Lazarus Island is a popular getaway for Singaporeans who want to soak up the sun and sea breezes without having to bring along their passports. Part of Singapore’s cluster of Southern Islands, Lazarus Island is connected to St. John’s Island through a causeway.
Getting to Lazarus Island from Singapore is straightforward and involves taking a ferry operated by Marina South Ferries from Marina South Pier or Sentosa Jetty at Cove directly to Lazarus Island.
The island is loved for its white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and tranquil environment that feels a world away from the city.
In recent months, there have been several new offerings for nature lovers on the island. Besides these new facilities, there are also enhanced walking and cycling trails, making it easier to explore the island. These trails are designed to showcase Lazarus Island’s natural beauty and provide access to scenic viewpoints for you to capture memorable Insta-worthy shots.
Here’s what you can look forward to on your next day or overnight trip to Lazarus Island.
1. Get snacks, drinks, health and beauty products from a convenience store repurposed from shipping containers
In the past, visitors to Lazarus Island had to bring their own food and drinks since there was no convenience store on the island. That’s no longer necessary if you’re visiting on the weekends and public holidays now that Sol by BDC Convenience Store has opened.
Open from 10am to 6pm from Friday to Sunday and on public holidays, the convenience store is stocked with a selection of daily essentials, ready-to-eat meals, ready-to-grill food items and a food booth stand.
You can also pre-order items by WhatsApp or via Instagram and have them ready for pick-up once you arrive.
2. Engage in fun non-motorised water activities
With the opening of Lazarus Sea Sports Centre, you can enjoy a range of fun water activities such as stand-up paddling, kayaking, water biking and Singapore’s very first floating yoga boards.
For a unique opportunity to explore the island’s coastal beauty and rich marine biodiversity, join the Southern Islands Paddle Trail. The three-hour guided walking and kayaking adventure takes you on a journey through Lazarus and St. John’s islands. Expect to learn more about the diverse ecosystems and intriguing history of the offshore gems.
3. Cycle into the wild with the best gear
Part of the allure of Lazarus Island is its vast and open spaces which are a highlight for many cycling enthusiasts.
The island is one of the best places for a scenic cycling adventure, so if you’re up for some cycling, rent a bike from Gogreen Eco Adventure, a bicycle hub located on the neighbouring St. John’s Island. Walk along the path connecting both islands to get to Gogreen.
In addition to a selection of bicycles, Gogreen also has kick scooters, camping equipment and island essentials for all your picnic or camping needs.
As the island is home to various species of flora and fauna, look out for birds, butterflies and other wildlife while you’re cycling.
4. Experience beachfront glamping at Into the Woods
Reconnect with nature at Into the Woods, a glamping resort focussed on slow living. It has nine furnished safari tents for couples and families, each one complete with eco-friendly amenities, fresh linen and a heavy-duty canvas tent that opens up to uninterrupted coastal views.
At the heart of Into the Woods is Sukha Lodge, a communal space that houses a library of books, a selection of board games, and an environment bathed in complete serenity. On occasion, the lodge is where Into the Woods hosts special workshops and events.
The resort possesses an eco-friendly ethos and it invites guests to weekly beach clean-ups. While it does not offer pre-cooked meals, it has food bundles that you can put together easily.
Note that tents do not come with ensuite toilets. There are four shared bathrooms available for all guests.
5. Stay in a tiny house
Experience the tiny house lifestyle in nature at Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island, developed by Singapore-based ecotourism start-up Big Tiny. Low-carbon and sustainable, each of the five compact, eco-friendly tiny houses has its own unique theme.
Tiny House 1900 has a colonial-era aesthetic while 1960 showcases an industrial theme. 1980 presents a retro vibe, 2000 features a modern design and 2017 was inspired by the year of Big Tiny’s establishment.
The tiny houses’ industrial exteriors feel straight out of Art Box, but inside, you’ll find designs inspired by Nordic and Japanese disciplines.
The standard occupancy for each tiny house is two adult guests but they can accommodate up to three adults or two adults with two children. Plus, three of the tiny house rooms are pet-friendly!
*This article has been edited and adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “5 things that make Lazarus Island even better in 2024”
