Singapore Southern Island Cruise And Tour Deal

St. John Island - The First Stop

St. John Island

The first stop of the Singapore Southern Island Day Cruise is St. John Island, which takes approximately 30 minutes to reach. A small island located 6.5 km from the mainland in the Straits of Singapore, it is a popular destination for locals and tourists. Its natural beauty, serene environment, and rich history attract tourists.

After disembarking, you will have the opportunity to explore the island at your own pace. There are several hiking trails to explore or to take a dip at the pristine beach.

You can also visit the St. John's Island National Marine Laboratory and Marine Aquaculture Centre, home to various marine life.

However, there are restricted areas though visitors are free to visit the Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre to learn more about the islands.

A Brief History of St. John Island

A Malay Fishermen Outpost: St. John Island was once inhabited by Malay fishermen in the 17th century when the seas around it were teeming with fish. They were likely drawn to the island's strategic location at the Straits of Malacca, a major shipping route, as they could trade goods with passing ships.

Quarantine Centre: In the 19th century, a quarantine station was established on the island in November 1874. It was used to screen and quarantine people arriving in Singapore suspected of carrying contagious diseases, such as cholera, bubonic plague, and smallpox.

This was after a boat from Bangkok, which arrived in July 1873, caused a cholera epidemic that lasted two months and resulted in 857 infections and 448 deaths. The quarantine centre was in operation for over a century, from 1874 to 1976, and was once the largest in the world. At its peak, it could accommodate up to 6,000 people at a time.

Japanese Occupation In WWII: During the Japanese Occupation in World War II, they used St. John Island as a base for their operations in the Straits of Singapore due to its strategic location. Several fortifications were built on the island, including bunkers, gun emplacements, and a radar station.

Several POWs from Allied forces were also interned on the island, which consisted of British, Australian, and Dutch soldiers.

Opium Rehabilitation Centre: St. John Island was used as a drug rehabilitation centre after WWII due to rampant opium abuse in Singapore. The Opium Treatment Centre started operations in February 1955 with R. W. Heal as its first superintendent, W. E. Hutchinson as its medical officer and Wong Yip Keong as its rehabilitation officer.

The Opium Treatment Centre admitted 18 patients in its first week of operation. But by the end 1960, the centre treated close to 580 patients. The authorities also contacted opium smokers and encouraged them to seek voluntary treatment.

It was reported in 1966 that 4,000 opium addicts had been rehabilitated since its opening in 1955. Although the centre ceased operation in 1975, it is still remembered as a place where people were helped to overcome their drug addiction.

Things To Do At St. John Island

Today, St. John Island is a popular destination for people who wish to take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern city life. Its peaceful and tranquil environment, beautiful beaches with calm waters, and hiking trails make it a natural lure for those looking for a leisure day out to recharge their mind and soul.

Meanwhile, here are some of the things you can do on St. John Island:

National Marine Laboratory

Marine Aquaculture Centre (MAC) and National Marine Laboratory (NML) are essential in Singapore's aquaculture and marine science sectors. MAC's research helps to improve the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture. In contrast, NML's research provides new insights into the marine environment and how to interact with it sustainably. Visitors can learn about the island's marine environment at the laboratory's exhibition centre.

Hiking: Several hiking trails await enthusiasts, offering them varying difficulty levels. These trails provide stunning views of the coastal landscapes but also serve as gateways to the island's botanical wonders and thriving wildlife.

Swimming: With its pristine beaches, the island is a perfect destination for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. As the waters are clear and calm, it offers a safe place for a dip and refresh oneself.

Birdwatching: St. John Island is home to a rich variety of bird life. These include herons, egrets, and kingfishers. And from September to March, visitors may spot migratory birds such as the Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher and Grey Nightjar.

Lazarus Island - The Second Stop

Lazarus Island

Next, the Singapore Southern Island Day Cruise takes you to the neighbouring Lazarus Island. It can only be accessed through an artificial causeway from St. John Island, which takes a 15-minute walk.

Its beautiful white sandy beach and verdant greenery provide the ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. Lazarus Island is also home to a thriving population of cats abandoned or migrated from St John's Island.

