Sentosa is known as "Singapore’s playground" because of its proximity to the capital city and the plethora of activities available on its shores. It is connected to the main island via a causeway, and is just a short 15-minute drive from downtown Singapore. It is Singapore's largest offshore island, and offers everything from world-class resorts and beaches to golf courses and amusement parks. Butterfly Park and Sentosa Nature Discovery, along with walking trails throughout the island, attract nature lovers, while the warm sands and inviting water attract visitors to spots such as Siloso Beach for sunbathing or a game of beach volleyball. More than 50 restaurants dot the resort island, offering something for every taste, as the same multicultural influences found on the main island serve up delectable dishes in both upscale and casual establishments.
A short boat ride from the Changi pier on the western side of the main island takes visitors to Singapore's second-largest offshore island. The boomerang-shaped Pulau Ubin island, which literally means "tile island" in Malay and Indonesian, is a stark contrast to the urban sprawl just 15 minutes away on Singapore. It is one of the last few undeveloped places in the country. Once the main source of granite, today, the island's main draw is as a rural escape for weary city dwellers who want to enjoy the dirt trails, virgin forests and the slow pace of country life.
St. John's Island is a former quarantine island that served as a screening center for Asian immigrants and pilgrims returning from Mecca. When mass immigration was closed in the mid-1900s, the island became a penal colony and drug rehabilitation center. The island underwent a dramatic transformation in 1975 when it was converted to a peaceful getaway with hiking trails, clear lagoons, picnic areas and soccer fields. Several beach bungalows with room for as many as 60 people make this an ideal place for a family camping trip. Ferries leave from the Marina South Pier just south of downtown and arrive at St. John's in about 45 minutes.
Kusu is mostly known as a religious destination because of its three Malay keramat shrines and the Chinese temple dedicated to Da Bo Gong and Guan Yin. It is mostly deserted year-round, except for during the month of October, when an annual pilgrimage from the main island brings thousands of visitors to its shores. White-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters make it an excellent spot for a relaxing picnic. However, you must bring your own supplies, because there are no stores or food vendors. Kusu is the second stop on the ferry to St. John's Island.
Sisters' Islands is the name given to the two of the southern islands in the archipelago. The nearly 10 acres of Big Sister Island face the open sea, while the 4 acres of the appropriately named Little Sister Island faces the Singaporean mainland. A narrow channel with a strong, dangerous current separates the two islands. The main attractions here are the white-sand beaches and spectacular coral reef,s which are home to a wide variety of marine life, including octopuses, giant clams and several species of fish. The islands only are reachable via private boat charters.
