Attractions in St. John’s island

simple fun filling day on a quiet island away from the city

🏝️ St. John’s Island (Singapore)

St. John’s Island is one of Singapore’s Southern Islands, located about 6.5 km south of the mainland. It is known for its rich colonial history, peaceful beaches, research facilities, and camping grounds. Today, it is a popular day-trip and overnight destination offering a quiet escape from the city.

📍 Location & Geography

Situated south of mainland Singapore, across the Singapore Strait
Part of the Southern Islands cluster, which includes:
Lazarus Island
Kusu Island
Pulau Seringat
Connected by a paved causeway to Lazarus Island
Not connected by land to mainland Singapore

The island covers about 40 hectares and has a mix of colonial buildings, open lawns, lagoons, and coastal vegetation.

📖 History & Background

Early Name

St. John’s Island was formerly known as Pulau Sakijang Bendera:

Sa = one
Kijang = deer
Bendera = flag

It roughly means “Island of the Deer with a Flag.”

Colonial Era Uses

From the late 19th century, the island was used as:

1️⃣ Quarantine Station (1870s onward)

For immigrants arriving in Singapore
Prevented the spread of diseases such as cholera and smallpox

2️⃣ Detention Centre (1950s)

Held political detainees during colonial unrest

3️⃣ Drug Rehabilitation Centre (1970s–1980s)

Over time, these roles ended and the island transitioned into a recreational and research site.

🏛 Current Management

The island is managed by:

Singapore Land Authority (SLA) – land management
National Parks Board (NParks) – surrounding green areas

Some sections are used by:

National University of Singapore (NUS) for marine research
Marine laboratory and coastal studies

🚤 How to Get There

By Ferry

Depart from Marina South Pier
Ferry ride takes approximately 30–45 minutes
Ferries typically stop at St. John’s Island first before continuing to Kusu Island (depending on route)

There is:

❌ No bridge
❌ No MRT
❌ No road access from mainland

🏖️ Main Attractions

1️⃣ Lagoons & Beaches

St. John’s has sheltered lagoons with calm waters suitable for:

Swimming
Relaxing
Picnics

Beaches here are quieter than Sentosa.

2️⃣ Causeway to Lazarus Island

You can walk across a short paved causeway to:

Lazarus Island

Many visitors combine both islands in one trip.

3️⃣ Camping Grounds

St. John’s Island is one of the few offshore islands in Singapore where legal camping is allowed (permit required from SLA).

Facilities include:

Designated camping areas
Public toilets
Shelters

No campfires allowed.

4️⃣ Colonial Architecture

Remnants of:

Old quarantine buildings
Former detention housing
Government quarters

These structures reflect Singapore’s immigration and public health history.

5️⃣ Marine Life & Nature

Wildlife includes:

Monitor lizards
Coastal birds
Butterflies
Occasionally otters

Marine biodiversity research is conducted nearby, including coral and reef studies.

🌿 Facilities Available

✔ Public toilets
✔ Sheltered pavilions
✔ Picnic tables
✔ Basic jetty
✔ Vending machines (limited availability)

There are:
❌ No restaurants
❌ No convenience stores
❌ No ATM

Bring your own food and water.

🏕 Camping Information (Overview)

Permit required from Singapore Land Authority
Apply at least 14 days in advance
Valid typically 9am to 9am next day
One permit covers one tent (usually up to 6 people)
No open fires or BBQ pits

Camping here is quieter compared to mainland parks.

🌅 Best Time to Visit

Weekdays for fewer crowds
Morning for cooler weather
Late afternoon for sunset views
Avoid heavy rain season if planning to swim or camp

📊 Quick Facts

Feature	Details
Former Name	Pulau Sakijang Bendera
Size	~40 hectares
Distance from Mainland	~6.5 km
Connected To	Lazarus Island
Access	Ferry only
Managed By	SLA & NParks
Popular For	History, camping, lagoons

🏝 Why Visit St. John’s Island?

