Sisters’ Islands are two of the Southern Islands of Singapore, located to the south of the main island, off the Straits of Singapore. Big Sister’s Island, covering about 39,000 square metres (9.6 acres) and also known as Pulau Subar Laut in Malay, faces the open sea, while Small Sister’s Island, about 17,000 square metres (4.2 acres) in area and also known as Pulau Subar Darat, faces the mainland. The two islands are separated by a narrow channel that can be crossed by ferry. Currents through this channel can be dangerous for swimmers and divers.
Only Big Sister’s Island is open to the public as a Marine Park, while Small Sister’s Island is used for research and conservation efforts focused on species recovery and habitat enhancement.
The Story of Sisters’ Island
The legend of Sisters’ Island tells the tale of a poor widow with two beautiful daughters, Minah and Linah, who were very close to one another. After their mother passed away, the sisters left their village to live with a distant uncle.
One unfortunate day, while Linah was fetching water from a well near the sea, she encountered a group of pirates. Terrified, she fled home, but the pirate chief gave chase. At the uncle’s house, the pirate brandished a dagger and demanded to marry Linah. That night, the two sisters wept bitterly in each other’s arms. When dawn broke, the pirate chief and his 16 men arrived to take Linah away. Clinging to each other, the sisters were torn apart by the pirates, and Linah was forced to leave with them.
Just then, the sky turned dark, and a fierce storm broke out. Desperate, Minah swam after the boat but tragically drowned. Seeing this, Linah broke free from her captors and jumped into the sea to join her sister.
As the storm subsided, the villagers could find no trace of the sisters. The next day, they were shocked to discover two islands where the sisters had drowned.
The two tranquil islands, known as Pulau Subar Laut and Pulau Subar Darat, were thereafter called Sisters’ Island. Legend has it that every year, on the anniversary of the sisters’ transformation into islands, storms and rain would always occur.
How to Get to Sisters’ Island Marine Park?
To catch a ferry to Sisters’ Island, you must depart from Marina South Pier and transfer at St. John’s Island. Tickets are priced at SGD 18 per adult and SGD 12 for children aged 1 to 12. The ticket also covers other stops, including St. John’s Island, Lazarus Island, and Kusu Island, at no additional cost. This means you can visit all three islands in a single trip.
To reach Marina South Pier for the ferry to Sisters’ Island, alight at Marina South Pier MRT Station (NS28) and follow these steps:
Take Exit B.
Look for the bright orange counter of Singapore Island Cruise & Ferry Services beside the security counter.
- The Marine Park is closed for maintenance on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month.
Sisters' Island Marine Park
Today, Sisters’ Island has become a Marine Park managed by the National Parks Board of Singapore. It serves as a hub for outreach, education, conservation, and research activities focused on our native marine biodiversity. The location was chosen for its diverse habitats, including coral reefs, sandy shores, and seagrass areas.
This initiative aims to offer Singaporeans a first-hand experience of our rich underwater biodiversity, much of which is hidden beneath the surface. The Sisters’ Islands Marine Park plays a vital role in protecting Singapore’s coral reefs, which support an ecosystem home to rare and endangered species, such as seahorses, clams, sponges, and other marine life. Over 250 species of hard corals have been documented in Singapore’s waters, out of more than 500 species found in the region. Located near one of the world’s busiest ports, the Marine Park provides a safe refuge for the abundant biodiversity around the Southern Islands and their surrounding waters, while also safeguarding our natural heritage.
To visit Sisters’ Island, you’ll first need to catch a ferry to St. John’s Island.
Did you know?
A Sisters’ Island Marine Park Public Gallery is set up at St John’s Island, to showcase the biodiversity in Singapore waters – an alternative site for visitors to learn more about the marine life in Singapore.
Did you know?
A Sister Island Marine Park Public Gallery is set up at St John’s Island, to showcase the biodiversity in Singapore waters – an alternative site for visitors to learn more about the marine life in Singapore.
What to Do on Sisters’ Island Marine Park?
Picnic
Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the island and have a picnic with friends and family. Be wary of monkeys that could steal your food, though!
1
Swimming
Swim on the beach during high tide, and you can bring your own snorkelling equipment as well.
2
Intertidal Walk
During low tide, all sorts of marine life will be visible on the beach and learn a thing or two about them on this island.
Check out our Sisters’ Island Guide: What to Do and How to Get There to plan out your itinerary.
3
Picnic
Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the island and have a picnic with friends and family. Be wary of monkeys that could steal your food though!
1
Swimming
Swim on the beach during high tide and you can bring your own snorkelling equipments as well.
2
Intertidal Walk
During low tide, all sorts of marine life will be visible on the beach and learn a thing or two about them on this island.
3
Visit Sisters’ Island Marine Park
Book a ferry ticket to Sisters’ Island and other exciting destinations like Lazarus Island and Kusu Island , with Singapore Island Cruise today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sisters’ Island Marine Park
How long is the ride to Sisters’ Island Marine Park?
The ride to Sisters’ Island Marine Park typically takes approximately 40 minutes on an average ferry journey. It’s important to note that this duration may vary on weekends and public holidays due to increased demand and potential delays caused by a higher number of visitors. You will have to interchange to at St John’s Island to get to Sisters’ Island
Can I stay overnight at Sisters Island Marine Park?
Unfortunately, overnight stays are not permitted at Sisters Island Marine Park. Instead, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the Big Sister Island’s natural beauty and do activities, like picnics, swimming and snorkelling, during the day. If you wish to stay overnight on an island, you can consider camping at St. John’s or Lazarus Island.
Can I use the ticket/island-hopping pass to shuttle between the islands?
Yes, you can use a ticket or island-hop pass to shuttle between the islands depending on which ticket you purchased. You can enjoy island hopping, allowing you to explore not just Sisters’ Island Marine Park but also St. John’s Island and Kusu Island.
Can I reschedule my ticket?
I would like to cancel my booking. How do I do this? / Can I get a refund?
Certainly, you have the option to cancel your ferry booking to Sisters’ Island Marine Park; however, it’s essential to be aware that the tickets you have purchased are non-refundable. This means that, unfortunately, you won’t be eligible for a refund upon the cancellation of your ferry ticket. Feel free to contact us for more information about your booking.