We are only halfway into 2023, but news of the reopening of Big Sister’s Island in 2024 has already started to get Singaporeans excited.
The island, which is part of the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, has been closed since 2021 for enhancement works, but the new revamp will bring close-up experiences of Singapore’s rich biodiversity to visitors through features like a coastal forest trail, a lagoon tidal pool and even a floating pontoon.
Firstly, the Ocean Network Express Coastal Forest Trail will wind through the coastal forest of Big Sister’s Island, spanning 230 metres and culminating in a hilltop view deck, where visitors can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of neighbouring offshore islands (and maybe even get in some birdwatching).
If you are lucky, you may even be able to spot the endangered Great-Billed Heron and Long-Tailed Macaque along the way!
Another main highlight of the island is a tidal pool, converted from an existing lagoon to encourage mangrove and seagrass growth.
You can enjoy snorkelling at the pool, and get up close and personal to marine species such as the cheesecake nudibranch (a type of sea slug). Sounds delicious, but they are poisonous so please do not try to eat them! Don’t forget to look out for moon snails, sea anemones, octopi, and small fishes in the pool as well.
Starting in 2024, a whopping 100,000 corals will also be nurtured and planted to augment the reef ecosystem of Sister’s Islands Marine Park. Here’s a little insider tip: as time goes by, this place is only going to get more stunning. So mark it on your calendar for some future revisits, because these natural sights will never get boring!
There are also two dive trails at Big Sister’s Island that showcase the beautiful coral reefs and its colourful marine life — there is no news as to whether they will reopen with the rest of the island (at the time of writing) but fingers crossed!
However, don’t be disappointed even if the dive trail is not open. Visitors still can view corals and other marine life without getting wet on the floating pontoon (a floating deck) adjacent to the jetty. Viewing panels are installed on the base of the floating pontoons, so you’ll get a more immersive experience.
Big Sister’s Island will be accessible via private boat charter and ferry rides, but more details will be available in due time. This may be one of the few chances for us to appreciate these gorgeous natural sights, so seize the opportunity and check it out when it opens in 2024!
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