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11 best islands near Singapore: Scenic escapes, day trips, and hidden gems.
Discover the best islands near Singapore, from Batam and Bintan to Tioman, Rawa, Lazarus and more, with travel times, highlights and planning tips.
From serene beaches to luxury resorts and hidden eco-retreats, the islands near Singapore offer quick escapes without the need for long-haul flights. Within hours, you can reach coastal gems in Indonesia, Malaysia, and even Singapore’s own southern islets.
This guide highlights the top nearby islands by region, covering how to get there, who each spot is best for, and what to expect once you arrive. Whether you’re chasing adventure, downtime, or crystal-clear waters, there’s an island that fits your pace.
To help you stay online across borders, we’ll also introduce Holafly’s travel eSIM, a smart solution for seamless connectivity in Malaysia, Indonesia, and beyond.
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Top Indonesian islands near Singapore
For a short getaway from Singapore, Indonesia offers some of the best nearby islands. Most are just a 30–90 minute ferry ride away, with options for every traveller: beach resorts, spa retreats, water sports, and quiet coastlines.
Batam Island: Affordable fun and spas
🕐 Travel time: 45-60 minutes by ferry
Batam is one of the easiest Indonesian islands near Singapore to visit, making it a go-to for quick, affordable escapes.
Ferries from HarbourFront or Tanah Merah take just 45–60 minutes, with return tickets starting from approximately SGD $60, depending on operator and timing. Arrivals land at Batam Centre, Harbour Bay, or Sekupang, all with easy access to resorts and malls.
Batam Island is renowned for its budget-friendly resorts and outlet shopping, but there’s more to it than just price tags.
Top things to do in Batam include spa treatments at Nagoya Hill, where traditional Indonesian massages are available at prices far lower than those in Singapore.
Fresh seafood dinners at Harbour Bay’s waterfront strip, and water sports at Ocarina Beach — jet skiing, banana boats, and parasailing all available. Nagoya Hill Mall and DC Mall are worth a browse for duty-free electronics and clothing.
The island also appeals to digital nomads in Indonesia, offering stable Wi-Fi, co-working cafés, and accommodation options at a fraction of Singapore prices.
Bintan Island: Luxury and leisure escape
🕐 Travel time: ~1 hour by ferry
Bintan is one of the most popular Indonesian islands near Singapore for travellers seeking a more upscale experience. Just an hour from Tanah Merah Terminal by ferry, with daily departures and economy fares starting at SGD $45.
The island’s resort zone features renowned names like The Sanchaya and Banyan Tree Bintan, offering beachfront villas, ocean-view pools, full-service spas, and curated dining. Whether it’s a romantic escape or a quiet family break, Bintan Island delivers a seamless, high-comfort getaway.
For travellers seeking a more exclusive experience, two private islands stand out: Nikoi Island and Cempedak Island, both located off Bintan’s coast and reachable from Singapore via Bintan. After arriving in Bintan, it takes around another 1.5 hours by land transfer and speedboat to reach either island.
Nikoi is known for its pristine reef and open-air beach houses, while adults-only Cempedak island offers barefoot-luxury villas set in a rainforest. Both require advance booking directly through the resort and are priced at a premium.
Telunas Island: Rustic eco getaway
🕐 Travel time: ~2.5 hours (ferry + boat)
Tucked away in Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, the Telunas Island offers a rare kind of escape — no traffic, no screens, no rush. If you’re craving a slower pace, this is one of the most unique Indonesian islands near Singapore to consider.
Getting there takes a bit longer, but the journey is part of the experience. First, take a ferry to Batam (45–60 minutes), then continue with a 1.5-hour private boat transfer arranged by the resort.
The island runs without Wi-Fi or TVs. Instead, travellers spend their days kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, or simply disconnecting. It’s the perfect choice if you’re seeking a digital detox that feels intentional, not forced.
