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St. John's Island
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Island
St. John's Island, known in Malay as Pulau Sakijang Bendera, is a 40.5-hectare island located about 6.5 kilometers south of Singapore's main island. The island has a diverse history, notably serving as a quarantine station for immigrants suspected of carrying cholera and leprosy starting in 1874. In the 1950s, it was utilized as a detention center for political prisoners and later as a drug rehabilitation center. Today, the island has been repurposed into a hub for marine research and recreation, housing the Tropical Marine Science Institute and the National Parks Board's Marine Park Outreach Centre. Its geography is characterized by sandy beaches, coastal forests, and spirited coral reefs that support significant marine biodiversity. Visitors frequent the island for swimming, trekking, and nature observation, as it is a prime spot for sighting dolphins in the surrounding waters. Since 2014, parts of the island's waters have been integrated into the Sisters' Islands Marine Park to ensure the preservation of its ecological assets.
- Location: Singapore
- Top sights: Marine Aquaculture Centre · Tropical Marine Science Institute
- Nearby: Serangoon (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 236 | 109 | 177 | 203 | 202 | 164 | 168 | 166 | 165 | 206 | 294 | 302 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The island is accessible exclusively via regular ferry connections that depart from the urban ferry terminals in southern Singapore, offering a scenic crossing.
Best season
The tropical island can be visited year-round. A visit during the week promises significantly more peace and seclusion than on the often busy weekends.
Terrain & paths
The landscape profile combines hilly, shaded forest paths with flat, inviting stretches of coastline and quiet, artificially created bathing lagoons.
What to bring
Visitors must bring all their own provisions, sufficient drinking water, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent, as there are absolutely no shops or stalls on the island.
Parking
Parking is only possible on the mainland at the respective ferry terminals. On the car-free island itself, movement is exclusively on foot or by bicycle.
Safety
The sheltered lagoons offer safe swimming, but one should beware of roaming monkeys, which can become quite intrusive when food is visible.
Time needed
An excursion usually fills half to a full day, as the ferry rides alone take time and the nature invites extensive exploration and relaxation.
Geography
Facts
- The island covers a total land area of 40.5 hectares.
- The quarantine station was established on the island in 1874.
- It is situated 6.5 kilometers south of the Singapore mainland.
- It houses the Tropical Marine Science Institute research facility.
- A paved causeway connects the island to neighboring Lazarus Island.
- The island's waters became part of a marine park in 2014.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town St. John's Island (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp here?
Yes, there are designated sites.
Are there cats there?
Yes, many stray cats.
How is the beach?
Quiet and natural.
Are there restrooms?
Yes, simple facilities available.
Do you have to book the ferry?
Yes, especially on weekends.
St. John's Island: where is it located?
St. John's Island is located in Singapore.
St. John's Island: what is there to see?
Highlights include Marine Aquaculture Centre, Tropical Marine Science Institute.
St. John's Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Aug, Sep.
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