Singapore, a cosmopolitan modern city state, is an island of 710 square kilometres. We are an entrepôt, an international port of call, at a crossroad between the east and west sea trading routes. Do you know that we are more than just one island by itself, we have a number of surrounding islands around us, how many islands do we have in Singapore (we have 64 islands)? How much do you know about Singapore’s other islands, beyond Pulau Ubin and Sentosa? Have you discover Singaporean legends in very own backyard, just a short boat ride away? Embark on My Community’s Welcome to My Island Home – Celebrating Stories of Singapore Islands and Natural Heritage.
Welcome to My Island Home brings you to Singapore’s historic southern islands. Explore Pulau Ubin, St John’s Island, Kusu Island, and the newly reopened Sisters’ Island. Visit, see, feel, and experience for yourselves how these islands played their part in Singapore’s history, heritage and culture, captured through the imagination of Singaporeans for generations through folktales, rich natural heritage, and gorgeous scenic views.
Hear from Richard Kuah, 54, he’s a My Community guide, he’s also an avid nature enthusiast turned licensed tour guide. Richard has spent years researching and surveying over 20 of Singapore’s islands. He shares that exploring the offshore islands has renewed his interest in nature, “As a nature enthusiast, I still find something new to be surprised by every time I visit any of the islands. I hope more Singaporeans can be aware of the unique marine wonders that we can call our own!”
Participants of My Community’s Welcome to My Island Home can expect to see different sides of Singapore. They would be able to enrich their understanding of Singapore’s history, heritage, nature and cultural heritage. Immerse in tales of pilgrimage from the temple caretakers of Kusu Island, who are the only ones allowed to remain overnight on the island, and behold the natural heritage on Sisters’ Island.
A Visit to Sisters’ Island
Thanks to My Community for hosing a group of us for a media trip to one of the Welcome to My Island Home tours, I went on the Welcome to Sisters’ Island tour. It might be a small island in size, however Sisters Island was beautiful, tranquil and peaceful, we got to view scenes of busy Singapore Straits and mainland Singapore from the seas.
Newly reopened in October 2024, this is Singapore’s first Marine Park. If you are a nature, outdoors and wildlife photography lover, you have to visit and check it out! I spotted some raptors flying above the sky during our visit, it was a great sight and I wished I brought my longer telephoto lens out that day!
Richard was leading the tour, he shared a lot of interesting stuff, from nature, to wildlife, history and heritage of Sisters’ Island. We can feel his love and passion for the islands, the seas, nature and wildlife through his guided walk sharing.
Welcome to My Island Home Tours Information
Here are more information on Welcome to My Island Home Tours, they will be launched in March 2025. Just like My Community’s established roster of regular volunteer-run tours, Welcome to My Island Home is free for participants to join.
Do take note of the following:
- Maximum number of participants allowed per tour: 25
- Sign up for My Island Home Tours here at My Community’s Eventbrite page (https://www.eventbrite.sg/o/my-community-8432912044)
- Follow My Community Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/myqueenstown/) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mycommunitysg/) for more updates.
Welcome to My St John’s Island
Journey through time on St John’s Island, once a crucial quarantine station and later a bustling detention centre. Walk in the footsteps of early immigrants, discover the island’s role in Singapore’s growth as a trading hub, and soak in its present-day serenity with pristine beaches, lush trekking trails, and tranquil picnic spots. A perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle!
My St John’s Island Tour Details
- Tour Dates: 2nd Saturday of the month
- Time: 0830 – 1130
- Meeting point: Meet at the entrance of Marina South Pier, near Exit B – Street Level of Marina South Pier MRT Station (31 Marina Coastal Dr Singapore 018988)
- Price: Free
Welcome to My Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin remains one of Singapore’s last rustic islands, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of fishing villages, granite quarries, and coconut plantations. Tour-goers will discover the island’s historical significance, from its role in Singapore’s early economic development to its vibrant ecosystem today. Through immersive storytelling, participants will hear about how islanders once traded with the mainland and how Pulau Ubin has remained a vital part of Singapore’s natural and cultural heritage.
My Pulau Ubin Tour Details
- Tour Dates: 2nd Sunday of the month
- Time: 0830 – 1130
- Meeting point: Changi Point Ferry Terminal (51 Lor Bekukong Singapore 499172)
- Price: Free
Welcome to My Sisters’ Island
Newly reopened in October 2024, don’t miss your chance to step into the world of myth and mystery as you explore the Sisters’ Islands, home to Singapore’s first Marine Park. Hear the legendary tale behind their name, discover the unique biodiversity the island has to offer, and witness firsthand the conservation efforts that protect these pristine waters. This is a must-visit for nature lovers and history buffs alike!
My Sisters’ Island Tour Details
- Tour Dates: 3rd Saturday of the month,
- Time: 0830 – 1130 (Please meet 15 minutes before the start of the tour for registration)
- Meeting point: Meet at the entrance of Marina South Pier, near Exit B – Street Level of Marina South Pier MRT Station (31 Marina Coastal Dr Singapore 018988)
- Price: Free
Welcome to my Kusu Island
Uncover the intriguing stories behind Kusu Island, also known as “Tortoise Island”. Visit the renowned Tua Pek Kong Temple and the revered Malay keramat shrines, where thousands of pilgrims gather each year for blessings of prosperity and good health. Get the exclusive opportunity to converse with the temple caretakers who will share insightful stories about this curious island. Beyond its spiritual importance, Kusu Island also boasts scenic lagoons, beaches, and rich cultural stories that will be shared during the tour!
Kusu Island Tour Details
- Tour Dates: 3rd Sunday of the month,
- Time: 0830 – 1130
- Meeting point: Meet at the entrance of Marina South Pier, near Exit B – Street Level of Marina South Pier MRT Station (31 Marina Coastal Dr Singapore 018988)
- Price: Free
Do Share My Community’s Welcome to My Island Home – Celebrating Stories of Singapore Islands and Natural Heritage with your family, relatives and friends. No doubt Singapore is small in land size, we do have great places of interest in our own backyard, such as the Singapore Islands and Natural Heritage! Let’s explore more local places in Singapore, learn and know more about our history, heritage, culture, trade, economy, as well as nature and biodiversity in Singapore.
* Information courtesy of My Community *