Discover the
Southern Islands
A guide to St John’s, Lazarus and Seringat
About the Islands
Lazarus Island
Lazarus Island (Pulau Sekijang Pelepah where ‘pelepah’ refers to the palm fronds that used to
adorn the island) was once home to the Orang Laut (sea people) and Orang Pulau (island people)
community. Kampongs (villages) consisting of wooden houses on stilts straddled the coastline,
with villagers living off the surrounding seas and island flora. A small population of about 400
villagers lived on the island, but they are part of a larger community of islanders beyond Lazarus,
connected by the spirit of Gotong Royong (community spirit). The name ‘Lazarus’, derived from the
The St John’s, Lazarus, Seringat and Kias Islands are about 5 km south of word ‘lazaretto’ which means ‘healing station’ in Italian, named after the quarantine station located
mainland Singapore and just about 2 km or a short 15-minute ferry ride away at St John’s Island.
from Sentosa Island.
The last of its residents relocated to mainland Singapore in mid-1970s, though the island is still
This cluster is part of the Southern Islands which also comprises Sentosa and very much abound with its wildlife inhabitants – eagles soaring overhead, colourful insects flitting
another 4 more islands - Pulau Tekukor, Kusu, Big Sister’s and Small Sister’s amongst the flowers, monkeys foraging in the trees, and marine creatures that fill the shores and
Islands (Pulau Subar Laut and Pulau Subar Darat respectively). seas with wonder. Today, the natural coastal habitats and pristine beaches create a beautiful island
retreat for those looking to escape the city. Here is where you would find a beautiful man-made
horseshoe shape lagoon, with its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters.
St John’s Island
In the past, the island was formally known by its indigenous Malay name of Pulau Sekijang
Bendera – “One Barking Deer Flag Island”. This is attributed to a legend of barking deers on the
island, and a physical flagstaff as indication to passing ships calling on the port of Singapore. The
current name of St John was rumoured to have been derived from the British mis-pronunciation
of the island’s local name of ‘Sekijang’.
Over time, the multiple historical uses of the island between the 1870s to 1970s include a
quarantine station for infectious diseases, detention centre for political prisoners, an opium
and drug rehabilitation centre and a refugee shelter. Today, St John’s Island is used mainly for Tiny Away Escape (Tiny Home Accommodations) SOL by BDC (Convenience Store)
recreation, research activities in the Marine Aquaculture Centre and St John’s Island National
Marine Laboratory.
The Glasshouse Event Space Lazarus Sea Sports Centre
Gogreen Eco Adventure (Bicycle Rental Kiosk) Marine Park Public Gallery on St John’s Island
Seringat Island
The name ‘Seringit’ means ‘one dollar’
and is derived from the abundance of
fish found around the island that villagers
used to catch and then put up for sale.
Nowadays, visitors can expect to see and
enjoy the serene environment in nature
that is otherwise hard to find in the
Artist Impression of Sukha by Into The Woods (Glamping)
bustling city on mainland Singapore.
Escape from St John’s Island by Tribe Tours Ex medical station and current day chalet on St John’s Island
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Sentosa Jetty
@ Cove
Kias Island
Island Map
*Map illustration is not drawn to scale
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1
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1 The Glasshouse Event Space
A unique space nestled within the Southern Islands Seringat Island
2km south of Sentosa and a 15-minutes ferry ride away
from Sentosa Jetty @ Cove. The air-conditioned multi- 15
purpose space boasts floor-to-ceiling glass windows mins
with unblocked sea views. Visit [Link]/
en/plan-your-event/the-glasshouse-at-lazarus for more
Seringat Jetty
details on how to book the space for your next event.
2 Tiny Away Escape (Tiny Home Accommodations)
Retire for the day in the comfort of tiny houses, equipped 3
with amenities such as air-conditioning, kitchenettes,
bathrooms, and hot shower facilities. The houses are
built using eco-friendly materials like reconstituted wood
and are powered primarily by solar energy.