Komodo Island: Once-in-a-lifetime adventure
🕐 Travel time: 5–7 hours (flight + ferry)
Located in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province, Komodo Island is part of a national park famous for its prehistoric Komodo dragons, dramatic ridgelines, and world-class marine life. It’s one of the most extraordinary island experiences near Singapore, and it’s still reachable within a day of travel.
To get to this UNESCO-listed destination, fly to Labuan Bajo Airport (LBJ) via Jakarta or Bali. Total travel time is around 5–7 hours, with return flights ranging from SGD $250–$400.
Once in Labuan Bajo, you can book a day trip by speedboat to Komodo, Rinca, and Padar islands. These tours cost around SDG $100–$180 per person, depending on the itinerary and group size.
Staying overnight inside the park isn’t allowed, as the islands are protected and have no accommodation. Most visitors stay in Labuan Bajo, which offers hotels across all price points and serves as the base for both day trips and liveaboard cruises.
Tip: Travelling between islands often means inconsistent mobile internet in Indonesia. Avoid the hassle of switching providers and use a Holafly eSIM for Indonesia, a seamless solution with unlimited 5G data connectivity and instant activation.
Best Malaysian islands near Singapore
Looking for a mix of nature, beach time, and a quick border hop? Malaysia’s coastline is lined with islands perfect for weekend breaks and short holidays.
From diving spots to family-friendly beaches, here are the top Malaysian islands near Singapore, including how to get there and what to expect.
Tioman Island: Diving paradise
🕐 Travel time: ~5–6 hours (drive + ferry)
One of Malaysia’s best-known dive destinations, Tioman Island is ideal for snorkelling, coral reefs, and clear-water exploration. It’s also part of a protected marine park, home to turtles and reef sharks.
To get there, drive 3–4 hours to Mersing Jetty, then take a 2-hour ferry. Timings depend on the tide, so book in advance and plan flexibly.
Tioman is a solid pick for divers, adventure travellers, and anyone wanting nature over crowds. Most stays are laid-back beach chalets or dive lodges, with gear rental and PADI courses easy to find.
Rawa Island: The Maldives of Johor
🕐 Travel time: ~3.5–4 hours (drive + speedboat)
Just off the Johor coast, Rawa Island is often called the Maldives of Malaysia, and with good reason. It offers soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and a peaceful setting that’s hard to match this close to Singapore.
Getting there takes a 3–4 hour drive to Mersing Jetty, followed by a 30-minute speedboat transfer.
Most resorts handle transfers directly, with packages from ~SGD $400/person for a 3D2N stay, including meals and boat rides.
Rawa is small and privately managed, with only a handful of boutique resorts, most notably Rawa Island Resort and Alang’s Rawa. Bookings fill fast, especially on weekends and holidays, so plan ahead. It’s ideal for couples and families wanting a private beach setting without crowds or overbuilt tourism.
Sibu Island: Family-friendly and quiet
🕐 Travel time: ~3.5 hours (drive + ferry)
For a peaceful, no-frills escape, Sibu Island is a great pick, especially for families and couples. It’s quieter than nearby islands, with calm waters, soft beaches, and a laid-back vibe.
Getting there is straightforward: drive 3 hours from Singapore to Tanjung Leman Jetty, then take a 20-minute ferry. Many resorts arrange transfers directly.
Accommodation ranges from beachfront chalets to eco-style resorts, with prices starting from around SGD $150–$250 per night, including meals.
Activities are such as kayaking, snorkelling, and hammocks by the sea, make it ideal if you want to unplug without going too far.
Redang Island: Ideal for longer getaways
🕐 Travel time: ~2 hours (flight + ferry)
Located on Malaysia’s east coast, Redang Island is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and some of the best snorkelling and diving in Malaysia. It’s larger and more built-up than other islands, making it ideal for longer stays.
To get there, take a 1-hour flight to Kuala Terengganu, then a 40-minute ferry to Redang. Many resorts offer door-to-door transfer packages from the airport.
