Lazarus Island

📷: Lazarus Island (Sentosa Development Corporation)

Lazarus Island is one of the eight main islands located off the south coast of Singapore, collectively called the Southern Islands. Previously known as Pulau Sakijang Pelepah (“island of one barking deer and palm trees” in Malay), it was once home to the Orang Laut (“Sea People” in Malay). During the colonial days, Lazarus Island was used to store ammunition and housed a hospital for patients with beri-beri symptoms.

The island’s rustic charm and sandy beaches serve as a hushed respite for Singaporeans from the bustling city. As part of a concerted effort to promote sustainable tourism in the Southern Islands, Lazarus Island was revamped in 2023 with new offerings. Visitors can choose to experience “slow-living” glamping by the beach or stay in low-carbon “tiny houses” powered by solar energy and built from sustainable materials. Other amenities and activities include a convenience store repurposed from shipping containers, and a water sports facility that features non-motorised water sports to protect the thriving eco-systems.

As part of NParks’ holistic conservation approach under the Nature Conservation Masterplan to protect our natural heritage and transform Singapore into a City in Nature, the government announced plans in May 2024, to designate Singapore’s second marine park at the southern part of Lazurus Island and Kusu Reefs (collectively called Lazarus South-Kusu Reef). Singapore’s first marine park was designated at Sisters’ Island in 2014. The marine park at Lazarus South-Kusu Reef seeks to enhance the conservation and management of the terrestrial and marine sites, and ecological connectivity, as well as provide more nature-based recreation, outreach and education opportunities for the community.

You might have read about the oil spill that stained parts of Singapore’s coastline after a damaged cargo tank leaked oil into the sea on 14 Jun. Among the locations hit were St. John’s and Lazarus islands, where the waters are a hot spot for marine biodiversity. On 16 Jun, NParks, together with a group of volunteers, conducted a survey of the two islands to observe and document the impact of the oil spill. While no significant wildlife casualties were observed, further monitoring will be required to determine the full extent of the impact of the oil spill. The beaches on the two islands and nearby Kusu Island will be closed until further notice.

Let’s hope that the cleanup efforts will go well, and the beaches will be opened up soon.

Have you visited Lazarus Island? Share your favourite memories or photos or fun facts of Lazarus Island with us in the comments below!

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