Singapore’s Southern Islands feel a world away from the city, yet they sit only 20 to 30 minutes by boat from Marina South Pier. With clear water, sandy coves and temple-topped hills, St John’s, Lazarus, Kusu and Big Sister’s Islands make an easy, low‑stress day trip if you understand the ferry routes. This guide breaks down exactly how to combine the islands, how much time to allow on each stop, and which itineraries are realistic so you can spend more time on the beach and less time squinting at timetables.
Understand the Southern Islands and How the Ferries Work
The key to a smooth Southern Islands day is understanding that regular public ferries do not run in a loop between every island. Instead, you book a ticket from Marina South Pier and follow a fixed sequence that differs slightly between operators. St John’s and Lazarus share one jetty, connected by a short causeway; Kusu has its own pier; Big Sister’s is reached on selected departures. Most visitors use weekend island-hopping products sold by companies such as Marina South Ferries and Singapore Island Cruise, which let you disembark and re-board along a preplanned route rather than buying separate point-to-point tickets.
From a practical point of view, treat Marina South Pier as your home base. You will check in at the ferry counters there, usually 30 to 45 minutes before departure, pay in cash or card depending on the operator, and receive a wristband or boarding pass that covers all legs of the day. Adult prices for island-hopping passes are typically in the range of a modest restaurant lunch in central Singapore, with discounts for children. Once you leave the pier, toilets and shade exist on all islands but food and drink options are minimal, so plan as if you are going on a picnic.
Most weekend schedules from Marina South Pier offer morning departures around 9 am or 10 am and final return ferries from St John’s or Kusu between 5 pm and 6 pm. On weekdays, services can be less frequent, often focusing on a direct St John’s / Lazarus run. Always verify the specific timings for your chosen date a few days in advance, because seasonal adjustments and chartered trips can slightly shift the timetable.
The island-hopping day published by Marina South Ferries currently highlights a four-island sequence that starts at Big Sister’s Island and ends at St John’s / Lazarus. Think of this as a curated route: you stay on the same vessel and simply hop off at each stop within allocated windows. If you prefer something simpler, you can still opt for a classic St John’s / Lazarus plus Kusu combination on many weekend departures, spending longer on two islands instead of trying to squeeze in all four.
Recommended Itinerary 1: Four-Island Day via Big Sister’s
If you want to see as much as possible and do not mind a more structured day, follow the four-island sequence that Marina South Ferries currently promotes. A typical Saturday example might look like this in practice. You arrive at Marina South Pier around 8.30 am, clear the ticket counter, and board a 9 am ferry. The boat usually heads first to Big Sister’s Island, part of Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, where you will have roughly one to one-and-a-half hours ashore before the horn sounds to re-board.
On Big Sister’s Island, facilities are basic. You will find picnic tables, toilets and simple shelters, but no cafe. Many locals bring cold drinks and snacks, sit under the trees that fringe the beach and take short swims in the roped-off lagoon facing the open sea. Lifeguards are not normally present, so weak swimmers should stay close to shore. Because Big Sister’s is only open during daylight hours and access is controlled by park authorities, you cannot decide to stay longer and catch a later public ferry; you must leave with the group when your boat departs.
From Big Sister’s, the same vessel continues to Kusu Island late in the morning. Travel time between islands is short, often 15 to 20 minutes. Expect around 1.5 to 2 hours on Kusu, enough to climb the steps up to the Chinese temple on the hilltop, visit the Malay shrines on the smaller hill and still spend some time by the sheltered swimming lagoon near the main jetty. During the annual Kusu pilgrimage period in the ninth lunar month, ferries can be significantly busier and extra services may be added, so it is better to avoid that window if your priority is peace and empty beaches rather than religious atmosphere.
After Kusu, the boat continues to St John’s Island in the mid-afternoon. This final leg is usually timed so that you reach St John’s and Lazarus with a two to three-hour window before the last ferry back to Marina South Pier in the late afternoon or early evening. You can use this time to walk across the causeway to Lazarus’ main arc of sand, swim, and return to St John’s jetty in time for boarding. In total, the four-island day includes three island stops plus the last one at St John’s / Lazarus, with relatively short but sufficient slices of time on each if you keep an eye on your watch.
