The island is said to be haunted since it was formerly used as a quarantine facility for immigrants arriving with contagious illnesses including cholera in the late 1800s. It was then used to house political detainees before becoming a drug rehabilitation centre.
Fast forward many years later and thanks to its numerous cats, beaches, and lagoons, St John’s is now a tranquil, lovely little piece of nature. Here’s a guide to spend your day out in St John Island and you can get your ferry transfer tickets here!
Learn about the marine life in the National Marine Laboratory! Singapore’s sole offshore marine research facility, the St. John’s Island National Marine Laboratory (SJINML), is now available to all marine science researchers. The tropical marine science institute, NUS, originally inaugurated the marine laboratory on 3 October 2002 as a research facility.
Take a peek at the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park Public Gallery’s conservation efforts at the Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre. You’ll also get to check out some of the live aquatic species like clownfish and corals in its exhibits.
For the hiking enthusiast, The St. John’s Island path is 2.8 kilometres long and has 15 stops where visitors may learn about the local flora and animals. From mangroves to coastal forests and even some of Singapore’s Heritage Trees, the trail takes you through the island’s diverse biodiversity.
Because there are no shops or kiosks on the island, carry plenty of food and drink. Covered shoes are also an excellent choice for folks who enjoy hiking or exploring. On St John’s Island, there are three restrooms and one on Pulau Seringat, which is closer to Lazarus Island. If you plan to wash up before returning, bring your own toilet paper and a towel with you.
Make it a 2D1N vacation on the Southern Island for the perfect peaceful retreat! There are four distinct lodges to choose from at the St. John Island Lodge. Three of the lodges can accommodate at least 50 people, making them ideal for large camping vacations.
With the present COVID measures, however, it is recommended to keep it small until circumstances improve. The Eagle is a four-room vacation cottage with two baths, a kitchen, and most importantly, air conditioning!
Alternatively, go for a more adventurous lifestyle and pitch your own tent near the water! To stay the night, you’ll require permission, just like camping in Pulau Ubin. And you’ll need to start planning at least two weeks ahead of time.
Although Pulau Ubin is the de facto island destination for hardcore mountain cyclists, St John’s and Lazarus Island’s comparatively flat topography makes them ideal for a leisurely riding excursion for people of all ages. You would have to bring along your own bicycle on the boat, but you will not be charged an additional fee.
Alternatively, City Scoot, which is a 15-minute bike ride away, offers full-day rentals with pricing starting from $40. Although the islands have well-paved roads, you should still carry along repair materials and a first-aid kit in case of an emergency.
St. John’s Island provide the best of both worlds for anyone seeking for a day of exploration and leisure. These islands provide unspoiled scenery and an intimate encounter with nature.
This article was brought to you by Han. I pretend to be broke in order to stay wealthy, yet I’m not wealthy.
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