Categories > Guides and Tips
Your Guide to Lazarus Island, Singapore’s Hidden Paradise
The moment I stepped onto the sandy shores of Lazarus Island, I realised I had stumbled upon one of the country’s best-kept secrets. With its pristine beaches, clear waters, and peaceful atmosphere, Lazarus Island felt like a world away from the Singapore most people know.
Sure, there are no fancy restaurants or shopping malls here, but that’s exactly the charm of it. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, reconnect with nature, or just enjoy some solitude away from the usual crowd, this island might just be worth that short boat ride.
History & Background
The island’s official name is actually Pulau Sakijang Pelepah. “Pulau” means island in Malay, “sakijang” loosely translates to “small deer,” and “pelepah” refers to a palm frond.
But somewhere along the way, the name “Lazarus” stuck, likely after the biblical figure Lazarus, who was resurrected, symbolising the island’s rebirth and transformation over the years.
Back in the day, Lazarus Island wasn’t much more than a quiet, forgotten spot, used primarily for quarantine during infectious disease outbreaks in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was only in recent years that it started to gain attention as a hidden gem.
Things to Know
Location: Between St. John’s and Kusu Islands
Hours: No official hours, but ferries to the island from Marina South Pier operate from around 9 AM to 6 PM
Fees: Free entry, but a round-trip ferry ticket from Marina South Pier to Lazarus Island (via St. John’s Island) is about S$15 for adults and S$2 for children (ages 1 to 12)
Pet friendly? Yes, but pets must be leashed and cleaned up after
Accessibility: Not PWD-friendly
Amenities: Small toilet facility, a few waste disposal bins, no vendors, shops, or shelters
Restrictions and Rules
✔ Respect wildlife and nature
✔ Follow ferry timings
✔ Camping allowed with a permit
✖ No littering
✖ No BBQs or open fires
✖ No unleashed pets
✖ No motorised vehicles
✖ No fishing in restricted areas
✖ No unauthorised commercial activities
✖ No loud noises
How to Get to Lazarus Island
Start by heading to Marina South Pier which is easily accessible via the MRT (Marina South Pier MRT Station, North-South Line). From the pier, take a ferry operated by Singapore Island Cruise or Marina South Ferries.
Ferries typically run from around 9 AM to 6 PM, with multiple departures throughout the day. The ferry ride takes about 20–30 minutes and makes a stop at St. John’s Island first. From there, you can walk across the causeway that connects St. John’s Island to Lazarus Island.
Things to Do
Stay overnight
Media from escapeatlazarus
Address: 11A Pulau Seringat
Contact: +6580434103
Hours:
Check-in time: 2.30 PM
Check-out time: 11 AM
While traditional camping with your own tent is generally not allowed without special permission, the island does provide a glamping option through Big Tiny. These small homes offer a cosy, eco-friendly way to stay overnight without sacrificing comfort.
The tiny homes are conveniently located near the island’s pristine beaches, perfect for a morning swim or an evening stroll. Once the day-trippers leave, you’ll have the island’s peace and tranquillity almost entirely to yourself!
Explore quiet beaches
Media from gr8tidude
The main stretch of Lazarus Beach features soft, powdery sand and crystal-clear waters that seem to stretch endlessly. There’s a perfect spot by the edge of the shoreline, where I could relax with my feet in the warm, shallow water while watching little fish dart around in schools.
But don’t just stop there! Venture further, and you’ll discover a hidden gem on the far side of the island: the tiny, secluded coves tucked away behind rocky outcrops. These little nooks are perfect if you’re seeking even more privacy or want a quiet place to dip into the sea.
Have a picnic by the sea
Media from 3st.herrr
For a quiet picnic spot, head over to the stretch of beach closer to the St. John’s Island causeway. I found a cosy little area under the shade of some coconut palms, ideal for a lazy afternoon nap after finishing up the last of my snacks.
Pack light with easy-to-eat foods and reusable containers, and remember essentials like water, sunscreen, and a picnic mat. Bring a trash bag to collect all waste and take it back to the mainland to keep the beach clean.
Go fishing
Media from milsonng
Fishing on Lazarus Island is only allowed in designated areas, and you’ll need to apply for a permit in advance on the National Parks Board website. Be sure to pack your fishing essentials like bait, a tackle box, and snacks for a great day by the sea.
There’s a great fishing spot near the small pier on St. John’s Island, which is just a short walk across the causeway from Lazarus. Here, the waters are relatively calm, and you can cast your line while soaking up the quiet surroundings.
Watch the sunset or stargaze
Media from pedroramirez
There’s a cosy spot on the western side of Lazarus Beach, where the horizon opens up in a vast, uninterrupted stretch of blue and orange hues. The sky slowly turns from gold to pink, and you can’t help but feel a sense of calm as the sun dips below the water.
Once the sun has set, lay back on your beach mat or find a comfortable spot on the soft sand to stargaze. Away from the city lights, Lazarus Island offers a clear, wide-open sky perfect for spotting constellations and shooting stars.
Kayak or paddleboard
Media from mikaelagpsicat_
You can rent a kayak from one of the vendors on the mainland and paddle out from the calm waters near the causeway connecting Lazarus to St. John’s Island. The waters here are usually gentle, making it the perfect spot for beginners or anyone just looking to take it easy.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, paddleboarding along the coastline gives you a different perspective of the island. There’s a stretch of water near the rocky outcrops on the northern end of the island that’s particularly exciting to explore.
Go on a yacht cruise
Media from kohdianyang
I rented a private yacht through Marina at Keppel Bay, where you can find various options to fit your group size and budget. Once onboard, we set sail from the marina, cruising past the southern coast of Singapore with the city skyline fading into the distance.
You can anchor near one of the island’s secluded coves and jump straight into the warm, clear water for a refreshing swim.
If you prefer a more catered experience, some yacht companies like Ximula Sail and Yacht Charters offer meal packages or even a BBQ on board.
Cycle around the island
Media from kombuteas
You can rent a foldable bike from GoCycling at East Coast Park and bring it along on the ferry from Marina South Pier. There are no designated bike lanes, so you’re free to explore at your own pace—whether it’s along the main Lazarus Beach or venturing further towards the less-visited corners.
On the far side, I discovered secluded picnic spots where you can park your bike, relax, and soak in sea views with Singapore’s skyline in the distance.
For a bit more adventure, try the rocky trails on the northeastern side, where the terrain gets rougher but the views are stunning.
Swim and snorkel
Media from fannaiaiwong
Start your adventure at the main Lazarus Beach, where the water is so clear you can see straight to the sandy bottom. The beach itself is usually quite peaceful, especially if you go early, so you’ll have the whole stretch to yourself for a leisurely swim.
For those looking for an even more secluded spot, head towards the little cove near the eastern side of the island, where the waters are calm and perfect for snorkelling. It was here that I discovered a small patch of coral with more fish flitting around than I expected—a real hidden gem.
