See & Do
Outer Islands
Since its extensive land reclamation began, Singapore has lost more than 20 of its outer islands, although over 50 remain. Of these, Pulau Ubin (Pulau is Malay for island) is the only one that is really still inhabited, with a few hundred villagers living there. Singapore’s other outer islands, such as Saint John's Island and Kusu Island are genuinely remote, with little infrastructure to speak of. Many of these are popular with snorkellers and picnickers, and ferries link you to all the islands.
Residential
The outer islands of Singapore are comparatively untouched by the modern lifestyles of Singapore mainland and therefore have very little in the way of residential property. Pulau Ubin, which can be reached by ferry from the Changi Village jetty, has a small community of villagers living in wooden houses but public pressure is keeping the island from being developed further in the near future. The only accommodation option for visitors is the upmarket Marina Country Club Ubin Resort.
Retail
This is where you come to get away from it all, remember?
Kusu Island
South of Singapore, is Kusu Island. The name means Tortoise Island and legend has it that a giant turtle saved a Malay and Chinese sailor here by turning itself into a rock. The island is also a turtle sanctuary. From two tiny outcrops on a reef, the island has been enlarged and transformed into an island holiday resort of 85,000 square metres (but does not offer accommodation). The island has a popular Chinese temple, Da Bo Gong, and its hilltop hosts three Malay kramats, or shrines of saints dating from the 19th century. Many devotees climb the 152 steps leading to the kramats to pray and Taoists make an annual pilgrimage to the Tua Pekong Temple here during the ninth lunar month. A daily ferry service leaves the Sentosa Ferry Terminal for Kusu Island and the trip takes about 30 minutes. See www.nparks.gov.sg for more details or call 1800 471 7300.
Pulau Ubin
The island of Pulau Ubin to date has been preserved from urban development and concrete buildings. For visitors, its wooden villages and jetties and relaxed villagers and pristine nature recall the original kampong lives of the first Singaporeans. You can still find a traditional village atmosphere here, along with granite quarries, coconut and rubber plantations, mangrove swamps, fish and prawn farms, and traditional fishing done with ‘kelongs’ or nets. Ubin is popular for walking, camping and cycling, with bikes available for hire at the village.
Tanjung Chek Jawa, a virtually unspoilt reef around 5,000 years old, is a big attraction. A 10 minute bumboat ride takes visitors from Changi Village jetty to Pulau Ubin at an affordable cost. Marina Country Club Ubin Resort is the main accommodation option for visitors (www.marinacountryclub.com.sg/ubinresort.html) and provides a variety of activities, whether you want to relax and unwind or be active and adventurous. See www.npark.gov.sg or call 18004717300 for more details.
Saint John’s Island
Lying 6.5km to the south of the main island of Singapore, off the Straits of Singapore, Saint John’s Island was the site of Raffles’ anchorage before meeting the Malay chief of Singapore in 1819. Reputedly haunted, it used to be a quarantine station for leprosy and cholera patients, political dissidents and heroin addicts. The remains of their housing litter the central island and there’s still a detention centre for illegal immigrants here, as well as the Marine Aquaculture Centre.
In 1975 though, the 39 hectare island was transformed into a tranquil getaway with lagoons, beaches, picnic grounds, trekking routes and soccer fields. With a host of flora and fauna, it’s popular for weekend visits.
While the island houses the Tropical Marine Science Institute, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore’s Marine Aquaculture Centre, as well as a detention centre for illegal immigrants, visitors will probably prefer to stay in the Holiday Bungalow. This accommodates up to 10 people and has a kitchen, while the dormitories at the Holiday Camps take up to 60 people. You will need to arrange accommodation through the Sentosa Development Corporation (6275 0388, www.sentosa.com.sg). A daily ferry service leaves the Sentosa Ferry Terminal for the 45 minute trip to St. John’s Island.
Sisters Islands
The Sisters Islands lie to the south, off the Straits of Singapore. Big Sister’s Island, also known as Pulau Subar Laut, is about 39,000 square metres in area, while Little Sister’s Island, or Pulau Subar Darat, is roughly 17,000 square metres. The two are separated by a narrow channel that can be very dangerous to swimmers and divers. The Sisters Islands’ beaches and warm blue waters make snorkelling, picnicking and camping a favourite activity here, and the islands have some of Singapore’s richest reefs with sealife including giant clams, seahorses and octopus. Big Sister’s Island is also home to long-tailed macaques. The Southern Islands are soon to be developed and will ultimately feature high-end entertainment options, exclusive restaurants, resorts, spas and conference facilities.
Other islands around Singapore to look up and possibly explore include Bukum, Hantu, Punggol Barat, Seletar, Semakau and Tekong (all preceded by the word 'Pulau').
