Singapore's Islands: Sentosa, Pulau Ubin, and the Lesser-Known

Singapore is more than the main 728-km² island. The city-state has 60+ smaller islands, the most-photographed being Sentosa (the 5-km² entertainment island), Pulau Ubin (the 10-km² rustic island), and the Southern Islands (the 6 islands south of the main island). This is the guide to the islands.

Sentosa (the most-photographed)

The 5-km² island off the south coast of Singapore, the most-photographed in Singapore, the most-distinct. The island was the British military base (the Fort Siloso, the most-photographed), then a resort destination (the beaches, the most-photographed), now the most-photographed entertainment destination in Singapore (the Universal Studios, the S.E.A. Aquarium, the Adventure Cove Waterpark). 20+ million visitors a year, the most-photographed island in Southeast Asia.

What to do

• Universal Studios Singapore: The 50-acre theme park, the most-photographed 5-7 hours.
• S.E.A. Aquarium: The 49-million-liter aquarium, the most-photographed 2-3 hours.
• Adventure Cove Waterpark: The water theme park, the most-photographed 3-4 hours.
• Sentosa beaches: The Palawan, the Siloso, the Tanjong, the most-photographed 2-3 hours.
• Fort Siloso: The British military fort, the most-photographed, the most-distinct. Free entry.
• Wings of Time: The 20-minute outdoor show, the most-photographed 20 minutes in Sentosa. S$18 entry.

How to get there

• The monorail (the Sentosa Express, S$4 return) is the most-photographed, the most-efficient. From the HarbourFront MRT station.
• The cable car (the Mount Faber Cable Car, S$33 return) is the most-photographed, the most-distinct. The view of the city and the harbour, the most-photographed.
• The taxi or Grab (S$10-15) is the most-convenient. The walk via the Sentosa Boardwalk is the most-photographed free option.

Pulau Ubin (the most-distinct)

The 10-km² island off the northeast coast of Singapore, the most-photographed for the rustic, the most-distinct. The island is a step back in time — the kampongs (the traditional villages), the granite quarries, the rubber plantations, the most-distinct in Singapore. The most-photographed for the cyclists, the most-distinct for the nature-lovers.

What to do

• Cycle the island: The 10-km loop, the most-photographed in Singapore, the most-distinct. The bike rental at the jetty is S$10-20 per day.
• Chek Jawa: The 100-hectare wetlands, the most-photographed in Singapore, the most-distinct. The boardwalk, the most-photographed 1-2 hours. Free entry.
• Puaka Hill: The 75-m hill, the most-photographed viewpoint in Pulau Ubin. The most-photographed 1 hour.
• The kampong: The traditional village, the most-photographed in Singapore, the most-distinct. The most-photographed 1-2 hours.

How to get there

The bumboat (the traditional boat) from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal, S$3-5 per person, the most-photographed 15-minute ride in Singapore.

The Southern Islands (the most-photographed)

The 6 islands south of the main island: the Sentosa (covered above), the Sisters' Islands (the most-photographed for the snorkeling), the St. John's Island (the most-photographed for the quiet beaches), the Lazarus Island (the most-photographed for the white sand), the Kusu Island (the most-photographed for the turtle legend), the Pulau Tekukor (the most-photographed for the marine life).

What to do

• Sisters' Islands: The Marine Park, the most-photographed in Singapore, the most-distinct. The snorkeling, the most-photographed 1-2 hours.
• St. John's Island + Lazarus Island: The 30-minute walk between the two islands, the most-photographed 2-3 hours. The white sand beach, the most-photographed in Singapore.
• Kusu Island: The Tua Pekong Temple, the most-photographed, the most-distinct. The 152-step climb, the most-photographed viewpoint. The most-photographed 1-2 hours.

How to get there

The ferry from the Marina South Pier, S$15-18 per person, the most-photographed 30-45 minute ride in Singapore. The ferries run on weekends + public holidays (limited weekday service).

What to know

• Sentosa is the most-photographed, the most-distinct, the most-visited. The full day is the standard.
• Pulau Ubin is the most-photographed for the rustic, the most-distinct. The half-day is the standard.
• The Southern Islands are the most-photographed for the escape from the city. The half-day is the standard.
• The cable car to Sentosa is the most-photographed, the most-distinct. The view is the most-photographed.

What to skip

• The "Sentosa Island" as a 2-hour visit: The Universal Studios + the S.E.A. Aquarium + the beaches is a full day. Don't try to do it in half a day.
• The "Sentosa Beach" as the only beach: The East Coast Park is the most-photographed for the locals, the most-distinct, the more authentic.

Cost (1 day, per person, 2 sharing, mid-range)

• Sentosa entry: S$2-6 (the island entrance fee)
• Universal Studios: S$66-88
• S.E.A. Aquarium: S$39
• Sentosa Express: S$4 return
• Lunch: S$20-40
• Total: S$130-180 (US$95-130)