Plizio Visual Lab
Sisters' Islands Marine Park
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
national-park
Sisters' Islands Marine Park was inaugurated in 2014 as Singapore's first marine park, spanning approximately 40 hectares across the Southern Islands. It encompasses Big Sister's Island (Pulau Subar Laut), Little Sister's Island (Pulau Subar Darat), and the western reefs of Pulau Tekukor and St. John's Island. The park is a critical biodiversity hub, protecting more than 250 species of hard corals and a vast array of marine life including seahorses, giant clams, and anemones. To promote ecological awareness, the park features two underwater dive trails that guide experienced divers through the reef ecosystems. It also hosts Singapore's first sea turtle hatchery on Small Sister's Island, aimed at boosting the population of hawksbill turtles. Named after a local folk legend of two devoted sisters, the park provides a protected environment amidst one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Its primary mission is to balance conservation, research, and outreach in a rapidly urbanizing maritime environment.
- Location: Singapore
- Nearby: Bishan (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 236 | 109 | 177 | 203 | 202 | 164 | 168 | 166 | 165 | 206 | 294 | 302 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The marine park is generally reached by chartering a private boat or taking a scheduled public ferry service directly from Marina South Pier, subject to availability and current park regulations.
Best season
The park can be visited year-round in the tropical climate, but planning your trip around the low tide schedule is absolutely essential for observing the exposed intertidal marine life.
Terrain & paths
The designated protected area comprises open waters, flourishing underwater coral ecosystems, intertidal zones featuring rich seagrass meadows, and two small islands with limited paved paths.
What to bring
Be sure to wear sturdy enclosed water shoes to protect your feet from sharp rocks and corals, and bring plenty of drinking water, a hat, and reef-safe sunscreen to combat the intense tropical sun.
Parking
Visitors must leave their vehicles at the paid parking facilities located at Marina South Pier before purchasing their ferry tickets and embarking on the short sea crossing to the islands.
Safety
Wild macaques are present on the islands, so strictly avoid bringing exposed food or feeding them; also, adhere to marked trails to avoid damaging sensitive intertidal habitats.
Time needed
An excursion typically spans a half-day, which provides ample time to thoroughly explore the intertidal walks, observe the marine life, and return on the scheduled ferry service.
Geography
Facts
- Singapore's first marine park, established in 2014
- Spans a total protected area of about 40 hectares
- Home to over 250 species of hard corals within its reefs
- Site of Singapore's first sea turtle hatchery for hawksbill turtles
- Features two dedicated underwater dive trails for education
- Named after a legend of two sisters who drowned in a storm
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sisters' Islands Marine Park (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to the islands?
Only by private ferry or chartered boat.
Can you snorkel here?
Yes, there is a great snorkeling trail.
Do you need a permit?
No, but check current park regulations.
Is there food on the islands?
No, bring everything yourself.
Are the islands inhabited?
No, they are uninhabited and protected.
Sisters' Islands Marine Park: where is it located?
Sisters' Islands Marine Park is located in Singapore.
Sisters' Islands Marine Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Aug, Sep.
Sisters' Islands Marine Park: why is it worth visiting?
Sisters' Islands Marine Park was inaugurated in 2014 as Singapore's first marine park, spanning approximately 40 hectares across the Southern Islands.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Singapore →
Nearby cities
Downtown Core
The economic heart of Singapore, encompassing the Central Business District and Marina Bay area.
Bukit Merah
A mature residential estate with a mix of public and private housing, parks, and commercial buildings.
Toa Payoh
The second satellite town built in Singapore, a mature estate with a strong sense of community.
Kallang
A sports and entertainment hub, home to the Singapore Sports Hub and located by the Kallang River.
Bishan
A centrally located residential town known for its well-designed public housing and the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
Bukit Timah
A prime residential district known for its lush greenery, prestigious schools, and the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Chinatown
A historic district showcasing a mix of old temples, traditional shophouses, and modern bars and restaurants.
Little India
A vibrant ethnic district offering a blast of sights, sounds, and smells of Indian culture.
Singapore City
The heart of the city-state, a global financial hub with a tropical climate and multicultural population.
Kampong Glam
Singapore's historic Malay enclave, known for its trendy boutiques, hip cafes, and the Sultan Mosque.
Orchard Road
Singapore's premier shopping belt, lined with luxury malls, department stores, and upscale hotels.
History & landmarks
Tiong Bahru Market
One of Singapore's oldest and most popular markets, housing a wet market and a hawker centre, offering a wide array of local delicacies.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
A 160-year-old tropical garden in the heart of Singapore, recognized as the country's first and only tropical botanic garden UNESCO World…
Nature
More places
Former St. Andrew's Mission Hospital
A 1923 building that originally served as a hospital for women and children.
Bowyer Block (SGH)
A historic block of the Singapore General Hospital, opened in 1926 and serving as the hospital's centerpiece.
St. John's Island
A hilly island with sandy beaches, known for its lagoons, picnic grounds, and trekking routes.
Tanjong Pagar Railway Station
A former railway station with stunning Art Deco architecture that was once the southern terminus of the Malaysian railway network.
Mount Faber Park
A hill and park offering panoramic views of the city and southern islands.
Hong San See Temple
A Chinese temple completed in 1913, known for its exquisite architecture in the traditional South-Chinese style.
Port of Singapore
One of the world's busiest ports, renowned for its efficiency and connectivity, playing a vital role in global maritime trade.
Former Keng Teck Whay Building
The facade of a historic building that once belonged to the Keng Teck Whay, a philanthropic association.