Big Sister’s Island Reopens In 2024 In Singapore

Big Sister’s Island will reopen to the public in 2024. New features include a trail through the island’s forest, and snorkelling in a lagoon. NParks will be working on increasing accessibility to the island when it opens.

Here is what you can look forward to:

COASTAL FOREST TRAIL

The Ocean Network Express Coastal Forest Trail will run through the centre of Big Sister’s Island, allowing you to learn more about the island’s coastal habitats. NParks said habitat enhancement will also be carried out for the area bordering the trail through the planting of critically endangered coastal species such as putat laut and penaga laut.

The 230m trail will culminate in a hilltop view deck with panoramic views of other offshore islands. The deck will also serve as a birdwatching vantage point. Eagle-eyed visitors may be able to catch a glimpse of the spotted wood owl, white-bellied sea eagle and the critically endangered great-billed heron.

LAGOON TIDAL POOL

An existing lagoon at Big Sister’s Island will be developed into a tidal pool to retain seawater during low tides. The lagoon will mature over time into a multihabitat ecosystem, supporting a wide range of marine biodiversity. This may include marine flora such as the spoon seagrass and api-api jambu, as well as fauna such as the common sea star. A marine classroom will be created so you can learn more about the biodiversity at the marine park.

PLANT CORAL, SEED A REEF

Organizations and individuals who are interested in habitat enhancement efforts at Sisters’ Islands Marine Park can support marine conservation under the Garden City Fund’s Plant-A-Coral Seed-A-Reef programme. Those who want to support the transplantation of one coral nubbin may do so with a donation of SG$200 under the Plant-A-Coral initiative. Coral nubbins, which are small coral fragments, will be attached to wall plugs and allowed to grow to suitable sizes within nurseries and on the reef before being transplanted to a reef enhancement unit.

Those who want to support the installation of a reef enhancement unit can make a donation of SG$20,000 under the Seed-A-Reef initiative. These units are artificial structures placed within suitable reef zones to enhance bare areas for marine organisms to grow and reef fish to seek refuge.

Donors under this programme will be entitled to a private guided walk at St John’s Island. They can also attend a coral workshop that includes a brief presentation on coral biology, threats and conservation efforts. More information can be found on the Garden City Fund’s website.

Visit the NParks website to register for walks and for updates on the Sisters Islands Marine Park.