Amazing Island Day Trips Near Singapore For Families

ST. JOHN’S ISLAND

Just a short boat ride away is the tranquil, St. John’s Island. Housed on 40.5 hectares, this hilly island was transformed in 1975 into a tranquil getaway with swimming lagoons, beaches, picnic grounds, trekking routes, and soccer fields. The former St John’s Island Campsite and Holiday Bungalow have been renamed as the St John’s Island Lodge. Improvements have been made such as new kitchenware, electric hobs, and furniture, as well as a smart lock system to be piloted in one of the camps.

How to get there: Get a ferry from Marina South Pier (SG$15 for adult, SG$12 for one child for a two-way trip)

St. John’s Island, www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/sisters-islands-marine-park/st-johns-island-trail

LAZARUS ISLAND

Connected by a short walkway from St. John’s Island is Lazarus Island in Singapore. This peaceful, untouched, paradise is perfect for families looking for a little place to call their own. The unspoiled, white sandy beach is perfect for a lazy afternoon. Pack a picnic, explore the jungle and have a snooze under the palm trees.  This is a fun day trip from Singapore with the kids. Book your tickets here.

How to get there: Get a ferry from Marina South Pier (SG$15 for adult, SG$12 for one child for a two-way trip)

Lazarus Island, www.islandcruise.com.sg/places-of-interest/lazarus-island/

KUSU ISLAND

"Kusu" means "Tortoise Island" or "Turtle Island" in Chinese. Devotees flock here in their droves during the ninth month of the lunar calendar to pay their respects at the Chinese temple. Besides its religious associations, the island is also known for its beach lagoons, clean beaches, and an array of animal life. Do note, however, that camping isn't allowed. Check out our guide to Kusu Island with kids here!

How to get there: Get a ferry from Marina South Pier (SG$15 for adult, SG$12 for one child for a two-way trip)

Kusu Island, www.visitsingapore.com/see-do-singapore/nature-wildlife/singapore-islands/kusu-island/

PULAU UBIN

Break out those bikes baby, it is time to island-hop to the isle of yesterday. Known as Singapore's Last Kampung, the island of Pulau Ubin is worth the trip! Mangroves, jungle, and rivers... oh my! The day-tripper is an easy one and packed with nature fun for the whole family (babies included)! The island itself is protected from redevelopment, creating a haven for eco-loving families and adventure seekers. Prepare to feast your eyes on Singapore in the 1960s and explore the time-warped island for the kiddos. Check out our guide to Pulau Ubin here.

How to get there: Take a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Each ride costs SG$4 (SG$2 extra if you're bringing your bicycle).

Pulau Ubin, www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/pulau-ubin-and-chek-jawa

CONEY ISLAND

Coney Island is a great place to explore with the family and is an easy day trip getaway from Singapore. The rustic Coney Island Park is an ecologically sustainable park with many environmental initiatives. It focuses on conserving energy and water, recycling, and retaining the natural elements in the park. What are you waiting for - get the bikes out and start exploring! Check out our Coney Island guide here.

How to get there: Taxi, drive or MRT, you can cycle up along the park connector. More info here.

Coney Island, www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/coney-island-park

SISTERS' ISLAND

The fabled Sisters’ Islands are just a short boat ride away. Swimmers and snorkelers can also indulge themselves here as the fantastic reefs are filled with marine life. The islands are separated by a narrow channel and are popular with picnic-goers because of their shady palm trees and beach shelters. Watch out for monkeys as they will want to join you for lunch. Hold on to your chips and burger buns! Learn more about the Sisters' Island Marine Park here.

*As part of NParks' cyclical inspection of structures in their parks, the jetty at Big Sister’s Island is found to be in need of repair. To ensure public safety, Big Sister’s Island and its jetty will be closed for repair works from 10 April to October 2021.

How to get there: Get a ferry from Marina South Pier (SG$15 for one adult, SG$12 for one child for a two-way trip)

Sisters Island, www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/sisters-islands-marine-park

SENTOSA

A day trip to Sentosa is guaranteed to be filled with fun and laughter. There are many things to do for kids of all ages. Whether it’s skydiving, whizzing down a wire, surfing, or discovering new fish, you and the kids will want to do it all. There are some of our favorite adventures for the perfect day In Sentosa. So what are you waiting for, let's go! Check out our guide to Sentosa here!

How to get there: Taxi, drive, monorail or walk - it’s closer than you think!

Sentosa, www.sentosa.com.sg

PULAU HANTU

This island is popular with divers and snorkeling enthusiasts. There are beautiful lagoons, perfect for swimming, and sheltered beaches where kids can play. You'll be able to spot marine creatures like clownfish, damselfish, wrasses, and the occasional seahorse. The island is also favored by campers and day-trippers.

How to get there: Charter a boat from the West Coast Pier.

Pulau Hantu, www.pulauhantu.sg

PULAU SEMAKAU

This landfill island has been built so it remains, clean, unpolluted and odor-free. In recent years, this island has turned into a real eco-getaway, with flourishing mangrove habitats and a healthy coral population, there's even a coral nursery. One for nature and fishing enthusiasts.  A day trip with eco-tourism too - we are in!

How to get there: Get a ferry from Marina South Pier. Send in your request here.

Pulau Semakau, www.nea.gov.sg/energy-waste/waste-management/semakau-landfill