It offers:

A glimpse into Singapore’s immigration history
Quiet beaches without commercialisation
Legal offshore camping
Easy island hopping to Lazarus
Nature and marine research environment

It feels less “resort-like” than Sentosa and more rustic and peaceful.

Great 👍 I’ll give you a complete St John’s + Lazarus Island day trip itinerary, including timing, walking routes, best photo spots, swimming areas, and practical tips.

🏝️ St John’s + Lazarus Island Full-Day Itinerary

Covers:

St. John’s Island
Lazarus Island

⏰ Suggested Timing Overview

Time	Activity
8:30am	Arrive at Marina South Pier
9:00am	Ferry departure
9:45am	Arrive at St John’s Island
10:00am – 12:00pm	Explore St John’s
12:00pm – 1:00pm	Lunch / picnic
1:00pm – 4:30pm	Lazarus Beach time
5:00pm	Return to jetty
5:30pm – 6:00pm	Ferry back

(Always check ferry timing beforehand.)

🚤 Morning – Arrival at St John’s Island

1️⃣ Explore the Historic Area (1 hour)

After arriving at the jetty:

Walk around the old colonial buildings
See former quarantine housing blocks
Explore open lawns and coconut groves

📸 Best photo spots:

Colonial-style buildings
Jetty view with mainland skyline in distance
Open grassy fields with palm trees

Atmosphere: Quiet, breezy, uncrowded.

2️⃣ Lagoon Walk (45 minutes)

Head to the sheltered lagoon area:

Calm water
Good for light swimming
Scenic sheltered beach

Less crowded than Lazarus.

🥪 Lunch Break (Picnic Style)

There are:
❌ No restaurants
❌ No hawker stalls

Bring:

Sandwiches
Fruits
Snacks
Plenty of water

Best picnic spots:

Shaded pavilion near lagoon
Grassy areas with sea breeze

🌉 Afternoon – Walk to Lazarus Island

Take the paved causeway (10–15 min walk) to:

➡️ Lazarus Island

This is where the famous beach is.

🏖 Lazarus Beach Time (2–3 hours)

This is the highlight.

What Makes It Special

Crescent-shaped white sand
Clear turquoise water
Minimal commercial activity
No high-rise buildings in view

It feels like a private island.

Activities

✔ Swimming
✔ Sunbathing
✔ Relaxing
✔ Photography
✔ Reading

⚠ No lifeguards on duty
⚠ No rental chairs
⚠ No beach bars

📸 Best Photo Spots

Far left corner of the crescent beach (least crowded)
Elevated grassy slope behind the beach
Wide angle shot facing open sea
Sunset silhouette near shoreline

Morning = softer light
Late afternoon = golden hour glow

🌅 Late Afternoon Wind-Down

Around 4:30pm:

Wash up at public toilet facilities
Pack up
Walk back to St John’s jetty
Catch return ferry

Try not to miss last ferry.

🎒 What to Bring

Essentials:

Water (at least 1.5–2L per person)
Hat & sunscreen
Swimwear
Towel
Picnic mat
Trash bags (carry out your rubbish)

Optional:

Portable fan
Power bank
Light snacks
Change of clothes

🚫 Important Rules

No open fires
No littering
No commercial selling
Camping requires permit
Respect wildlife

🌤 Best Time to Visit

✔ Weekdays (very peaceful)
✔ Early morning ferry (cooler weather)
✔ Avoid heavy rain season
✔ Check tide conditions if planning to swim

🌊 Optional Add-On: Include Kusu Island

If ferry schedule allows, you can also visit:

Kusu Island

Known for:

Chinese temple
Malay keramat shrines
Tortoise sanctuary

Adds about 1–2 hours.

🧠 Insider Tips

Go early — first ferry is best
Weekends can get crowded at Lazarus
Bring more water than you think you need
No ATMs on island
Signal may be weaker in some areas
Sunset ferries can fill up

💎 Who This Trip Is Perfect For

Couples
Nature lovers
Photographers
Families (with preparation)
Small friend groups

Not ideal for:

Luxury seekers
People expecting cafés and facilities