St John's & Lazarus Island

A 30-minute ferry from Marina South Pier carries you to the Southern Islands, a cluster of sleepy isles that feel a world away from the city. St John's — once a quarantine station and prison camp — is now linked by a short causeway to Lazarus Island, which hides one of Singapore's most beautiful and near-deserted beaches: a curve of soft sand and calm, clear water. There's almost nothing here but lagoons, swaying palms and the occasional cat, which is exactly the appeal. Bring everything you'll need — food, water, sunscreen — as there are no shops, and check the ferry timetable carefully. It's the closest thing to a desert-island day trip near the city.