Recommended Itinerary 2: St John’s & Lazarus plus Kusu
For many visitors, a simpler combination of St John’s / Lazarus and Kusu feels more relaxed and child-friendly. On weekends, one common pattern is to take a morning ferry that stops first at St John’s, spend several hours split between St John’s and Lazarus, then re-board an afternoon boat that detours via Kusu before returning to Marina South Pier. In practice, this often means leaving the mainland around 9 am or 10 am and coming back on the 5 pm or 6 pm ferry.
Imagine a Sunday schedule where your ferry departs Marina South Pier at 10 am and arrives at St John’s around 10.30 am. You could walk immediately across to Lazarus, claim a spot on the sand and stay there through lunch. If your ferry’s onward leg to Kusu is at, for example, 2 pm, you simply ensure you are back on St John’s jetty by 1.45 pm. The crossing to Kusu takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes. That would give you around two hours on Kusu before a 4 pm or 5 pm final crossing back to the mainland, enough time to walk the prayer sites, enjoy the views and still catch some shade near the lagoon.
This two-island day works particularly well for families with young children, couples who want more lazing and less rushing, or photographers hoping for softer afternoon light on the temples and beaches. It also gives you more flexibility if the weather turns. If a storm rolls in while you are on Lazarus, you are never more than about 20 minutes from your ferry gate on St John’s, and you can decide to skip Kusu and simply return on an earlier direct service if the operator offers one that day.
Where people get into trouble with this combination is by overpacking the schedule. If you arrive at St John’s on a midday ferry and insist on seeing both Lazarus and Kusu before catching a 5 pm return, you will constantly watch the clock and may spend more time walking between jetties than relaxing. As a rule of thumb, aim for at least three to four hours total across St John’s and Lazarus and a separate 1.5 to 2 hours on Kusu for this itinerary to feel worthwhile.
How Long to Spend on Each Island
The right amount of time depends heavily on what you want to do and how fast you move in tropical heat. For a fuller experience that includes a swim, casual strolls and breaks in the shade, allocate at least two to three hours for St John’s and Lazarus together, one-and-a-half to two hours for Kusu, and one to one-and-a-half hours for Big Sister’s. Anything less starts to feel like a quick photo stop rather than a genuine visit.
On St John’s and Lazarus, you can easily fill half a day. Many locals pack a cooler, picnic mat and games, aiming to be on the first boat out and the last boat back. They might spend the late morning on Lazarus’ main beach, walk back to St John’s in the early afternoon for a shower and a short walk among the former quarantine buildings, then return again to Lazarus for a final swim before sunset. If you like to explore side trails or photograph quietly, four or even five hours is not excessive.
Kusu rewards unhurried wandering more than extended swimming. After you arrive, you might start with the main Chinese temple near the pier, then climb the 152 steps to the hilltop for views back to Singapore’s skyline. After that, walk to the far side of the island, where smaller shelters look onto a quieter stretch of water. Including time for rest and photos, this add ups to about 90 minutes if you move briskly, or two hours at a gentler pace.
Big Sister’s, by contrast, is more compact. With no shops and limited formal trails, most visitors swim in the lagoon, take photographs of the rocky coastline, and enjoy a picnic under the trees. An hour often feels enough for a basic circuit and a dip, though keen snorkellers and families might happily stretch that to 90 minutes. Because the four-island itineraries typically limit the stop, it is rare to have significantly longer there unless you book a dedicated guided programme.
Walking Between St John’s and Lazarus
One of the pleasures of a Southern Islands day is the easy walk from St John’s to Lazarus. When you disembark at St John’s jetty, follow the clearly marked paved road past the cluster of old buildings and cabins. Within about 10 minutes, you reach a man-made causeway bridge linking St John’s to Seringat, and onward paths lead directly to Lazarus’ sweeping horseshoe bay. Most visitors cover the walk from jetty to beach in 15 to 20 minutes at a leisurely pace.
