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All these fun things to do in St. John’s Island, Singapore are just a ferry ride away!
- Where is St. John’s Island?
- How to Get to St. John’s Island
- Top Things to Do
- Go on a cycling tour
- Try your hand at fishing
- Keep an eye out for animals
- Do all sorts of watersports by the beach
- Pitch a tent by the beach
- Go on an adventure on foot around the island
- Learn about marine biology at the St. John’s Island National Marine Laboratory
- Where to Stay in St. John’s Island
- FAQ
Discovering hidden getaways in Singapore can lead to all sorts of adventures, whether it’s uncovering lesser-known hiking trails or finding hidden clubs. For some of my friends, getaways literally mean escaping the city to a nearby island.
One spot I highly recommend escaping to is St. John’s Island. My recent visit there was packed with fun, adventure, and a good dose of relaxation thanks to its pristine beaches, secluded forests, and inviting grassy picnic areas.
If you’re searching for a hidden escape for a day (or maybe two!), I’ve put together a guide to all the exciting things to do on the island.
Where is St. John’s Island?
St. John’s Island is an island located about 7 kilometres off the southern coast of Singapore. It’s one of the islands within the Straits of Singapore and neighbours Lazarus, Seringat, Kias, Tekukor, Subar Darat, and Sister’ Islands.
How to Get to St. John’s Island
By Ferry: You can reach St. John’s Island via ferry from Marina South Pier. The two ferry operators that take guests to the island are Marina South Ferries and Island Cruise.
By Private Yacht or Boat: You also have the option to take a private yacht or boat to the island. Tickets cost about $15 per person per one-way trip and take about 15 to 30 minutes to get there. A few private yacht operators include Southern Islands Yacht Cruises, Bob Yacht Rental, and YachtCruiseSG.
Top Things to Do
Go on a cycling tour
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Cycling around St. John’s Island is an experience every cyclist should try at least once. The island is relatively small, making it an easy and enjoyable ride even for beginners!
I highly recommend booking a bike rental through Gogreen Eco Adventure to save yourself the hassle of bringing your own bike to the island. Plus, they’ll offer helpful tips and suggest routes, perfect for first-time visitors!
Tip:
- Bike lanes on the island are not as developed as those on mainland Singapore, so it’s important to stay vigilant while biking on the main streets. Be cautious, especially if it rains, as some paths can become slippery; ride slowly or dismount and push your bike if needed.
Try your hand at fishing
One of the most peaceful activities on the island is fishing, with plenty of great spots, especially around the Jetty. You can fish virtually anywhere on the island, as long as you stay away from the areas designated for swimming.
Avid anglers arrive as early as 5:00 AM and often stay until midnight, aiming to catch fresh snappers, barracudas, parrotfish, groupers, and seabass. Some prefer to unwind, spending hours chatting with fellow fishers and gazing at the waves.
Tips:
- There aren’t any kiosks that allow you to rent rods and buy bait, so you’ll have to bring your own gear if you want to fish on the island. Be aware that not all the fish you’ll catch here should be kept. Refer to the signs by the jetties for species you need to look out for!
Keep an eye out for animals
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Spotting wildlife in parks and green spaces is a normal thing for Singaporeans, so don’t be surprised to find a ton of animals roaming around freely on St. John’s Island. There are dozens of animal species here like monkeys, birds, crabs, and even reptiles!
Of course, these animals won’t mind you if you keep your distance. As much as possible, don’t provoke them or try to pet any of them (even if they seem or look friendly).
Tips:
- Try to keep any plastic packages hidden whenever you’re near an animal, especially monkeys. They’re known to steal and eat them, causing potential harm. If you want to picnic, I highly recommend staying near the beach or coast. Wildlife is usually found in the forestry areas, so stick to snacking or picnicking in areas with fewer trees.
Do all sorts of watersports by the beach
Media from joecellapinig
Looking for a more thrilling activity on the water? Try your hand at wake surfing or boogie boarding on the beach on St. John’s Island Beach to pass the time.
