Pulau Subar Laut (Sister's Island)

And today, we had the chance to go on another offshore island in Singapore! Pulau Subar Laut aka Big Sister Island! (11 Jan 2020)

Perfect sunset at Pulau Subar Laut (One of the best in SG!)

Everything about Pulau Subar Laut is magical. From the reefs and tidal animals, to the tranquility as well as the sights of other reefs and islands enroute to Pulau Subar Laut.

Lets  start off with some introduction to Sisters Island!
Firstly, only the big Sister Island (Pulau Subar Laut) is opened to public. Small Sister Island is restricted in access. Nonetheless, from Big Sister, you can glance over to her smaller sister!

Small Sister: Pulau Subar Darat as seen from Pulau Subar Laut

One thing to note here is to be beware of the monkeys! Its still a mystery who sent the monkeys but they are really vicious! They will be camping around wherever there are human activity and the moment you leave something out of sight, it will be their property!

The journey and environs to Pulau Subar Laut was it self spectacular. As we went during low tide (I believe even neap tide with tide levels below 0.3m), we saw the elusive Terumbu Buran on our way to Sister Island from Marina South Pier. The rocky outcrops of these usually submerged reefs are apparently usually teeming with wildlife!

Reefs Terumbu Buran (top of picture) we sighted otw to Sister Island (Screegrab from Navionics)

The elusive rocky outcrop of Terumbu Buran against the bankground of Sentosa only visible during low tide!

From Pulau Subar Laut, you can also sight Pulau Tekukor as well as St John's Island!

Left of special water mark: Pulau Tekukor. Right: St John's Island

Pulau Tekukor, looks uninhabited!

Pulau Subar Darat (Small Sister Island) (Not opened to public)

Now for Pulau Subar Laut itself!

On its own, Pulau Subar Laut is pretty small if you dont count the two lagoons. The island  is dotted with Pavilions where you can sit and watch the scenery. The only facility is one toilet on the island itself.

Here is how it looks like on the charts:

Screengrab of Sister's Island from Navionics

As we can see from above, we are at Pulau Subar Laut, and the reef areas (those in green) are almost as big as the main island itself. There are 2 lagoons you can walk around. Thus it is important to visit it at super low tide so you can walk the reefs! No swimming in the lagoon though!

Intertidal walk on Pulau Subar Laut

Please keep the island clean!

Reefs teaming with marine life

The idyllic beaches of Pulau Subar Laut

As the tide is getting lower, the water is draining out from Pulau Subar Laut

Lets take a look at some of the marine life at Pulau Subar Laut!

Starfish

Sea Cucumber! Careful not to step on it!

Corals at Pulau Subar Laut

A Fluted Giant Clam! Endangered and rare in SG

Not sure whats this but it squirms!

Can you spot the Crab?

When doing an intertidal walk around Pulau Subar Laut, you must be careful not to kill any marine reefs, corals or wildlife. These are already rare in Singapore and we cannot afford to lose any more of them.

When shining a UV light at a live coral, it glows, or reflects a red colour

Last but not least, this island probably has one of the best Sunsets in Singapore. I would rate it along with the Sunset seen at Keppel Island and Raffles Marina!

Sunset at Pulau Subar Laut at low tide

It will be a great pity if in the future due to climate change the water level will rise such that the future generations wont be able to enjoy these reefs due to rising sea level.

How to get to Pulau Subar Laut

This island is open to public and is free to enter!

You can either charter a boat from Marina South Pier or join interest groups that brings their groups here! As of now, there is no scheduled ferry service to this island which is actually a good thing because if too many people come, they will probably just ruin all the corals.

Remember to walk carefully to save the marine life for the future generation!