The path is paved most of the way, though there are short, slightly uneven stretches. Ordinary sandals or trainers are fine. The route is largely unshaded, so in the midday heat it can feel quite intense. Carry water and consider using an umbrella or hat, especially for children and anyone sensitive to sun. There are no vehicles for hire along this route, so assume you will be walking both directions. If you are planning to carry bulky items such as a large picnic cooler or camping chairs, a small wheeled trolley can make the journey a lot more comfortable.
Signage is straightforward, and you will almost always be walking with other day trippers, particularly on weekends and public holidays. As long as you keep track of your ferry’s departure time and give yourself 30 to 40 minutes to walk back from Lazarus to the jetty, use the toilets and queue, there is little risk of missing your boat. Mobile reception is generally available, so you can also check the time and any operator messages easily.
Once on Lazarus, the main beach stretches in a graceful arc with both sunny and shaded sections. Small shelters and trees at the back of the sand provide refuge from the sun, but they fill up quickly on busy days. Many regular visitors bring their own camping chairs or lightweight beach mats and choose a spot away from the main entrance, where it is quieter and feels more like a private cove despite being only a short walk from the causeway.
Food, Drinking Water and Facilities on Each Island
Food and drink planning is one of the most important practical details for this trip. According to guidance from the Singapore Land Authority, which manages St John’s, Lazarus and Kusu, visitors should bring sufficient food and drinking water for the whole day because retail options are limited and may not operate daily. A small convenience-style shop has opened on Lazarus, but its hours are typically restricted to Friday through Sunday and public holidays, and stock is focused on basics such as bottled drinks, snacks and simple ready-to-eat meals rather than full lunches.
On a typical weekend, a realistic strategy is to buy takeaway food near your accommodation or at Marina South Pier’s small eateries before boarding. Think rice boxes, sandwiches, or bento sets that travel well in the heat. Add at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water per adult for a full day out, plus isotonic drinks or fruit for those sensitive to the sun. Many locals also pack a small insulated bag with ice packs to keep drinks cool, which makes a big difference once temperatures rise in the early afternoon.
On Kusu, there are vending machines and occasional small food stalls, particularly during the annual pilgrimage season, but these should be treated as a bonus rather than a guarantee. Big Sister’s has no permanent food or retail facilities. Across all islands, rubbish bins are provided but can fill quickly on busy days, so bring a spare bag to pack out your trash if needed. Open flames and portable stoves are either restricted or fully prohibited in many areas, so check the latest rules if you are considering cooking; most visitors stick to cold or ready-to-eat food.
Toilets and basic showers exist on St John’s, Lazarus and Kusu, usually near the main jetties and popular beaches. They are serviceable rather than luxurious, and by late afternoon on a crowded weekend they can feel worn. Bring your own tissues or wet wipes, hand sanitiser and a lightweight change of clothes if you plan to swim. There are no formal rental shops for beach chairs or umbrellas on these islands at the time of writing, so any shade or seating is what you bring yourself or find under the trees.
Ferry Sequences, Last-Return Times and What Feels Too Rushed
Because multiple companies operate out of Marina South Pier and schedules can change, think in terms of patterns rather than memorising specific minute-by-minute timetables. On Saturdays and Sundays, expect morning departures between about 9 am and 10 am, with boats returning from St John’s as late as 5 pm or 6 pm. If your ticket includes Kusu, the sequence may be Marina South Pier to St John’s, then St John’s to Kusu, then Kusu back to Marina South Pier, or the reverse. The four-island day that includes Big Sister’s typically follows an order such as Marina South Pier to Big Sister’s to Kusu to St John’s / Lazarus, then back to Marina South Pier.
When planning, always work backward from the last return ferry of the day. If your timetable says the final boat leaves St John’s at 6 pm, aim to be back at the jetty by 5.30 pm at the latest. Queues can build on busy weekends, and boats do not usually wait for latecomers. If your particular ticket sends you back via Kusu on the last leg, remember that missing the St John’s departure may mean an expensive private water taxi or an overnight disruption, as there are no hotels open to the general public on these islands for walk-in stays.
