Most Singaporeans have looked out from Sentosa or Marina South and seen the green humps of the Southern Islands without ever going. St John’s Island is one of the easiest to reach and one of the most rewarding, with shady lawns, calm water, old colonial era buildings and very few crowds on an ordinary weekend. This St John’s Island guide covers how to get there, what to do once you land, and how to plan a relaxed day without surprises.
Ferry schedules, fares and facilities can change, so always check the latest details with the ferry operators and the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) or the relevant agency before you go.
A Quick Look at the Island
St John’s Island sits south of the main island, a short ferry ride from the city. It is larger than nearby Kusu Island and is linked by a causeway to Lazarus Island, which means you can walk between the two.
The island has a long and layered past. It served as a quarantine station for immigrants and returning pilgrims, and was later used for other institutional purposes before being opened up for recreation. You can read more about that chapter in our article on St John’s Island and its quarantine history. Walking around today, you will still see low buildings and old paths that hint at its former life.
Today the island is home to a marine research facility and some holiday accommodation, but most visitors come simply for a slow day of walking, picnicking and sea views.
Getting There by Ferry
Public ferries to the Southern Islands depart from Marina South Pier, which is near the Marina South Pier MRT station on the North South Line. Ferries usually stop at both St John’s Island and Kusu Island on the same route.
Practical points to keep in mind:
- Check timings in advance. Weekday and weekend schedules usually differ, and there are fewer sailings than you might expect.
- Note the last ferry back. Missing it is the single biggest mistake visitors make. Set a phone alarm well before departure time.
- Buy tickets as advised by the operator. Some operators sell online, others at the pier. A return ticket is usually needed.
- Expect a short, open sea crossing. The ride is brief, but people prone to seasickness may want to sit near the middle of the boat.
- Check weather warnings. Services may be affected by heavy rain or rough seas.
Private boat charters are another option for groups, especially if you want to visit several islands in one trip.
What to Do on St John’s Island
Walk the island loop. Paved and grassy paths lead around much of the island, past old trees, shelters and lawns. It is a gentle walk suited to most fitness levels, though there is little shade in some stretches.
Cross to Lazarus Island. Follow the causeway from St John’s to Lazarus Island, where a sheltered beach with soft sand and calm water is the main draw. Our Lazarus Island guide covers that beach in more detail.
Picnic on the lawns. Wide open grass areas and shelters make the island a pleasant place for a picnic. Bring a mat and arrive early to get a shady spot.
Look for marine life at low tide. At low tide, rocky shores and lagoon edges reveal small marine creatures. Look but do not touch, collect or step on living things. Corals and many sea creatures are fragile.
Learn about marine conservation. The island is part of the wider marine conservation work in the Southern Islands. Check NParks for any guided walks or outreach programmes that may be running.
Do nothing at all. For many visitors, the real appeal is the quiet. Bring a book and enjoy a few hours without traffic noise.
Planning Your Day: Island Options Compared
If you are choosing between nearby islands, this table helps set expectations.
| Island | Best for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| St John’s Island | Walks, picnics, history and quiet lawns | Larger island, shelters and paths, very limited food options |
| Lazarus Island | Beach time and swimming in calm water | Reached on foot from St John’s, very few facilities |
| Kusu Island | A short visit to the temple and shrine | Small island, busier during the annual pilgrimage season |
| Pulau Ubin | Cycling and rustic kampong scenery | Bumboat from Changi Point, more food and bike rental options |
If you would rather focus on the temple and pilgrimage traditions, see our Kusu Island guide. For a different kind of rustic day out, there is also our guide to Pulau Ubin.
What to Bring
Facilities on St John’s Island are basic, so pack as if you are heading somewhere remote:
- Plenty of water. Plan for more than you think you need, especially in the afternoon heat.
- Food and snacks. Do not count on buying a meal on the island. Pack a picnic.
- Sun protection. Hat, sunglasses and reef friendly sunscreen if you plan to swim.
- Insect repellent. Grassy and wooded areas can have mosquitoes, particularly near dusk.
- A rubbish bag. Take your litter back with you to the mainland.
- Swimwear and a towel. If you plan to swim at Lazarus, bring a change of clothes.
- Covered shoes or sandals with grip. Paths can be uneven, and rocky shores are slippery.
- A power bank. Useful for checking ferry times and taking photos.
Safety and Island Etiquette
The Southern Islands are peaceful, but a little care goes a long way:
- Swim only where it is safe. There may be no lifeguards. Stay within your ability, watch children closely, and heed any warning signs about currents or jellyfish.
- Watch the heat. Rest in shade, drink regularly and avoid long walks at midday.
- Respect wildlife. Monkeys, birds and marine animals should not be fed or handled.
- Stay on paths. Some areas may be restricted, particularly around research or private facilities.
- Keep noise down. Other visitors come for the calm. Use earphones for music.
- Follow current rules on camping and fires. Overnight stays and barbecues may need permits or bookings. Check the latest rules with SLA and the relevant agencies before you plan anything beyond a day trip.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings are the quietest time, with cooler temperatures and fewer people on the ferry. Weekend mornings are also pleasant if you take an early sailing. Afternoons can be very hot, and late afternoon light is lovely for photos, but keep the last ferry in mind.
During the Kusu Island pilgrimage season, which usually falls around the ninth lunar month, ferries on this route can be much busier. If you want St John’s at its calmest, avoid that period. With a bit of planning, the island makes an easy and refreshing weekend escape without leaving Singapore.
Further reading: Mersing and Rawa Island From Singapore · Sisters’ Islands Guide for a Marine Park Visit