St John’s Island: Ferry, Things to Do & Visitor Tips

St John’s Island is one of Singapore’s Southern Islands, offering a quieter outdoor escape from the city. It’s a place to explore coastal scenery, follow a nature trail, learn about Singapore’s past and spend time outdoors. Nearby Lazarus Island can also be part of the same day trip, making it a useful option for anyone planning a half-day or full-day island outing. But there’s one detail to check before leaving home: the usual St John’s Island jetty has been closed for repair works, and public ferry access is being routed through Seringat Jetty. Check the latest ferry arrangements, walking route and return timings before setting off.

TL;DR: St John’s Island at a Glance

St John’s Island is a Southern Islands destination suited to nature walks, wildlife observation and a relaxed outdoor trip. The self-guided trail covers 2.8 km across 15 stations and takes around 1–1.5 hours. Ferries depart from Marina South Pier, but current landing arrangements need checking. Bring food, drinking water, sun protection and comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk towards Lazarus Island.

Quick fact	Details
Location	Southern Islands, Singapore
Main attractions	Nature trail, coastal scenery, wildlife
Walking trail	2.8 km, 15 stations
Estimated trail time	1–1.5 hours
Nearby destination	Lazarus Island
Ferry departure point	Marina South Pier
Current landing arrangement	Seringat Jetty; confirm with the operator
What to bring	Water, food, sunscreen and insect repellent

Where Is St John’s Island in Singapore?

Location and Its Place Among the Southern Islands

St John’s Island lies south of mainland Singapore and forms part of the Southern Islands. It’s known for its nature trail, coastal surroundings and historical background. The island also sits close to Lazarus Island, which is popular for its beach and quieter seaside setting. Kusu Island is another destination in the same island group, although ferry routes and access arrangements can differ.

For Singapore residents, a trip here can be a change from the usual shopping malls, parks and neighbourhood walks. The experience is less about commercial attractions and more about walking, scenery and spending time outdoors. Plan your route before boarding, particularly if you want to visit more than one island.

How to Get to St John’s Island

Ferry from Marina South Pier

The usual starting point for a public ferry trip to St John’s Island is Marina South Pier. You can reach the pier by MRT, taxi or public transport. Singapore Island Cruise and Marina South Ferries are operators to check when planning your journey.

There’s an important access detail for current visitors. The main St John’s Island jetty has been closed for repair works, with ferries redirected to Seringat Jetty. From there, walking to the St John’s Island jetty area can take around 30 minutes, and the Marine Park Public Gallery is approximately a 30–40-minute walk from the landing point. Check the latest operator instructions before booking, as the landing arrangement affects how much walking you’ll need to do.

Book your ticket in advance if possible, arrive at the counter early enough to collect your ticket, and check the return schedule before boarding. Don’t plan your day around an old ferry timetable found on a travel blog.

St John’s Island Ferry Tickets and Prices

Ferry fares depend on the operator, ticket type and travel date. Singapore Island Cruise currently lists its Southern Islands ferry ticket from S$15, but its regular ticket conditions differ during the Kusu Pilgrimage Season.

Ticket information	Price or details
Southern Islands ferry ticket	From S$15, subject to date and ticket conditions
Child ticket	Check the operator’s current age categories and fare
Return journey	Confirm the route and return-trip conditions when booking
Island-hopping ticket	Check which islands are included
Additional charges	Review the booking page before payment

Prices checked against the Singapore Island Cruise booking page. The Kusu Pilgrimage Season runs from 10 October to 8 November 2026, so special ticket conditions may apply during this period. Check the official ferry booking website for the fare applicable to your travel date.

Best Things to Do on St John’s Island

1. Explore the St John’s Island Nature Trail

The self-guided St John’s Island Trail is a good starting point for visitors who enjoy walking and learning about local nature. The route is 2.8 km long, with 15 stations, and its estimated walking time is 1–1.5 hours. You can explore at your own pace and pause at the information stations along the way.

Download the official NParks trail guide before your visit. It provides useful information about the route, history and natural features.

2. Look Out for Wildlife and Mangroves

The island’s natural surroundings offer opportunities to observe coastal vegetation, birds and other wildlife. Mangroves are particularly interesting because they provide habitats for different organisms and form part of Singapore’s coastal natural heritage.

Bring a camera or binoculars if you enjoy nature observation. Keep a respectful distance from wildlife, avoid feeding animals and leave plants where they are. Sightings can vary, so treat wildlife watching as a possibility rather than a guaranteed attraction.

