Sisters' Islands
Sisters' Islands
3.5
About
Swimmers and snorkelers can also indulge themselves here at Sisters’ Islands as the fantastic reefs are filled with marine life. Camping is also another favourite past-time here, but do remember to get a permit before going on your way.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Central Area/City Area
How to get there
- Raffles Place • 8 min walk
- Telok Ayer • 8 min walk
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6,959 within 3 miles
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830 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
3.5
13 reviews
Excellent
5
Very good
3
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Nigel G
Singapore, Singapore8,675 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
Visited Sister Island (Big Sis) yesterday. Was excited to be going but my excitement was short lived.
Went primarily to look at nature. But not as many birds to see by comparison of St Johns or Kusu for example.
You arrive at the ferry terminal - as you proceed up from the pier the end of the pier has a cement recess in which you will find sticks and the like. Didn’t strike me why this was there but it soon became apparent as the monkeys here are a complete pain in the rear end. Of course the sticks are to ward them off if they become too troublesome. We were surrounded by them!!! Later we noticed that had looted the food of a family that were swimming - perhaps naive to leave your food unattended but still an inconvenience.
Had intended to have a picnic lunch there but insufficient security to get on with eating with monkeys all around.
Found a stick and it must be said they are responsive to a broad brandish in their direction. Perhaps now is the time for a little population control.
Stayed an hour and went to the more pleasant island of Kusu, leaving my sick in the receptacle on the pier for the next group of travellers.
Won’t be back anytime soon!
Went primarily to look at nature. But not as many birds to see by comparison of St Johns or Kusu for example.
You arrive at the ferry terminal - as you proceed up from the pier the end of the pier has a cement recess in which you will find sticks and the like. Didn’t strike me why this was there but it soon became apparent as the monkeys here are a complete pain in the rear end. Of course the sticks are to ward them off if they become too troublesome. We were surrounded by them!!! Later we noticed that had looted the food of a family that were swimming - perhaps naive to leave your food unattended but still an inconvenience.
Had intended to have a picnic lunch there but insufficient security to get on with eating with monkeys all around.
Found a stick and it must be said they are responsive to a broad brandish in their direction. Perhaps now is the time for a little population control.
Stayed an hour and went to the more pleasant island of Kusu, leaving my sick in the receptacle on the pier for the next group of travellers.
Won’t be back anytime soon!
Written April 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nayan Jaiswal
20 contributions
Jan 2020
There is a treasure which lies around 30 min (ferry drive) away from Singapore. While I was looking for not-so-popular places in Singapore, I stumbled upon a blog which mentioned Three sister's island (three since there is a group of three island near to each other) and I did not regret my decision to travel there the next day. If you want to really take full advantage of your visit to these islands, leave early and try taking the ferry which departs at 7:00am from southern pier. Spend time at Kuzu island, which is the best out of all three islands. Also, must explore the local temple, tortoise hatching and yummy egg friend rice which they serve there at Kuzu island.
Written May 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo
13 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
Hungry monkeys are fierce monsters. This proves emphatically right in our recent trip to Big Sister's Island on 11 March 2018. We thought a day picnic there would be something fresh and relax away from mainland's city hustle. But we were starkly wrong about the idea! Soon as our happy foot stepped onto the jetty stairs, we could spot few monkeys surreptitious movement. Slowly, more and more of them gathered around us. Their stares were neither friendly. Their gestures were obvious. They were there for our bags of food.
The bigger sized monkey, seemingly like to be the leader of the ring, moved closer to us in faster pace. Then, without a hint of hesitation, it boldly grabbed a plastic bag from my friend's fist. They followed us wherever we headed to and appeared to plot another attack on our food.
We had children with us. Fearing for safety and hurt by their claws, as they might bounce on us from tree top anytime, we fled the island in less than one hour there.
The National Park Board should prohibit visit to the island as the monkeys have grown to more than 50, understood from one of the ranger we bumped into in our last 10 minutes of exit. The monkey had been attacking a lady previously on the neck to grab food from her back. We made a mistake to be on the island but we were lucky to leave the horror unscathed.
The bigger sized monkey, seemingly like to be the leader of the ring, moved closer to us in faster pace. Then, without a hint of hesitation, it boldly grabbed a plastic bag from my friend's fist. They followed us wherever we headed to and appeared to plot another attack on our food.
We had children with us. Fearing for safety and hurt by their claws, as they might bounce on us from tree top anytime, we fled the island in less than one hour there.
The National Park Board should prohibit visit to the island as the monkeys have grown to more than 50, understood from one of the ranger we bumped into in our last 10 minutes of exit. The monkey had been attacking a lady previously on the neck to grab food from her back. We made a mistake to be on the island but we were lucky to leave the horror unscathed.
Written March 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carl B
Kaminoyama, Japan43 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
We've been camping at these islands for over 10 years. Saddened to find out (8.15) that they have now come under the National Parks and overnight camping has been stopped.