3 SOL by BDC (Convenience Store)
Enjoy a curated selection of daily essentials, ready-
to-eat meals, and ready-to-grill food items at this
convenience store. Featured seafood, herbs, and
vegetables are sourced from sustainable and local Lazarus Island
establishments such as the fish and vertical farms
in Singapore.
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4 Sukha by Into The Woods (Glamping)
Embrace a slower pace of life by retreating into
this sanctuary that is tucked away from the
bustle of the city. Expect luxurious eco-friendly
amenities, fresh linen and a heavy-duty canvas
tent that opens up to uninterrupted coastal views.
St John’s Island
5 Lazarus Sea Sports Centre
Check out the variety of water activities
that is suitable for all levels. Enjoy standup
paddleboarding, kayaking and waterbiking while
surrounded by the pristine beauty of the islands,
with the guidance of experienced instructors,
trained to ensure safe exploration of the sea.
6 Gogreen Eco Adventure (Bicycle Rental Kiosk)
Exploration of the island has gotten easier –
discover the tranquil beaches and picturesque
views with Gogreen’s range of bicycles, kick
scooters, camping equipment and island essentials.
Scan here for
more information
on our offerings!
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Ideas on Things to Do Nature Highlights
Day Trip Spot these magnificent wildlife on your trip!
Parts of the islands support rich coastal habitats, each with a complex system connecting all
Morning • Hop on a ferry at Sentosa Jetty @ Cove.
• Visit the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park Public Gallery at St John’s Island National Marine within. Some coastal habitats you can find around the Southern Islands are coastal forests (which
Laboratory to learn more about the marine life around our waters and also the are “rare” in Singapore), mangrove patches, intertidal rocky and sandy shores, seagrass meadows,
history of the islands.
and coral reefs. Here are some of the more common wildlife you may find on your adventures to
• Go on a self-guided St John’s Island nature trail with this e-guide ([Link]/sji-trail) and
the Southern Islands!
also observe the standing structures of what remains of the old Quarantine Station.
• Enjoy water activities or yoga.
Afternoon • Grab a bite at SOL by BDC (Convenience Store) for a picnic and enjoy the afternoon
at Lazarus Island Beach.
Terrestrial Treasures
• Rent a bike at Gogreen Eco Adventure (Bicycle Rental Kiosk) and take in the
picturesque skyline view at Kias Island.
Evening • Head back to Sentosa Jetty @ Cove for dinner with night views of the marina.
2 Days 1 Night Trip
The nocturnal Large-tailed Brahminy Kites (Haliastur The highly sociable Scaly- Common Sandpipers
Nightjar (Caprimulgus indus) are usually spotted breasted Munia (Lonchura (Actitis hypoleucos) are
Morning • Start off your day with breakfast along Sentosa’s beaches. macrurus) often camouflages over water bodies, punctulata) are often migrant birds that can be
• Dive deep and experience the beauty of the underwater world at Resorts against dry leaves and can be scavenging for dead fishes found in small flocks. They spotted along water bodies,
World Sentosa’s, S.E.A. Aquarium. recognized by their distinct and crabs. They have a feed on grass seeds and foraging for insects and small
and monotonous calls. unique call similar to that small berries. crustaceans. Whilst walking,
of a whining baby. their tails bob up and down in
Photo Credit: Stephen Beng
a distinct motion.
Afternoon • Lunch at Sentosa Cove while enjoying views of the marina. Photo Credit: Francis Yap Photo Credit: Stephen Beng Status: IUCN Least Concern
• Hop on a ferry at Sentosa Jetty @ Cove. Status: IUCN Least Concern Status: IUCN Least Concern Photo Credit: Francis Yap
• Check into your accommodation for the night at Tiny Away Escape (Tiny Home Status: IUCN Least Concern
Accommodations) or Sukha by Into The Woods (Glamping).
• Water Activities at Lazarus Sea Sports Centre by Camelot.
