Who does not like a vacation to an island? Serene beach sand, clear blue waters, and panoramic views of the starry night sky are some of the best gifts Nature offers to get us to rejuvenate and de-stress.
Singapore is not just a global financial center, but also the starting point for over a dozen island paradises.
Singapore is one of the few countries that have developed at a steady pace, especially concerning the tourism industry. Many islands around Singapore are worth visiting, but we have handpicked the top 15.
If you are looking for an island getaway near Singapore, we have some top-notch recommendations coming your way!
15 Top Islands near Singapore
Without further ado, let's take a look at our top 15 picks for islands to visit near Singapore!
1. Gili, Indonesia
Time from Singapore: 5 hours
How to get there: Flight to Bali (2 hours and 45 minutes), followed by a boat ride from Benoa Harbour (2 hours).
Gili is a group of three islands (Trawangan, Air, and Meno) that offer a luxurious paradise of coral reefs for divers. For anybody who is fond of white sand beaches fringed with palm trees, it will be an absolute treat to stay there.
The islands offer a plethora of activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, and more. You get the perfect mix of serene beaches and party hotspots when you stay at Gili islands.
Our review: Check out our experiences on Gili Island here.
2. Telunas Private Island
Time from Singapore: 2 hours and 30 minutes
How to get there: Ferry ride from Harbourfront Terminal in Singapore to Sekupang Port in Batam, Indonesia (50 minutes), followed by a long-tail boat ride to Telunas (90 minutes).
Telunas is a private island near Singapore for families and couples looking for peace and solitude amidst nature, away from the world. It features 15 overwater sea villas, an open-air restaurant, an overwater spa facility, and a poolside bar.
If you are looking for islands near Singapore by ferry, Telunas private island resort is an ideal option. The resort organizes daily activities like cooking classes, bonfires, treks, and more to keep the guests entertained.
Our review: Check out our experiences of Telunas here.
3. Rawa, Malaysia
Time from Singapore: 4 hours
How to get there: Road trip from Singapore to Mersing (three hours), followed by a ferry ride to Rawa (one hour).
If you think paradise does not exist, you're yet to visit Rawa. It is a coral island in Malaysia that features turquoise waters and powdery white beaches.
We recommend families to visit Rawa at least once and the best time to go there is from March to October. There are only two resorts on this island, so you get the utmost privacy for your family. Beach and water sports are abundant in Rawa.
4. Bali, Indonesia
Time from Singapore: 2 and 45 minutes
How to get there: Direct flight from Singapore.
Bali is always a safe option and it offers much more than beautiful beaches. There are ancient temples, restaurants, local markets, waterfalls, nightclubs, sea walks, a water park, and an active volcano!
It is one of the most visited destinations in the Indonesian archipelago. We would recommend it to you even if you have already been there because there is so much to do and see in Bali that one trip is not enough.
Bali offers many adventure activities like canyon tubing, white water rafting, kite surfing, and day cruises.
Our reviews: Check out our experiences in Bali here.
5. Lombok, Indonesia
Time from Singapore: 2 hours and 40 minutes
How to get there: Direct flight from Singapore.
Lombok might not be as famous as Bali and Bintan, but it is as intriguing and mesmerizing. This island paradise offers lush forests and white-sand beaches to help you reconnect with Nature.
We recommend Lombok for its most essential highlight - the Segara Anak Crater Lake located on the top of Mount Rinjani, one of the highest volcanoes in Indonesia.
The scenic view at this spot on the island is one that you will always cherish.
Our review: Check out our experiences in Lombok here.
6. Krabi Islands, Thailand
Time from Singapore: 2 hours and 30 minutes
How to get there: Direct flight from Singapore to Phuket, Thailand (One hour and 40 minutes), followed by a speedboat ride from Rassada Pier to Maya Bay, Krabi (50 minutes).
Krabi is a more peaceful, beautiful variant of Phuket. Located in southern Thailand, it is known for its dense mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, picturesque offshore islands, pristine beaches, and coral reefs.
Some of the must-see and must-do things in Krabi are the Klong Thom Hot Springs, the Ao Luk Mangroves, Phi Phi Islands, the Emerald Pool, and the Railay beaches and caves.
7. Koh Samui, Thailand
Time from Singapore: 1 hour and 45 minutes
How to get there: Direct flight from Singapore.
Over the last few years, Ko Samui has gained significant popularity among tourists. It is the second largest island of Thailand and is known for its luxurious resorts and spas, mountainous rainforest, coconut groves, and palm-fringed beaches.
We advise you to visit the Wat Plai Laem when you go to Ko Samui as it has the landmark 12 meters tall Buddha statue.
The island also offers exotic party options including poolside nightclubs, outdoor markets, coral reefs, and fun adventure activities.
