Southern Islands

Welcome, maritime scholars and intrepid island-hoppers. Today we turn our analytical gaze away from the dense urban core of Singapore and look out across the waters of the Singapore Strait to the Southern Islands. …

We make our first landfall at Kusu Island, known literally as 'Tortoise Island'. As you step off the pier, you are immediately greeted by the island's namesake motif. …

A short walk from the turtle sanctuary brings us to the vibrant, architectural heart of Kusu Island's Chinese heritage: the Da Bo Gong Temple. Built in 1923, this intricate Taoist temple is dedicated to the Merchant God (Da Bo…

We now ferry across to St John's Island, the largest of the Southern Islands. The atmosphere here is starkly different from the spiritual tranquility of Kusu. …

Leaving the heavy history of St John's behind, we proceed on foot along a beautifully constructed, paved causeway that physically links St John's Island to our next destination: Lazarus Island. This short walk is one of the most…

You have arrived at Lazarus Island, and specifically, its magnificent, C-shaped lagoon. This is widely considered to be the most beautiful and pristine beach in the entirety of Singapore. …

For our final point of analysis, we stand on the southern tip of Lazarus, looking out across a narrow, treacherous channel of water toward two distinct landmasses: the Sisters' Islands. Known individually as Big Sister's Island…

As our expedition through the Southern Islands concludes and we board the ferry for our return journey, I encourage you to reflect upon the diverse tapestries of history we have examined. These small, seemingly insignificant…