Blame the towering skyscrapers or sad lack of nature in our city; but sometimes, we Singaporeans tend to forget that Singapore is conveniently located near some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Even better, many of these beach paradises are unknown, making them the perfect places for a quick weekend getaway.
Here, we pick out 11 lesser-known islands that are possible to visit without buying a plane ticket, all of them easily reached from Singapore. Don’t say we never share!
- Karimun Island
Contrary to popular belief, Bintan and Batam aren’t the only sandy spots near Singapore. Say hello to Karimun Island, a seaside gem that’s placed west of the Riau Islands, and a beach paradise that’s only a short ferry ride away from town. Holiday goers can look forward to swimming in clear, pristine water (not like the green gunk at East Coast Park), as well as visiting Air Terjun – a waterfall with man-made pools that’s filled with water flowing down from the mountain.
Getting there: This is rather easy. Just book a ferry at the Singapore Cruise Centre, and you’ll reach within two hours. Your best bet is booking under SINDO Ferry and Indofalcon.
- Sugi Island
If you’re up for an off-the-beaten path type of adventure, Sugi Island should be right up your alley. This coastal hotspot, which is located just a little further beyond the over-visited Batam, has only one hotel for you to stay at – Telunas Resorts, a picturesque kampong-style villa that’s built on stilts. The fact that none of the rooms come with air-conditioning makes this destination even more of an escape from the city, and it’s really all just about going back to basics here; enjoying the sea-breeze and watching the sunset.
Getting there: Head up to Harbourfront Ferry Terminal and catch a 45-minute to one-hour ferry to Sekupang in Batam by SINDO Ferry or Batam East Ferry. After which, a representative from Telunas will meet you to bring you to the resort via an old fishing boat. This will take approximately 1.5 hours.
- Pulau Dayang
There’s more than just delicious food and cheap shopping across the causeway. Malaysia is packed to the brim with marvellous beach hideouts, one of which is Pulau Dayang, a relatively obscure island that’s perfect for scuba diving thanks to its colourful variety of corals and fish. Oh, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale shark too! Now how’s that for some holiday motivation?
Getting there: First up, you’ve got to head to Mersing via bus, which will take you around three to four hours. After that, you’ve got to take another three to four journey from Mersing Jetty to Pulau Dayang by boat.
- Nikoi Island
Nikoi is the perfect place for beach lovers to live it up. There’s only one hotel on the island, but unlike the one on Sugi island, is extremely costly, with the minimum price of approximately $1,340 for a two night stay (it’s also a minimum two night stay over here). But don’t let the price deter you; it’s well worth the money. At Nikoi, you get to rock climb, windsurf, sail, and even play tennis! The hotel also has 3 bars, plus there’s private cinema on the beach! It’s the literal definition of heaven on earth.
Getting there: From Tanah Merah Terminal, take a two-hour ferry ride to Bintan Ferry Terminal, where a Nikoi staff will take you on a 20 to 30 minute journey to the island.
- Pulau Joyo
Pulau Joyo. Remember the name cause you’ll be adding it to your bucket list of must-go weekend destinations very soon. This secluded paradise isn’t just gorgeous; it’s also available to be booked as an ENTIRE ISLAND. Yep, that’s right, you read correctly. The entire island is available for booking, but do be warned, it’s going to be extremely pricey (it’ll cost $4,600 a night and you need a minimum of 12 people). If you do fork out the cash however, you and your friends can look forward to snorkeling, fishing, and watching the sunset with a beer in hand.
Getting there: Take a three-hour ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Tanjung Pinang, and meet up with one of the resort staff for the remainder of your journey.
- Pulau Pangkil
As unbelievable as this may sound, Pulau Joyo isn’t the only island near Singapore that can be rented in its entirety. Introducing Pulau Pankil – yet another splendid tropical haven for all beach lovers to head to. Unlike Pulau Joyo, booking Pulau Pangkil as an entire island does not require a minimum amount of people, and rental for 1 to 10 pax will set you back approximately $6,900 (which is admittedly more pricey). Over here though, the entire staff is dedicated to satisfying your every need and want.
Getting there: Hop on a two-hour ferry ride and head to Tanjung Pinang. Also, get the resort to organize a bus ride to Pama Jetty. From there, it’s another boat ride to Pulau Pangkil.
- Perhentian Islands
Okay, so the Perhentian Islands isn’t that near Singapore in term of travel hours (an overnight bus is required to even reach the jetty), and most people just take a quick flight to Kota Bahru Airport, before hopping on a speedboat to the islands. If you don’t mind taking things slow however, and going by a longer route, this is one destination that’s well worth your time. Visit from June to late October though. That’s when the waters are less choppy!
Getting there: Take an overnight bus to Kuala Terangganu, or take a flight to Kota Bahru Airport, followed by a boat from Kuala Besut Jetty.
- Pulau Babi Besar
There are two kinds of beach vacationers: those who love water activities and those who just love to laze by the beach. If you belong to the latter category, then well, Pulau Babi Besar is the place for you to be at, since there’s not much to do here except drink cocktails and swim (sounds pretty good to us). Throw in the fact that it’s a legit certified Marine Park, and you’ve got an island that’s perfect for a weekend getaway.
Getting there: Find transport to Tanjung Leman or Mersing, and then charter a boat to Pulau Babi Besar. This will take you around four hours.
- Pulau Lang Tengah
Divers rejoice; there’s now a new hotspot for you to explore the wonders of the ocean, and it’s right behind Singapore’s backyard. Pulau Lang Tengah is a largely untouched island that’s blessed with an amazing array of sea life and crystal clear waters; something that every diver wants to here. Not to worry if you’re more of a landlubber. You can even watch turtles hatch or trek the vast and luscious jungles over here.
Getting there: Take a three to four bus ride from Singapore to Mersing, and from Mersing Jetty, take a 20 minute speedboat ride.
- Rawa Island
Here’s another beach beauty around the Mersing region for you to visit. Named Rawa Island, this seaside hotspot is owned by family members of the Sultanate of Johor, and visitors can expect to partake in the regular list of water activities over here: there’s snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, and diving. Not to mention, there’s always the option of lying by the beach to get your tan game on.
Getting there: Head up to Mersing first from Singapore. From Mersing jetty, take a 30-minute to one-hour ride to Rawa.
Cover image taken from Telunas Resorts.
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