Semakau Island (Pulau Semakau)

The Basics

Coral is carefully removed from Semakau to the Sisters’ Island Marine Park before a lagoon section is filled in, but scuba divers still visit from time to time. Most travelers, however, arrive on a tour to learn how Singapore built such a lush green island from the city’s waste, without polluting the surrounding ocean and ecosystems, or even creating a stink. You can also visit on fishing trips, on a camping adventure, or to spot some of the island’s impressive array of bird life, but you’ll need to arrange trips in advance.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Semakau Island will be of interest to environmentalists, bird watchers, and nature lovers.
• There are bathroom facilities on the island and scenic shelters, but very little else. Bring everything you need from the mainland.
• The boats used to reach Semakau Island jetty are not adapted for people who use wheelchairs.

How to Get There

There are no public boat services to Semakau Island, which lies among Singapore’s southern islands about 4 miles (6 kilometers) southwest of Sentosa. Look for an organized tour to suit your specific interests.

When to Get There

A warm climate and calm seas make Semakau Island easy to visit most all year round. Typhoons occasionally occur between July and November and can stop the boats running.

Where to Go Bird-Watching in Singapore

Experts have spotted more than 60 species of bird on Pulau Semakau, including a 4-foot (1.2-meter) great-billed heron. Other great bird-watching spots in Singapore include Ubin Island (Pulau Ubin), northeast of the main island, the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, home to primary rainforest and forest birds, and the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. For a more packaged experience, the Jurong Bird Park houses thousands of species from flamingos to pelicans.