3. Visit the Marine Park Public Gallery

The Public Gallery at the Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre features interactive displays about Singapore’s marine biodiversity. Highlights include a mangrove mesocosm and a display tank where visitors can observe corals.

The gallery is listed as open from 10am to 4pm during regular operating days, with closures on most public holidays and half-day hours on the eve of public holidays. Check the NParks gallery page before travelling, since special closures and operating hours can change.

The gallery is also a useful stop for families and school-age visitors interested in marine life and conservation.

4. Enjoy a Picnic and Coastal Walk

St John’s Island is a place to slow down, take a walk and enjoy the surroundings. If you’re planning a picnic, pack your food and drinking water before boarding the ferry. The island does not have the same range of shops and dining options found on the mainland.

Bring a bag for your rubbish and take it to the appropriate bins, or bring it back with you if necessary. And check the weather forecast before leaving, especially if your plan involves several hours outdoors.

St John’s Island Trail and History

Trail Distance, Duration and What to Expect

The self-guided trail covers 2.8 km across 15 stations and is rated easy to moderate by NParks. Allow around 1–1.5 hours for the route, with additional time for photographs, breaks or other stops. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and drinking water are sensible choices in Singapore’s warm weather.

A Brief Look at the Island’s Past

St John’s Island has served different purposes throughout Singapore’s history. According to NParks, it was previously used as a quarantine centre for passengers with infectious diseases, a detention centre for political prisoners and an opium treatment centre. Today, its trail and educational displays offer visitors a chance to learn about the island’s past alongside its natural surroundings.

St John’s Island Visitor Tips and Facilities

What to Bring

Pack drinking water, food, sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes. A hat, umbrella and a small rubbish bag can also be useful. Check the weather before leaving and give yourself extra time if rain or hot conditions are expected.

Toilets, Shops and Safety

The Singapore Land Authority advises visitors to bring enough food and water for the day because the other islands do not have retail or food-and-beverage shops. A convenience store is listed on Lazarus Island, operating Friday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, but don’t rely on it for all your supplies. There are no medical services on the islands.

SLA has also issued advisories about box jellyfish sightings in Singapore waters. Check current safety notices before swimming, follow posted instructions and avoid entering the water if conditions or warnings make it unsafe.

Best Time to Visit

Choose a day when the weather looks suitable for walking, and check ferry timings before leaving home. Weekdays may suit visitors who prefer a quieter outing, although ferry schedules and facilities can vary. There isn’t a guaranteed best month for every visitor, so plan around the forecast, current access arrangements and the activities you want to do.

Can You Visit St John’s Island and Lazarus Island Together?

Yes, the two islands can be combined in one trip, subject to current access arrangements and the time available. Lazarus Island is known for its beach, while St John’s Island offers a nature trail and historical interest. The walking connection to Lazarus Beach takes around 15–20 minutes from the relevant access point, according to SLA’s visitor guidance.

Allow extra time for the walk, a break and your return ferry. Check the operator’s route instructions carefully: island-hopping services don’t necessarily stop at every island on every journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is St John’s Island Located?

St John’s Island is part of Singapore’s Southern Islands, south of the mainland. It can be visited by ferry from Marina South Pier, subject to current landing arrangements.

How Do You Get to St John’s Island?

Take a ferry from Marina South Pier through an operator serving the Southern Islands. Check the latest schedule and landing point, as ferries currently use Seringat Jetty during the main jetty closure.

How Much Does the St John’s Island Ferry Cost?

Singapore Island Cruise lists Southern Islands ferry tickets from S$15, but the final fare depends on the travel date and ticket conditions. Confirm the current price before booking.

How Long Does It Take to Explore St John’s Island?

The self-guided nature trail takes an estimated 1–1.5 hours. Allow additional time for the ferry, walking from the current landing point, the gallery and any visit to Lazarus Island.

Can You Visit Lazarus Island on the Same Trip?

Yes, visitors can combine St John’s Island and Lazarus Island, subject to access and ferry arrangements. Check the walking connection and return schedule before setting off.

Plan Your St John’s Island Visit

St John’s Island offers nature walks, coastal scenery and a glimpse into Singapore’s history without the usual city distractions. Bring your own food and water, wear comfortable shoes and allow time for the trail. Before leaving, check the latest ferry fares, Seringat Jetty access and return timings so your island day trip runs to plan.