Evening • Head back to Sentosa Jetty @ Cove for dinner with night views of the marina.
Morning • Catch the sunrise at Lazarus Island Beach.
• Head back to Sentosa Jetty @ Cove for brunch to wrap up your trip.
White-bellied Sea Eagles Blue-throated Bee-eater Gold-ringed Cat Snakes The Paradise Tree Snake
(Haliaeetus leucogaster) (Merops viridis) are brightly- (Boiga dendrophila) are (Chrysopelea paradisi) can
Want to extend your stay? are often seen near water
bodies and coastal areas.
coloured insectivorous
birds. Their breeding habit is
mainly found in mangroves
or riverine habitats. During
be found slithering on the
crowns of coconut palms.
They feed primarily on unique, nesting within sandy nightfall, they forage Their mild venom is capable
Consider joining a variety of nature and heritage guided tours on Sentosa and the Southern fishes and are identifiable burrows either found or for small rodents and of stunning prey, which
Islands or charter a cruise to island hop and also visit the Malay shrines and Chinese temple on by their white plumage, excavated themselves. amphibians. As it is mildly largely consists of small,
black underwing, and venomous, it would be wise tree-dwelling lizards.
Kusu Island. V-shaped wingspan.
Photo Credit: Stephen Beng
to avoid it when spotted.
Status: IUCN Least Concern Photo Credit: Noel Thomas
Photo Credit: Stephen Beng Status: IUCN Least Concern
Photo Credit: Noel Thomas
For a full list of things you could do for on Sentosa and the Southern Islands head over to Status: IUCN Least Concern
Status: IUCN Least Concern
[Link].
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Marine Marvels Living in Harmony
The waters around the islands are also teeming with coral reefs and marine life which are Understanding the wildlife around us is the first step to co-existing harmoniously. The Long-tailed
often hidden from view. It is wise to wade cautiously in the waters, sliding your feet instead of Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) are highly intelligent native primates. Like humans, they express
stomping, so as to warn any wildlife of your presence and avoid getting stung. Caring for these different emotions in different situations. It is good to recognize some of their common facial
sensitive habitats is a collective effort, being gentle will not only protect yourself, but also the expressions so as to avoid potential conflicts with them.
homes of these marine life for generations to come!
Neutral Fear Grin Baring Teeth Yawn
Photo Credit: Jayasri
Feeling fearful and anxious, Giving a warning, eyes open, Feeling tired and sleepy,
Despite having venomous The Hollow-cheeked Sand-sifting Sea Stars Horn-eyed Ghost Lakshminarayanan eyes open, mouth closed. mouth open. eyes closed, mouth open.
spines, the Blue-spotted Stonefish (Synanceia (Archaster typicus) Crab (Ocypode
Photo Credit: Jayasri Photo Credit: Jeanne Tan Photo Credit: Jeanne Tan
Ribbontail Stingrays horrida) is one of the most are usually found on cerathophthalmus) are
Lakshminarayanan
(Taeniura lymma) dangerous fishes commonly the beach or barely nocturnal and commonly
are docile and timid found on our shores. It submerged below sand. found within intertidal
creatures. Its bright blue resembles an encrusted Though it looks immobile, zones. They can run fast
spots serve as a warning stone that easily camouflages it can travel distances with at speeds of up to 2 m/s.
that it is venomous and with the sand. Exercise its numerous tube feet Burrows found along the
would cause harm caution whilst walking in found on its underside. beach is an indicator that
when threatened. shallow waters as its dorsal the crabs are present.
Photo Credit: Ria Tan
fin spines are capable of Status: Singapore Red Data
Photo Credit: Ria Tan
Make Your Presence Count!
Photo Credit: Ria Tan
Status: IUCN Near Threatened injecting venom that can be Book Vulnerable Status: IUCN Unknown
fatal to humans.
