Joanna James
It certainly is no Maldives or the Caribbean, but travellers to beautiful Singapore sure do have a whole host of islands to get their fill of idyllic island getaways. Hop aboard a boat and set sail into the wide-open seas to embark on an exciting island-hopping experience in the vibrant Lion City.
A world of fun and excitement awaits you on Sentosa Island. Both locals as well as tourists to the city-state need no introduction to the picturesque island, for it is Singapore’s most popular outer-lying island and an A1 entertainment destination, which is not without reason. Families on vacation with kids in tow are sure to have the time of their lives at the sprawling Universal Studios while the panoramic views from Tiger Sky Tower take the breath away of everyone on the island. The SEA Aquarium also makes for a day of fun and longing beach bums are invited to savour a slice of sun, sand and sea at the picture-postcard Palawan and Tanjong beaches.
For those craving a truly adventurous experience, hop aboard a boat and set sail to Bintan Island in charming Indonesia and let your inner explorer unleash. The stunning island in the Riau Archipelago is only an hour’s boat ride away from Singapore and is actually the second closest Indonesian island to the Lion City, behind the neighbouring and similarly-named Batam Island. Activities on offer on the idyllic island are plentiful, with the clutch of white sandy beaches taking centre stage while the sacred Banyan Tree Temple and the atmospheric Tanjung Pinang capital city also make for excellent exploration.
The city of towering skyscrapers, ultra-modern architecture and mind-blowing extravagance — modern world Singapore is anything but the serene fishing village it used to be. Nevertheless, for those looking to savour a slice of authentic Singapore, Lazarus Island won’t disappoint. Pristine, untouched and under the radar from massive commercial developments, Lazarus Island still has the same tranquil charm of the fishing village back in the day, offering visitors to the island a glimpse into the nostalgic past.
Nestled off the northeastern coast of mainland Singapore, Pulau Ubin is perhaps the most famous offshore island in the Lion City, of course after the renowned Sentosa Island. Blessed with boundless tranquillity, nature experiences are literally plenty on the serene island, inviting you to connect with nature like never before and set the nature lover in you free.
The charming southern island in Singapore, Kusu Island, gets its name from the Hokkien word “tortoise”, as it is believed that the island used to resemble a tortoise before land reclamation, although you may not find any of the shelly reptiles on the island. After a day of wallowing in breathtaking island scenery, retreat to one of the finest hotels in Geylang Area Singapore, including the likes of Hotel 81 Joy, and call it a day.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