A group of volunteers cared for them, ensuring their well-being.

A Brief History of Lazarus Island

Lazarus Island was initially named Pulau Sakijang Pelepah, which means "island of the barking deer and palms" in Malay.

The name was changed to "Lazarus Island" as the then-British colonial governors had difficulty pronouncing its Malay name.

In the 19th century, the British built a prison colony on the island to house dangerous convicts away from the mainland. But it was eventually abandoned in the early 20th century after a fire destroyed the prison sheds, which led to a prisoner escaping.

Subsequently, the island was used as a burial ground for individuals who died from infectious diseases on the nearby St. John's Island. But don't worry! The island has been revitalised and is perfectly safe to visit.

Things To Do At Lazarus Island

Lazarus Island offers visitors many activities, and some of the most popular are swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and hiking. They can also explore the ruins of the old prison, now a popular spot for ghost hunters!

Besides the above, visitors can also:

Cycling on Lazarus and St John Island

Ride a bicycle: Explore the island and admire the scenery by renting a bike. A pop-up bicycle rental is available on the island for $30 to explore both Lazarus and St John Islands.

Fly a kite: With the gentle breeze and open spaces, flying a kite can never be easier. Moreover, with the wide open spaces with hardly any crowds, there is no need to worry about running into other people or tangling with their kites.

Go fishing: Lazarus Island has one of the best fishing spots in Singapore! Beginners can embark on a fishing course with experienced instructors who are also passionate anglers. Why not try to catch some exotic fish and post them on your social media channels?

Kusu Island - The Third Stop

Kusu Island

The third and final stop for your Singapore Southern Island Day Cruise is Kusu Island, steeped in legend and spirituality. Legend has it that the island was formed by a giant tortoise who saved two shipwrecked sailors.

Today, Kusu Island is a popular pilgrimage site for people of all faiths who come to pray for good fortune, health, and fertility. The island is also home to a beautiful Chinese temple, a Malay shrine, and a lush rainforest.

If you happen to visit it during the lunar ninth month between September and November, you will encounter scores of pilgrims and devotees who visit and worship at the Da Bo Gong (Tua Pek Kong) Temple.

A Brief History of Kusu Island

Kusu Island, which means "tortoise" in Hokkien (a Chinese dialect), has a long and fascinating history. It was initially called "Pulau Tembakul" by the Malays, which means "mudskipper island". But it was renamed "Kusu Island" in the 19th century based on the legend that a giant tortoise saved two shipwrecked sailors by transforming itself into an island.

From the 19th century onwards, Kusu Island has become a popular pilgrimage place for Chinese and Malays who visit it to pray for good fortune and health.

Today, besides being a popular destination for pilgrims, many locals and tourists are drawn to the island to experience its unique blend of culture, legend and history.

Things To Do At Kusu Island

Besides visiting the temples, the following are other popular activities you can do at Kusu Island:

Wishing Well

Pray at the Wishing Well: Located near the Chinese Temple, it is said that if you throw a coin into the well and make a wish, it will come true.

Feed the tortoises: The Tortoise Sanctuary houses many tortoises, rumoured to be descendants of the giant tortoise who saved the shipwrecked sailors. Besides feeding the tortoises, visitors can also learn about their history.

Swim and snorkel in the lagoons: There are two lagoons on Kusu Island - one near the Tortoise Sanctuary and the other near the Malay Shrine. Its pristine and calm waters are ideal destinations for swimming and snorkelling.

Go on a nature walk: Kusu Island, home to lush rainforests and various plants and animals, offers nature enthusiasts a great place to explore its natural landscape.

Whether you are seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply a day of peace and relaxation, Kusu Island is a place that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.

End of Singapore Southern Island Day Cruise

Sunset after Cruise and Tour

After a day of island exploration, embark on a relaxing cruise back to the mainland. Don't forget to snap more Instagrammable pictures as the sun sets. Once back, you may wish to have a sumptuous meal at the nearby Marina Bay or City Hall shopping belts.

You may also wish to catch up with some shopping before returning to your hotel for a recharge and embark on another adventure the following day!