easily accessible on foot or by bicycle, you don’t need to take a ferry! You can rent a bicycle from Punggol Point Park or bring your own. When exploring the trails along the Nature Walks, you might even spot some threatened species, like the long-tailed macaques. The park is also home to some 80 species of birds.
Explore the forests and mangroves and don’t forget the beach which gives a great view of the Serangoon Reservoir. Kids will also love Casuarina Exploration, a fun adventure area for all ages, made from felled Casuarina trees and other recycled materials.
How to get to Coney Island:
- From Punggol MRT, walk to Punggol Bus Interchange, and take bus 84 to Punggol Point Park/Punggol Settlement.
- From Punggol Point Park, walk about 500 metres east along the Punggol Promenade Nature Walk to get to Coney Island West Entrance.
No need to get overseas data! Use your M1 SIM-Only plan.
The good thing about going to these offshore islands in Singapore is that you don’t need to worry about buying an additional SIM card.
Now, you can stay connected with any M1 SIM-only plan, ranging from 100GB for just $19.95 per month to 80GB to just $17.95 per month.
Even better news: in conjunction with National Day, you can get $15 off the first month when you sign up for any M1 SIM-only plan PLUS a $5 GrabFood voucher!
Promo expires August 31st so act fast! Claim this exclusive mPowered deal today!
