Southern Islands, Singapore

The Southern Islands Planning Area (Simplified Chinese: 南部群岛, Traditional Chinese: 南部群島, Pinyin: Nánbù Qúndǎo, Malay: Kepulauan Selatan, Tamil: தெற்கு தீவுகள்) is a distinct planning area in the Central Region of Singapore. Unlike most planning areas located on the mainland, the Southern Islands Planning Area comprises a collection of offshore islands, each with its own character and attractions. The most prominent of these is Sentosa, Singapore’s premier resort island, but the planning area also includes Kusu Island, St John’s Island, Lazarus Island, Sisters’ Islands, and Pulau Brani. Together, they form a fascinating blend of leisure, heritage, and biodiversity.

Geography and Size

The Southern Islands Planning Area is situated just south of the Singapore mainland, across the Singapore Strait. The total land area of these islands is about 5.6 square kilometres, although this has varied over time due to land reclamation. While Sentosa is heavily developed for tourism and lifestyle, the other islands retain a more natural character, with sandy beaches, coastal forests, coral reefs, and lagoons.

Subzones of Southern Islands

Sentosa
Southern Group

History of the Southern Islands

Historically, the islands were sparsely populated by Malay fishing communities and later became known for their religious and cultural significance. Kusu Island is a pilgrimage site visited by thousands annually, especially during the ninth lunar month, for prayers at its Chinese temple and Malay shrines. St John’s Island was once used as a quarantine station for immigrants and later served as a rehabilitation centre before being redeveloped as a recreational island. Sisters’ Islands have long been associated with local legend and are now protected as Singapore’s first marine park.

Islands within the Planning Area

Sentosa – Singapore’s most famous resort island, home to Universal Studios Singapore, luxury hotels, beaches, golf courses, and cultural attractions.
Pulau Brani – formerly a naval base, it is earmarked for future redevelopment as part of the Greater Southern Waterfront project.
Kusu Island – known for its Chinese temple and Malay shrines, it is a site of pilgrimage and cultural traditions.
St John’s Island – once a quarantine station, now a recreational island with holiday facilities and access to neighbouring Lazarus Island.
Lazarus Island – famed for its pristine beach and tranquil setting, popular for day trips.
Sisters’ Islands – gazetted as Singapore’s first marine park, protecting coral reefs, seagrass, and marine biodiversity.

Transport and Accessibility

The Southern Islands are accessible primarily by ferry services departing from Marina South Pier. Sentosa, however, is easily reached from the mainland by road, cable car, Sentosa Express monorail, and pedestrian boardwalk. St John’s, Lazarus, Kusu, and Sisters’ Islands are less frequently visited and rely on ferry links, chartered boats, or private yachts. Pulau Brani remains off-limits to the public due to its restricted status.

Residential and Economic Use

The Southern Islands Planning Area has very limited residential presence. Sentosa is the exception, with exclusive residential enclaves such as Sentosa Cove offering waterfront villas and condominiums. These properties are among the most expensive in Singapore, with homes averaging between 2,000 sq ft (186 sq m) and 8,000 sq ft (743 sq m), often priced in the multi-million-dollar range. Other islands are either undeveloped, reserved for heritage or ecological conservation, or designated for future redevelopment under long-term plans.

Biodiversity and Conservation

The Southern Islands are ecologically significant. The Sisters’ Islands Marine Park protects coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, providing opportunities for research, education, and eco-tourism. St John’s and Lazarus Islands also host rich coastal ecosystems and are popular for their relative tranquillity compared to the mainland.

Fun Facts

Kusu Island means "Tortoise Island" in Hokkien, referencing local legends involving giant tortoises.
Sentosa was formerly known as Pulau Blakang Mati, meaning "Island of Death from Behind," before its rebranding in 1972.
The Southern Islands together form part of Singapore’s long-term vision for the Greater Southern Waterfront, which will redefine the southern coastline over the next few decades.

Map of Southern Islands, Singapore

Quick Facts

Total Area: ~5.6 sq km
Region: Central Region
Main Islands: Sentosa, Pulau Brani, Kusu Island, St John’s Island, Lazarus Island, Sisters’ Islands
Accessibility: Ferry from Marina South Pier; road, cable car, and monorail to Sentosa
Residential: Primarily Sentosa Cove; other islands are non-residential
Highlights: Universal Studios Singapore, Kusu Pilgrimage, Sisters’ Islands Marine Park

References

Page Details

This page was created on 9 September 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.

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