If you are looking for a relaxing and nature-oriented getaway from the bustling city of Singapore, look no further than St John Island Singapore. This tranquil island, located just 6.5 km south of the mainland, offers a variety of attractions and activities that cater to different interests and preferences.
Whether you want to learn about marine science and conservation, explore the rich and diverse marine life, experience the traditional island life, or simply have fun and relax on the beach, St John Island Singapore has something for everyone. In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide on how to get to St John Island Singapore, what to do there, where to eat and drink, and what to bring and prepare for your island trip.
How to Get to St John Island Singapore
The easiest and most affordable way to get to St John Island Singapore is by taking a ferry from Marina South Pier, which is accessible by MRT, bus, or taxi. The ferry service, operated by Singapore Island Cruise, runs daily and takes about 30 minutes to reach the island. The ferry ticket costs $18 for adults and $12 for children, and includes a round trip and a stopover at Kusu Island, another nearby island worth visiting. You can book your ferry ticket online or buy it at the ticketing counter at Marina South Pier.
The ferry schedule varies depending on the day and the season, so make sure to check it before you plan your trip. You can also opt for a private boat or a yacht charter if you want more flexibility and privacy, but be prepared to pay more for these options.
What to Do on St John Island Singapore
St John Island Singapore is a haven for nature lovers, as it boasts a variety of attractions and activities that showcase the island's natural beauty and biodiversity. Here are some of the things you can do on the island:
St John's Island National Marine Laboratory
If you are interested in learning more about marine science and conservation, you should not miss the St John's Island National Marine Laboratory, which is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. This state-of-the-art facility, run by the Tropical Marine Science Institute of the National University of Singapore, conducts research and education on marine ecosystems and organisms, such as corals, fish, algae, and seagrasses.
You can visit the laboratory and see the research facilities and exhibits, such as the coral nursery, the fish hatchery, and the marine biodiversity gallery. You can also join the guided tours and workshops that are offered on selected weekends and public holidays, and learn more about the marine life and the conservation efforts on the island.
The laboratory is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm on weekdays, and from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on weekends and public holidays. Admission is free, but you need to register online in advance for the tours and workshops.
Intertidal Zones
One of the most unique and fascinating features of St John Island Singapore is its intertidal zones, which are areas of the shore that are exposed during low tide and submerged during high tide. These zones are home to a rich and diverse marine life, such as corals, fish, crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers, and sea anemones.
You can explore these zones during low tide and spot the different creatures that live there, but you need to be careful and respectful of the environment. Follow the safety and environmental guidelines, such as wearing appropriate footwear, avoiding stepping on or touching the animals, and not collecting or disturbing anything.
You can also join the guided walks that are organized by the National Parks Board or the Nature Society Singapore, and learn more about the intertidal zones and their importance.
Bendera Bay
If you want to experience the traditional island life, you should head to Bendera Bay, which is the main village and the oldest settlement on the island. Here, you can meet the friendly local cats, which are the descendants of the cats that were brought by the British colonialists and the Malay fishermen who lived on the island. You can also enjoy the views of the sea and the city skyline, and see the contrast between the urban and the rural lifestyles. Bendera Bay is also where you can find the holiday chalets and the camping sites, if you want to stay overnight on the island.
Holiday Chalets and Camping
St John Island Singapore offers two options for overnight stay: the holiday chalets and the camping sites. The holiday chalets are spacious and comfortable, and can accommodate up to 10 people. They are equipped with air-conditioning, beds, toilets, showers, refrigerators, and barbecue pits. The camping sites are located by the beach, and can accommodate up to 4 people. They are equipped with tents, sleeping bags, mats, and barbecue pits. Both options require advance booking and payment, and are subject to availability and regulations. You can book the holiday chalets or the camping sites online or by phone, and enjoy the night sky and the bonfire on the island.
