Sisters’ Islands Marine Park is closed for enhancement works till 2024. |
Establishing Singapore’s First Marine Park
The Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, which spans about 40 hectares around Sisters' Islands and along the western reefs of both St John's Island and Pulau Tekukor, will be a platform for outreach, educational, conservation and research activities related to our native marine biodiversity. The location was chosen due to its variety of habitats including coral reefs, sandy shores and seagrass areas.
This new initiative aims to give Singaporeans a first-hand experience of our rich biodiversity which are submerged most of the time. The Sisters’ Islands Marine Park will protect Singapore’s coral reefs, which support an ecosystem inhabited by rare and endangered species of seahorses, clams, sponges and other marine life. More than 250 species of hard corals can be found in Singapore’s waters out of over 500 species within the region. Being located in close proximity to one of the world’s busiest ports, the Marine Park will provide a safe refuge for the teeming biodiversity around the Southern Islands and its surrounding waters, as well as safeguard our natural heritage.
The Marine Park is also home to Singapore’s first turtle hatchery, which provides a conducive environment for turtle hatchlings to incubate, hatch safely and make it out to sea. Singapore's coastal areas continue to support turtle species despite urbanisation and busy waterways. The hatchery aims to increase their survival rates through the use of technology, research and community involvement.
Research activities at the Marine Park will expand our knowledge and understanding of Singapore’s existing marine habitats and biodiversity. Marine scientists and researchers can look forward to more opportunities to conduct a wide range of in-depth studies and regular monitoring on Singapore’s marine environment. Restoration activities including nurseries for iconic marine organisms are also part of the enhancement efforts to be carried out at the Marine Park. One of the species which will benefit is the Neptune’s Cup Sponge (Cliona patera), thought to be globally extinct for more than 100 years until it was rediscovered off Singapore’s coast in 2011. Learn more about Sisters' Islands Marine Park here.
Biodiversity
Singapore’s waters are home to:
- More than 250 species of hard corals (32% of hard coral species found worldwide)
- More than 100 species of reef fish
- About 200 species of sponges
- 12 seagrass species
Plant-A-Coral, Seed-A-Reef Programme
Caring for the marine biodiversity and the environment is the social responsibility of every individual. The Garden City Fund’s Plant-A-Coral, Seed-A-Reef Programme is a platform for organisations and individuals to actively participate in the habitat enhancement efforts of the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park.
Under the Plant-A-Coral initiative, organisations and individuals will be able to sponsor a coral with a minimal donation of $200. To support this meaningful initiative or to find out more, please visit www.gardencityfund.gov.sg/plantacoral.
Park Information
How to get there: Visitors can purchase tickets from the two public ferry service operators at Marina South Pier. They can also charter their own boat from West Coast Pier or Marina South Pier to visit Big Sister’s Island. Private boat charters can drop passengers off at the jetty but berthing is not allowed.
Size: 40 hectares
Opening Hours: Big Sisters' Island (Pulau Sabar Laut) is open to the public from 7am to 7pm on a daily basis. All other areas within the Sisters' Islands Marine Park (Small Sisters' Island and the reefs along the western coast of St John's Island and Pulau Tekukor) will be zoned strictly for conservation and research, and will not be open to the public.
Dos and Don'ts at the Marine Park: No Camping. No Barbeques. No Fishing. No entry of vessels into the lagoon. For more information, click here.
Notices
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Sisters’ Islands Marine Park is closed for enhancement works till 2024.
- Thank you for your support for the intertidal guided walks over the past 5 years. As part of efforts to review the outreach and educational activities offered on the island, we are ceasing NParks-led guided walks at Big Sister’s Island. Meanwhile, you can download a copy of the DIY trail guide. Alternatively, you can check out the guided tours at Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin.
- Please observe safe management measures. Please check our website for latest updates.
- To visit the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park Public Gallery, due to limited capacity of the venue, book your visiting slots for this and next month here.
Things To Do
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Bendera Bay at St John’s Island – A showcase of community stewardship in conservation
The 3.9-hectare Bendera Bay is nestled within St John’s Island, and comprises a lagoon with a variety of mangrove, coral, seagrass, sandy shore and rocky shore habitats. This variety of habitats thus provides unique opportunities for outreach and research.
Currently, the area is not open for public access as it is closed for conservation and research. Activities for the public will be organised from 2021 onwards.
Photo credit: Jani Isa Tanzil -
Dive Trails
To encourage a deeper appreciation for Singapore’s marine biodiversity, NParks has developed Singapore’s first Dive Trail located at Pulau Subar Laut or the Big Sister’s Island, Sisters’ Islands Marine Park.
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Public Gallery at the Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre
Visitors can learn about the Sisters' Islands Marine Park at the Public Gallery on St John’s Island. The Public Gallery features the rich marine biodiversity in Singapore's waters and provides an overview of the Marine Park, including a 3D diorama of its dive trails, an immersive 3D dive experience, a mangrove mesocosm, a viewing pool, aquariums and other new displays.
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St John's Island Trail
The first curated trail at St John’s Island showcases the rich biodiversity and history of St John’s Island and Sisters’ Islands Marine Park. Free 90-minute guided tours of the trail will be organised on a monthly basis.