Tuas South intertidal zone

Overview

Sisters' Islands Marine Park is Singapore's only marine park, established in 2014 to protect the coral reefs and marine biodiversity around the Big and Small Sisters' Islands south of Sentosa. The 40-hectare park offers guided snorkelling, intertidal walks during low tides, and reef-monitoring volunteer programmes.

Highlights

• Guided Intertidal Walks: Led by NParks volunteers during spring low tides, revealing sea stars, nudibranchs, and giant clams.
• Coral Reefs: Over 250 species of hard coral — more diversity than the entire Caribbean.
• Marine Park Gallery: An information centre on St John's Island with exhibits on Singapore's marine ecology.

History

The Sisters' Islands take their name from a Malay legend about two sisters separated by fate. The marine park was gazetted in 2014 following decades of coral-reef research, marking Singapore's first step toward large-scale marine conservation.

Visitor Tips

• Register in advance: Intertidal walks require pre-registration and fill up fast (check NParks website).
• Access by ferry: Boats depart from Marina South Pier; bring drinking water as there are no shops on the islands.
• Duration: 3–4 hours including ferry transit.