Photo Credit: Ria Tan
Status: IUCN Least Concern
Marine Mammal Sightings Turtle Sightings
Though it is uncommon knowledge, it The Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the
is possible to spot wild dolphins in our Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata),
Singaporean waters! One such species is the both continually return to Singapore’s sandy
Indo-Pacific Humpbacked Dolphin (Sousa shores to lay their eggs, despite our high rate
Differing from other Moon Snails (Family Giant Carpet Anemone Tape Seagrass (Enhalus
crabs, Land Hermit Crabs Naticidae) are commonly (Stichodactyla gigantea) are acoroides) creates an
chinensis). According to researchers, they of urbanisation and busy waters. They are also
(Coenobita violascens) do spotted on our sandy usually found amongst the important nursery for young are usually spotted near shores including our known to visit the Southern Islands!
not create their own hard shores. It produces coral rubble near the marine animals, and is one Southern Islands and Sentosa.
carapace for protection. hundreds of thousands reefs. Like the closely related of the main food sources of
They occupy abandoned of eggs in one egg mass jellyfish and corals, they the Dugong. It also produces If you spot a nesting turtle, speak softly, keep
shells and as they grow, and protects it using have stinging tentacles for edible fruits that taste like your distance and refrain from using lights
they search for new shells a combination of sand capturing prey. People with chestnuts when fried.
and flash photography to avoid scaring it. Also,
to use as their homes. and mucus. This creates sensitive skin may get welts
structures called sand when stung.
Photo Credit: Ria Tan
contact the National Parks Board helpline at
Photo Credit: Ria Tan Status: IUCN Vulnerable
Status: IUCN Unknown collars that one might find
Photo Credit: Ria Tan 1800 471 7300 to report your sighting.
while exploring the shores. Status: IUCN Unknown
Photo Credit: Ria Tan
Status: IUCN Unknown
Photo Credit: Karenne Tun Photo Credit: Stephen Beng Scan here for more
information on
Hawksbill Turtles!
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Island Etiquette Getting to the Islands
Engage qualified guides when exploring intertidal areas
Take nothing home
as they can provide more insights to what you see and
but photographs.
minimise the impact of your visit while keeping you safe.
Board the Sentosa Intra-Island Bus B from Beach Station
and alight at Sentosa Cove Village.
Bag your litter and take it off the Camping on Lazarus Island is only permitted at SLA Regular ferry services serve Seringat Island on
island – you can do your part in designated campsites which are available for booking.
keeping the island litter free. Scan the QR code below to book.
fixed schedules from Sentosa Jetty @ Cove.
Visit [Link]/ferryservice or
scan the QR code for more details.
Keep your personal belongings Call the MPA whistle blowing hotline at +65 6325 2489 Scan here to explore
SCAN
ferry HERE
services!
always supervised and close if you spot unauthorized high-speed water activities Private hire boat services are also available for
to you. within Eagles Bay.
charter from Sentosa Jetty @ Cove if you prefer
a more flexible schedule.
Stay on the designated paths Slide your feet as you wade in the waters look out for
and tracks – don’t stray from stone fish, cone snails, scorpion fish and hard corals
the beaten path. which may be venomous or cause injury!
Avoid open fires around the
Respect and keep a distance away from the
wildlife on the island, they may defend themselves
Contact Us
island as they pose a safety risk.
if they feel threatened.
• Need help? Drop us a message at [Link]
Many tiny animals live among Avoid swimming near the St John’s Island Jetty
the seagrass around the island. and Seringat Jetty where there are constant • For emergencies, call Ranger Station at 1800-RANGERS (726 4377), 24/7.
Avoid stepping on their habitats. vessel movements.
Do not use flash whilst Do not feed the wildlife as they have their own natural Special Thanks
photographing wildlife. food sources on the island. Feedings will only encourage
them to be reliant on human sources over time.
Our sincerest appreciation to the Friends of Marine Park, Wild Singapore, Our Singapore Reef
and Dr Hamzah Bin Muzaini, (Department of Southeast Asian Studies, NUS) for supporting the
development of this guide.
Scan here to book
your campsite!
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