Certain combinations almost always feel rushed and are better avoided. One is trying to squeeze the full four-island sequence into a short window by starting late, for example boarding a midday boat for Big Sister’s and still hoping to enjoy extended time on Lazarus before a 5 pm return. Another is attempting to visit Big Sister’s, Kusu and both St John’s and Lazarus separately in under six hours. In practice, the walking time, swimming breaks and inevitable delays in boarding will compress your actual island time into brief stops.
If you value a relaxed pace, prioritise depth over breadth. Many repeat visitors choose just St John’s and Lazarus on their second or third trip, taking the earliest outgoing ferry and the latest return. Others pair Lazarus with Kusu only, skipping Big Sister’s entirely. By choosing two islands instead of three or four, you build in buffer time for weather changes, slow-moving children or simply the pleasure of doing nothing on a nearly empty tropical beach.
The Takeaway
Island hopping in Singapore’s south is less about complicated logistics and more about a few thoughtful decisions. Decide early whether you want the curated completeness of Marina South Ferries’ four-island day beginning at Big Sister’s, or the simpler, slower rhythm of a St John’s / Lazarus plus Kusu combination. Book a morning departure from Marina South Pier, build your timetable around the last return ferry, and allow generous margins for walking and queuing.
Pack as if there were no shops at all: plenty of water, sun protection, simple picnic food and something comfortable to sit on. Once you are out on the water, the routines of the mainland fall away. With the city skyline shrinking behind you and the low green silhouettes of St John’s, Lazarus, Kusu and Big Sister’s ahead, your only real tasks are to keep an eye on the time, respect the islands’ simple rules and enjoy a quieter side of Singapore that many visitors never see.
FAQ
Q1. Can I visit Big Sister’s, Kusu, St John’s and Lazarus all in one day on regular ferries?
Yes, but the easiest way is to buy an island-hopping product that already includes a four-island sequence starting at Big Sister’s and ending at St John’s / Lazarus. Trying to piece together separate point-to-point services yourself is possible but more complicated and usually no cheaper.
Q2. How much time should I plan for St John’s and Lazarus together?
Plan for at least three hours, and ideally four or more, especially if you want to walk between the islands, swim and still have time to shower and change before your return ferry.
Q3. How long is the walk from St John’s jetty to Lazarus beach?
Most people take 15 to 20 minutes at an easy pace. The route is paved but exposed to the sun, so bring water, a hat and allow extra time if you are walking with children.
Q4. Are there food stalls or restaurants on the islands?
There are no full-service restaurants. Lazarus has a small convenience-style shop with limited hours, Kusu occasionally has stalls or vending machines, and Big Sister’s has no food outlets. Always bring your own meals and snacks.
Q5. Is drinking water available on St John’s, Lazarus, Kusu and Big Sister’s?
Drinking water is not guaranteed on all islands at all times. You may find bottled drinks for sale on Lazarus and Kusu on busy days, but you should carry enough water from the mainland for the entire day.
Q6. What time do the last ferries usually leave the islands?
On weekends, last public ferries typically depart St John’s or Kusu in the late afternoon, often between 5 pm and 6 pm. Always check your operator’s current schedule and aim to be at the jetty at least 30 minutes before departure.
Q7. Which island combination is best for families with children?
A relaxed St John’s / Lazarus plus Kusu itinerary works well for families. You can spend the morning on the beach at Lazarus, then visit the temples and sheltered lagoon on Kusu in the cooler afternoon hours.
Q8. Can I stay overnight on any of the Southern Islands?
Overnight stays are limited and usually require advance booking through specific operators or institutions. There are no regular beachfront hotels or casual walk-in accommodation on St John’s, Lazarus, Kusu or Big Sister’s at the moment.
Q9. Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?
Advance booking is strongly recommended for weekends and public holidays, as popular departure times can sell out. On quieter weekdays, it is sometimes possible to buy tickets at Marina South Pier shortly before departure, but availability is never guaranteed.
Q10. What should I definitely not forget to bring for a Southern Islands day trip?
Bring enough drinking water, sun protection, simple food, a mat or lightweight chairs to sit on, tissues or wipes, and a waterproof bag for your valuables. With these basics covered, you can adapt easily to minor schedule changes or weather shifts.