Accommodation ranges from mid-range beach resorts to all-inclusive stays, with most travellers spending 3–4 days to make the trip worthwhile. It’s especially popular with couples, honeymooners, and groups seeking a more complete island experience.
Tip: When island-hopping, having reliable data matters, especially with data roaming in Malaysia costing over $10/MB on some plans. Holafly’s daily Malaysia eSIM offers unlimited data at a fixed, transparent price.
Hidden and local islands near Singapore
You don’t need to cross borders to enjoy island vibes. Singapore and its nearby waters offer several hidden gems perfect for short escapes, picnics, or nature breaks, all without passport queues.
Below are some of the best local islands near Singapore that deliver beach time, greenery, and calm just a ferry ride away.
Lazarus Island: Singapore’s secret beach escape
🕐 Travel time: 30 minutes by ferry
A short 30-minute ferry from Marina South Pier, Lazarus Island is one of Singapore’s quietest and most scenic coastal spots. Its turquoise water and white sandy beach make it feel far removed from the city, despite being just offshore.
There are no shops or rentals, so it’s best for day trips, picnics, or casual photoshoots with everything packed in advance.
It’s ideal for couples or small groups looking to unwind somewhere peaceful, without leaving the country.
St. John’s & Kusu Island: Serene southern escapes
🕐 Travel time: 5–30 minutes by ferry
Just 15–30 minutes by ferry from Marina South Pier, St. John’s and Kusu Island offer a quiet, affordable way to enjoy beaches and nature without leaving Singapore. Return tickets start from SGD $15, with multi-island passes available.
- St. John’s Island, connected to Lazarus by a bridge, features walking trails, gazebos, and open lawns, ideal for group outings or nature walks.
- Kusu Island, further out, adds cultural interest with its Chinese temple and Malay shrine, alongside swimming lagoons and turtle sanctuaries.
Facilities are limited across all two islands, so it’s best to pack essentials for your trip, such as food and drinks, before you depart.
Pulau Hantu: Hidden diving gem
🕐 Travel time: ~40 minutes by private boat
Pulau Hantu is a lesser-known island favoured by Singapore’s dive community, accessible by private boat from West Coast Pier. Despite its name (“Ghost Island”), it’s a thriving site for macro diving, with sightings of nudibranchs, seahorses, and other reef life.
It’s not a leisure beach spot; there are no shops or tourist facilities, but for dive training or a local underwater adventure, it’s one of Singapore’s best-kept secrets. Most visits are arranged through licensed dive schools or charters.
Planning tips before you go
Before setting off to explore the islands around Singapore, a bit of prep goes a long way. From ferry logistics to weather patterns, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Best travel season: Aim for March to October when the weather is dry and ferries run reliably. Avoid November to February, as the monsoon season can disrupt sea travel.
- Ferry booking tips:
- For Indonesia, depart from HarbourFront or Tanah Merah Ferry Terminals.
- For Malaysia, drive or take a coach to Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Leman Jetty.
- Book in advance via platforms like Klook, Easybook, or Marina South Ferries, especially for weekends and public holidays.
- Currency essentials to consider: Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and Malaysia uses the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Remember to bring cash for small island purchases, as card payment may be limited.
- Stay connected: Roaming can be unreliable across borders.A Holafly travel eSIM offers instant activation, unlimited data, and seamless coverage in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, ideal for ferry check-ins, maps, and staying online throughout your trip.
Save your favourite islands: Use our map to visualise which islands near Singapore fit your travel plans, from short escapes to desert island isolation.
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Island-hopping across Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia means crossing multiple networks in a single trip, and roaming fees add up fast. A Holafly eSIM for Indonesia or eSIM for Malaysia gives you unlimited data on local networks with no SIM swapping between islands.
Plans are available at the Holafly eSIM shop and can be installed before you leave Singapore.
If your plan expires mid-trip or you forget to pick one up before crossing the border, Holafly’s Always On feature provides backup data automatically — so you’re never left disconnected between islands when you need maps or ferry bookings most.
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
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Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.