With St John's campsite also having closed down, this leaves just Pulau Hantu with inevitable crowding.
All fun stuff gradually disappearing - gone are the days of getting on a bumboat from an open pier - now you have to go through xray points.
With St John's campsite also having closed down, this leaves just Pulau Hantu with inevitable crowding.
All fun stuff gradually disappearing - gone are the days of getting on a bumboat from an open pier - now you have to go through xray points.
Written August 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela Z
Spring, TX40 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
I organized a group of 10 kids (2 to 10 years) and 6 adults to camp overnight on this island. We booked through Sentosa website (free camping) then chartered our own ferry (maybe $120 each way?? per boat of max 10 people). There is a toilet and water to wash hands but not to drink. Bring your own fire wood and drinking water, tent, food, etc.
We had an amazing overnight and day swimming, roasting marshmallows. Watch out for monkeys that will steal anything not put away. Best part was having a PRIVATE ISLAND!! Probably not for a first time camper but you don't need to be an expert either. If know what you need to bring to camp then nothing should keep you away from this fun place. Next time we will stay two nights.
We had an amazing overnight and day swimming, roasting marshmallows. Watch out for monkeys that will steal anything not put away. Best part was having a PRIVATE ISLAND!! Probably not for a first time camper but you don't need to be an expert either. If know what you need to bring to camp then nothing should keep you away from this fun place. Next time we will stay two nights.
Written January 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shambles R
SG42 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
If planning to go to any of Singapore’s beautiful Southern Isles here's some tips for you:-
TICKETS
Available from Marina South Pier.
- Look for Heng Lee Boat Service which is on the left beside the shops.
- Their prices are cheaper and the boat schedules are more frequent.
- Their boat is also newer (less than a month old at the time of this review) and cleaner. Upper deck is so quaint with fake grass 😁
- The boat goes direct to St . John's Island from there you can wait at the jetty and request for a smaller bum boat to take you to Sister's / Lazarus Islands. Ask about this when you book your tickets with Heng Lee.
FOOD
- Nothing available on the islands so best to pack a picnic and sufficient water.
- Please bring your rubbish back to the mainland if possible. There are bins on the islands, but I thought it best for myself, to just bring my own rubbish back to the mainland 😅
TOILETS
- There are toilets on the islands BUT beware of mosquitoes. Mind you, I myself didn't encounter any on Big Sisters' Island.
- The door to the ladies washroom on Sisters' Island is tied shut with a string to keep the monkeys out, so please tie it back when you leave the washroom.
- Also please close the toilet seat covers completely after use, to minimize any mosquito breeding :)
MONKEYS
- Big Sister's Island -> There is a family of wild monkeys on the island but they didn't bother me one bit. That's also because I followed some basic rules. I didn't engage them or entertain them. I just observed them from a distance and when they came close I ignored them. They mind their own business :)
- DO NOT LEAVE YOUR FOOD AND BAGS UNATTENDED. They are monkeys and naturally curious. Even more so if you have food that smells yummy 🤣
- FYI since I only went for a day trip I just brought fruits like apples, strawberries, cherries and plain water to drink for myself so it's easier to eat and less messy.
SHELTER
There's ample shelters with benches on Big Sister's Island so you can enjoy it at your convenience :)
- End-
That's all folks! So enjoy your trip to our beautiful southern isles!! ❤️
TICKETS
Available from Marina South Pier.
- Look for Heng Lee Boat Service which is on the left beside the shops.
- Their prices are cheaper and the boat schedules are more frequent.
- Their boat is also newer (less than a month old at the time of this review) and cleaner. Upper deck is so quaint with fake grass 😁
- The boat goes direct to St . John's Island from there you can wait at the jetty and request for a smaller bum boat to take you to Sister's / Lazarus Islands. Ask about this when you book your tickets with Heng Lee.
FOOD
- Nothing available on the islands so best to pack a picnic and sufficient water.
- Please bring your rubbish back to the mainland if possible. There are bins on the islands, but I thought it best for myself, to just bring my own rubbish back to the mainland 😅
TOILETS
- There are toilets on the islands BUT beware of mosquitoes. Mind you, I myself didn't encounter any on Big Sisters' Island.
- The door to the ladies washroom on Sisters' Island is tied shut with a string to keep the monkeys out, so please tie it back when you leave the washroom.
- Also please close the toilet seat covers completely after use, to minimize any mosquito breeding :)
MONKEYS
- Big Sister's Island -> There is a family of wild monkeys on the island but they didn't bother me one bit. That's also because I followed some basic rules. I didn't engage them or entertain them. I just observed them from a distance and when they came close I ignored them. They mind their own business :)
- DO NOT LEAVE YOUR FOOD AND BAGS UNATTENDED. They are monkeys and naturally curious. Even more so if you have food that smells yummy 🤣
- FYI since I only went for a day trip I just brought fruits like apples, strawberries, cherries and plain water to drink for myself so it's easier to eat and less messy.
