Day trips Tips for Singapore

Ferry from Marina South Pier to St John's Island costs S$18 adult return via Singapore Island Cruise. Takes exactly 30 minutes each way with departures roughly every 2 hours starting 9am weekdays, 8:30am weekends. Last return ferry typically 6pm, but check current schedules since times vary by season.

Here's the secret: walk 15 minutes across the connecting bridge to Lazarus Island for actual beach time. The sand is genuine and decent quality, unlike Sentosa's imported tourist nonsense. Free guided heritage tours run first Sunday each month at 2pm, but the island's small enough to explore solo in 2-3 hours.

Essential prep: bring water and snacks since food options are limited to one small cafe near the ferry dock. Getting to Marina South Pier requires bus 402 from Marina Bay MRT (Downtown Line) or a 10-minute walk from HarbourFront MRT.

Way better than fighting Sentosa's artificial beach crowds and monorail chaos. These southern islands feel like a different country entirely — Proper peaceful escape from Marina Bay's relentless development.

Most people don't realise Singapore has diving. Pulau Hantu's reefs aren't world-class but visibility hits 8-10 metres on good days. Marine life includes seahorses, pipefish, various tropical species.

Day trips run S$120-150 including gear from several operators. Best conditions February-April when currents calm down. Shallow sites perfect for beginners or rusty divers getting back into it.

Skip expensive sentosa crowds and take southern islands ferry from marina south pier

One ticket gets you to st johns lazarus kusu and sisters islands for whole day. Ferry runs every 90 minutes you can hop on off at each stop

Lazarus has best beach kusu has turtle sanctuary and chinese temple st johns has walking trails. Each island feels completely different from mainland singapore. Bring snacks minimal food options but that's part of charm — Proper island escape

Take ferry from changi point ferry terminal to what feels like old singapore — Check current fare pricing at terminal

Bike rental available on island for day trips. Island has proper cycling trails and chek jawa wetlands boardwalk. Rustic and undeveloped compared to mainland singapore

Feels like time travel to kampong life. Less than hour from city center but completely different world. Bring water though — Not many stops along the trails

Most tourists dont know singapore has diving at pulau hantu. Good visibility on clear days, soft corals, and plenty of reef fish. Not world-class but surprisingly good for a major port city.

Book with local dive operators — They run trips including gear. Two drift dives around the reef, usually see angelfish, parrotfish, and occasionally reef sharks. Water temp is 28-29°c year-round.

Diving possible all year round with varying conditions. Take the boat ride from west coast ferry terminal.