Singapore’s offshore islands have plenty of nature and history you can easily explore with tours — we tell you how
By Pamela Chow
Photo: Shutterstock
Like pearl drops scattered around our coasts, Singapore’s offshore islands are treasures packed with rich heritage and biodiversity.
Now, you can easily access and explore these secluded havens through tours with different interest and research groups. If you’re longing for a quick escape from the bustle of city life, you can spend your weekend discovering Singapore’s smaller sanctuaries.
Tour the Tropical Marine Science Institute on St John’s Island for a glimpse at some of the marine life and research on the island. (Photo: Jnzl’s Public Domain Photos / flickr.com)
St John’s Island: Of shores and groves
Besides the slice of secluded heaven on Lazarus Island beach, St John’s Island has many offerings for nature lovers. It has two natural rocky shores framed by cliffs, caves and other coastal landforms. These areas are home to a variety of animals and plants.
For example, you could chance upon black sea cucumbers, spider conches and soldier crabs on the shore; it’s home to an extensive coral reef. In terms of flora, you might spot the rare pink-eyed Pong Pong.
To sniff out the good finds, join the four-hour guided tour by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, which will take you through St John’s sandy and rocky shores, coastal forests and mangrove swamps.
The Tropical Marine Science Institute at National University of Singapore also conducts short tours ($16.05) to its research facility on the island.
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