SHELTER
There's ample shelters with benches on Big Sister's Island so you can enjoy it at your convenience :)
- End-
That's all folks! So enjoy your trip to our beautiful southern isles!! ❤️
Written December 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bishnu C
10 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
Beautiful .breathtaking scene and island. I loved this place. It's very nice for picnic spots and meditations.
The place is little bit scary cos lots of monkeys. But it didn't harm us.as we were meditating and later had fun alot. I will go there again with my friends
The place is little bit scary cos lots of monkeys. But it didn't harm us.as we were meditating and later had fun alot. I will go there again with my friends
Written August 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Spooky T
Singapore, Singapore351 contributions
Jan 2016 • Solo
Sisters' Island is Singapore's first marine park, and it does not disappoint. NParks has painstakingly created 2 dive trails that, though short, offer divers a good variety of marine life. There are no pelagics or abundant soft corals here, but there is a good range of healthy hard corals and macro-critters to discover/uncover. Given the shallow depth of between 5-15 metres, dives can easily stretch a full hour with a half-tank of air to spare.
Note though that there are a number of dive conditions for the marine park, including:
- only certified Advanced Divers with at least 20 dives;
- prior dive experience in Singapore waters at no more than 2 months before diving Sisters'Island;
- only NParks approved dive operations may conduct dives here;
- specified dive windows;
- no more than 8 divers per trail for a maximum of 16 divers at Sisters'Island.
Like the other diving hole, Pulau Hantu, expect to see many different species of nudibranchs. I was particularly chuffed to see a Bornella anguilla. As for fish life, apart from Fusiliers (Caesio teres), Angelfish (Pomacanthus sexstriatus) and Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus), I also chanced on a fully-grown Blue-spotted Grouper (Cephalopholis argus) with an accompaniment of adult Harlequin Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides). Apparently, there is a resident turtle (Hawksbill/Eretmochelys imbricata) as well.
However, note that Singapore waters are turbid and divers should not expect blue waters with good visibility. Visibility was about 1-1.5m when I dived the site. That said, poor visibility does not mean that there is nothing to be seen. It means that one dives much more carefully and watchfully.
Note though that there are a number of dive conditions for the marine park, including:
- only certified Advanced Divers with at least 20 dives;
- prior dive experience in Singapore waters at no more than 2 months before diving Sisters'Island;
- only NParks approved dive operations may conduct dives here;
- specified dive windows;
- no more than 8 divers per trail for a maximum of 16 divers at Sisters'Island.
Like the other diving hole, Pulau Hantu, expect to see many different species of nudibranchs. I was particularly chuffed to see a Bornella anguilla. As for fish life, apart from Fusiliers (Caesio teres), Angelfish (Pomacanthus sexstriatus) and Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus), I also chanced on a fully-grown Blue-spotted Grouper (Cephalopholis argus) with an accompaniment of adult Harlequin Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides). Apparently, there is a resident turtle (Hawksbill/Eretmochelys imbricata) as well.
However, note that Singapore waters are turbid and divers should not expect blue waters with good visibility. Visibility was about 1-1.5m when I dived the site. That said, poor visibility does not mean that there is nothing to be seen. It means that one dives much more carefully and watchfully.
Written January 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I_S_B_L
Singapore, Singapore2,151 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
I didn’t get down to explore the island but looked like a quaint place to spend quiet time. The ferry only goes to the Big Sister Island not the Little Sister Island.
Written December 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
At sisters island is there a place to see dolphins and go snorkeling? And if there is is it free?
Written November 26, 2019
Is there v few people if we want to ask for help or ask directions and stuff?
Written December 5, 2018
The island is very very small - it'll take you 10mkns to walk round the island 😅Just follow the concrete path from the jetty and you'll go round the island.
Written December 5, 2018
Hi, we are 4 Italian guys who wants to rent a boat to reach the island. The price is 180 Singapore Dollars, but the same price is fixed whether we are in 4 or 12, so if anyone else would like to join and share the fee tomorrow (19 July 2017) is welcomed. We are nice 😘
Written July 18, 2017
Hi!! I would like to know the duration of travel and the cost to get to Sisters' Islands from the city of Singapore as I am interested in snorkeling. We are a family of 4 adults wishing to visit around the 1st or 2nd of June this year.
Written May 3, 2015
The current is very strong around the island but you can swim in a small lagoon. Signs advise not to leave the little protected bay so you aren't swept to sea if I remember correctly. My review has the cost listed for the boat we used and the camping reservation is free through the Sentosa website. The boat ride would be about 20 min to get to the island and you arrange for the boat to return at a certain time the next day. There are many ferry charter companies and you can find one in person at the Marina Office like we did.
Have fun!
Written May 3, 2015
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