4-Hour Walking Tour of St. John's and Lazarus Islands with Kusu Cruise

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore St. John's Island and learn about its past as a quarantine station and penal settlement
• 02 Walk through Lazarus Island and Eagle Bay amid rich natural surroundings
• 03 Relax on Lazarus Island's 800-meter man-made beach by the South China Sea
• 04 Hear the legend of Kusu Island during a boat pass-by with no disembarkation
• 05 Capture city skyline views as you return from the Southern Islands to Singapore

Embark on a half-day island-hopping adventure from Marina South Pier to St. John's Island and Lazarus Island. Enjoy a scenic ferry ride past anchored ships and the Southern Islands before exploring St. John's Island's history as a quarantine station and penal settlement. Walk through its rich natural environment, continue to Lazarus Island and Eagle Bay, and relax by the serene shoreline and pristine waters of the South China Sea. The experience also includes a boat ride past additional islands and views of Singapore's city skyline on the return journey.

Walk through its rich natural environment, continue to Lazarus Island and Eagle Bay, and relax by the serene shoreline and pristine waters of the South China Sea.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

City Singapore

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

St. John's, Lazarus Island and Kusu Island Boat Excursion

• 08:30 am - Reach Marina South Pier at the Marina South Ferries counter.
• Meet at the Marina South Ferries counter, as indicated in the photo.
• 09:00 am - Depart from Marina South Pier to St. John's Island (30 minutes).
• The tour begins with a 30-minute ferry ride from Marina South Pier to St. John's Island.
• Spot various ships anchored in the waters, including bulk carriers, container ships, bunkering ships, livestock carriers, and roll-on/roll-off ships.
• Catch glimpses of the islands that make up the Southern Islands.
• 09:30 am - Walk through the beautiful St. John's Island, Lazarus Island, and Eagle Bay.
• Learn about the origin of St. John's Island and how it got its name.
• Discover its strategic importance in Singapore's maritime history.
• Explore its past as a quarantine station for immigrants and a penal settlement until its closure in the 1970s.
• Explore its rich natural environment.
• Observe and identify various plants, birds, and wildlife. Occasionally, dolphins may be seen in the surrounding waters.
• Enjoy the beautiful 800-meter man-made beach on Lazarus Island.
• Relax on the serene shoreline and pristine waters, part of the South China Sea.
• Learn about the name Eagle Bay and the possibility of spotting white-bellied sea eagles that once frequented the area.
• 11:30 am - Depart from St. John's Island.
• Take a 20-minute boat ride to explore additional islands along the way.
• 12:00 pm - Arrive at Kusu Island (no disembarkation).
• Learn about the legend of Kusu Island and its name.
• Hear about the lunar 9th month Kusu Pilgrimage Season, which is still observed today.
• 12:45 pm - Return to Marina South Pier (estimated).
• Capture Instagram-worthy shots of the city skyline as you depart from the Southern Islands and return to Singapore.
• Timings are estimated and are subject to weather and sea conditions at the time.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Licensed English-speaking Singapore Tourist Guide and nature guide
• A bottle of mineral water

What's Not Included

• Ferry tickets - to be purchased on-site
• Public ferries: S$15 per pax + S$15 guide (based on schedule timing)
• Private charter (launch boat): S$200 (maximum capacity: 12 pax/2 ways)
• Payment mode: Singapore Dollars only (cash) or Visa/Mastercard
• Transport from/to hotel is not provided.
• Personal expenses.
• Accident insurance coverage/liability.

What to bring

• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Poncho or umbrella
• Cap or hat
• Water
• Light snacks (optional)
• Self-medication
• Motion sickness pills (to be taken at least 1 hour before the trip)

Know before you go

• Please arrive on time, as the boat will depart promptly.
• If you are bringing snacks, please ensure they are kept in your bag during the trip. Please dispose of your trash responsibly.
• There might be wildlife encounters along the way; do not feed or provoke them.
• Please bring only essentials, as you will be required to carry your belongings with you.
• Please be responsible for your own safety. Drinking plenty of water and wearing a hat or cap is recommended to prevent heat stroke.
• On the island, if approached by authorities, please cooperate and comply with their instructions.
• The itinerary may be adjusted at the guide's discretion, especially in bad weather.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

31 Marina Coastal Dr, Singapore 018988, Singapore (meet in front of the Marina South Ferries counter)

Tour start

31 Marina Coastal Dr, Singapore 018988

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.