Things to keep in mind while planning a visit to Saint John’s Island
- Make sure you pack all the essential items required as the island does not have any convenient store or eatery.
- You can shop for the required items at any of the convenient stores on Marina South Pier.
- If you wish to spend the night on the island make sure you book the accommodation in advance from any of the two options available, ‘Holiday Bungalow’ or ‘Holiday Camps’.
- Carry swimwear and extra towels if you plan on going for a swim in the sea waters.
- Carrying sunblock, sunglasses, caps/hats will be helpful.
History of Saint John’s Island
Saint John’s Island was used as a quarantine center in 1874, for the Cholera outbreak which led to the death of 357 people. Much later, after the epidemic reached its end, during the wars in 1940s, the island housed prisoners-of-war and mentally ill patients. After the war ended, it was converted again to a quarantine center due to its convenient location, just 30 minutes away from the mainland.
In 1948, some parts of the island were used to confine political prisons after the Malayan Emergency. One of these prisoners was the third future president of Singapore, C.V. Devan Nair, who spent most of his time reading and studying here.
With the advancement of Singapore and receding crises, the island also housed a rehabilitation facility for drug addicts from 1955.
By the end of 1973 and 1975, both the quarantine center and the drug rehabilitation facility were closed off respectively. This was the point when the government decided to convert the island into a peaceful getaway with holiday lodgings and campsites. Fast forward to today, the island features a Marine laboratory, a natural trail, a peaceful beach and a Marine park.
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