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St John’s Island

St John’s Island Ferries

Last updated:
27 Feb 25

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An iconic view of St John’s Island

An iconic view of St John’s Island

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Reaching St John's Island by Sea

St John's Island is accessible via regular ferry services departing from Marina South Pier in Singapore's downtown area. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes across the Singapore Strait, offering spectacular views of the city skyline as you sail away. Marina South Pier is well-connected to the rest of Singapore via the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) network and numerous bus services. If driving, paid parking facilities are available at the pier, though spaces fill quickly on weekends and holidays. It's advisable to purchase ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

St John's Island: Singapore's Tranquil Marine Escape

Just a short ferry ride from Singapore's bustling mainland lies St John's Island, a peaceful retreat with pristine beaches and lush greenery. Once a quarantine station and penal settlement, this serene island has transformed into a beloved day-trip destination for both locals and tourists seeking respite from city life. The island's clear waters, rich marine biodiversity, and walking trails offer visitors a refreshing glimpse into Singapore's natural heritage.

When to Experience St John's Island at Its Finest

St John's Island welcomes visitors year-round with Singapore's tropical climate offering warm temperatures between 25-32°C (77-90°F) throughout the year. The most pleasant months are typically February to April when rainfall is lower and humidity more bearable. June to September offers slightly drier weather, making it ideal for swimming and beach activities. Weekday visits provide a more tranquil experience as the island becomes considerably busier on weekends. Ferry services run more frequently during Singapore's school holidays (June, November-December), making these periods convenient but busier for island hoppers.

Island Adventures Beyond St John's

St John's Island serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Singapore's Southern Islands. Lazarus Island, connected to St John's by a causeway, boasts some of Singapore's most beautiful beaches and is just a 10-minute walk away. Kusu Island, a 15-minute ferry ride from St John's, features a Chinese temple, Malay shrines, and a turtle sanctuary that draws pilgrims during the annual Kusu pilgrimage season. Sisters' Islands Marine Park, accessible via a short ferry transfer, offers Singapore's first marine park with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. These interconnected islands create a perfect day of island-hopping adventure in Singapore's southern waters.

Island Escapades and Natural Wonders

St John's Island offers a variety of activities centered around nature and relaxation. The Marine Park Public Gallery showcases the island's rich biodiversity and conservation efforts, providing educational insights into local marine ecosystems. Nature lovers can follow the island's scenic walking trails, which wind through lush tropical forests and offer chances to spot monitor lizards, peacocks, and migratory birds. The island's lagoons and beaches provide perfect spots for swimming, picnicking, or simply unwinding with a book. For the adventurous, overnight camping (with permits) allows visitors to experience the island's serene atmosphere after day-trippers depart. Don't miss trying fresh seafood at the small local eateries that showcase Singapore's diverse culinary influences.

Intriguing Secrets of St John's Island

St John's Island harbors a fascinating past as a quarantine center for cholera and leprosy patients in the 1930s, with some historic structures still visible today. The island was later transformed into a penal settlement and drug rehabilitation center before becoming the recreational destination it is now. Marine biologists regularly conduct research at the island's Marine Aquaculture Centre, which houses Singapore's only offshore fish hatchery. Local fishermen tell tales of rare pink dolphins occasionally spotted in the waters surrounding the island, adding to its mystical allure.

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