The Southern Islands are three islands on one public ferry from Marina South Pier. One return ticket covers Lazarus, St John's and Kusu, so this route spends the morning on the first two and the afternoon on Kusu.
Buy the ticket at the Singapore Island Cruise booth and check the day's sailing times, which differ on weekdays and weekends. There is little food and less shade on any of the islands, so pack lunch, water and a hat.
Where to start
Marina South Pier MRT (NS28), Exit A
When to go
Morning, ferry before noon
Stop by stop
We'd do these in order, and each linked stop has its price and directions.
Morning
Marina South Pier
Come by train: Exit A at Marina South Pier MRT is a minute from the orange Singapore Island Cruise booth at #01-04, 31 Marina Coastal Drive. Early-bird return fares start from S$15, and the booking page shows the adult and child fares for your date. Arrive 25 minutes before your sailing.
Morning
Lazarus Island sandbar
The ferry calls at Lazarus Island because St John's main jetty is closed for enhancement works. The sandbar is at its best around mid-tide. There are no shops, shade or water on the island, so pack everything.
Late morning
St John's by causeway
A causeway leads from Lazarus to St John's Island, with its lagoons and colonial-era history. The NParks public gallery on the marine park is a room on its wildlife, open 10am to 4pm and closed on most public holidays.
Afternoon
Kusu Island
Take the afternoon boat to Kusu. Da Bo Gong Temple, built in 1923, sits near the jetty, and about 152 steps lead up to the Keramat Kusu shrines, where you dress modestly and take your shoes off. The last weekday boat back is at 4.15pm.
Evening
Maritime Gallery
Back at the pier, the Singapore Maritime Gallery is the indoor option if the weather turned. We couldn't confirm its hours, so check before you rely on it.
Save for another day
- Big Sister's Island, which is open 7am to 7pm and closed on the first and third Wednesday of each month
- Pulau Hantu, which is for certified divers
Before you go
Book ahead where you need to, and turn up for the rest.
Kusu Island FerryMarina South · From S$18Tickets 
Lazarus Island SandbarSouthern Islands · FreeGoSt John's IslandSouthern Islands · From S$18Tickets Islands by ferry questions
How much is the ferry to the Southern Islands?
One return ticket from Marina South Pier covers Lazarus, St John's and Kusu: early-bird fares start from S$15, and the Singapore Island Cruise booking page shows the adult and child fares for your date. Sailing times differ on weekdays and weekends, so check the operator's schedule before you go.
What should I bring to the Southern Islands?
Bring lunch, water and a hat, because there is little food and less shade on the islands. Lazarus has no shops, shade or water. Kusu's hawker centre usually opens only during the pilgrimage season, and pets and overnight stays aren't allowed on Kusu.
Can I walk from Lazarus to St John's Island?
Yes, a causeway links the two islands, so one ferry stop covers both. The ferry loops from the pier to Lazarus, then Kusu and back, with no hop from Kusu to St John's. That is why we'd do Lazarus and St John's in the morning and Kusu in the afternoon.
Stories from along the way
Longer reads on the places you'll pass through.