The waters here are relatively clearer and bluer than in Sentosa Island, with ample waves even during the clearest of days. You’ll have to bring your own gear and boards with you, though, since there are no rental kiosks on the island!
Tips:
- Amenities are very limited on the island, so bring as many bathing essentials with you as possible. There is also only one toilet facility on the island.
- Note that there are no lifeguards on duty around the beach, so only try watersports with a professional or experienced swimmer/coach. If you’re bringing kids with you, keep them supervised at all times.
Pitch a tent by the beach
Media from chicemilia147
Operating Hours:
Thursday and Friday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Did you know that you can actually rent tents from Gogreen Eco Adventures? You can rent a tent from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm and lounge all day with the beach as your view for only $45 per tent!
Note that tents can fit a maximum of two people, so if you’re a big group, you’ll have to rent more than one. You’ll be given instructions on how to set them up, so don’t worry about fumbling over the tools and equipment!
Tip:
- Since you can only set up tents in the picnic/grassy area by the beach, I highly recommend renting out Gogreen Eco Adventure’s beach mats starting at only $20. You can use this on the beach or on the grass if you want extra lounging space outside your tent!
Go on an adventure on foot around the island
Media from d_.kyon
The island is equipped with well-maintained, flat paths and trails, making them perfect for exploring on foot.
Navigating around St John’s Island alone is just about 3 km, which should take about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on whether you stop for a swim or a beach nap.
The islands also have clearly marked maps and frequent signposts along the trails. Given their small size, it’s almost impossible to get lost!
Tip:
- For your safety, stick to the pathways around the island. While there are signages, please don’t explore the forests or areas in the islands alone or off-track. There is wildlife roaming around, and we don’t want any accidents happening!
Learn about marine biology at the St. John’s Island National Marine Laboratory
Media from sjin ml
While the St. John’s Island National Marine Laboratory primarily serves marine researchers from the National University of Singapore, visitors can still delve into the world of marine biology through the lab’s public gallery at the Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre!
Here, you can explore the various conservation and research initiatives undertaken by marine biologists from Singapore and around the globe, all focused on protecting Singaporean marine life.
The gallery offers a comprehensive overview of the Marine Park, featuring timelines and projects related to conservation, as well as a 3D model of the dive trails.
Tip:
- The path towards the gallery is uphill, so prepare for a short hike. Access is not wheelchair-friendly, unfortunately, and you’re not allowed to bring your pets inside. It may be best to skip this part of your visit if you’re bringing your furry ones or if you or a friend have mobility issues.
Where to Stay in St. John’s Island
Since 2023, the Singapore Land Authority has allowed visitors to stay overnight at St. John’s Island through the St. John’s Island Lodges. There are a total of 4 lodges available for booking.
To learn more about the accommodations available on the island, check out this page for more information and details.
| Eagle | Otter | Turtle | Dolphin | |
| Rent per night | Weekdays: $27.25Weekends: $54.50 | Weekdays: $76.30Weekends: $119.90 | Weekdays: $168.95Weekends: $267.05 | Weekdays: $92.65Weekends: $141.70 |
| Guest Capacity | 10 people | 50 people | 132 people | 60 people |
| Amenities | 4 bedrooms2 bathrooms1 BBQ pit1 fully-functional kitchen | No bedrooms, guests are advised to bring their own sleeping bags2 shower areas1 toilet area2 BBQ pits1 kitchen area1 dining area | 5 bedrooms with 42 single beds + sleeping bag area5 shower areas3 toilet areas2 BBQ pits1 kitchen1 dining hall | 2 bedrooms with 60 single beds2 shower areas1 toilet area2 BBQ pits1 kitchen 1 dining area |
| Air-conditioning | Yes | No | No | No |
- Note that guests will have to bring their own cutlery during their stay as the lodges will only provide basic cooking utensils, electric kettles, and cooking hobs.
- The management implements a self-check-in and self-check-out system on the grounds. Learn more about it here.