8. Cempedak, Indonesia
Time from Singapore: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
How to get there: Direct ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Singapore.
Cempedak is on our list of best island getaways primarily because of its unique and dramatic architecture.
It is a private island that boasts of bamboo villas with crescent-shaped roofs. It is relatively secluded and not commercialized, making for the perfect for a solitary retreat.
It has white sandy beaches, a rainforest, and white granite boulders. It is also home to sea otters and the critically endangered pangolins.
9. Pulau Tengah, Malaysia
Time from Singapore: 3 hours and 30 minutes.
How to get there: Road journey to Mersing (three hours), followed by a 30-minute speedboat ride to Pulau Tengah.
Pulau Tengah gives you a one-of-a-kind experience, especially regarding privacy. With Batu Batu being the only resort on the island, you get access to eight amazing beaches.
You get access to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, including some rare and endangered species.
We loved the Turtle Watch Camp and the experience of watching turtles lay eggs is inexplicably beautiful.
10. Cebu, Philippines
Time from Singapore: 3 hours and 45 minutes
How to get there: Direct flight from Singapore.
Cebu is one of those places that provide a rich mix of cultural heritage and scenic beauty. It has prominent landmarks from its Spanish colonial past, dating back to the 16th century like the Fort San Pedro, Magellan's Cross, and Basilica del Santo Nino.
We like the exciting dive spots and white sandy beaches on its Northern coast. You will find a lot of majestic waterfalls in Cebu.
11. Tioman Island, Malaysia
Time from Singapore: 5 hours
How to get there: Road journey to Tanjung Gemok Jetty (three and a half hours), followed by a ferry ride to Tioman Island (one and a half hours).
One of the best destinations for thrill-seekers is Tioman Island, as it offers some unbelievable snorkeling and diving experiences. It is one of the biggest islands on the south-eastern side of Peninsular Malaysia.
Tioman features some incredible waterfalls and two popular treks. If you are a golf enthusiast, you can find an 18 hole golf course in the Berjaya Tioman Resort.
12. Nikoi, Indonesia
Time from Singapore: 2 hours and 30 minutes
How to get there: Direct ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Singapore.
Nikoi is a luxurious island five miles off Bintan that makes the list of the best private islands in the world. It features fifteen great beach houses, a spectacular pool, wildlife sightings, and clear waters that house beautiful coral reefs.
We strongly recommend couples to keep Nikoi on their travel bucket list. The best time to visit this island getaway is from December to February.
13. Pulau Pangkil, Indonesia
Time from Singapore: 3 hours
How to get there: Ferry ride to Bandar Bintan Telani (one hour), followed by land transfer to Pama jetty (one and a half hours), and final 30 minutes ride to Pangkil.
There are very few getaway destinations that effectively provide everything you need to forget your routine life and detoxify amidst Nature. Pulau Pangkil is a rare gem of a private island that proves to be a perfect getaway spot.
We especially liked the exclusivity of accommodation in Pangkil with nine Driftwood Palaces close to the beach. There is a range of outdoor activities to keep you occupied like snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, and movie screenings.
14. Langkawi, Malaysia
Time from Singapore: 1 hour and 30 minutes
How to get there: Direct flight from Singapore.
The Jewel of Kedah - Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands and is a must-visit island for everybody - whether you are a group of foodies, beach lovers, or adventure seekers.
You can choose from the many upscale resorts in Langkawi for accommodation. We recommend visiting Langkawi because of its attractions like the Dataran Lang (Eagle Square), Langkawi Sky Bridge, Underwater World, Cable Car, Gunung Raya, and many theme parks.
Our review: Check out our experiences in Langkawi here.
15. Bintan, Indonesia
Time from Singapore: 45 minutes
How to get there: Direct ferry from Singapore.
Bintan is a part of the Riau Archipelago in Indonesia. It offers some fantastic experiences to tourists in the form of kayaks, cable wakeboarding, quad biking, and stand-up paddle boards. Do not miss the 'Banyan Tree Temple' or the elephant camp.
The northern part of the island features upscale resorts with secluded beaches, golf courses, and a range of water sports. Tanjung Pinang to the south features Dutch colonial architecture and offers rich heritage as a trade port.
Our review: This was our least favourite island, however, it is a great please for resort relaxation. You can check out our experience on Bintan here.
The option to visit many Indonesian islands near Singapore is a big perk for anybody who lives there. Even if you are not a resident of the country, you can conveniently plan a trip to one of these 15 beautiful islands off Singapore.
Holiday islands near Singapore offer something for everybody - whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a Nature lover, whether you like to party or seek tranquillity - one of our 15 recommendations can easily be your next holiday destination.