Fishing, Swimming, Snorkeling, and Picnicking
If you are looking for some fun and relaxation on the beach, you can try fishing, swimming, snorkeling, or picnicking on St John Island Singapore. The island has several fishing spots, where you can catch a fish and cook it on a barbecue pit. You can also swim, snorkel, or dive in the clear water, and see the coral reefs and fish.
You can also have a picnic with your family and friends, and enjoy the food and drinks that you brought or bought on the island. There are several picnic areas and barbecue pits on the island, but you need to book them in advance and pay a fee. You can also rent equipment such as fishing rods, snorkeling gear, and bicycles on the island, but you need to bring your own swimwear and towel.
Cycling and Walking
Another way to explore the island and its surroundings is by cycling or walking. You can rent a cycle or a scooter, or walk around the island, and discover the hidden gems and scenic spots. You can see the flora and fauna of the island, such as the mangroves, the coconut trees, and the birds.
You can also follow the trails and maps that are available on the island, and visit the nearby islands, such as Lazarus Island and Kusu Island, which are connected by bridges. Lazarus Island is known for its white sandy beach and turquoise water, while Kusu Island is known for its Chinese temple and Malay shrine.
Yacht Charter
If you want to experience the ultimate luxury and privacy, you can book a private yacht and cruise around the island and the nearby islands. You can relax on the deck, enjoy the ocean views, and indulge in the amenities and services that the yacht offers. You can also customize your itinerary and activities, such as fishing, swimming, snorkeling, or diving. You can book a yacht charter online or by phone, and choose from the different options and packages that are available.
Where to Eat and Drink on St John Island Singapore
St John Island Singapore is not known for its dining options, as it is mainly a nature reserve and a research facility. However, there are some places where you can eat and drink on the island, such as the vending machines, the canteen, or the barbecue pits. The vending machines are located near the ferry terminal and the marine laboratory, and offer snacks and drinks, such as chips, chocolates, sodas, and water.
The canteen is located near the holiday chalets, and offers local and western food, such as noodles, rice, burgers, and fries. The barbecue pits are located near the holiday chalets and the camping sites, and offer the opportunity to cook your own food, such as fish, meat, or vegetables.
The availability, variety, and quality of the food and drinks on the island may vary depending on the day and the season, so it is advisable to bring your own food and drinks, or buy them at Marina South Pier before you board the ferry. The prices and payment methods of the food and drinks on the island may also vary, so it is advisable to bring enough cash or credit card, or pay online in advance.
What to Bring and Prepare for St John Island Singapore
St John Island Singapore is a nature reserve and a research facility, and not a typical tourist destination. Therefore, you need to bring and prepare some essential items and documents for your island trip, such as:
- Identification card or passport
- Ferry ticket or booking confirmation
- Cash or credit card
- Water and snacks
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Hat and sunglasses
- Swimwear and towel
- Camera and phone
- First aid kit and medication
You also need to pack and plan your island trip carefully, and follow some suggestions and reminders, such as:
- Check the weather forecast and tide timings
- Dress comfortably and appropriately
- Arrive early and follow the instructions
- Be respectful and responsible
- Have fun and enjoy the island
St John Island Singapore is a nature lover's paradise, as it offers a relaxing and nature-oriented getaway from the bustling city of Singapore. You can get to the island by taking a ferry, a private boat, or a yacht, and enjoy the scenic ride and the ocean views. You can do a variety of attractions and activities on the island, such as learning about marine science and conservation, exploring the rich and diverse marine life, experiencing the traditional island life, or simply having fun and relax on the beach.
You can also eat and drink on the island, but you need to bring your own food and drinks, or buy them at Marina South Pier. You can also stay overnight on the island, but you need to book and pay in advance.
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful and informative. If you are interested in visiting St John Island Singapore, or any other island in Singapore, you can book your tickets, tours, or packages through our website, and get up to 20% off.
You can also check out our other articles and guides on the best things to do in Singapore, and plan your trip accordingly. Thank you for reading, and feel free to share your feedback or questions with us. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you with your travel needs.