1. Sentosa
Probably the most famous isle of Singapore. A day on Sentosa island feels more like a day playing in a giant playground. Sentosa is Singapore's closest island retreat and holds wonders including tropical rainforests, a dolphin lagoon (extremely popular with tourists), picturesque beaches, two 18-hole golf courses, and Southeast Asia's first luge.
Also look out for Magical Singapore, the free fire and water extravaganza; the Calsberg Sky Tower, a 131-meter high observation deck; Fort Siloso, the only intact fort on the island built by the British in the 1880s; and Underwater World, one of Asia's most popular oceanariums. Admission fee is $2 and you can get there by cable car (normal or glass-bottom), a bus from HarbourFront Bus Terminal, or even walk across the bridge from HarbourFront Centre if you're feeling perky and adventurous!
2. Pulau Ubin
Located off the northeastern tip of Singapore, Pulau Ubin is the last place to catch a glimpse of once-rural Singapore. Here you will find fish, duck and prawn farms, durian plantations, disused quarries and tranquil beaches. Chek Jawa, a unique coastal haven on Ubin's eastern tip, offers a diversity of marine flora and fauna in six major habitats. To get to Uin, hop onto a bumboay from Changi Jetty. The 10-minute ride costs $2 and boats operate daily 6am-11pm. Boats leave when there are 12 passengers.
3. Kusu Island
Located off the southeastern tip of Singapore, Kusu Island is famous for its turtle sanctuary and temples. The name means "Turtle Island" in Mandarin, and comes from a legend of a turtle that saved two shipwrecked fishermen (one Chinese, the other Malay). The island is sacred to Taoists and Muslims, who come to temples and shrines here to pray for health, wealth an prosperity. You may want to pack a picnic basket if you plan to visit this island since there isn't much eating establishments, let alone restaurants on the island. Ferries leave for Kusu from Sentosa Ferry Terminal.
4. St. John's Island
Just 10 minutes by boat from Kusu Island, the lagoons of St. John's are sheltered from the open sea, which makes them relatively calm and suitable for safe frolicking in the sea. Like other islands around Singapore, St. John's is a picture of of serenity. For those planning to spend an entire day on the island, there are public toilets with shower facilities. Those planning to stay overnight have an option of colonial-style bungalows or a designated camp site (need to contact the Sentosa Development Corporation in advance for a permit). To get to St. John's, board the ferry at Sentosa Ferry Terminal. The fery leaves for St. John's with a brief stopover at Kusu Island.
5. Malaysia
Just a short bus ride, a long wait at the border, and a hot walk takes you to Johor, which is a transit hub with little else to recommend it other than the opportunity to get a new stamp in your passport. Longer rides can take you to KL and other more interesting spots.
